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Editor-in-Chief CHANDAN MITRA EDITORIAL BOARD Vice-Chairman & Joint Managing Director Amit Goel Chief Executive Officer Abhishek Saxena 09818600128 EDITORIAL Editor-in-Charge Rinku Ghosh Assistant Editor Saimi Sattar Feature Writer Priyanka Joshi Chief Designer Anand Singh Rawat Pre-press Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING General Manager Kumar Gurudutta Jha Deputy General Manager Neeru Arora Senior Managers Madhukar Saxena & Sofiqul Islam Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan & Prabhakar Pathak Senior Marketing Executive Komal Sharma Media Coordinator Anil Kumar 09871379898 GOVERNMENT & PSU General Manager Tapan Ghosh Assistant General Manager Neeta Rai MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy General Manager (Circulation) Rajeev Gautam Printed and published by Chandan Mitra for and on behalf of CMYK Printech Ltd, printed at JK Offset Graphics (P) Ltd, B-278, Okhla Industrial Area, Phase-1, New Delhi-110020 and published at 2nd floor, Patriot House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi 110002. Editor: Chandan Mitra. Entire Contents Copyright (C) 2006 CMYK Printech Ltd. All rights reserved. Reproduction or translation in any language in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Requests for permission should be directed to CMYK Printech Ltd. Opinions carried in Exotica are the writers’ and not necessarily endorsed by CMYK Printech Ltd. The publisher assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited material or for material lost or damaged in transit. All correspondence should be addressed to CMYK Printech Ltd; 2nd Floor, Patriot House, 3, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi-110002 Phone: 23718296/40754136 Fax: 23755275 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com

FROM THE EDITOR

HOTELS WITH HISTORY I came across a newspaper article extolling hotels with history. There were certain glaring omissions in the listing. While The (Oberoi) Grand in Kolkata rightly figured right on top, surprisingly Mumbai’s iconic Taj Mahal hotel did not get pride of place. But an interesting addition to the list of hotels was The Strand in Rangoon. Some of these hotels have great backgrounds and nowadays their managements take a lot of pain to emphasise the historicity of the buildings and anecdotes associated with these heritage properties. India is replete with magnificent palaces of former kings and princes, which have been taken over by leading hotel chains, restored to their pristine glory through extensive renovation with all modern creature comforts thrown in. This is a trend worldwide and many discerning travellers opt for them to savour a bit of that heritage. Even not-so-famous minor palaces and abandoned forts have been converted to luxury hotels attracting a big clientele, such as the Neemrana Fort in Rajasthan. Personally I love spending a few days in such places to allow imagination take flight to the days of yore. The Taj at Madurai, where I have stayed twice, is such a heritage hotel. Originally the Director’s Bungalow of Madura Coats, a British-owned company, the hotel is located atop a hillock with sprawling lawns and gardens covering several hundred acres. The bustling city of Madurai, with the famous Meenakshi Temple at its centre, lies below the hill. On both occasions that I stayed there, my mind was transported to the distant past trying to reconstruct what life must have been when the British “nabob” lorded over the palatial structure built at several levels. Or take Bhopal’s Noor-us-Sabah (The Light of the Dawn) Palace hotel in Bhopal. It is not comparable in size to any big palace, but it encompasses great history from the days of the opulent Queens of Bhopal. Some of its heritage suites have been preserved with loving care, complete with four-poster beds, ornate furniture and wrought iron chairs placed on the balconies. Similarly, the Taj Group’s properties at Chennai and Bengaluru, The Connemara and West End, respectively, encapsulate big slices of colonial history. The Rambagh Palace in Jaipur is internationally famous for being the home of the kings of Jaipur, just as Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur was built by the last Maharaja in the 1930s to provide his subjects an employment opportunity in the face of a severe drought. Hotels in Delhi do not have such lovable antiquity as it is a relatively new city, which became the Capital of the Mughals only in the dynasty’s declining decades. British Delhi (which was commissioned barely 100 years ago), hardly has hotels of historic lineage, although Oberoi Maidens on Alipur Road has been around even before New Delhi came into existence. The only other hotel that comes close is The Imperial on the fringes of Connaught Place. Once it was New Delhi’s only stylish hotel where the ballroom came alive with desi sahibs and English memsahibs every weekend. Film-maker Manoj Kumar has a fetish about this as I came to know while organising the premiere of his Roti, Kapda aur Makaan as Secretary of my College Students’ Union way back in 1974. The actor-producer always camped at The Oberoi when in Delhi but on the day of the premiere invariably shifted, bag, baggage and retinue to The Imperial just for that day. He explained he used to stay there earlier because it was New Delhi’s most famous address till the ’60s. So, when Upkar, the first film under his own banner released, he was lodged there. The film went on to become a superhit and “Mr Bharat” has been very particular about staying at The Imperial for all his film launches ever since. And all of them have been huge commercial successes!

RECENTLY

[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief

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I N S I D E JULY 2017 VOLUME 11 NO 9

Little black book [p14] Huma Qureshi: A quick peek into her style file Hidden wonders [p18] Citadel on a cliff: Five major monastic centres in Spiti Q&A [p26] Under his skin: Irrfan Khan Summer sport [p34] Romance of the rhododendron: Chopta

[p34]

COVER: FOOD TRUCKS BY PANKAJ KUMAR

CONTRIBUTORS Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p69] GURUSPEAK: Mind control Magandeep Singh [p72] BLITHE SPIRIT: Rainy day rundown Kushan Mitra [p74] HOTWHEELS: Saying it with an estate Bharat Thakur [p96] FITNESS: Work around your laptop Sanjay Jumaani [p99] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate

Wild card [p40] A hunted legacy: Jim Corbett 48 hours [p50] Tel Aviv plays: Lens over Israel Photo diary [p58] Human stories: Bhutan Road stars [p64] Food ok please: Gourmet cuisine served from trucks Style file [p92] Free flow: Resort wear Style Icon [p94] Shining through: Latest jewellery trends

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TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 108 INCLUDING COVER

OUR

PARTNER

HOTELS

Send us your feedback at exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com; Facebook: www.facebook.com/Exotica-394686670715776

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TRAVEL NEWS

SPLURGE IN STYLE Reminiscent of a 16th century Italian Palace, Palazzo Versace Dubai is a neo-classical masterpiece with subtle traces of Arabian architecture. Featuring a striking entrance, high ceilings, landscaped gardens and a range of well-crafted Italian furnishings, the hotel is truly symbolic of the Versace lifestyle. Set in the heart of the Culture Village, less than 15 minutes away from Dubai International Airport and eight minutes away from Burj Khalifa and downtown Dubai, Palazzo Versace Dubai is conveniently located along the

shores of the historic Dubai Creek. Book your stay before September 30 and enjoy savings of up to 35 per cent for your room or suite. The offer begins on April 23 and ends on September 30. The package includes accommodation in a luxuriously appointed room or suite designed exclusively by Versace. Breakfast for two adults and two children below 12 years. A 20 per cent discount on F&B, spa treatments, complimentary internet access and shuttle service to Dubai Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall are added attractions.

BYGONE LUXURY ON WHEELS Belmond has announced three new private “Grand Suites” aboard the legendary Venice SimplonOrient-Express which will be launched in March. Named after the romantic cities to which the train travels–Paris, Venice and Istanbul–the designs of each cabin reflect the spirit of each city while staying true to the original 1920s artdeco design. So the opulence and romance of Istanbul is celebrated with hand-carved timber and embossed leather while the haute couture and gastronomic excellence of Paris is referenced with chic and elegant furnishings. The grandeur of Venice is interwoven with silk fabrics in hues of silver and grey. Handcrafted Venetian glass adorns the Baroque style furnishings.

Guests travelling in the Paris, Venice and Istanbul suites will enjoy private transfers to and from the train where they will be welcomed by their personal cabin steward available for all their on-board services, including free-flowing champagne and private in-suite dining. Extra touches include bespoke amenities and a complimentary art-deco bathrobe. Venice Simplon-Orient-Express travels throughout Europe between London, Paris and Venice from March to November and from Paris to Istanbul once a year in August/September on an extraordinary journey from west to east where Europe meets Asia. A classic one night journey from London to Venice in a Grand Suite is priced at £5,500 per person.

EXOTICA [10] JULY 2017

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MEGHAULI SERAI IS THE WILDEST ONE

UK WAR OFFICE HOSTS HOTEL Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the top luxury brand of the AccorHotels Group, inked a partnership with the Hinduja Group and Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD) to transform the iconic Old War Office building in Whitehall into a unique hotel and deluxe residences in London. The Grade II* listed Old War Office, with its 1,100 rooms across seven floors, and two miles of corridors, was completed in 1906. It was the office to many of the United Kingdom’s most important and influential political and military leaders, notably Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener, Herbert Asquith and T.E. Lawrence. It was also the haunt of the British Secret Service. Close to 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the Old War Office was bought by Hinduja Group and OHLD in December 2014 following a public bid. Planning permission was granted for a multi-purpose development including 125 rooms (of which 40 per cent are suites), 88 private residences, restaurants and other amenities. Completion is expected in just over three years.

EXOTICA [12] JULY 2017

Robb Report has selected Meghauli Serai in Nepal as the Best of the Best winners 2017 in the category for “Luxury Lodges Taking Adventure to New Extremes”. The Taj Safari Lodge at Chitwan National Park has been selected as a winner of the Journeys category. Nestled on the banks of the Rapti river, Meghauli Serai offers spectacular views of the park across the river from its 30 rooms and suites. From its 13 well-appointed rooms that offer elevated views over the jungle-scape to the 16 independent villas, each with its own private plunge pools and the plush Rapti Mahal presidential suite, the lodge takes local traditions to a luxurious setting. Chitwan is known for its protection of onehorned rhinos, the Royal Bengal tiger and gharial. Interpretive wildlife experiences allow guests to discover and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of Nepal. From jungle walks to canoeing on the Rapti river or trekking through the aweinspiring Himalayan foothills, this lodge is the place for adventure-seekers.

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I love Japanese food.

Dior is my first preference as a fashion label.

FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE

Right now, I am reading Nineteen EightyFour by George Orwell. The most prized item in my wardrobe is an old pair of jeans. I really love it as it gives great shape to my body.

