eShe May 2019

May 2019 Vol 3 Issue 4 `150

Meera Gandhi

The New York philanthropist on the art of ‘giving’

BUSINESS SENSE Global startups driven by activism and altruism FOR PRIVATE CIRCULATION ONLY

TRAVEL TALES PRINCESS DIARY Ireland to Thailand, The entrepreneurial royal Urvashi Singh women on the go

contents

ON THE COVER: Meera Gandhi PHOTOGRAPHY: Jaime Pavon

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06

Her Royal Quest

14

Gang of Girls

18

A Life of Giving

26

Soap Stars

34

The Woman’s Right

36

Globetrotter Diary

52

Rocking Her Sixties

54

Being The Voice

56

Let Them Have Cake

Mission: Save the Planet

Women and enterprises that are out to reduce pollution

MAY 2019

Entrepreneur princess Urvashi Singh

Coven Code, a collective of 19 musicians

Meet cover personality Meera Gandhi

3 women making soaps with a statement

Feminist activist V Rukmini Rao

4 women on the go share their tales

Madhu Singh is getting fitter with age

Mehak Narula’s painful awakening

4 fruit-filled cake recipes to try at home

4 | EDITOR’S NOTE

A LIFE OF GIVING

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he past month was extraordinarily busy for me. I was gainfully, passionately occupied with matters to do with eShe and our personal-growth workshops for women, Shine Your Light.

I’ve also been doing labour of a more loving kind, teaching adolescents, counselling adults, organising cultural activities, chanting with fellow Nichiren Buddhists, and delving through motivational skits and poems for enactment by tots and grannies. On some days, I have barely a minute’s gap between meetings, and the only time it seems like I exhale is when my head touches my pillow at night.

The stories in this issue only reaffirm my faith in living a life of giving. New York-based philanthropist Meera Gandhi is a fine example in using one’s resources to raise awareness and funds for those without any voice and for causes that need attention (p.18). Feminist activist V Rukmini Rao Aekta Kapoor has made a life out of working for the oppressed Editor and Publisher and the abandoned (p.34). And environmentally aekta@coralcontent.com friendly enterprises around the world are out to save the planet in their own ways (p.10).

Time flies when you’re busy doing things you love and creating value for others. And that’s the best use of time, isn’t it? Spent, not wasted.

Editor and Publisher: Aekta Kapoor Business Director: Kaveri Jain Marketing and Research: Nyamat Bindra (nyamat@coralcontent.com) Brand Managers: Amrita Nagpal, Pallavi Pratap Malik Contributors: Anaita Vazifdar-Davar, Kaveri Jain, Kay Newton, Maya Lalchandani, Neha Kirpal, Sayanki Chakraborty

Mentor: Kul Bhushan All rights reserved throughout the world.

Reproduction in any manner is prohibited.

Published by Aekta Kapoor from Coral Content, C3/1 GF, Vasant Vihar, New Delhi 110057, India.

Phone: +91 9818166621. Printed at Modest Graphics (P) Ltd, Shop No.C-53, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase 1, New Delhi 110020. For queries, write to mail@coralcontent.com, or visit eShe.in MAY 2019

PERSONAL GROWTH | 5

MAY 2019

6 | ENTREPRENEUR

HER ROYAL QUEST

Urvashi Singh of Khimsar on her childhood memories and breaking stereotypes of erstwhile royalty in India

By Neha Kirpal

MAY 2019

ENTREPRENEUR | 7

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rvashi Singh of Khimsar is an independent publisher, hotelier and new-age entrepreneur with royal antecedents. She runs Urvashi’s Retreat, a leading luxury boutique resort in Manali, and has her own sociocultural and lifestyle feature publication called Rajputana Collective that provides a networking platform to the Rajput community in its contemporary facets. We talk to her about her life and work.

Tell us about growing up in Rajasthan.

As a child, I spent a considerable amount of time in Khimsar, my ancestral home, under the watchful gaze of doting parents and a staff body that I call my family. My parents served our familial heritage fort as hoteliers and I too ended up being an active participant in the hotel’s daily activities as its youngest host. I remember whizzing past the hotel compound in my bicycle, and playing tennis and cricket.

During the off-season summer months, I would stay in and enjoy a movie at the hotel’s home theatre.

In winter, I would ride horses from our neighbouring stables and attend evening entertainment programmes by the poolside with magicians, puppeteers and fire-spitters.

By the time I turned eight, my father introduced me to his 1940s’ Ford jeep that I would drive around in the barren countryside. He also taught me how to fire an airgun MAY 2019

and I would attempt target practice with the hotel’s tin waste. I had also nursed my very own vegetable patch in the hotel’s orchard section.

Have people belonging to royal families been stereotyped in popular culture?

The very idea of royalty stands stereotyped across popular cultures

of the world, presumably due to the powerful fantasies that it harbours.

Right from childhood, people are told fables around a prince and a princess, a king and a queen of a kingdom far, far away. Hence, tropes around royalty are formed that become an impediment to present-

8 | ENTREPRENEUR

Urvashi’s bi-annual magazine Rajputana Collective promotes and highlights the Rajput community

day royalty in popular imagination.

But exalting someone is not always an act of flattery.

The constant fascination that I received as a child because I was supposed to be a ‘princess’ ended up making me apologetic in ways that I am beginning to now rectify.

It made me reclusive because I felt the need to constantly suit someone else’s voyeurism. I am aware that I might serve others as a part of my culture’s living heritage. However, it is deeply problematic for a person of royal descent to be reduced to their royal descent. They must be credited with their individual merits as this dignity is a prerogative of every citizen in a liberal democracy.

Please share an insight into the changing face of royalty in Rajasthan – from merely inheriting royal privileges to following entrepreneurial pursuits.

Inheritance is a complicated word.

Back in the day, when one inherited royalty, they inherited more responsibilities than privileges. One of the downsides to democratic sensibilities is their outright negation of aristocratic modes of governance as merely exploitative.

But it is important to re-establish the primal intents of royalty, which were to do with service that was noble, loyal and accountable.

Since many families of erstwhile Rajputana claimed inheritance to ancestral forts and palaces, it was MAY 2019

ENTREPRENEUR | 9

Urvashi’s Retreat in Manali follows various practices of responsible luxury and organic harvesting

ideal for them to host hoteliering projects out of their native soil.Their individual and collective pursuits in the field of hospitality are truly commendable. My own family is an example, alongside those of Samode, Mandawa, Pokhran, Patan and countless others in India.

The second and third generations of these families are confident enough to step into alternate professional avenues. The millennial Rajputs have established an impressive array of start-ups that I am very proud to witness.

Tell us about your other interests.

I read a quote which said, “Find three hobbies that you love – one to make you money, one to keep you MAY 2019

in shape, and one to be creative.”

I follow Sadhguru’s Kriya Sadhana as it centres me. As for sports, I go for long-distance running, hiking, occasional squash and seasonal trap shooting. I am passionate about motorbiking and driving. Since I am a foodie, I enjoy whipping up different recipes and trying out various cuisines with health foods.

I find myself to be most in tune with my being when I am clicking photos, writing or reading, or interacting with innovative ideas and topics. In all, I consider myself a seeker, a person who is constantly seeking the endless wonders that this world offers, for, “magic comes to those who seek it.” 

10 | ENVIRONMENT

Emily Penn, eXXpedition director

MISSION: SAVE THE PLANET

From combing the oceans of plastic waste, to creating healthy chocolates and promoting sustainable luxury, these people are out to help the Earth umans are destroying the planet. Whether it’s pollution, the devastation of ecosystems or depletion of natural resources, we seem to be very good at destruction.

But not all humans are bad.There are a few who do care about their environment and want to create

lasting change for generations to come. Here are some examples.

EXXPEDITION 2019-2022 This is a pioneering all-female ocean sailing expedition to circumnavigate the globe with the aim of raising awareness of and explore solutions to the devastating enviMAY 2019

PHOTO CREDIT: SASIN TIPCHAI ON PIXABAY

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By Kay Newton

ENVIRONMENT | 11

ronmental and health impacts of single-use plastics and toxins in the world’s ocean.

I immediately signed up. Having lived and visited islands around the world, I have seen the devastating impact single-use plastics are having on the environment. What is hard to grasp is the unseen plastic-pollution impact upon our bodies.