A Love Story by Chloe is so different from all my other perfumes. It hints at depth and warmth with sandalwood, yet its floral notes give off a fresh vibe.

Actress HUMA QURESHI made her way in the Hindi film industry with offbeat roles, a risk that she took confidently. As far as fashion goes, she has an exceptionally well-worn style thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about everyday elegance

Ray Ban is my first choice as it matches any style.

My loyalty is to Louboutin.

I like Rado watches because of the unusual, modern materials that are used.

I love to spend time with the beach and the sun.

Music depends on my mood. It could be anything from Bollywood, hip hop to sufi.

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GET GOING

EXOTICA showcases watches which are both functional and fashionable for the eclectic traveller

ZENITH EL PRIMERO DOUBLEMATIC: Legendary “high beat” El Primero automatic movement serves as the base for a movement with a ton of features — all of which are designed for travel. Zenith El has the time, world time disc for knowing the hour in any of the 24 time zones at a glance.

CASIO G-SHOCK: It is found on the wrists of countless soldiers and outdoor adventurers around the world for a reason. The watch puts up with almost everything and has an impressive set of functions such as a world timer, alarms, chronograph. Also, they aren’t particularly expensive.

SEIKO ASTRON CHRONOGRAPH: Even when you are out on a long trip, put your fears of the battery dying inside the Astron to rest. The watch is charged by light. The watch connects to satellites to update the current time and time zone automatically.

ROLEX GMT MASTER II STEEL GOLD: Although the Rolex GMT-Master was designed essentially for sportspersons, its combination of peerless functionality and rugged good looks has attracted a wider travelling public.

OMEGA PLANET OCEAN GMT: It happens to also have a second time zone complication, making it an even better travel watch – but the GMT element is optional. It is a good-looking sports watch designed to be comfortable in a warmer environment. BREITLING CHRONOMAT 44 GMT: The Chronomat 44 GMT, offers a travel watch featuring unprecedented user friendliness. This model is one of the rare chronographs to offer such a smoothly functional dual time zone system.

U d e D e s h k a A a m N a a gr i k

Government of India Announces

Map Not to Scale, only for depiction/ representation purposes

THE AWARD OF REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY FLIGHTS after the first round of bidding under

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HIDDEN WONDERS

CITADEL ON A CLIFF

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Dangkhar is home to a monastery, a handful of associated temples and a fort. It is in fact one of the five major monastic centres in Spiti that is delicately perched on an overhang but has been a certainty of life for hundreds of years, says KISHORE THUKRAL

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IMAGINE

a valley high up in the western Indian Himalayas, abutting Tibet. A valley that at various times in history has been part of the Tibetan realm. A valley one hundred per cent Buddhist. A valley abounding in fossils of the maritime inhabitants of the prehistoric Tethys Sea. A valley boasting a stunning moonscape. A valley that is a world within a world. A world they call Spiti. Says Kim, the eponymous protagonist of Rudyard Kipling’s classic, “… Surely the Gods live here… This is no place for men…” Spiti could well have derived its name from chiti, which in local parlance means paradise. Most likely, however, the place takes its name from a combination of two local words — bi (hidden or invisible) and ti (river, or valley). The hidden valley,

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sandwiched between the perennially snow-capped mountains of Tibet, Ladakh, Lahaul, the Kullu valley and Kinnaur, remains largely unknown. The approach to Spiti is not easy. The narrow rough road leading to it takes one through canyons, across streams, beneath overhangs and over high mountain passes. For a seasoned walker, Tibet is a day’s walk away. Little wonder then that Tibetan Buddhism has flourished here for over a millennium. Nevertheless Spiti’s history, unlike

that of Tibet, is for the most part unrecorded. Yet it boasts an equally rich heritage, epitomised by its five major monasteries — Tabo, Ghungri, Key, Gomic and Dangkhar.

these, perhaps the one that inspires the greatest awe, even from a distance, is Dangkhar. Dang in the local dialect means “cliff,” “mountain ridge” or a “high wall.” Khar is the local word for “citadel” or “fort.” And hence the name

EXOTICA [20] JULY 2017

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Dangkhar, or Citadel on a Cliff, situated as it is on a 1,000 foot-high spur overlooking the confluence of the Spiti and its largest tributary, the Pin. The name of the monastery at Dangkhar is Lha â&#x20AC;&#x2122;od-pa, though it is commonly referred to as simply Dangkhar gonpa. Legend has it that when the faithful wanted to construct a monastery in the area, they sent a delegation to their spiritual head in Tibet, requesting him to guide them as to where they should build it. Pat came the reply: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Look for a

EXOTICA [21] JULY 2017

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high mountain that has Iaphel growing on it.” Locally they call it laut. They found the roof of that rocky spur blanketed with the grass, and so they dug the foundations of their gonpa on it.

BUT

why did they decide to build the edifice on that very perch? After all laut grows on every other mountain slope in arid regions such as Spiti. The answer to that question lies a couple of exhausting hundred metres from the monastery, beyond the steep street that cuts across the village. At the northeastern edge of the vertiginous cliff stands a khar, a fort that was once home to Spiti’s royal family. If you still haven’t guessed, Dangkhar was at one time the capital of Spiti. Thus it was perhaps in deference to the Nono’s (the king’s) wish that the faithful decided to build their gonpa where they did.

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This is just another of those examples in history where the temporal head has tried to wrest control over the ecclesiastical order. The strategic location of the khar on its lofty perch afforded the king and his underlings an unhindered view of the Spiti valley, both upstream and downstream, and gave them the needed time to strategise and prepare for any unfriendly approaching army. Mind you, Spiti is never known

to have had an army of its own, and so even half a dozen men on horseback, riding in their direction with swords drawn, constituted an invading army. With a population that has just about crossed 10,000 (as per the 2011 census), it was barely 3,000 in the mid-19th century, and must have been in only three figures some centuries earlier. One can imagine the paucity of able male hands in the valley. Rather than confine them to the sword then, the successive Nonos of Dangkhar must have preferred their men to wield scythe and sickle to make the utmost of the short agricultural season. Spiti is, after all, a cold desert with an average altitude of about 12,000 feet above mean sea level, and a winter that lasts seven months, when temperatures plummet to as low as minus 30Â°C. Instead of meeting the enemy head on, therefore,

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the Nono and his men had invariably to innovate and resort to devious ways to protect themselves and their land.

THERE

is one such fascinating anecdote of a band of Ladakhi plunderers who, having pillaged the entire upper valley, rode victoriously towards Dangkhar with their booty. It was the height of winter, windy and freezing. Knowing that battle would be suicidal, the Nono sent his emissaries to invite them up the 1,000-foot incline, for a feast in his khar. The marauders, already intoxicated by easy success, rode up triumphantly. After a grand welcome, the courtiers laid out a magnificent feast — tsampa, thukpa, yaksha, yoi and what not. But before that, as is tradition, the hosts plied their guests with the local brews — arak and chhang — so much, in fact, that the men were drunk out of their senses. And then, taking advantage of their inebriated state, the locals pushed the freebooters down the precipitous slope, to death. Those among them, who could still balance themselves on their feet, had nowhere to go but further up the ragged mountain. Expectedly, the Spitian winter

engulfed them in its deadly embrace, and they soon perished. If you ask whether this story has been recorded in any ancient annals, the answer is “No.” But when you hear it from none other than the present Nono, Sonam Angdui, and many old-timers in the valley, there is more reason than not to believe it. Be that as it may, some two-and-a-half centuries ago, the capital of Spiti was shifted to the lower ground, across the river to a tiny village called Kyuling which, it was argued, was sunnier and less windy, and, therefore, not as cold. Besides, it was equally well-protected by a high mountain behind it and the swift waters of the Spiti flowing in front. Since then the Kyuling Khar remains the abode of the scion of the royal family. Coming back to Lha’od-pa, the monastery spectacularly perched on the edge of the cliff, it is worth noting that since the mid-15th century it has been consistently a Gelug-pa institution, though it is known to have been Nyingma-pa, Sakya-pa and Kagyu-pa before that, depending on the religious allegiance of the Nono’s family. (Those of us familiar with Tibetan Buddhism will know that

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Gelug, Nyingma, Sakya and Kagyu are its four major traditions or orders.) Such changes in allegiance by a monastery from one tradition to another are extremely rare in Tibetan and Himalayan Buddhist history. That apart, it must be conceded that, besides its dramatic location, over the centuries the occasional references to Dangkhar, both literary and artistic, have helped build its spectral aura and made it even more enchanting. The earliest written reference to it is found in the history of the western Tibetan kingdom of Guge, wherein the heir to the throne of King Tse de was exiled to Dangkhar in the late 11th century. The Nono’s court at Dangkhar has also been depicted in a 15th century mural in Tabo gonpa, arguably the best known among the five big monasteries of Spiti, and the only one under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). And yet the fort, the monastery and the breath-taking locale are not the only allurement for the visitor. A thousand or more feet further up lies another attraction, the Dangkhar tso. The trek up to this lake, exhausting for a plains dweller, is easily accomplished by experienced walkers in three quarters of an hour. Its tranquil waters, besides

capturing inverted images of the mountains around, hold inside their bosom the tale of a famous horseman whose conceit led him to attempt riding across the water. Drowned by his vanity, neither he nor his horse was ever found. They did, however, recover his whip and the little finger of his left hand from a chhumik (mountain spring) that emerges close to the monks’ quarters near the new chapel, on flat ground, a mere ten-minute walk from the imposing old monastery.

THE

newer building was consecrated in 2009 by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. Meanwhile, there is an attempt under way to restore Lha’od-pa, the ancient gonpa, to at least a semblance of its past glory, and infuse some life back into its many murals, thangkas and other artefacts that have suffered the ravages of time and history. As and when the effort succeeds, the mystique of Dangkhar is sure to draw more than just the handful of backpackers and families it does at present. — Kishore Thukral is the author of Spiti through Legend and Lore and founder of the Dangkhar Initiative

EXOTICA [25] JULY 2017

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Q&A

o You have just signed another Hollywood film. This is not unusual to you but this time the content challenges you. How are you approaching this film? The movie called Puzzle is based on an Argentine movie, Rompecabezas, and stars Kelly Mc Donald. This is an intricate relationship story of the kind that I have been wanting to do. As an actor, I want to explore my emotional aspect and communicate it to a universal audience. The story revolves around a middle-aged housewife who suddenly finds she has a gift for assembling puzzles. Unbeknownst to her husband and two college-going sons, she begins practising for a tournament with a man she meets through an ad in a puzzle shop. The woman not only rejoices in her special gift but starts to look differently at pieces of her life and tries rearranging them. o What is special about Hindi Medium and why do you think it worked, becoming the seasonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sleeper hit? I think every middle class aspirant Indian, who is trying to get upper crust acceptability by being well-spoken in English, related to the protagonistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dilemma. Yet the treatment was comic and not preachy. I think I took up the offer as the makers narrated the script to me in a comic manner. Sometimes when you do an issue-based film, people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t like to be sermonised. They go to the theatre to be entertained. And it is your job as a film-maker or a story-teller to penetrate the layer and tell them something that lies beneath.

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Fresh from the success of Hindi Medium, IRRFAN KHAN is on a commercial high. Yet again. The thinking actor, who is probably the most recognised Indian face in world cinema at this point in time, talks to SAIMI SATTAR about turning points, stories and how self-introspection is the key to radiating universal emotions

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o You are known for your intense roles. Was comedy a deliberate choice? Yes, I was dying to do comedy. That’s why I am doing one comedy after another. Two more are lined up after Hindi Medium. o Saba Qamar has a whole body of work in the Pakistani TV industry, which is vastly different from ours. What was your experience working with her? She is very experienced in TV series. And the method in making a series is different as there are a lot of long takes. So Saba is not in the habit of delivering one dialogue in one take. She was surprised that a movie needed so many takes. I explained to her that a film is different. In a TV series, the camera is fixed at one place for a long time. She took time to familiarise herself with the way we work. But one thing

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I WAS QUITE A WANDERER. I TRIED DIFFERENT KINDS OF THINGS — FROM BUSINESS TO SERVICE, TO THIS AND THAT. I WAS IN A HURRY TO MAKE SOMETHING OF MY LIFE BUT COULDN’T CONNECT TO STUDIES. DABBLING IN MANY DIFFERENT THINGS, I SOON UNDERSTOOD THAT YOU MAY TAKE YEARS TO UNDERSTAND YOUR CALLING

that worked for her was her sense of humour and her comic timing. She has ample doses of that, which was essential for this film. o How did you discover that you wanted to be an actor? And what did you do to get into the industry? I was quite a wanderer. I tried different kinds of things — from business to service, to this and that. I was in a hurry to make something of my life but couldn’t connect to studies. Dabbling in many different things, I soon understood that you may take years to understand your calling. Before taking up any pursuit, there is always some element of romanticism attached to it. But practically when you are in it, you realise you are bored out of your wit’s end within six months. Then arises the question how you can continue to do it for

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the rest of your life as a routine without enjoying it at all. Somewhere along the line, I started watching films and found the story-telling in this format very engaging. It flipped me completely. I was fascinated by the craft. When I watched people like Dilip Kumar Sahib and Naseeruddin Shah, I was bowled over by their performance and not by the style or glamour that they personified. Someone told me that Naseer sa’ab was from the National School of Drama (NSD) and that the institution was a laboratory of great actors. A friend even explained the process of getting in. The idea of NSD as the hub of performance arts ignited my brain. And if something like this existed, I had to get in. Thankfully, I made it. By the end of it, I was completely obsessed by acting. Had it not been for NSD, I would not have been here. NSD has given me self-realisation and my craft.

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I STARTED WATCHING FILMS AND FOUND THE STORY-TELLING IN THIS FORMAT VERY ENGAGING. IT FLIPPED ME COMPLETELY. I WAS FASCINATED BY THE CRAFT. WHEN I WATCHED PEOPLE LIKE DILIP KUMAR SAHIB AND NASEERUDDIN SHAH, I WAS BOWLED OVER BY THEIR PERFORMANCE

series. How do the different media compare to each other and what do they hold out to you as an actor? All that matters is an exposure to the director and the story-telling. Every director has a different sensibility and it affects your approach to the role. It is always a challenge to understand that perspective rather than pre-judging a role based on your own understanding. The approach and viewpoint differ depending on whether a film or a series is being made for the regional, national or a universal audience. That is how you expand your skills and evolve as an actor.

o How did you break into the industry? Was it a difficult journey? Some small offers started coming to me when I was at NSD. In that sense, I never had to really go looking for work. Perhaps all these offers weren’t to my liking but were enough for me to survive. I was planning to stay on in Delhi and work with the NSD Repertory till the time I felt I was ready. But it didn’t work out that way. I got some offers from the industry and landed up in Mumbai. And then my career kept rolling.

o Which films would you say were important to shaping your career. Was it intense roles like the ones in Paan Singh Tomar or Maqbool? There were few turning points and some very important movies in my career, from Haasil to Maqbool, Paan Singh Tomar, Life in A Metro, Piku and Lunchbox. Few have given me some very special moments to experience. Then there are so many films that I did and believed in but they didn’t work out. This unpredictability is what this industry is all about, you cannot say what will work. But then it is a challenge to keep your bar high as an actor. When I watched The Namesake for the first time, I never thought it would have so much of an impact. And when I watched it for the third time, my perception completely changed. There are few films that grow on you like a novel.

o You have worked in a variety of film industries — British, Hollywood, Indian. You have also done a Netflix Japanese web

o How do you decide to take up a role? The script, director? Just pure instinct. I have no method.

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THERE IS NO PLACE WHERE THEY TEACH YOU REALISTIC ACTING. IT IS MORE ABOUT TRIAL AND ERROR. IF YOU GO TO HOLLYWOOD, THERE ARE SCHOOLS WHERE YOU ARE TAUGHT WAYS TO APPROACH A CHARACTER. WE DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T HAVE THAT MODEL HERE. IN DRAMA SCHOOL, WE WERE INTRODUCED TO ALL KINDS OF THEATRE AND THEIR METHODS. WE CAME TO KNOW ABOUT THE STYLISTIC TRAITS OF A SANSKRIT OR PARSI THEATRE. WE WERE TAUGHT EVERYTHING BUT THERE WAS NO SPECIALISATION IN REALISTIC ACTING

o Historicals are the flavour of the season when it comes to TV series. In your television days, you did some yourself. What kept you motivated? Historicals, if you ask me, were a pain. One has to wear costumes and wigs for long hours. My TV innings was just a question of survival. And that is how Chadrakanta, Chanakya and others happened. o You returned to TV after many years as an anchor with Mano Ya Na Mano, a show on unexplained phenomena. What made you take it up? The concept looked promising where we were talking about the unexplained and the mysterious, which existed in the real world. I expected a lot from this show. But slowly the channel took over and it became like any other grisly, fear-laden, chill thrills show. They started creating their own

stories and that was unacceptable. They programmed it for low IQ people and started making it sensational. That is when I backed out. o Piku was another movie that was different. It had mainstream stars of two generations in Mr Bachchan and Deepika Padukone. What was the dynamics on the set, considering you were from a different school? I always believe that a director who is not affected by star presence is important to the success of a film and the telling of a good story. And I, rather all of us, completely trusted Shoojit Sircar. It was collective trust that made it enjoyable. For me the discovery of Deepika as an actor was very encouraging. o How have you changed as an actor and as a person during the course of your journey in the industry?

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(Long pause) You are in a profession or a job where you have to reflect on yourself. The first and foremost mantra about acting is you have to reflect on yourself. It is a kind of meditation, where you see yourself as a third person and see yourself objectively. Once you understand yourself, then you put your understanding to the stories. You change when you start reflecting on different stories, situations and yourself. You start watching your traps and loosen up. If you don’t have an eye on the traps, you can’t even reflect, see or observe it, then your trap will suffocate you. Moreover, there is a difference between acting and acknowledgment from the audience. Acknowledgement is not just Kya badhia acting ki but but also the experience that a viewer gets. That deeper acknowledgement heals you that whatever

you are doing is reaching out to the audience. Your own experience through stories is reaching people. And that is more precious. This acknowledgment. o How do you get into the skin of the character? Whenever we see you playing any role, there are nuances, a look that passes across your face, that say more about the character than the words or the emotions. How do you imbue your characters with layers? There is no method. There is no place where they teach you realistic acting. It is more about trial and error. If you go to Hollywood, there are schools where you are taught ways to approach a character. We don’t have that model here. In drama school, we were introduced to all kinds of theatre and their methods. We came to know about the stylistic traits of a

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Sanskrit or Parsi theatre. We were taught everything but there was no specialisation in realistic acting. But coming to how I get into the skin of the character, I can say that the situations are not foreign, they are personal. You have to personalise them and by doing so, the character, situation and story starts reflecting life. You do not reflect on a situation superficially. You are not a cardboard. You are behaving according to a real life situation. When you behave like you would in the real world, then even your breathing is in sync. That’s how your inner core gets reflected in your acting. o Has cinema changed and evolved to accommodate actors who perhaps do not want to dance or be glamorous? Has it changed for the better? It still hasn’t reached the stage where it was in the sixties. But thankfully it has started changing after 2000 when the multiplex revolution happened and there was exposure to different kinds of cinema. The audience has changed, evolved and is open to fresher takes. Now we don’t need formula films. The audience wants so much more than what we are capable of giving. It is much more ambitious and evolved. Demand is more, supply is less. o How supportive were your parents about your decision to join cinema? They weren’t. I did not even tell them that I was working in the industry. Initially, I just told my

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THE AUDIENCE HAS CHANGED, EVOLVED AND IS OPEN TO FRESHER TAKES. NOW WE DON’T NEED FORMULA FILMS. THE AUDIENCE WANTS SO MUCH MORE THAN WHAT WE ARE CAPABLE OF GIVING. IT IS MUCH MORE AMBITIOUS AND EVOLVED

SLUMDOG WAS A SMALL FILM THAT DID HUMONGOUS BUSINESS. SUDDENLY HOLLYWOOD STARED THINKING THAT THERE WERE SO MANY POSSIBILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES HERE. THEY ARE VERY ALERT, ON TOES. THEY SEEK TALENT. THEY ARE EAGER TO INCORPORATE VARIETY

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mother that I was joining NSD because at the end of the course, I would get a lecturership. It was when she came to the drama school and saw that there was so much of study involved that she was reassured that I wasn’t fooling around and getting on stage for the heck of it. o Don’t you think Slumdog Millionaire and Life of Pi strengthened some cliches about India? But they also changed the dynamics. Both had a completely Indian cast and an Indian story. Slumdog was a small film that did humongous business. Suddenly Hollywood stared thinking that there were so many possibilities and opportunities here. They are very alert, on toes. They seek talent. They are eager to incorporate variety. So you see more and more actors are going there and more will, in future. Hollywood studios want to expand. They have already done it in other countries where they have paralysed their film industries. They have mastery over story-telling as they can address the audience in a universal manner. That’s why our youth and general audience, who are not getting enough home-grown material, are watching their series. We are losing out on that. o Is there any role you wish that you had done in the past or the present? Nothing. I just react to whatever comes my way.