This sailing voyage and scientific

aims to celebrate women in science, leadership and adventure. It will create a community of female, multidisciplinary changemakers and inspire action against plastic pollution. “The plastic pollution challenge our oceans face is a global one and it will take an inspired army of passionate, skilled and experienced people to tackle it,� says Emily Penn, eXXpedition director and

eXXpedition will enable 300 women to go to sea as hands-on crew and contribute to cutting-edge research

research mission will take in 38,000 nautical miles over 30 voyage legs starting and ending in UK. It will enable 300 women to go to sea as hands-on crew and experience the challenges we face from single-use plastics while contributing to cutting-edge scientific research and solutions-based thinking.

This project is actually three-fold: Unseen pollution, unseen women, unseen solutions. The expedition MAY 2019

Sky Ocean Rescue Ambassador.

In the four years since the first eXXpedition voyage across the Atlantic, over 100 exceptional women have sailed on missions creating their own narratives about plastics and toxics. These eXXpedition Ambassadors have undertaken hundreds of activities back on dry land against ocean pollution.

If you would like to join, visit www.exxpedition.com/appl

12 | ENVIRONMENT

Sophie and Lucy are very involved in the making of Heavenly Chocolates along with dad Stephen Conway

HEAVENLY CHOCOLATE As Sophie and Lucy, age nine and 11, ate chocolate Easter eggs one year in Salisbury, England, they realised that the chocolate didn’t taste that great, was seriously harmful (full of sugar) and wasn’t good for the environment either.

Their father Stephen Conway began experimenting with chocolate in the home kitchen, with Sophie and Lucy testing new flavours, giving marks out of 10. Soon, they turned it into a thriving business.

“The girls’ feedback is taken into consideration even for the packaging. They are also very involved in the marketing of the product. We love creating Facebook videos together and now have a fabulous fol-

lowing,” says their dad.

The Pure Heavenly recipe is 100 percent vegan, plant-based, and totally free from dairy, gluten, wheat, soy, and GMO ingredients. It is free of palm oil, so is better for the environment. It also has very low sugar content (2 percent versus up to 55 percent in other chocolate brands!).

And they deliver internationally.

The girls have learned a lot about business. “They have seen the whole process from start to finish.

From the first product ideas, getting funding and opening a factory in Scotland, taking on staff, packaging changes, sales and marketing. They are brand personalities in their own right,” says Stephen.

To buy, visit www.pureheavenly.com MAY 2019

ENVIRONMENT | 13

Based in Lausanne, Lucie Mauron (right) worked closely with Zuri’s team in Zanzibar to ensure sustainability

EARTH CHECK AWARD FOR ZURI ZANZIBAR Is it possible for a luxury resort with a contemporary design to also follow principles of sustainable architecture and responsible tourism?

Yes! When Lucie Mauron set out to help the newly opened Zuri Zanzibar, a five-star hotel in East Africa, achieve the prestigious Gold Award from Earth Check, this is exactly what she had in mind.

“The statistics may not look good financially at the outset, yet over time the wins become huge,” explains Lucie, who is an operations manager at civic and social organisation Ashoka’s Switzerland office.

She is also an MScBA student in entrepreneurship, innovation and MAY 2019

business growth.

She worked closely with Zuri’s team in Zanzibar, taking into account the differences in culture: they had African staff working in a European setting. “We realised the importance of a training program for the local population. This gave the local community financial stability and in turn created continuance within the hotel. Less staff turnover is a win-win,” she affirms.

Lucie’s advice to other hotels interested in working toward Earth Check’s principals is to start early. “The most effective strategy is to adopt Earth Check concepts at the design stage of the hotel; that’s where the best benefits lie.Think of the big picture at all times.”

14 | PERFORMING ARTS

GANG OF GIRLS Coven Code, a group of firebrand women, has set out to change the music and nightlife scene in the country by creating a safe, inclusive community

By Neha Kirpal

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ineteen women from various field of work – from journalism and activism to music, fashion and design – have come together with one goal: seeing concrete changes in the music industry with regards to its sexism, safety and the lack of

inclusivity. Their initiative Coven Code was formed organically after they met at a Selector Pro: Women in Electronic Music workshop by Wild City and British Council in March 2018.

A month later, they performed their first gig at Auro in Delhi, MAY 2019

PERFORMING ARTS | 15

where DJs, visual artists and photographers put together a diverse showcase. This event gave them a chance to carve out a space for themselves in the music industry and make it more inclusive for women.

From there on, they solidified into a closer knit collective and have maintained a consistent presence in Delhi’s nightlife space.

Their music expertise lies in various genres and soundscapes, and they

queer artists in the global music industry. Prabhjit (aka House of Nari) usually produces radio and is currently undertaking a show that features women in music called the House of Nari podcast.

Meanwhile Zainab Wani (aka Zequenx) started off with a passion to make psytrance and is producing dark ambient music, acid techno and a wee bit of acid electro. Vidisha Saini (aka Fadescha) works with field recordings and found sound

L-R: Zainab Wani (aka Zequenx) at Boxout Weekender; at the F(r)iction at Kona mixed-media art exhibition

are constantly experimenting with new kinds of music.

Nandini Bansal (aka Lush Lata) describes her music as a play on samples and soundscapes, which is reflected in her productions as well as her mashups. Pia Collada mixes hip-hop with reggae, afro beat and dancehall to show people that they can vibe to all kinds of music they might not usually hear in a club setting in Delhi, including upcoming female and MAY 2019

as an artist and a producer doing installation and live performance practice. Priyamvada (aka Priyam) likes to mix funk and jazz with hip-hop, RnB, grime and DnB, and is experimenting with live coding music. Esther (aka E), being exposed to all kinds of sounds and genres over the years, plays hiphop, grime, UK Garage, DNB, hass heavy and trap in her sets, and is exploring tech-house, techno and deep-house; she doesn’t want

16 | PERFORMING ARTS

to confine herself to one specific genre.

Coven Code is also trying to work towards creating a space where sexist structures in the industry are undercut by an inclusive approach.

Their events are open and inclusive to all allies, and there’s zero tolerance for sexual harassment, unwanted touching, stalking and all forms of discrimination based on gender, disability, sexuality, race, religion, class, caste or age. They

safe by monitoring guest lists, the door and through feedback from patrons. At the same time, they are constantly learning and working on how to make attendees feel comfortable.

As Zainab says, “The first step we’ve been able to accomplish is bringing more women into the Indian music industry. Balancing the ratio helps other women feel more comfortable working in the scene. It’s more about having

L-R: Shireen, Zainab and Vidisha at the DJ console; Priyam is inspired by M.I.A., Pussy Riot and Kaytranada

also use social media to let others know that they can reach out for support – both at nightlife events and through outreach channels.

Six members of the collective played at the Boxout Weekender this April, while there are many other individual and collective projects and gigs that Coven Code members have in the pipeline. By the virtue of being all women, they first try to make their own parties

a sister to rely on who will trust your gut feeling about wanting to get out a certain situation or feel uncomfortable around someone.”

Vidisha, who is currently in Beijing as a part of the Nightlife Residency, adds to this, “Even with the ethics around DJing, as showcasing women producers, emerging artists, and so on, we are trying to find ways to collaborate and create opportunities through MAY 2019

PERFORMING ARTS | 17

Coven Code participated at Goa Unsplash, India’s biggest reggae and sound system festival, in January

programming and workshops too.

To create a safe space for women on the dance floor will take a lot of work, and it is by creating space for others that we can make nightlife a transcultural space.”

Advising struggling female talent in the music industry, the girls share their nuggets of advice. Pia says, “Reach out. There is strength in numbers.” Nandini encourages women to stop shying away from things they want to try. Shona believes that “being in the company of other women in similar spaces as you is really empowering.”

Oindrila would advise women to be vocal and unafraid of standing up for themselves, and Zainab MAY 2019

encourages women to bring their A-game. “Being on top of your game is crucial, the rest will follow,” she says. Priyam says, “Use the internet! Find tutorials, music and community online if you don’t have access to them outside.”

Esther adds, “Hard work, consistency and humility will take you a long way.” Shireen says, “Keep reaching out and keep looking for meetups in your area, and most importantly, never give up on the music.” And Chandni says, “There’s room for a lot more women in all aspects of nightlife before it starts to look balanced, so dive in and be persistent.

Opportunities will open up.” 

18 | COVER STORY

A LIFE OF GIVING New York-based global philanthropist and humanitarian Meera Gandhi wants people to ‘give back’ as an act of self-love

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Text by Aekta Kapoor. Photography by Jaime Pavon

he first thing that strikes you when you meet Meera Gandhi is her joie de vivre.