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TIME HOP

Beat that

jet lag Here’s how you can avoid the bane of frequent flying RE-SET YOUR BODY CLOCK Shift your sleep and wake-up schedule by an hour every day four to five days before your date of travel. Try to reschedule your meal times. If flying east, advance it and if flying west, delay it. This gradual shifting will re-adjust your biological clock to the new time zone better and faster. TAKE AN OVERNIGHT FLIGHT If there’s an option, take an overnight flight and sleep through it (earplugs and eye mask help) so you don’t feel sleep-deprived on landing. If flying across several time zones, try to take a flight that arrives early in the evening so that you can sleep within a few hours of reaching. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER Pressurised airplanes make you dehydrated. Even if you don’t feel thirsty, drink a glass of water every two hours during the flight. GET COMFORTABLE Comfort trumps fashion — especially on long-haul flights. Wear loose-fitting clothes and shoes.

AVOID ALCOHOL High altitude travelling affects blood circulation and exaggerates the effects of alcohol. In-flight drinking dehydrates and worsens jetlag. CONSIDER TAKING MELATONIN In extreme cases, a doctor may give you melatonin. Studies show that taking a small doze of this hormone before bedtime after arrival in a new time zone can ease the transition. GET MOVING Walk around the cabin every hour or so. Physical activity improves blood flow and circulation – important for preventing deep vein thrombosis. Wearing compression stockings will also help avoid DVT – just make sure they are fitted to your correct size. PICK AN AISLE SEAT Passengers in window or middle seats are more susceptible to DVT than those in aisle seats because they’re less likely to move about the cabin.

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SUMMER SPORT

ROMANCE OF THE RHODODENDRON

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Dense forests of pine, oak and deodar cradling a stretch of breathtaking, unsullied beauty, Chopta is still an unhurried soul retreat, says ANUPMA KHANNA. Photos by PUNAM PAL

CHOPTA

RUDRAPRAYAG

SRINAGAR

SHIVPURI

DEVPRAYAG

RISHIKESH

HARIDWAR

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CHANCES

are that despite being an avid traveller, you have never heard of this gorgeous piece of earth. Perhaps that is also why Chopta remains a far more enthralling getaway than many â&#x20AC;&#x153;popularâ&#x20AC;? and crazily-crowded hill stations in Uttarakhand. It is a place of immense natural charm, untouched and absolutely amazing. Rolling meadows running hither thither between ancient oak forests, the sagely Himalayas lording over a perfection that has trickled down from paradise and silken brooks carrying the essence to eternity. A part of the Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Chopta is a fascinating destination for camping, trekking, adventure or just a tranquil holiday in the hills. Around 450 km from Delhi, it is one of the best offbeat destinations for a short break, especially in this season of hot summers in the

plains. As it is still a secluded spot, it forms for a budget-friendly holiday, costing only a small fraction of a stay in a popular hill station, while beckoning to a far more fascinating experience if you have a love for nature. Just 63 km from Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand, it can be accessed easily from Rishikesh. April to June is considered the best time to travel to Chopta, as the weather is a perfect pleasant. But it really depends on what you are seeking from your vacation for the winters have their own awesome charm â&#x20AC;&#x201D; snow skiing, snow-trekking in the wooded hills and absorbing the splendour of the white drape over the scenic landscape make an amazing experience too. Making a stay here even more salubrious for the spirit as much for the mind are the spectacular panoramic views of the imposing Himalayas. It is rather fascinating that this small region of refreshing pastures and evergreen forests offers views of as many as 41 Himalayan peaks, including

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the famous Nanda Devi, Bandarpunch, Neelkanth, Ganesh Parwat and Sumeru. From July to October, the secluded, protected sanctuary is drenched by the monsoon. Though it becomes difficult to camp out, after the rains, these grasslands don an exuberant charm. Come November and Chopta starts getting snow, a gorgeous affair that lasts till as late as March. By January, Chopta and the surrounding hill areas are swathed in a thick layer of snow measuring up to 7 ft. Though winters in this beautiful place are really harsh and one of the main routes to Chopta remains closed, the clear skies of the cold weather present the crispest views of the Himalayan ranges while the whiteout bestows an absolutely thrilling experience of expansive snowfields. During snowfall, Chopta can be reached via the gorgeous lake of Deoria Tal, a trek of around 12 km. Once in Chopta, there is plenty to do for some very memorable days. Take a walk in the verdant

meadows or bugyals as they are called locally, or decide to venture on an unexplored hike cutting through dense forests. Look around and spot in abundance beautiful birds of various hues and chirps of some rare Himalayan species or trek to the lake of gods â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Deoria Tal. If you are more of the adventurous DNA, include in your itinerary a thrilling rafting trip on the lower Alaknanda, replete with gushing rapids on a pristine stretch of the magnificent water course with other exciting activities like parasailing, kayaking, body surfing and cliff-jumping.

AND

of its many claims to glory, one of the most striking is its absolutely gorgeous buransh forests. Buransh is the local name in Uttarakhand for rhododendron. And few places match the lush cover of these beautiful flowers adorning the mountain roads. Such is the density of these remarkable red flowers that in seasons of

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their bloom, when beheld from a distance, the forest seems to be afire. Buransh holds a very special place in the culture and folklore of the Himalayan foothills. When the flower blooms after a long spell of harsh winters, women in the villages sing folk songs celebrating myths around it. On reaching Chopta, one is greeted by enthusiastic children of the region offering bunches of native rhododendron flowers beckoning us to eat the sweet red petals. While they offer it for free, the smile that lights up the innocent faces if you give them a small tip or even a candy in return is worth a million bucks. Buransh finds its place in the life of hill dwellers of the Himalayan region, including Chopta, in rather interesting ways. The flowers are gathered by locals and hand-pressed into exotic juice, a delectable speciality that is hugely popular among both the natives and travellers who get to taste it. As per the traditions of these hills, guests are welcomed with rhododendron juice or squash, something which has been coopted by upmarket resorts in popular hill stations like Mussoorie and Nainital. And as the winter makes way for warmer climes, villagers in Chopta and surrounding areas grind the petals to make a tangy chutney that they believe protects them from illnesses caused by the changing season. Then there is another famous

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local delicacy, buransh pakodas, that make for a delicious snack with a strong cuppa. The flower is also a significant offering to deities at religious rituals. And from the artist’s perspective, it offers a most exotic pallete, ranging from budding lavender to full blown blush, each moment gladdening in the sun. Importantly, even though Chopta is still a lesser-known and untouched hill region, it is best known for the Chopta-Tungnath-Chandrashila Peak trek. Chopta serves as the starting point for the trek to Tungnath temple, the highest Shiva temple in the world perched at an altitude of 12,073 ft. The shrine has weathered several centuries and stands tall on a ridge that demarcates the waters of Mandakini from those of the Alaknanda.

THERE

is a popular legend about the Pandavas and this shrine that still lives on over one thousand years of the temple’s purported age. The third of the “Panch Kedars”, Tungnath is believed to be the site where Lord Shiva’s hands or baahus were seen. Folklore also narrates that Lord Rama meditated on the Chandrashila peak that is approximately 2 km above Tungnath. Nestled between Chopta and Tungnath is an

arresting valley of woods, alpine pastures and ambrosial flowers. The place is also home to the musk deer. Another fabulous hike trail is from Chopta to the fascinating lake of Deoria Tal. This protected lake presents a surreal experience, surrounded by enchanting forests on all sides and offering a 300° panorama of snow-clad Himalayan peaks. There are many legends about the Deoria Tal that add to its charm. Like it is believed that the devas or gods bathed in this lake, from which it gets its name. The simple, welcoming locals narrate that Bheem, the strongest of the Pandavas, created the lake to quench his thirst. Beheld from this lake, the mighty Chaukhamba peak seems a stone’s throw away and its silvery reflection in the lucid waters is truly a captivating spectacle. Of the many pleasures that one experiences in unblemished backdrops like Chopta and Deoria Tal, perhaps the most overpowering is the aura of freedom that the mind and the soul sense being a small part of the expansive gorgeous universe, yet so one with it. Just as William Wordsworth had expressed ever so beautifully when he wrote, “How does the meadow flower its bloom unfold? Because the lovely little flower is free down to its root, and in that freedom bold.”