Despite her credentials as a prominent philanthropist and humanitarian who mingles on a daily basis with the who’s who of global society – from Delhi to London and New York – Meera has an endearing, cheery and approachable persona that immediately puts you at ease. One can imagine a woman like this wearing a designer gown and raising a toast with the likes of the Blairs and the Clintons, and just as easily picture her with underprivileged kids in slums around Delhi or Mumbai, putting a smile on their faces with her many grassroots projects for them.

Instead of using her privileges and connections to live a life of leisure, Meera has done quite the opposite, using her resources and

network to raise awareness and funds for others in need. Indeed, one could say that Meera has made it trendy to be charitable.

Daughter of an Indian Navy officer and an Irishwoman, Meera was brought up in Mumbai and was greatly influenced by Mother Teresa whom she met her in her teens. Selfless even then, she often tutored the children of domestic helpers while she was in school herself. After graduating in economics from Delhi University, she went on to do her MBA from Boston University School of Management, where she met the man she would later marry and have three children with.

An executive education program from Harvard Business School equipped her with the tools required to launch ambitious projects, and what drew Meera in MAY 2019

COVER STORY | 19

MAY 2019

20 | COVER STORY

those days was the need to give back to society and those less fortunate than her. “We are to the universe only as much as we give back to it,” says Meera, who launched The Giving Back Foundation in 2010.

The Foundation has partnered with or given funding to over 75 charities in five continents, ranging from the Robert Kennedy Foun-

faction that we have contributed to making someone’s life better,” says Meera, who hosted B4U network’s The Meera Gandhi Show, where she interviewed healers, spiritual gurus, politicians, diplomats, actors and lawyers on inspiring stories of their successes and failures (episodes are available on YouTube and on themeeragandhishow.com.) A new book has been released with key moments from the show.

Meera doing yoga at her New York home The journey of giving can’t be always about money and material items, Meera clarifies: “There are those in need of things other than money. It doesn’t take much time to listen and offer emotional support to someone in need.”

Meera’s foundation focuses on the development of women and children through education. Apart from its own projects, it also helps other organisations, especially charities dation in the US, to Women Help- with strong female leadership proing Women in Hong Kong and St grams and workshops. Among these Michael’s in India. All these chari- are the Cherie Blair Foundation ties were featured in a book, Giving for Women and the Eleanor RooBack (2011). Proceeds from book sevelt Leadership Centre, for which sales were donated to the charities the foundation provides annual featured. awards and honorariums to teen“I believe in the art of giving. age students. “We also provide anWhen we provide happiness to an- nual grants to South Asian college other, in any small or big way, hap- students for their studies at Baruch piness comes back to us in the satis- College in New York City,” says MAY 2019

COVER STORY | 21 All 75 charities that Meera Gandhi’s foundation has worked with or funded were featured in a book, Giving Back (2011). Proceeds from book sales were donated to the charities featured in the book.

MAY 2019

Meera’s home at 55 East 74th street in Manhattan once belonged to Eleanor Roosevelt. “Eleanor has inspired me with her spirit and her unconditional instinct to give back to society,” says Meera.

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Meera, who co-chairs six to seven benefits in New York every year.

Her foundation also released a film, Giving Back, featuring vignettes of Meera’s supporters, illustrating how their philanthropic endeavours are indeed changing the world. Included are former UK first lady Cherie Blair, human rights’ activist Kerry Kennedy, actor Patricia Velásquez, figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, business magnate Steven Rockefeller, singer and Paralympic athlete Ronan Tynan, fashion designer Narciso Rodriguez and red-carpet interviews with pop icon Bono and others.

Meera’s foundation has also launched its own merchandise, the Giving candle and the Giving fragrance, which has notes of cinnamon, turmeric, jasmine (which reminds Meera of a champa tree outside her bedroom), a hint of lavender for her Irish mother, and marjoram for its calming powers. The proceeds from all product sales go to charity.

An interesting facet of Meera’s life is her home, which once belonged to former US First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. “I moved into 55 East 74th street in Manhattan around January 2000. My home is unique,” Meera says with a beaming smile, MAY 2019

describing the curved staircase in the entry hall, the chef ’s kitchen that opens to a media room with 10-foot-long skylights, the marble fireplace and the architectural nuances of every room.

“All the people around me motivate me to take up new initiatives towards giving back, and Eleanor is one of those special people who

encourage me and keep me motivated,” says Meera, adding, “To love others we must love ourselves.

I take action towards self-care in my everyday life and choices, from what I eat to whom I surround myself with. My foundation is also an act of self-love and a way of doing something for myself – as the joy of giving is incomparable. It’s an on-going process.” 

24 | FASHION

THE HAELLI Founded by artist and contemporary designer Neha Sahu,The Haelli makes hand-crafted and hand-painted juttis.

The name ‘Haelli’ comes from the Hindi ‘haveli’, “which takes us down to the house of heritage keeping the culture of our country alive,” explains the designer. The juttis are made of genuine leather, and make an elegant, quirky statement with their bright colours, subtle textures and abstract patterns. Shop on: thehaelli.com

STYLE UPDATE Check out the latest designer fashion and accessories collections out now H&M For Spring 2019, H&M Conscious Exclusive explores the healing power of nature, while also embracing innovation with sustainable materials and processes for a more sustainable fashion future. The collection introduces new sustainable materials such as Piñatex®, a natural leather alternative made from cellulose fibres extracted from pineapple leaves, BLOOM™Foam, a plantbased flexible foam using algae biomass, and Orange Fiber®, sustainable silk-like fabrics made from citrus juice by-products.

Shop on: hm.com.

MAY 2019

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SHAHIN MANNAN Hailing from the Himalayas, native to the valley city of Dehradun, Shahin Mannan’s designer label tells a unique story in a sartorial style that bisects geographic and cultural boundaries. The beautiful metamorphosis of a young girl into a woman comes to life in her SS19 collection.This collection is an ode to a woman’s life following her goals, getting up as she stumbles and falls, even smashing the highest glass ceilings.

The designs combine rich earthy colours with signature Shahin Mannan embroidery conveying various milestones in a woman’s life, her joys and triumphs. Shop on: Shahinmannan.com

SERAPHINE British luxury fashion maternity wear brand Seraphine, known for its comfy couture, unveiled its first Indian store at Select Citywalk, Delhi, last month. After establishing its presence in over 30 countries, Seraphine is now geared up to dress Indian women in designer maternity wear. On display at the new store are maternity pieces for all occasions that come with a promise to fit glamorously even post pregnancy.

MAY 2019

SOAP STARS

26 | BUSINESS

There’s a new movement towards the goodness of handmade soaps. We feature three interesting, spunky women who not only make soaps that your skin will love, they also make a statement in individual and social freedom and empowerment

By Aekta Kapoor and Kaveri Jain

MIZU

Shruti Dimri, Delhi

they could all spend quality time together as well.

It went on for years until the size

A

ccording to Shruti Dimri, making soaps is like making gajar ka halwa (carrot dessert); our grandmothers used to do it by themselves at home but no one in the current generation wants to.

She conducted several classes in an effort to get her friends and family to make soaps by hand at home but they still insisted on placing orders with her. So she continued working as an architect by day and became a soap-maker by night, involving her little kids in the process so that

Shruti Dimri MAY 2019

BUSINESS | 27

of the orders grew and she decided to give her handmade soaps a name: Mizu.“It’s a combination of both my kids’ names and it also means ‘water’ in Japanese, so everything kind of fit well together,” says the School of Architecture and Planning alumna.

Along the way, Mizu also came to mean more: a woman’s determination to express her creativity through work, her refusal to let motherhood weigh her down, and her insistence on being a happy role model for her kids.

Having grown up in Delhi, Shruti worked briefly in Pune before returning to Delhi to marry her college sweetheart and raising MAY 2019

a family together. A multi-cultural family (she is Maharashtrian, he’s Garhwali), the husband-wife duo were not just partners at their own architectural consultancy but also in parenting. “The single reason my kids go to school every morning is because my husband is so handson,” she jokes.

A big fan of Lush, a chain of soap stores that had come up in Delhi a few years ago and then shut down, Shruti always wondered why they had failed to take off in India.

That’s when she studied the entire process of soap-making and began experimenting herself at home using fresh, healthy ingredients.

28 | BUSINESS

When the soaps took off, she designed her own logo, packaging and website, and began retailing her soaps online. For the past year, she has also had a business partner who has been instrumental in stabilising the brand and the overall pace of the work without letting Shruti’s own creativity be compromised.