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WILD CARD

A HUNTED LEGACY Is JIM CORBETT still relevant today? His stories are not about hunting at all but the memoirs of a man who cared deeply about India’s natural history and the people of rural Kumaon — not only those who were victims of man-eaters but so many others who struggled for survival and fulfillment along the margins of the forest. STEPHEN ALTER pens a tribute on the naturalist’s birth anniversary this month

WHILE

writing the book, In the Jungles of the Night, a novel about Jim Corbett, a fictionalised account of one of the most celebrated and enigmatic naturalists that India has produced, I kept asking myself: “Is Jim Corbett still relevant today?” In the final section of the novel, he looks back upon his own experiences and puzzles over the dilemma of being both a hunter and a conservationist — the paradoxical legacy that Corbett left behind when he emigrated from India to Africa in 1947. Perhaps it is a hunter’s instincts that have brought me here to Kenya, all the way from the foothills of the Himalayas where I was born, to these alien escarpments in Africa where I will probably die. Though I seldom carry a gun any more and buy my guinea fowl and meat from a butcher shop rather than stalking wild game, those primal instincts remain. We hunt in order to perpetuate our species, even as we face the inevitability of extinction. In this process, the truest and most admirable traits we possess are inherited from our animal nature. It isn’t reason or religion that makes us a successful species, or the literature we read in school, or the patriotic discipline and dedication with which we defend our nation’s interests. Instead it is the primitive impulses we follow, which have been with us from our earliest incarnations. Whatever we may have become, Homo Sapiens were once nothing more than lonely hunters with no sense of right or wrong but only a feeling inside our marrow that somehow we must carry on. In that simple equation lies our sole claim to nobility and virtue. The survival of our species is the only moral choice we face. Hunting has been banned in India for almost half a century. Today the image of a shikari is anything but noble and under Indian law shooting wildlife is a “non-bailable offence.” Anyone who kills a tiger these days or a black buck or even a pheasant is considered a heartless criminal rather than an intrepid

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PHOTO: HUNT FOREVER

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PHOTO: IBG NEWS SERVICES AGENCY

sportsman. Conservation has become an ethical imperative and forestry officials, scientists, animal rights activists and NGOs are struggling to save species that were once targeted as fair game and open to extermination. All of this is a good thing and, hopefully, tigers and other wild creatures, as well as the habitat they occupy, will remain protected by law and public conscience. But the question arises in a country like India, where the vast majority of the population was born after hunting became illegal in 1972, is there any relevance to reading stories about tracking down and shooting tigers in a jungle? Are we really interested in the exploits of a colonial shikari like Jim Corbett, who made a name for himself by eradicating man-eating tigers and leopards in the 1920s and 30s? Though he was born in India, Corbett departed the country in 1947, at the time of independence, and emigrated to Kenya. Should he have any claim on our imagination and do his

books carry the kind of messages that resonate today? Yes. Jim Corbett is still relevant, but not necessarily for the same reasons that made him famous during his lifetime. In 2016, Corbett’s work entered the public domain, 70 years after his death. Oxford University Press no longer holds exclusive rights to his books and a number of Indian publishers have come out with reprints of Man-Eaters of Kumaon and other titles. The fact that Corbett is still considered a bankable author proves that many editors and readers still find his stories compelling. It must be emphasised that Corbett is still relevant today, not because he was a hunter, but because he was a writer. If he hadn’t published five books, recounting his experiences with wildlife, nobody would remember him today. Though he acquired a certain celebrity status in his time, as a “modernday dragon slayer,” (which is what his editor, RE Hawkins called him) by now his reputation as a White hunter would be as

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PHOTO: MINAR HOLIDAYS

dusty and moth-eaten as shikar trophies from the British Raj. Corbett never really set out to be a writer and his first publication was a small collection titled Jungle Stories, which he printed privately in Nainital and distributed among his friends. This slender volume was later revised and expanded into Man-Eaters of Kumaon, which has now sold more than four million copies worldwide. R.E. Hawkins deserves credit for having spotted and nurtured a literary talent, transforming Corbett from a campfire raconteur into a bestselling author. Ironically, the original self-published collection contains only one man-eater tale. Corbett’s primary interest as a storyteller was the natural and supernatural lore of the Indian jungles, not the number of animals he shot or how often he looked down the barrel of his rifle at a charging man-eater. Two of his books, Jungle Lore and My India, are not about hunting at all but the memoirs of a man who cared deeply about India’s natural history and the people of rural Kumaon — not only those who were victims of man-eaters but so many others who struggled for survival and fulfillment along the margins

of the forest. More than the weapons he carried, it was his skills of observation that made him a successful hunter. Corbett’s first-hand experiences and understanding of tiger behaviour have helped scientists develop strategies for their protection today. Through exciting narratives of the forest, he also contributed to our image of the tiger as an apex species — a predator that instills fear and awe in

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TRIPSCAM

human beings but is also vulnerable to our destructive impulses. Though most of Corbett’s stories focus on hunting, he was a naturalist first and voiced a need for wildlife conservation in India long before it became a popular refrain. In many ways, the pursuit and destruction of man-eaters was a vehicle for a larger more profound message — the appreciation and preservation of India’s natural heritage. Corbett believed that human beings are a part of nature and we must learn the lessons of the jungle, which remain relevant today, in a world where we are often separated from nature. As he writes, “The book of nature has no beginning as it has no end. Open the book where you will, and at any period of your life, and if you have the desire to acquire knowledge, you will find it of intense interest and no matter how long or how intently you study the pages, your interest will not flag for in nature there is no finality.” Jim Corbett, for better or worse, has been turned into a brand ambassador for eco-tourism in India. The Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve is one of the best-known wildlife destinations in India. Surrounding the park are dozens of lodges with names like Camp Corbett, Jim’s Jungle Lodge, Corbett Hideaway and so on. Statues of Corbett

have been erected, all of which show him with a somewhat pained expression as if he disapproves of his own hagiography. His former homes at Kaladunghi and in Nainital have been turned into museums, though they contain few relics or memorabilia. Corbett seems to have held on to very little and donated a rifle and several man-eater trophies to his publishers, who had no idea what to do with them. These days you can even buy Corbett rum, which is bottled at a distillery in the Terai, where the jungles of his youth have been felled and replaced with fields of sugar cane. By fictionalising Jim Corbett’s story, I hope I have been able to pay homage to his writing and humanity, as well as suggesting something of his legacy that lives on. Today we recognise that humananimal conflict is one of the key challenges of wildlife conservation. Corbett understood this problem as well as anyone and he had enormous empathy for the man-eater’s victims as well as the tigers and leopards that killed them. He recognised that there is no right or wrong in nature but rather a struggle in which, ultimately, we have the upper hand. While the circumstances were considerably different a century ago, many of the lessons from Corbett’s stories will help us preserve the dwindling jungles that remain.

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H A R D TA L K

YET TO BURN BRIGHT As reports of tigresses having more cubs and fertility campaigns abound, what nobody asks is if the litter make it to sub-adulthood. Big cat expert VALMIK THAPAR says that without stabilising the population and embracing new interventions, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no saving our wildlife heritage

I HAVE

over the last few years been shocked by the endless reports of the increase in tiger population in India and more recently reports of the increase in the fertility of tigers. I have spent 41 years serving the tiger and have never encountered so much misinformation about it. I will try to put the record straight. In my opinion, the population of the Indian tiger is around 1,500 to 2,000 and these figures climb up and down every few years depending on the field management of different landscapes. Between 2004 and 2008, we lost all the tigers of both Sariska and Panna tiger reserve and half the tigers of Ranthambore tiger reserve. Populations dipped sharply. Even today Buxa tiger reserve is without tigers and reserves like Dampha, Palamu, Indrawati and some others probably hold less than five tigers each. Instead of dealing with the root of the problems that led to the above disasters, we quickly tried to increase the number of tiger reserves, even adding areas that had no tigers in them like the Mukundra tiger reserve.

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Then we went into a new fashion of reintroducing tigers into reserves that have lost tigers. We have done this in Sariska and Panna and now plan to send Assam tigers to Buxa. We are fiddling around in farcical ways. No one was ever held accountable for the loss of tigers in our best reserves. We do not like solving existing problems or do hard field work. We jump over the problem and most of the time fall flat on our face. In the last decade, we produced endless glossy documents that cleverly blur the real crisis. We never call a spade a spade. I believe there was a little change in tiger numbers in the last decade. The techniques of counting tigers changed drastically and because of better science, the ground realities were more accurate. New reports of tigresses having 26 cubs and seven litters in a lifetime are hogwash unless she lost many of these litters before the cubs reached sub-adulthood. These cubs could not have survived and if they did, it must be proved. I have no record ever in the history of tiger conservation of such successful reproductive abilities. If proved true, it would be the first case in the tiger’s natural history anywhere on our planet. Anyone who works to manage wild tiger in or out of government cannot afford to live in a fool’s paradise. We have serious issues concerning tigers and most of our landscapes are plagued with problems. The challenges are enormous and just maintaining our present population of tigers will be a mammoth task. Let’s look at some critical issues that need urgent solutions.

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OUR JOB IS TO UNDERSTAND THE TIGERS’ NEEDS, NOT OUR OWN. ENGAGE WITH LOCALS, FINE-TUNE PATROLLING AND ANTI-POACHING MEASURES, RESTORE DEGRADED HABITATS AND PARTNER THE NON-GOVERNMENT SECTOR… THIS IS THE MENU FOR RESOLVING THE TIGER CRISIS

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[1] CHANGE IN MINDSET

THE

coordination authority that manages tigers is the National Tiger Conservation Authority or NTCA. It needs a mindset change. No more glossy reports please. We must end the stream of advisories to states. After all, states have as much wisdom as the Centre and do not require interference and obstacles in their governance. Managing tigers is a state subject and NTCA must be a facilitator, not a bully. It must respond to requests for help and stop instructing regions. Till the basic style of functioning in NTCA changes, there will be little respect for it. Their present role negates the smooth management of wild tigers.

[2] TRAIN FIELD STAFF

THE

forest department manages tigers in the field. They require a complete overhaul from the way they are recruited to how they are trained. Much neglected service urgently needs reform and fine-tuning that provides both passion and interest to the job on hand. It needs to be focussed back to the states and reoriented to site-specific issues. Till this change takes place, the crisis of the tiger will continue.

[3] LAND BANK

THE

future of the tiger will be dependent on one single fact. How much land is viable enough for tigers to occupy? It is very easy to say that India can have 8,000 tigers but how? We are a nation of 1.3 billion people and land is in short supply. The only way to increase population is to give tigers more land that has enough prey so they can survive. Easier said than done. Even some of our premium tiger reserves have huge degraded tracts of forest with no tigers in them. We still, after 43 years of Project Tiger, have not sorted this problem. Ranthambore tiger reserve has 400 km of forest with no tigers. It can only be addressed with better protection and innovative wildlife management that must include best practices in tourism.

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[4] ENGAGE LOCALS

ONE

of our weakest areas is engaging locals to protect tiger habitats. Inclusive protection is a key strategy in the future. Except for Ranthambore tiger reserve, where 30 to 40 village wildlife volunteers actively monitor and protect the buffer, no other tiger reserve in India can boast of the same. In fact, Ranthambore is a model in this regard. It also has some of the best tourism practices that have resulted in the park being totally self-sufficient. Innovative strategies between park management and the non-government sector have enabled this process.