“It takes two years for a building to come up, but soaps don’t take so long. The gratification is quicker,”

vanilla and charcoal to lemon to honey, which are clearly listed on the website. The sugar scrubs are made with all food-grade ingredients, so they are practically edible. Mizu soaps are priced `350 onwards for a 100 gm bar, the scrubs for `650 onwards for a jar. Shruti has developed a subscription model so that customers can place a quarterly order and then forget about their soap and scrub shopping, with

she says, comparing her two professions. She now also makes sugar scrubs and body butters, and plans to make lip balms soon. Having received bulk orders for gifting at weddings and for corporate houses, Shruti plans to expand her scale of production as well.

The soaps are cold-pressed, handmade and use genuinely fresh, natural, seasonal ingredients, from

the freshest produce of the month delivered straight to your home.

With her daughter Zui at age 11 and son Mir at seven, running two ventures can be a task but Shruti has made it simpler by not trying to be everything to everyone at once. “Kids don’t want a perfect mother, but a happy mother,” says the 38-year-old, who is also an accomplished singer. She takes a MAY 2019

BACKGROUND PHOTO: PIXABAY

L-R: Mizu soaps and scrubs are made with fresh, natural, seasonal ingredients; Shruti with her family

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little help from her own mother, a retired schoolteacher, who helps out with babysitting her grandchildren while Shruti and her husband are out at work.

In the evenings, Shruti enjoys her time getting down and dirty making the soaps herself. “It’s important to do things with your own hands,” she says, taking inspiration from a quote of Morgan Freeman’s character, God, in the Hollywood

SOAPY TREASURES Love handmade soaps? We do too!

Try these labels we approve of!

ALANNA The Alanna Activated Charcoal and Green Tea soap contains activated charcoal, which functions as a deep cleanser and tan reducer, and green tea, which has anti-bacterial agents that reduce acne.

Buy on: Nykaa.com

blockbuster, Bruce Almighty: “People underestimate the benefit of good old manual labour. There’s freedom in it.” With her own labour, she is also making a point: being a mother doesn’t mean stifling your own creative and business instincts.

When you set your mind to something, the strength and the resources will arrive.

Buy on: Mizu.co.in Facebook: @Mizusoaps MAY 2019

KENISHA Kenisha Handmade Soaps are organic, 100 percent natural, and made with ingredients that are “safe for all living things” including babies! Try Almond Rose, Green Forest and Calendula Sunshine.

Facebook: @kenishanaturalbeautyproducts

VIDYUT

Vidyut Gore,Mumbai

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am apolitical,” announces Vidyut Gore, the 40-year old witty soapmaker, whose eponymous brand of homemade soaps are named after political keywords and current events. Wellknown on Twitter for her candid and sometimes inflammatory views, Vidyut insists she is merely applying behavioural science theory using her country and its politics as a large group to study and analyze.

And as with everything Vidyut does – from her soaps to her tweets to her carnivorous plants – there’s

nothing ordinary about it.

The signs of Vidyut’s maverick nature manifested early. Defying her parents, the Mumbai-born adventurer took off to Manali to teach in a summer camp soon after her 12th exams. She ended up staying there with a nomadic tribal family for seven years, eking her living as an extreme-trekking guide.

Having found a boyfriend, she moved back to Mumbai to settle down in her late 20s.“But prosperity didn’t work out,” says the alumna of Indian Society for Applied Behavioural Science (ISABS).

Marriage at age 30, pregnancy a year later, and giving birth to a baby boy with congenital disability restricted MAY 2019

BACKGROUND PHOTO: PIXABAY

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her more and more at home. In an effort to utilize her time, she took to blogging about political trends.

Her blog took off like a charm.

Soon, her marriage fell apart.

Left broke, Vidyut began making soaps to gift friends and family on occasions. They suggested she sell these, and so it all began about eight years ago. Somewhere down the line, she developed a geeky interest in cultivating carnivorous plants.

Noting that there wasn’t a single reliable retailer for carnivorous plants in India, Vidyut began retailing these as well a few years ago on her website vidyut.info.

With her son Nisarga now nine (he has his own Twitter account too), Vidyut is in a committed relationship with Godavar, an antiAadhaar activist. Using her soaps to make a statement, she named one of them ‘Bagon Mein Bahar Hai’ after TV journalist Ravish Kumar used

the term in one of his talk shows.

The soap will be re-listed soon, as will the ‘Jumla’ soap, she says.

Another of her famous pieces was ‘Urban Naxal’, inspired from the title of filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri’s book that claimed certain urban busybodies (referring to those critical of the BJP government) were amplifying the rural Naxalites’ message and waging a propaganda war against the state. Vidyut campaigned on Twitter for people to use ‘Urban Naxal’ as a prefix before their name, robbing the term of its pejorative connotation. She also named a soap after it.“It’s funny how the soap became more famous than the book,” she chuckles.

A ‘Thand Rakh’ peppermint soap is now coming up that tells people to ‘stay cool’, Vidyut shares. No doubt, with the elections going on, this one will be a bestseller.

Buy on: Vidyut.info

L-R: Vidyut with her nine-year-old son Nisarga; one of her most famous soaps is ‘Urban Naxal’ MAY 2019

32 | BUSINESS

THE SOAP COMPANY Somiya Khanna, Alwar

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BACKGROUND PHOTO: PIXABAY

or someone who had been given a lot of freedom by her parents from a young age and had built a successful career in the corporate corridors of Bengaluru, it was not easy for Somiya Khanna to adjust to the highly patriarchal society of smalltown Alwar, Rajasthan. An alumna of St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, Somiya was in her 20s when she met her husband Pawan Ahuja through an online portal. She moved to Alwar after marriage, and started working him in his family-owned school, Pride Walk Academy, there.

Her previous experience in training teachers came in handy, and she helped create systems for the school’s smooth functioning.

But living in a joint family system, it was a constant struggle for Somiya to balance her work and personal life. It was due to all the pressures at home that she started spending more time at school, and her interaction with the students’ mothers and with the school’s blue-collar staff started increasing.The more time she spent with these women, the more she realised that just educating the girl child was not enough.

“I myself am an educated working woman, from a well-todo background, yet I am treated MAY 2019

BUSINESS | 33

Facing page: Somiya Khanna’s (top) brand is a rural cooperative providing skill development to unemployed women, training them in soap-making, cutting and packaging.

shabbily at home,” Somiya mused to herself. How could just education then help these rural women?

Somiya decided to teach them some skill that would not just help them earn money, but lift their spirits and confidence and make them independent. School became her saviour; a tiny room was converted into a shop floor where she started teaching rural women the art of soap-making, something she had learnt in Bengaluru. With some financial help from her husband and her own savings, Somiya launched The Soap Company India over a year ago. Her mission is to empower women and provide maximum MAY 2019

employment, while also providing them a safe space to call their own.

The women-led brand specialises in natural organic soaps and body washes made using a combination of traditional and modern methods.

Somiya plans to expand her beauty line range to include face creams, scrubs, body butters, face packs, hair masks and even baby care products.

“The battle against illiteracy, patriarchy, unemployment and inequality is a tough one, but what keeps me going are the smiles on the faces of the women I have helped empower, my beautiful baijees,” smiles Somiya.

Buy on: Amazon.in, Nykaa.com

34 | ACTIVISM

THE WOMAN’S

RIGHT

Until society doesn’t change its mindset, no amount of laws can ensure women their rights, notes feminist activist V Rukmini Rao

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Rukmini Rao has been fighting for women’s rights for over four decades. She co-founded the NGOs Saheli Resource Centre in Delhi, and the Gramya Resource Centre in Hyderabad, and was instrumental in the implementation of Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code. She also worked towards strengthening India’s rape law, and for the land rights of women farmers.

But the incident of the infant

twins always stands out for her.

“Two little girls had been abandoned by their families in a village just 130 km from Hyderabad,” says the 68-year-old much feted activist. “The villagers had heard about our work, so they called us. We rescued the infants, and got government authorities to set up a committee to look into female infanticide,” she narrates.

What they found shocked them to the core: “There were 12 or 13 MAY 2019

ACTIVISM | 35

ways to kill unwanted babies.”

It was a hard knock for the team, who dug out more discomfiting truths. Girls did not go to school even though the government had set up facilities for them; families were selling babies; illegal adoption agencies were paying `500 to 1500 to buy them; and children were being ‘exported’ to Europe.

“No one wants daughters,” rues Rukmini, who did her PhD from Delhi University. “If the family is poor and a third daughter is born, they get depressed and try to get rid of her.” So Rukmini and her NGO began supporting such families with food and basic necessities, even counselling the new mother so that she felt supported. They formed child protection committees in over 70 villages, and are running the children’s helpline 1098.