[5] PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

tigers are to survive in our humandominated landscapes, then public-private partnerships and shared decision-making will be essential requisites for effective management. This will come by conflict resolution measures. There is no other way. Forest officers must partner the non-government sector. No longer can locals be bullied. They must turn into protectors and tourism revenue must flow back to the villages. Outsourcing the management of tourism will be a vital new initiative. Forest departments have no role in tourism management. Their focus must come back to the protection

and reducing conflict with the local population. We have enough problems on our plate. Our forest bureaucrats need an attitudinal change. We do not need more tiger reserves. We need to introspect and put right those that are malfunctioning. We need to restrict the reintroduction of tigers in areas and we must stop the fashion of endlessly radio-collaring tigers or medically treating them. Nature is best left alone to heal its own wounds. Our job is to understand the tigers’ needs, not our own. Engage with locals, fine-tune patrolling and anti-poaching measures, restore degraded habitats and partner the non-government sector…this is the menu for resolving the tiger crisis. As better habitats are created within tiger landscapes, tigers will breed. The best way forward is to have a tiger conclave in New Delhi where both the Centre and states participate only to listen to and encompass new ideas that are put forth by the non-government sector. Government must sit silent and be the listener. They must have the humility to learn. Only then will there be a fruitful working relationship. Our focus today must be to stabilise the population and embrace new interventions. There is not a minute to lose as India safeguards the world’s last population of wild tigers. — The writer has spent 41 years serving wild tigers

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RN INTE

CHAMPAKULAM BOAT RACE: Colourful boats with fascinating designs come together at the oldest snake boat race of Kerala. It is also the first boat race of the season. Both locals and travellers congregate at Champakulam in Alappuzha district to witness this unique spectacle of speed, skill and endurance. WHEN: July 1

DREE FESTIVAL: The festival is a one of a kind agriculture-related festival of the Apatani Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. This annual event is celebrated to seek the blessings of the Gods and Goddesses for harvest and protection of crops, mainly rice. There is singing, dancing, sacrificial offerings, prayers and other cultural performances. Dree Festival of Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most famous events of the state. WHEN: July 4-7

KARSHA GUSTOR FESTIVAL: The largest and most important monastery in Zanskar celebrates Karsha Gustor, a festival that marks the victory of good over evil. During the festival, monks perform a Black Hat Dance followed by a masked ritual. The Masked Hat Dancers symbolise the guardian divinities. One can look forward not just to the music and dance at the festival but also witness vibrant colours here. WHEN: July 31 to August 1

AT IO

ST IVA L

EVENT CALENDAR

FE O NAL MANG

Indian summers are incomplete without mangoes and this festival is an opportunity to relish them to the fullest. Head to the Mango Festival, at Dilli Haat, Pitampura, which celebrates everything about the ‘King of all tropical fruits’, for some juicy mango tasting. Organised by Delhi Tourism, the Mango Festival exhibits hundreds of mouth-watering varieties of mangoes like Dussehri, Langra, Chausa, Fazli, Neelam, Banganpalli, Alphonso along with new hybrids from different Indian states. WHEN: July 9 and 10 NJANGATTIRI AANAYOOTTU: It is an elephant feeding festival where the pachyderms are brought to the Njangattiri Bhagavathi temple and a veritable feast—sugarcane leaves, coconuts and other produce donated by devoteess—is laid out for them. The ritual is to appease the Hindu god, Ganesha. Unlike other elephant feeding festivals in Kerala, the animals are not bedecked in any decoration or jewelry. WHEN: July 21

BEH DEINKHLAM: The most important festival of the Pnar tribe of Meghalaya, Beh Deinkhlam is celebrated after agricultural sowing is over. Khlam means plague and beh dien means to drive away with sticks. Hence, the festival is held to drive away negative forces that may affect the crop. The festivities take place over three days, and culminate with a procession of chariots and ceremonial tree trunks (khnongs) to a sacred pool full of water. Another highlight of the occasion is a football match between locals. The winner is believed to have a bumper harvest. WHEN: July 16, 2017

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48 HOURS

AVIV

TEL

PLAYS

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This Israeli city has transitioned with tradition and redefined its modernity in an organic manner. While there’s the towering skyline of breakthrough achievements and intellectual engagement, there’s also the artists’ quarter, the languid cultural spaces, a vibrant nightlife and free-flowing ideas. And then there’s the beachfront. MALAVIKA BHATTACHARYA ambles through a mosaic of experiences

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EQUAL

parts hip and historic, Tel Aviv is Israel’s vibrant, thumping metropolis. The seafront city buzzes from dusk to dawn, home to innovative start-ups, experimental bars and cafes, a steady supply of shakshuka and falafel, eclectic boutiques, beautiful beaches and a pulsating nightlife. With its clusters of white Bauhaus buildings and neighbourhoods filled with many interesting museums and galleries, Tel Aviv has enough to keep visitors occupied for days on end. A common saying in Israel is that “Haifa works, Jerusalem prays and Tel Aviv plays” – an ethos that is reflected in the citizens’ work-hard-play-hard attitude. At the other end of the spectrum is Jaffa – a centuries-old trading port city with a distinctly Arab heritage – now seamlessly united with Tel Aviv’s modern quarters. Tel Aviv literally means the “hill of spring.” Here’s how to spend two days in a city where the sun shines brightly through the year.

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DAY 1 [ M O R N I N G ]

START

the day at Rothschild Boulevard – a broad, tree-lined avenue that offers a good introduction to the city’s history, culture and architecture. Tall and gnarled sycamore and ficus trees border the path, forming a natural arch over the avenue and offering much needed respite from the sun. Rothschild Boulevard is a gathering point for locales and tourists alike. Benches and coffee carts dot the street, ageing locales indulge in games of petanque, young boys zip past on skateboards and the cafes are always buzzing. The area is also known for its collection of unique heritage buildings, awash in white. When Jewish architects from Germany migrated and settled in Tel Aviv to escape the Nazi regime, they

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brought with them a unique architectural style called Bauhaus, a minimalistic design defined by stark lines, curving balconies, and geometrical shapes. Restored Bauhaus buildings are a recognisable motif in much of Tel Aviv today. The characteristic modernist style is seen in many of Tel Avis’s buildings – nearly 4,000 – but the largest cluster is here around Rothschild Boulevard. The ‘White City’ or collection of whitewashed, geometrically-designed Bauhaus buildings, has earned a UNESCO World Heritage status. Against the stark white frontages, palm fronds and clumps of bougainvillaea break the monochrome palette. Iconic buildings to watch out for include Levin House, what was once the former Russian Embassy, Baumel House and Dizengoff House. Rothschild boulevard is a great place to grab a coffee at an outdoor café and people-watch through the day.

The tree-lined Rothschild Boulevard is a gathering point for locals and tourists alike

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The architecture of many houses in Old Jaffa is distinctly European

[ A F T E R N O O N ]

the fringes of the Mediterranean sits Jaffa, Tel Aviv’s oldest quarter. The story of this 3,000-year-old port city by the sea is one of conquest and upheaval. It has passed through the hands of the Romans, the Persians, Alexander the Great and the Ottomans. The tales of this neighbourhood will leave any visitor wide-eyed. Napoleon Bonaparte’s forces breached Jaffa’s Southern Wall in 1799 – an event that is commemorated in a statue of the French leader. Yafo, as the locales know it, features in the Biblical stories of Jonah and Solomon and it was also conquered by Richard the Lionheart. Today, Jaffa is a charming departure from the frenetic pace of Tel Aviv. Sepia-coloured stone walls rise up to form archways over a maze of cobbled streets. The architecture is distinctly European, with many houses in Old Jaffa dating back to the 1830s. Start at St Peter’s Church and

wander the narrow alleys, descend the warren of stairs that often reveals glimpses of dazzling blue water in the distance and uncover the city’s most charming finds. Blue tiles featuring signs of the zodiac mark the zigzagging alleys leading down to the port, earning them the name “Zodiac Alleys.” The artists’ quarter here is a jumble of vintage art galleries, studios, wine shops, antique stores and cafés sheltered under the arches. In this beautiful setting, glamorous couples pose for wedding photo shoots at the Zodiac Fountain in Kedumim Square. The Ilana Goor Museum, housed in an 18th century building, houses art and furniture designed by Israeli and international artists. Check out the Artnova Gallery for eclectic pieces, sample pomegranate wine and don’t miss the cool artwork within the arches. Grab lunch at the iconic Dr Shakshuka – an alfresco restaurant in a quiet alleyway serving staples like couscous, shakshuka (a tomato and egg dish), hummus and schnitzel.

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[ E V E N I N G ]

TEL

Aviv’s vibrant theatre and music scene is a great way to experience the local culture. The Nalaga’at Centre is home to a theatre group comprising deaf and blind actors. Nalaga’at, which translates to “please touch” in Hebrew, is a uniquely inclusive concept, and the centre also houses the Blackout restaurant, where visually impaired staff assist people to “feel” and eat their meal in complete darkness. Check out a theatre performance or indulge in the unique experience of dining in darkness. Nearby flea markets in Jaffa are abuzz in the evenings, and Shuk Hapishpeshim is the most atmospheric of them all, selling bric-a-brac, curios, food and drink. At outdoor cafes and bars at the port, tables are

Anna Loulou, a hip bar, is always packed with people

filled with wine and mezze platters. Grab an outdoor table and watch the lights twinkle on the Mediterranean, before stopping by for a nightcap at Anna Loulou, a hip bar that’s always packed. Also at the port is the ultra trendy Container, a one-stop venue for food, drinks, music and art. The large space offers cocktails and seafood, hosts local live bands, frequent art shows and alternative events. Go here to experience the underground scene in Tel Aviv.