“Only 13% of women own land;

that puts them at a huge economic disadvantage,” she explains. Banks are still reluctant to invest in women.

“Families would rather take a loan to buy a vendor’s cart for a son rather than a daughter,” she notes.

Caste issues play further havoc with women’s safety and rights.

“I want Indians to be more concerned,” says Rukmini. “Many years ago, we used to raise funds in England, telling them India is a poor country. Today, we can’t say that. Some of the richest people in the world are Indians. But they aren’t helping other Indians.”

Rukmini is now getting the marginalised to help themselves.

Last year, she got 30 village girls to run a marathon and raise `1 lakh to help women farmers. “You can be one person and still act,” she says.

“You don’t need a lot of resources to make a difference.”

L-R: V Rukmini Rao on the cover of The Week magazine; having a rakhi tied on her wrist at her NGO MAY 2019

36 | TRAVEL

GLOBETROTTER DIARY Four women on the go – travelling solo or with families – share their experiences and recommendations

Dawn over the Ganges as viewed from the Modi Yoga Retreat

MAY 2019

TRAVEL | 37

Serene, spiritual and scintillating, Rishikesh is a delight for the adventure-seeker, spa-lover and aspiring yogi

By Maya Lalchandani

PHOT0S: MODI YOGA RETREAT (FACING PAGE) AND MAYA LALCHANDANI

I

RISHIKESH

had been to Rishikesh a few years ago when I needed a detox and a spa experience. They say you have to always keep going back to better your experience. Going back to the base of the mighty Himalayan range was uppermost in my mind.

Rishikesh, in the Dehradun district of Uttarakhand, is known to be the gateway to the Garhwal Mountains and the twin holy city of Haridwar.

Essentially a pilgrimage town, it is rightfully known as the yoga capital of the world. Religious significances indicate no alcohol and non-vegetarian foods on the menus. Since my mission was to detox, I was obviously headed in the right direction.

I checked in at the newest offering on the hospitality block, The Modi Yoga Retreat, a luxury boutique spa hotel. Founded by social entrepreneur and philanthropist Bhupendra Kumar Modi, the resort was bought in the 1970s by his mother, who gifted it to him to encourage a healthy equilibrium between self and nature.

As I entered the lobby and looked to my left I was astounded and gasped at the views of the river MAY 2019

From top: Enjoying my solo sojourn across the Ganges; the entrance to the Rajaji Forest Reserve

Ganga and the majestic mountains.

An instant calm enveloped me as I moved towards my room. I had clearly entered paradise, a gilded picture depicting beautiful nature outside and utmost indulgence

38 | TRAVEL

A view of Ganga from my hotel; the river starts at Gangotri glacier and flows into the Bay of Bengal

inside. Outside my long balcony I sighted the road leading to the Triveni Ghat. The Ganga Arti – the daily prayer service conducted by head temple priests at the banks of the river – beckoned and so did the Rajaji National Park.

As I drove towards the muchawaited Ganga Arti along the banks, I remembered that the river that starts at the Gangotri glacier in Gomukh flows all the way into the Bay of Bengal. The prayer chants rose as the sun downed. Dusk set in alongside a giant statue of Shiva facing the Parmanand Ashram. A crazy walk along the many-hued street leading to both the Ram and Lakshman Jhoolas (iron-suspension

bridges across the Ganga) should be on every tourist’s to-do list, simply because of the diversity of people one meets on those two bridges from all over the world.

For me, the mountains usually mean forests, and such a trip would not be complete without a jungle safari. On a winter morning with temperatures touching 80C, I drove into the adjacent Rajaji Forest Reserve spread over 820 sq km, and had an amazing safari excursion into the National Park. We didn’t see any tigers but we did spot tiger paw-prints in the riverside sand!

Next stop was the former ashram of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, (Chaurasi Kutia ashram) now MAY 2019

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Trespassers at the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi ashram have left graffiti on the walls as a tribute to the Beatles

famously known as the Beatles Ashram that shot into fame in 1968, and inspired a global interest in yoga and transcendental meditation.

Since the 1990s, trespassers on the ashram site had taken to leaving graffiti as a tribute to the Beatles, most of which is still visible today.

After a long day of sightseeing, I decided to rejuvenate at my hotel. The retreat has 29 rooms and suites, and offers yoga services every morning in their meditation rooms as well as personal yoga. My spa journey went through various phases, from wet warm beds for body scrubs, to heated spa beds, a dedicated spa rest area and a heated swimming pool. There’s also a fully MAY 2019

equipped gym, and a restaurant that offers a wholesome menu – Sattvik and regular – designed by a nutritionist and a MasterChef!

The best part of being here is that one can follow their practices in a beautiful space and detox completely. Add to that the wonders of being so close to the Ganges, taking morning walks on the Aastha path along the river, going river rafting, kayaking, and trying one’s hand at flying fox and bungee jumping, adventure activities that Rishikesh is famous for.

The divine sunrise and the sunset views tempt me to come back and experience lovely Rishikesh again and yet again. 

40 | TRAVEL

BHUTAN

A midlife couple undertakes the perilous journey up to a clifftop temple in Bhutan. After all, age is no bar when it comes to the spirit of adventure

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By Poonam Kirpal

ndoubtedly, there is divinity in the air in Bhutan. The Kuensel Phodrang nature park has one of the largest statues of Shakyamuni Buddha in the world.

Most of the walkways are lined with prayer wheels. While walking to work or leisure, everyone just pushes the wheels and gets blessings from the Almighty. This is accentuated by the fact that all men wear the national dress, gho, every day from nine in the morning to five in the evening. The women accordingly wear the traditional kira. When attired in one’s own traditional dress

and pushing a prayer wheel every now and then, how can a wicked thought enter one’s pure body?

My husband and I had been in Bhutan a few days – visiting Thimpu’s Motithang Takin Preserve; Punakha, where we saw dzongs (forts) and shrines; and the Dochula Pass where we got a mesmerizing glimpse of the Himalayan kingdom – before we reached Paro.

All through our sightseeing tour, our enthusiastic guide kept preparing us for the most impressive sight which we were to see. It was the Paro Taktsang monastery, well MAY 2019

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Taking a break from our trek along with our animated young guide, who was shocked to know our age

known as the Tiger’s Nest temple, perched precariously on the edge of a 1,200 metre cliff. It was a five-mile trek up to 10,240 feet. Our guide said he could do it in two hours’ time. It seemed a bit daunting to us.

We told him that we were no spring chickens and may not be able to do it. However, in his pleasant manner, he encouraged us to attempt it.

The day arrived when we were to leave for the uphill hike. We started apprehensively at 10 am armed with walking sticks and comfortable walking shoes. Unlike our holy uphill pilgrimages in northern India like Naina Devi and Vaishno Devi, where there are an abundance of food stops and tea breaks, this MAY 2019

one is devoid of any distractions.

When you reach halfway up, there is a midway restaurant with decent restrooms. Our animated guide told us that many countries had come forward to finance a road leading up to the Tiger’s Nest but their beloved Royal Highness had declined such proposals to maintain the sanctity of the monastery.

While going up, I did feel that the king was unreasonable as the hike was really tedious, steep and unruly. I almost gave up a number of times. At one point, we heard a young couple with their guide complaining about the treacherous trudge. He pointed to the two of us midlifers and said, “If they can do

42 | TRAVEL

it, so can you.” The woman asked, “How old do you think they are?”

His answer transported me to the seventh heaven. I heard him say they must be 40 or 50 years at least. It was music to our sexagenarian ears!

I came closer and said that we are over 60. I think the woman almost passed out and our guide, who until now didn’t know how old we were, looked at us with reverence. We were older than his parents! After this, he addressed me as mama.

The route was precarious as there

From top: Bhutan’s meandering waterways lined with cypress trees; at Chele La Mountain Pass

was practically no road. We were so busy concentrating on not falling and moving up slowly that we didn’t realise we had reached the halfway mark. This feat would not have been possible without the gentle prodding and encouragement of our affable guide. Some people turned back from here. We had set aside the whole day for this excursion and were in no hurry to return to our hotel room, so we decided to continue.

Making slow but steady progress, we kept trudging along. On the way, we joked, “What if night falls and we are stuck?” Our quickwitted guide told us not to worry as he had friends up in the temple who would put us up for the night.

Accompanied by extremely pleasant company, determination and a lot of effort, lo and behold, we reached the summit.

Reaching the top, I almost felt we had conquered the Everest. I can imagine the thrill and excitement of mountaineers who achieve near impossible feats. I was so glad that we hadn’t give up and that the King of Bhutan had not succumbed to the Japanese to pave a road.

Coming down was not as easy as I had thought. When I looked down at the path we had taken up, I couldn’t believe we had climbed all the way up. It was steep, unruly, rocky, narrow – in short, perilous with a lot of loose earth flying MAY 2019

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The 8th century Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest temple) is a prominent Himalayan Buddhist sacred site

around as the terrain was dry. We accomplished our mission in about five hours instead of the expected two hours. But we were ecstatic with our achievement.

At night, we soaked our wornout feet in salted hot water and used the electric warm mattress to sleep on. The next morning, believe it or not, we were fit as fiddles ready to face another great day in Bhutan. It was an exciting day as we drove up to the Chele La Mountain Pass at a height of 12,000 feet. After parking the car, we decided to scale another mound a couple of metres high to enjoy a panoramic view of the surroundings.

The experience taught me that MAY 2019

we often hold back due to the fear of something going wrong. On the contrary, if we bend a bit we can experience many escapades that may leave us with memories that will always cheer us. I remember one such exhilarating experience when I ventured to do paragliding in Manali. I was cautioned because of my age but I later realised that age has nothing to do with it. Everyone is at equal risk and entitled to the feeling of thrill at the end of the venture. At the same time, to bend till we break is also not wise. A little bit of grit, a spirit of adventure and oodles of common sense should decide what our body and mind can digest at our glorious dusk years. 

44 | TRAVEL

PHOTO: ANAITA VAZIFDAR-DAVAR

TRAVELLING TOTS

Want a fun, family-friendly destination this season?

Here are three unusual options

By Anaita Vazifdar-Davar MAY 2019

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PHOT0: SKEEZE (TOP TWO) AND DAVID MARK (BOTTOM) FROM PIXABAY

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PARIS, FRANCE

ur daughter’s first trip abroad was to Paris and it proved that the most romantic city in the world can also be the most fun for kids.

Our first stop was the Eiffel Tower.

Although there’s a thrill in being at the top, we stopped at the second level, approximately mid-way up the tower, for a clear view. Pop in a coin or two and let the little ones use the telescope to identify familiar landmarks.

To avoid a long wait, we had booked in advance and our ticket also offered us a boat ride down the Seine, the river that runs through Paris. Did you know you can spot a replica of the Statue of Liberty as you cruise down the river? Even more exciting – every summer, the beach comes to the riverbank!

You’ll find parasols and deck chairs, sand and beach towels, music and more in the middle of the city.

Museums and art galleries in Paris always have something of interest to young visitors and the parks too have so much to offer. At Parc de la Villette, our daughter spent an afternoon exploring science and technology in the Cité des Enfants; if we had had time, we would have loved to hop into a hot-air balloon at Parc André Citroën and taken in a marionette show at the Jardin du Luxembourg. And the next time MAY 2019

From top: Parc de la Villette; the Seine; Jardin du Luxembourg. Facing page: Time for a baguette

we go, we’ll pluck up the courage to join Pari Roller, a weekly mass skating event that goes through several areas of the city. By then, my kids will be older, so I bet we won’t be allowed to leave without a day (or three!) at Disneyland Paris.

I

DUBLIN, IRELAND

n most cities, we’ve found that the best way to get acquainted with the sights is via a hop-on hop-off bus tour. In Dublin, you can take this a step further and ride a floating bus! Viking Splash Tours has a fleet of amphibious vehicles, a “Viking” guide and Viking helmets for the kids! For an altogether different travelling experience, step aboard a vintage double-decker bus for an afternoon tea tour of the city.

From top: The Dublin Zoo is one of the oldest in the world; graduation day at Trinity College

Also on the water is Jeanie Johnston, a replica of the ship that crossed the Atlantic so many years ago, carrying those who hoped for a better life in the “New World”.Take the kids on board to understand the great famine and how it shaped the history of Ireland. And, if they’d like to learn more, the architecturally splendid General Post Office’s GPO Witness History interactive exhibit details the Easter Uprising of 1916.

If you want a leisurely day in the city, head to Phoenix Park, one of the biggest in Europe. Apart from housing the residence of the Irish President, it is also home to Dublin Zoo, one of the oldest in the world.

Older kids may enjoy a Segway tour of the park; younger ones can rent a bike and follow a cycle trail.

This is a city steeped in history and folklore – the ninth century Book of Kells (at Trinity College Dublin) is truly impressive. Even if the kids don’t have the patience to take a tour of the 13th century St. Patrick’s Cathedral (where Gulliver’s Travels author Jonathan Swift is buried), perhaps they will enjoy evensong here. The Little Museum of Dublin contains memorabilia (and an entire section devoted to Irish rock band U2!) but the kids may be more keen on visiting the National Leprechaun Museum.The mischievous little man (with or without his pot of gold) is found on souvenirs all around the country.

MAY 2019

PHOTO: TOTUMREVOLUTUM FROM PIXABAY

46 | TRAVEL

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PHOTO: DIMITRIS VETSIKAS FROM PIXABAY

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MILAN, ITALY

an the Mecca of high fashion be of interest to kids? Sì, signora!

We found Italy’s financial capital to be a warm and welcoming city, with people going out of their way for children – there’s always a smile for the young ones and, along with your cappuccino, baristas will bring a lollipop or a sweet treat for the bambini.

Which kid can resist a castle? In the heart of modern Milan, you’ll find a 14th-century fortress. With medieval moat, high walls and circular towers, Castello Sforzesco also houses the Pinacoteca (Picture Gallery), the Museum of Musical Instruments and more.

If your little ones think Leonardo is just a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, let Milan stun them with the real creative genius, Leonardo da Vinci. View The Last Supper, da Vinci’s iconic mural in the Convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie, and then discover his myriad inventions at Leonardo3 – The World of Leonardo da Vinci. Here, with digital tech, kids can assemble his creations and see how they work.

Travelling with a footie fan? You must make a pit stop at the San Siro Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan. When the kids run low on energy, hop aboard a vintage tram that trundles along the city streets or take a boat ride MAY 2019

From top: Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II; the San Siro Stadium, home to AC Milan and Inter Milan

down the Navigli canals. Stop (anywhere, everywhere!) for gelato; we had a taste of this Italian dessert at the beautiful Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, considered the world’s oldest shopping mall. Admire its domed roof and then stand in line at the mosaic bull for your chance to spin around thrice; it’s said to bring good luck! You already have a lot of that, don’t you, for you’re here in Milan!  Anaita Vazifdar-Davar is Senior Editor at Spenta Multimedia Pvt. Ltd.

48 | TRAVEL

THAILAND

The idea of travelling alone to Thailand may win you a few surprised looks from well-wishers in India but there’s no place better to go solo

T

By Sayanki Chakraborty

ravelling is no more a luxury for me; it has become a necessity and one of the purposes of my life. I often travel to the hills, the forests and the seaside to admire the beauty of nature and satisfy my travel-thirsty soul.

Last year, I decided to travel alone for the first time. The destination I chose was Thailand.

The idea of a solo trip raised curious questions from some, shock

from others, while many simply admired my courage. For me, the idea was to connect with myself, learn to walk alone and be content with my own company.

It was May, not a very good time to visit this part of the world, but it was less crowded and the weather was very pleasant all through my stay. Keeping safety issues in mind, I had pre-booked everything, from the hotel to airport transfers to MAY 2019

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sightseeing destinations.

It’s actually fun to plan for your trip plus it saves you from any unpleasant surprises later.

I visited Phuket first. The flight reached in the morning and after checking in the hotel, the first thing I did was to have Thai food. I am a foodie and Thai cusine is my favourite! So I ordered a dish of Pad Thai (noodles with seafood) and finished off with a significant scoop of coconut ice cream (another Thai speciality).

After satisfying my taste buds, it was time to pamper my body, so I headed straight towards a Thai spa.

My masseuse was extremely polite and friendly and helped me choose the most relaxing message. What followed for the next 60 minutes was pure heavenly bliss. Needless to say, I returned to my cozy bed and dozed off for a sound siesta.

In the evening, I went to see the Phuket Fantasea Show. Just the surroundings took my breath away: bright lights, colourful costumes, breathtaking sounds, so many people and activities, it was indeed a glamorous affair! And then it was time for the show. What was performed on the stage was pure magic: it was a huge production, with about 1200 performers with all glitz and glory. There were dances, songs, romance, fights, animals, everything live on stage. I had never seen something so magnificent in MAY 2019

From top: Indulging in a plate of Pad Thai; by myself on the ferry; at the Golden Buddha Temple

my whole life.