The Nalaga’at Centre is home to a theatre group comprising deaf and blind actors

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DAY 2 [ M O R N I N G ]

HEAD

to the buzzing Carmel market, also known as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;shukâ&#x20AC;?, for an early morning sensory overload. Sights, sounds, colours, flavours and smells come together in a healthy dose of Israeli culture in this local market of traditional food stalls, spices, dried fruits and curios. Heaps of red cherry tomatoes, stalls with fresh orange juice, deep vats of flavourful hummus, trays of bright orange kanafeh (a sweet pastry) and flaky bread rolls provide ample alternatives for breakfast on-the-go. Food stalls selling fried aubergine, shakshuka, pita and falafel do brisk business, as locales go about their daily shopping. Pick up samoke, a creamy hummus and pita from Hummus HaCarmel for sustenance as you bargain for local finds and shop for souvenirs. The frenetic pace of Carmel gradually gives way to the upmarket Sheinkin Street, where eclectic stores and boutiques showcase fashionable garments, designer ware and Israeli art. (Above) The upmarket Sheinkin Street has eclectic stores and boutiques. (Below) Sights, sounds, colours, flavours and smells of Israeli culture come together in the Carmel market

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Neve Tzedek is dotted with galleries, trendy restaurants and designer boutiques

[ A F T E R N O O N ]

ANOTHER

interesting area to check out is Neve Tzedek, with galleries and trendy restaurants, designer boutiques and ice cream parlours. One of Tel Aviv’s first neighbourhoods to be developed, the area has gentrified considerably over the years and is now among the priciest real estate in the city. Walk through the main street, Shabazi, and take a detour into the Nahum Gutman Museum of Art – an ode to the Israeli artist’s extensive body of work including paintings and writings. The Suzanne Dellal Centre is home to the Batsheva Company – one of Israel’s most famous dance troupes – and regularly hosts dance performances. Indulge in some retail therapy at Badim, a lovely fabric store with scarves, rugs, bedspreads, and gift items. Nearby, the Hatachana

Compound is a lovely outdoor area with a storied past. The beachfront mall used to be the city’s train station, built in the late 1800s. When the railway stopped functioning in 1948, the area fell into disrepair, until it reopened in 2010 in a completely new avatar. Now, the outdoor shopping centre houses boutiques and restaurants in historic buildings, while street performers, live music and art exhibitions are a common feature. At the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, check out a large collection of work by local Israeli artists, alongside modern and contemporary pieces by world-renowned artists such as Klimt, Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Anish Kapoor. Later, head over to the Azrieli Centre – a complex of towering skyscrapers – for sunset views. The circular glass observation deck on the 49th floor reveals panoramic views of the city and is a great place to catch the sunset.

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(Above) Indulge in watersports at the Jaffa beach. (Below) The ultra hipster neighbourhood of Florentin is a hub of street art

[ E V E N I N G ]

the sun lowers, head to the city’s beaches for some downtime. A great way to cover more ground is to hire a bicycle from a Tel-O-Fun rental and hop through the different beaches. Walk along the promenade or hit the parties along the sand strip. From Jaffa beach in the south to the central hub of Gordon and Frishman, to Hilton beach in the north, you’re bound to find something for everyone: watersports, lounging spots, people-watching, dining and dancing. Join the locales in a game of matkot, a ball game using paddles. The ultra hipster neighbourhood of Florentin is a hub of street art, alternative shops, kitschy stores and trendy vegan cafes. Wander through this neighbourhood for a night out on the town. The artwork on the walls of the area finds its way into Pachot M’Elef – a street art gallery where artists’ works are for sale as prints, phone covers or photos. It’s a great way to appreciate and own an otherwise impermanent form of art. Florentin 45 is a modern art space of unique creations by established and upcoming Israeli artists. The lanes are crammed with restaurants serving experimental food and great cocktails, and live music in bars like Hoodna is a common feature, making Florentin a perfect area for a night out on the town.

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PHOTO DIARY

HUMAN STORIES

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An exhibition of evocative black and white photographs of Bhutan, taken over a decade ago by SERENA CHOPRA, reveals the country’s soul

IN A farewell dance in Sakteng village: Merak has a charming custom of farewell tea ceremonies when a guest leaves. Women with now familiar faces were waiting with flasks of tea and bottles of chhang in the rain. A red carpet and an umbrella awaited us. All were waiting to say goodbye. There was a distinct lump in my throat as we exchanged gifts. I could still hear the farewell whoops as we disappeared over the last hilltop with a view of the village.

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2002, Serena Chopra visited Bhutan for the first time and left a part of herself behind, reclaiming it on her many visits since. Her first trip was a usual vacation with friends but she saw something else through her lens. A warmth that led her to make friends with her local subjects. Such was the karmic connect that they offered her their homes so that she could tell their stories. “Bhutan has held a special attraction for me since 2002. My next trip was in 2007. I decided to bring out a book of black-and-white photographs of the people I met, who later became my family.” She spent five years photographing a community as it experienced a shift towards modernity and put it together as Bhutan, A Certain Modernity (2007). Wide views of the rural mountainous landscape flow into voyeuristic flashes of dancers at a

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The sacred coat of mail at the Tamshing Lhakhang in Jakar

Doi Tseri, a Lhop tribesman in Loto-Kuchu: Doi Tseri came over to our campsite in the morning. He wore the tribal Lhop dress and the green Tshirt underneath was torn; he also wore a long knife in a scabbard around his waist. Doi Tseri was barefoot and yet he looked so regal that I could not resist asking him to pose for a photograph against the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;leaf-wallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. He took us for a walk around the village and also to his home. His wife offered us tea and after a while, I used this opportunity to photograph their house.

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Nima Chozom at Merak village

nightclub; many of the same individuals from the clubs are seen intimately praying at home or in a temple. Portraits of the royal family mingling with images of farmers in the hills, invoking the spectrum of serenity and chaos of Bhutan as it crosses the past and the future. Land-locked between India and China, and

isolated for centuries, the kingdom of Bhutan is known for its remarkable mission-statement of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gross National Happiness.â&#x20AC;? At the crossroads in its history, its visionary monarch, His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck, who originally coined the term Gross National Happiness in the 1970s, decided to invest in the creation of a new modern

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East Bhutan: Wangdi on his horse, also named Wangdi at Merak village

Yak Cham performers in Merak village: The Yak Cham was enacted for me in the morning. Many villagers and children had come to watch the dance. I noticed that many women had their hair braided with colourful ribbons and tied around their heads. Some of them were wearing long strands of corals and cat’s eyes beads. Many of the men wore track pants and gumboots, while others were in more formal Brokpa attire.

society that matured gently while remaining rooted in its faith, identity and culture, even while opening its doors to economic and technological advancement. “It was my personal choice to shoot in black and white. For me, these are more effective and I can express the essence of my subject

when its stripped of the way I am accustomed to seeing things.” Chopra’s vivid and classical photographs span everyday life in Bhutan and provide insights into the challenges faced by the Bhutanese people as they strive towards a more holistic idea of modernity that is inclusive of their heritage. So she

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captures everything from the bustling, modern capital of Thimphu with its beauty salons, pool clubs and teens smartly dressed for disco nights, to the quiet, contemplative gazes of the herders, the nuns and the farmers in remote regions, such as Merak and Loto Kuchu, where the traditional ways of life remain frozen in time. For Chopra, the

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journey into Bhutan was also one of self-discovery as the beautiful country drew her deeper into her first love, photography. She says â&#x20AC;&#x153;My inner experience of Bhutan, with my camera at hand, has been very special: a journey that in some way has dissolved much within me, enabling me to reveal and expand myself.â&#x20AC;?

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R O A D S TA R S

One can dig into world cuisine, bend grammar and go for a crazy twist at food trucks, says PRIYANKA JOSHI. Photos by PANKAJ KUMAR

FOOD

PLEASE!

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six in the evening and colourful trucks have started lining up on one side of a park. Lighting strobes and cool graphics draw oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention as eyes wander from one truck to the next. But it is the food that these offer out of their roll-down windows that makes people stay and become regular customers. I am waiting for my serving of vegetarian Manakeesh from a Lebanese counter, a spongy, spice-crusted bread for any season. Though I am not a big foodie, thanks to my husband I have experimented with a

variety of flavours and cuisines. This quest for good food has made me realise that it is not dependent on location. It is as easy or as difficult to find at a fine dining restaurant or a roadside vendor. It was this search that found me one day making my way to Gurgaon, which of late, has become synonymous with food trucks in Delhi/NCR. At the happening Sector 29, there are 60 vans compared to last year, when the number was much lower. But what is it about the food truck that makes it stand out from the food vans of yore? Space, hygiene

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and cleanliness, things which often fell by the wayside in vans, are essentials here. And there is more. Subhasree Bhaduri, owner of Romeo, which serves English food, says, “Earlier we had Chinese food vans which were very simple. People didn’t modify them as we do now. A smart and modern stainless steel kitchen is a must for the kind of fare that we prepare.” While the food truck business is not a new concept, a whole new spin has been added. While countries like United States, China, Australia, England have a large number of food trucks, in India a clutch of entrepreneurs has come up with different ideas to attract people and serve a variety of food. Satya Pratap Singh owner, The Rolling Kitchen, “My partner Gaurav Rathi and I got together a year back to start this business. Initially, we bought a second-hand truck and painted it. Then we decided to do something different and opened a Lebanese food joint so that our menu is different from the rest. Many of our customers tell us that we are the only ones who offer authentic Lebanese in Delhi NCR.” The employees of The Rolling Kitchen, just like their cuisine, stand out, thanks to their chic uniforms. Regular customers vouch for the food that they serve. Sunil Kumar, who used to work in Gurgaon, often made his way to The Rolling Kitchen but since his shift to Greater Noida, the visits have become

infrequent. “Whenever I am around, I make sure to have chicken shawarma.” The speciality shawarma and fish are their specialities. The Rolling Kitchen also has rolls, mezze platter, hummus pita and kebabs. “Not only that, we are the only one who serve Manakeesh with zaatar and sumak spreads which we import from Dubai,’’ says Satya. The Manakeesh is a crispy and a little chewy Lebanese round dough that is filled with different spreads like zaatar, cheese and vegetables. It is baked in a traditional open flame oven. One bite and I was a convert for life. For now, if I had to pick just one food to eat for the rest of my life, Manakeesh it would be!