The next morning, I witnessed something that will linger on in my memory forever. It was the Phi Phi islands, known to be a favourite

50 | TRAVEL

From top: The buzz and ambience at Phuket Fantasea Show is phenomemal; taking a selfie

destination for Bollywood as well as Hollywood filmmakers. (You would remember Hrithik Roshan-starrer Kaho Na Pyar Hai and Leonardo di Caprio-starrer The Beach scenes shot here.) With the view of the blue seas in front of me and the soft waves touching my feet, I couldn’t help but be thankful for being alive.

It was such a picturesque view that I ended up taking thousands of selfies. I had lunch arranged at the beach itself – some really good Thai food – and that was accompanied by a live song performance by a local musician. I reached my hotel in the evening and slept off as there was an early morning flight to Pattaya, which was my destination for the next three days.

Pattaya is a vivacious city, famous for its nightlife, but I was not adventurous enough to roam about in the city alone after dark. Instead, I roamed about in the day along the beaches, shopped from local markets, got Thai massages and had a foot spa done almost every single day! I indulged in the local cuisine, travelled in local tuktuks, visited malls, ate ice creams at local roadside cafes, watched the city pass by, negotiated and bought lots of souvenirs from local shops like a true explorer. It was fun to be lost in the city among unknown roads, unknown people.

I visited Coral island and the Pattaya tower. I had my share of MAY 2019

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Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a 500-acre botanical garden that visitors to Pattaya never miss

adventure in riding a speed boat and taking a ropeway from the Pattaya tower. I loved the elephant show in Nong Nooch village. From Pattaya, I travelled to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, known for its Buddha temples and for being a shopper’s paradise. I loved the Golden Temple and the underwater museum, but the best for me was Safari World.

The animal shows – especially the sea lion show, orangutan and dolphin shows – made the visit memorable for me.

Contrary to the opinions I got about safety in Thailand, I realised it is an ideal destination for solo travel; the city just lets you be. I must add, however, that your safety also MAY 2019

depends on you being quick-witted and confident. As in any metropolis in the world, here too people walk up to talk to you and try to strike a conversation, even offering you drinks (yes that happened too, but doesn’t that just make this journey more interesting?). With experience, you learn to avoid such over-friendly humans and politely refuse and leave the situation.

All in all, Thailand is a lovely, vibrant destination. I interacted with the local people besides tourists from India, Europe and many other parts of the world during my stay and never felt lonely. And guess what? I’m raring to go again. Solo travel is addictive! 

52 | FITNESS

ROCKING HER SIXTIES

M

adhu Singh was 40 years old when she began playing golf. By then, the Army Officer’s wife had two grown-up sons who were fulfilling all her ambitions as a mother, and she herself was running a successful business. Driven to excel in golf as she did in every other aspect of life, she pushed herself until she reached the top, and won the All India Army Ladies Open.

But Madhu was only just getting warmed up.

By the age of 60, the serial entrepreneur was running another very successful business in serviced apartments around India and Melbourne. Too busy for golf, she

Entrepreneur, golfer and CrossFit champ Madhu Singh is only getting fitter as she grows older, and believes age has nothing do with one’s health and strength

started CrossFit training. CrossFit incorporates elements from high-intensity interval training, Olympic weightlifting, plyometrics, powerlifting, gymnastics, calisthenics and various other exercises. The sport has a huge following in India, especially when it comes to their regional and global competitions.

Taking up such a vigorous form of workout at age 60 raised quite a few eyebrows. “I had to work hard even for the Level 3 coach to accept me,” Madhu smiles. “He said he won’t take me on unless I can do ‘double-under’ skipping, so I began waking up at 5 am every morning to practice that. He took me on.”

Madhu did him proud. She went MAY 2019

FITNESS | 53

on to top the entire Indian region in the CrossFit Open (above 60 years group) in 2017, which also makes her Asia Rank 5.

“In our country, women are conditioned to believe that after 40, health and fitness are not important.

On the contrary, in other places around the world, women even at 80 are doing CrossFit. It’s excellent for the joints,” says Madhu, who was born in Bulandshahr and raised in Meerut and Agra.

An MSc in entomology, she is also the co-founder of the wellknown NGO Pardada Pardadi in Bulandshahr, where over 1700 underprivileged girl students are given free education in both

MAY 2019

academics and vocational studies.

Madhu’s husband, retired from RAW and an expert bridge player, and her two sons work together with Madhu in their awardwinning real-estate venture, Perch, which they launched in 2008. That leaves Madhu enough time for her other interests such as theatre and of course fitness.

These days, she is doing dead-lifts of 150 pounds, aiming for 180. She hopes to represent India in the 2020 CrossFit Games. “Women need to prioritise themselves especially as they grow older,” she advises.

“Don’t neglect yourself just because you think you’re ageing. Instead of hospitals, go to the gym.” 

54 | SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Being the Voice

A painful episode triggered Mehak Narula to create a platform to spread awareness about issues that afflict society and affect all of us

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ehak Narula had been living in Hyderabad for two months when a freak fire activated a new direction in her life. Armed with a BTech and MBA, she had just taken up her first job, sharing a flat with three B-school classmates. Two of them were cooking one evening.

When Mehak lit the gas, suddenly, a flame erupted from the stove, and the gas pipe burst open, shooting a

second flare towards her legs.

Three things happened instantly.

One friend fainted. Another friend threw water over the cylinder, something that’s not advised but which managed to douse the fire.

The third friend in another room, saw the door and window rattle and called out, “Earthquake!”

In all the commotion, Mehak didn’t realise she was burnt.

“I’m feeling hot, I’ll go take a MAY 2019

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE | 55

shower,” she said. It was only when she took her clothes off that she smelled pungent burning flesh, and realised her legs, arms and face had first and second-degree burns.

Soon the pain hit.

When the ambulance didn’t turn up even after 20 minutes, she took matters in her own hands and hailed a cab. Over the next few days, she continued to handle her

recovered. “The experience made me realise how loosely steroids are being handed out. And how closely the body and mind are connected,” says Mehak, who decided to raise awareness about vital issues, including those she had witnessed firsthand, such as patriarchy in homes and sexism in workplaces.

Last year in March, she started an initiative We The Circle and invited

L-R: Himadri Garg on travelling solo; Mehak Narula at We The Circle; Rishika Sadam on body shaming

own treatment, taking informed decisions, and even defying doctors’ predictions on how long it would take her to heal. “That’s when I realised you can heal your body yourself,” says the 28-year-old.

Six months later, when she developed an autoimmune disorder and was put on steroids, she noticed that an unusual depression had set in.

She took up walking and yoga, but when her condition didn’t improve, she changed her medication – and the doctor. Within a week, she had MAY 2019

speakers to highlight subjects that need attention. This year, she hosted its second edition, where journalist Rishika Sadam talked of body shaming; activist V Rukmini Rao spoke about the dismal state of property rights for women; and travelpreneur Himadri Garg encouraged women to travel solo.

“Happiness and humanity isn’t taught to us as part of our education.

They aren’t on any curriculum,” rues Mehak. She has set out to put things right in her own way.

56 | RECIPES

LET THEM HAVE CAKE Adding your favourite fruit or whipped cream can convert a simple cake into a fancy cafe-style treat. Try these easy and delectable recipes

By Kaveri Jain. Photography by Aadi Jain

ORANGE, ALMOND AND YOGURT LOAF

Ingredients: 190 gm plain flour 190 gm butter 190 gm caster sugar

1 tbsp orange zest 3 tbsp orange juice 2 large eggs 70 gm yoghurt

60 gm ground almonds 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla essence 10–15 gm flaked almonds MAY 2019

RECIPES | 57

Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to 170°C degrees.

2. Line an 8x3” tin with baking paper. Using an electric whisk cream together butter, sugar and orange zest until it becomes soft and fluffy.

3. Add the eggs one at a time whisking after each addition. In a separate bowl mix together the flour, ground almonds, and baking powder.

4. Tip the dry ingredients into the egg mixture and whisk on

low speed, slowly till everything is combined.

Now add the vanilla essence and the yogurt and mix.

5. Pour batter into the prepared tin, sprinkle flake almonds on top.

Bake for 50–60 minutes.

CHOCOLATE POUND CAKE Ingredients: 180 gm brown sugar 180 gm butter 1/2 tsp soda bicarbonate 1 tsp baking powder 3 tbsp dark cocoa powder 180 gm flour 2 eggs 1 tsp vanilla essence 50 gm dark chocolate chips (optional) Instructions: 1. Preheat the oven to MAY 2019

180°C. Line an 8x3” tin with baking paper.

2. In a saucepan mix the brown sugar, butter, cocoa and 250 ml water.

3. Heat on low until the butter is melted.

4. Increase the heat and bring the mixture to the boil, then simmer for two minutes.

5. Take off the heat.

Once cool, add the vanilla and mix.

6. Beat the eggs and keep aside. To the flour, add the baking soda and soda bicarb. Add the flour and eggs to the cooled mixture and beat until smooth.

7. Add the chocolate chips, save some for topping later, mix softly.

8. Pour into prepared tin and top with more chocolate chips. Bake for 30–40 minutes.

58 | RECIPES

BLUEBERRY & ORANGE CREAM CAKE Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder 1 tbsp orange zest 1 ½ cup caster sugar 1 cup of vegetable oil 3 eggs 2 tbsp fresh orange juice ¼ cup milk Fresh blueberries for topping

to the wet ingredients in three batches, alternating with milk. Do not over mix.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.

Bake at 180°C for about 30–40 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean.

6. For the topping, beat the whipping cream with vanilla on high speed.

7. Add the sugar, slowly, with the mixer running.

Keep beating until the cream forms stiff peaks.

8. Once the cake has completely cooled, top with cream and fresh blueberries.

For the cream: 1 cup whipping cream 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup icing sugar Instructions: 1. Lightly brush a 9” cake pan with oil. Line with parchment paper.

2. Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Mix flour and baking powder in a bowl. In another bowl, beat sugar, orange zest and oil until the mixture is light and pale. Leave for about 5–7 minutes.

Add orange juice.

3. Add eggs, one by one, mixing well after each addition. Now add the dry ingredients MAY 2019

RECIPES | 59

STRAWBERRY & CREAM CAKE Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp baking powder ¼ tsp salt ¾ cup vegetable oil 1 cup caster sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 2 eggs ¼ cup milk Fresh strawberries For the cream: 1 cup whipping cream 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup icing sugar MAY 2019

Instructions: 1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C. Line an 8” round cake pan with parchment paper 2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder and salt.

3. In a separate bowl, beat vegetable oil and caster sugar with an electric whisk, add the vanilla and whisk again.

4. Add eggs one by one, mixing well each time.

Now add milk, mix well.

5. Gently fold in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients. Mix well.

Pour batter into the cake pan. Bake at 180°C for 40–50 minutes.

6. Beat the whipping cream with vanilla on high speed. Add the sugar, slowly. Beat till the cream forms stiff peaks.

7. Once the cake cools, top with cream and fresh strawberries. 

60 | ESHE EVENT

SHINE YOUR LIGHT GURGAON Here’s what went on at the Gurgaon edition of eShe’s Shine Your Light.

Photography by Nabina Chakraborty

S

hine Your Light is a series of personal-growth workshops for women, organised by eShe magazine. The agenda is to learn, discuss, dance, introspect, network and eat!

The first edition held in Delhi’s Vasant Vihar in January 2019 had facilitators from categories as varied as meditative dancing, money management and psychology.

The second edition in Gurugram, held in April 2019 at V Club, saw participants try anti-ageing facial yoga and creative dance therapy.

They learnt about menstruation taboos, celebrated their sexuality and shared their own wisdom. eShe’s next events are slated for May in Delhi, July in Mumbai and September in Bengaluru. Visit our website eShe.in for details.

MAY 2019

ESHE EVENT | 61

Clockwise from left: Nidhi Jain shakes it out; participants shared their wisdom by the timer; Surbhi Jain and Priya Jindal make a wish; Tarini Nirula and Karuna Makkar along with Dimpy Chopra Kaath holding her copy of eShe

L-R: Venue sponsor Vishaka Beriwala with Kaveri Jain; Namrata Durgan and Asha Rajkumari lead the way MAY 2019

62 | ESHE EVENT

Clockwise from top left: Listening to Monica Bindra talk about menstruation taboos in India; Sreejita Basu celebrates her femininity; founder of Spaveda Raman Puri meditates along with Renu Jain and creative dance therapist Neera Suri during a session; Tarini Nirula demonstrates facial yoga that works better than Botox; Shaira Chaudhry in bloom during the dance therapy by Neera Suri

MAY 2019

ESHE EVENT | 63

Clockwise from top: Each participant got a goodie bag full of gifts sponsored by Slurrp Farm, Laiqa, Mean Bean Coffee, Spaveda and a brownie by Mala Bindra; Parul Pathak and Monica Bindra in meditation; Swati Ranjan, Deeya Bajaj and Dr Hema Gogia listen to a talk by eShe’s editor Aekta Kapoor; the entire group shows off their copies of eShe magazine and notebook after the event

NEXT EVENT: MAY 11, DELHI. CALL 9971116621 TO BOOK MAY 2019

64 | BOOKS

LATEST IN NON-FICTION Here are our top three books of the month

That Good Night

Sunita Puri (Hachette, `599) An American-born doctor of Indian immigrants tries to make sense of the contrasting worlds of modern medicine and traditional faith.The result is this sensitively written memoir that gives a reader an insightful look into the medical industry, where facts, reason and machines decide destinies, juxtaposed with the spiritual seeking and human resilience that she observes at home and during conversations with patients. Sunita Puri’s candid recounting of her own personal life adds a unique perspective.

The Travel Gods Must Be Crazy

Sudha Mahalingam (Penguin Books India, `299)

Her work as an energy economist had one unexpected outcome for Sudha Mahalingam – frequent travel to exotic destinations, once going on 18 international conferences in a single year. This happened to suit her travel-obsessed personality very well. Gifted with a humorous, engaging writing style, Sudha has put together some of her wildest travel stories in this memoir. In it, you’ll find hilarious anecdotes peppered with practical travel advice. If you’re looking for engrossing in-flight reading, this book is it.

Women Who Ruled India

Archana Garodia Gupta (Hachette, `499) These are stories of 20 powerful women from the archives of Indian history in one eminently readable collection, offering us a glimpse of their fascinating lives along with a narrative of the socio-political context they lived in. From Begum Samru to Didda of Kashmir, the writer is unabashed in her portrayal of these queens’ vices and virtues. “They are not hagiographies – because these women were not saints,” she writes. It is this ‘warts-and-all’ candour that makes this book a must-read.

MAY 2019

RARE VIEW | 65

“Viagra is a Feminist Conspiracy Against Men”

PHOTO: SOLIE JORDAN FROM PIXABAY

By Aekta Kapoor

T

he husband was well into his second peg of Old Fashioned when he announced, “Viagra is a conspiracy against men. It has been designed by feminists for the benefit of women.”

There were a group of us around the dining table, and spirits were high. Naturally, his statement drew both daggers and bouquets depending on the gender of the thrower.

“That’s not true! Apparently, the ingredient in Viagra could just as easily be used to reduce period cramps in women, but the needs MAY 2019

of men were considered more important,” I protested with a big flourish and a small hiccup. (I have a low threshold for alcohol.)

“Not just period cramps. Sildenafil, the ingredient in Viagra, is also prescribed for those with pulmonary arterial hypertension, but does anyone ever talk about that? No, it’s only projected as a bedroom accessory for older men,” thundered the husband with whiskeyflavoured certainty. “But who benefits most if a man takes Viagra before doing the deed?”

His question sent his audience into peals of laughter, laced with some confusion.

“The man?”

“Pharmaceutical companies?”

“The pervy voyeur next door?”

Our responses did not meet my husband’s standards.

“Okay, answer this. How long does a man need to climax?” he shot up an eyebrow.

The women in the group poohpoohed: “Nothing at all.”

“A few minutes.”

“Men are a badly designed species.”

“They can just go in and out if you let them.”

“Yes, and how long does a woman need?” he went on.

“Women’s bodies are designed for pleasure.”

“The clitoris has 8000 nerve endings; the penis has 4000.”

“Women have no recovery times like men; we can go on and on.”

“Exactly,” the husband banged the table in victory. “So why would a man want to go on and on, unless it was for the woman’s benefit?”

There was complete silence for a second as the rest of us looked at each other. Then came the next round of laughter, this time with tears added for dramatic effect.

“So you see, the people who designed Viagra only had the woman’s pleasure in mind, not the man’s.The man, in fact, first needs to develop his lung capacity and muscles if he intends to take it.” Husband looked gloomily into his glass while we rolled about in splits.

“Look at it this way: it gives you a good workout,” someone offered.

“I’ll let you know when I need it,” he dismissed. MAY 2019

PHOTO: BRIDGESWARD FROM PIXABAY

66 | RARE VIEW

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68 | PERSONAL GROWTH

MAY 2019