NOT

just Lebanese, you can dig into Thai cuisine, savour wood-fired oven pizzas, Indian and even speciality ice creams. There are various Asian cuisine outlets as well as those

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with American burgers, hot dogs, salads and fries. The latest champs are different Latin and South American dishes and nouvelle attempts at fusion. Anup Sharma and his partner Abhijan came from Guwahati and decided to stir up the market with something different. They started Freeze Up, which serves ice-cream rolls and nitrogen ice creams. “The concept is from Thailand. We use the cream as the base on an extremely cold steel surface that resembles a pizza pan. Metal spatulas are then used to chop toppings on the base and scrape them around to beat in air. Once the base is frozen solid, it is spread thinly and scraped at an angle to create the magnificent rolls of ice cream. The rolls are then placed carefully in a cup and topped with items of your choice and flavour.” Within a month, people have started placing orders for events and wedding orders with them.

Manish Trivedi started New York Pie-Zzeria six months ago. “We realised that there is no wood fire pizza oven here and decided to fill the gap. Another thing that is different is the use of Indian flavour in the pizzas,” he says. The wood-fired oven is superior to other ovens as it can reach the soaring temperatures required for a properly cooked, slightly charred and crusted Italian-style pizza.

ANOTHER

truck called Menu started its operations recently in June. Yogesh Sharma, owner, says, “Earlier I have worked in the real estate sector and then followed it up with mobile. If this works out, I will follow it up with a restaurant, which needs more investment.” Clearly, the concept of food trucks has found favour with the customers. Says Rashmi Shah, a

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F O O D

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T R U C K S

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T O

D R I V E

MUMBAI MUMBAI ROLLING KITCHEN, AIROLI: Opened four months ago by 28-year-old Sagar Waghule, you can find everything from Hyderabadi kebabs to grilled sandwiches here. The Mumbai Shahi has the spiciest bang for the buck — with tandoori chicken, masala omelette and enough mint raita to soak both. Pramod Katoj, 24, an engineering student, says she returns often for the Mumbai Rolling Kitchen burger (`125). EAT N’ RUN, PAREL: The truck is parked inside Empire Complex in Lower Parel, under a stretch of green awning. Catering mostly to office-goers in the mill and nearby offices, the truck’s menu consists of sandwiches, cold coffee and momos with a tomato-based spicy sauce. They also serve aam panna and kokam sherbet. PANINARO, ANDHERI EAST: The Paninaro food truck serves two functions for the chain restaurant —it works as a testing ground for new markets, and also as a fully-functional outlet. The menu, as at the other outlets, features bread-heavy sandwiches and brownies.

regular visitor, “I love to eat out and head to the food trucks at least once a week. I mostly prefer fusion food because it’s a creative process of blending elements and practices of different regions around the globe. Every time I come here, I try something new.” Not just customers, the food truck business is a win-win situation for the owners as well. For many would-be restaurateurs, they are a slightly less expensive way to test waters. Building a successful restaurant brand takes time and a wrong turn makes the journey even more circuitous and longer since re-branding takes time. Prateek Khera, owner of Me So Hungry, says, “I started the food truck one year ago with Thai cuisine and also ran a catering business. Right now, I have one truck and in two years I see myself going up

T O

R I G H T

N O W

BENGALURU THE SPITFIRE BARBECUE TRUCK: Known for their New York-style Chilli Hot Dogs, Hickory-Smoked Barbecue Chilli Chicken Pops and slow cooked Pork Ribs. Their tagline says it all, “It’s no sin to get sauce on your chin.” THE SWAT TRUCK: Molten Cheese Nachos, Peri Peri Prawns, Fish and Chips, Beef Burger, BBQ Pork Ribs and Chops are crowd pleasers from the menu. Their Deep Fried Oreos dessert is a house speciality. FUEL UP: Chicken wings drenched in BBQ Sauce, meaty Potato Skins and crunchy nachos for starters, Burrito Bowls and Fajita wraps for mains, Fuel Up mostly serves Mexican fare with Churros and Creme Brûlée for dessert.

to eight to ten trucks.” Khera is not keen to open any restaurant as the costs involved vary based on concept, atmospherics, design and the signature menu. Opening a high-end dining establishment can begin at `30 lakh and run into the millions. On the other hand, a food truck with an identical menu can cost as little as `2 to 3 lakh. “By starting small, you will learn many of the same lessons in a truck as you would in a restaurant. Operating any food service business is risky but if your idea fails, you would rather have a smaller investment to lose than a much larger one,” says Khera. With the growing number of trucks and realising that the business is here to stay, a licence is now essential to start your window to the world. A local inspector can drop in anytime. And the lure of food then will not be good enough!

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GURUSPEAK

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LIFE

Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru

is a continuous graph of happiness and sorrow, ups and downs, respect and disrespect. Your work is to maintain equanimity. There are so many events that take place in life. So many situations arise. Are you able to remain peaceful under all those conditions? When you are going through really rough times and you are able to laugh, then understand that you have protection within you. It is the difficult times that tell you how equanimous you are. Anger, jealousy, hatred, greed, anxiety, fear, stress, depression, blame and possessiveness are paraphernalia. These negative emotions are nothing but love upside down. Similarly, peace is not just absence of conflict but a positive inner emotion. We have to become aware of this peace inside and allow our smiles to reflect the true sign of the prosperity that lies inside us. There are three kinds of peace â&#x20AC;&#x201D; peace in the environment, peace in mind and peace in soul. In this world, everything cannot be perfect all the time. Unfortunately the mind has a tendency to grab the imperfection and hold on to it. It is imperative to get out of this downward spiral and become strong and courageous from within.

When you are going through really rough times and you are able to laugh, then understand that you have protection within you. It is the difficult times that tell you how equanimous you are

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Here are some practices that will help you remain centred and not be shaken by events or negative emotions. o Present Moment: If you can win over your mind, you can win over the whole world. The mind is responsible for our happiness as well as misery. When the mind is in the present moment, everything appears to be beautiful. However, when the mind is a mess, even in the best of places it can find a thousand reasons to be miserable. We need to bring our mind to the present moment. This can be done through yoga, pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation. Meditation not only relieves you of negativity and strain, it also enhances your abilities, strengthens your nervous system and mind, releases toxins from the body, makes you more capable and improves you in every way. o Viveka (Discrimination): This is remembering that all this is not permanent; everything is temporary. When you are not going to be here, what about your boyfriend, girlfriend, prestige, honour, money and everything else? We will die one day and leave all this. Wake up and realise that life is temporary. So for your years, think about spreading happiness among and behaving well with others. When this realisation strikes a deep cord within, then the mind becomes a witness. o Vairagya (dispassion): Say “so what” again and again. “Okay this is like that, so what?” Vairagya brings you freedom; it makes you subtle and frees you from within. The mind can withdraw from the five senses and go to its own source from where thoughts and emotions come. The mind contracts when it is unhappy and time appears to be too long. The mind expands when it is happy and time appears to be too short. But there is something within us that does not change — it is the point of

reference through which we are able to recognise that everything else changes. This subtlest, unchanging aspect of our existence is the self. This knowledge of the self helps one live in the present moment and be in a state of perfect health. o Invoke the valour in you: Tackle the challenge/situation/emotion with confidence. Through history, we have seen that the world has gone through harder times and come out stronger. What is the sorrow that you are afraid of? What is going to happen to you? You have gone through many problems. You passed through that. You have passed through many stumbling blocks in life, which you thought were impossible. Yet you remained untouched by any of them. Nothing could ever shake you. It appeared to have shaken you at that moment but later on you found that you are as complete as were before. Know that even this problem will go away and you do have the energy and power to overcome it. You will get selfconfidence by understanding and looking at your own past. o Serve others: The world has greater and bigger problems and yours will appear

MEDITATION NOT ONLY RELIEVES YOU OF NEGATIVITY AND STRAIN, IT ENHANCES YOUR ABILITIES, STRENGTHENS YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM AND MIND, RELEASES TOXINS FROM THE BODY, MAKES YOU MORE CAPABLE AND IMPROVES YOU IN EVERY WAY

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NEGATIVE EMOTIONS, DEPRESSION AND LOW FEELINGS CANNOT TOUCH YOU. HOWEVER BIG THE CLOUDS ARE, THEY CANNOT OVERSHADOW THE SUN. IT COULD BE THE DARKEST DAY BUT STILL IT WILL REMAIN DAY, AND THOSE CLOUDS CAN NEVER MAKE IT NIGHT

smaller. The moment your problems appear smaller, you will get the energy and confidence to deal with them or solve them. In simple words, serve those who are in greater need. Then take a look at your own life. o Surrender: Negative emotions, depression and low feelings cannot touch you. However big the clouds are, they cannot overshadow the sun. It could be the darkest day but still it will remain day, and those clouds can never make it night. So, when clouds are there, don’t shiver but just go deep, observe and you will see a lot of sensations and fears rising up. If you try to fight with your feelings, they take a longer time to clear. So, agree with it, “All right, let it be. I will dive into it today.” An amazing thing happens within you — a phenomenon called surrender or letting go. Surrender means that which you cannot handle, keep it on a plate and offer it to god. You cannot handle your own feelings, you cannot handle your own thoughts, your own confusion, your situation, so trust god saying, “Oh, this is too much for me, please take care of this. Relieve me.” Then you relax. o No more self-doubt: In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says, “When doubt enters the heart of an individual, he is totally lost and becomes miserable.” So make sure that you recognise that you are most loved by the Divine. No more doubt about that and no more self-doubt. If you keep on grumbling, the negativity in you will increase. There is a proverb in the Bible as well that says, “Those who have will be

given more, those who do not have, whatever little they have, will also be taken away.” That is very true. In the mind, if there is lack of contentment and you are complaining and grumbling, then you should become aware of it and snap out of that state. You must take responsibility for that, it is very important. Do everything happily. Walk, talk, sit happily; even if you complain against somebody, do it happily. o Power of Prayer: Having faith is to realise that God’s protection is there for you. If your faith shakes quickly when difficulty strikes, you will not be able to face it. If you have faith, you will be able to find a solid ground. Most importantly, always remember a strength present in you — Prayer and power of your sankalpa (positive intention). Prayer is a vital tool to improve your life. When you feel the obstacle is too much to handle, deep prayer can work miracles. Prayer happens when you feel utterly helpless or when you feel totally grateful. Both are authentic and always get answered. The act of praying itself has the power to bring transformation. Realise that you are not alone in these difficult times. There is always an unseen hand working for you. So, let go of whatever has happened and move happily into the future. Don’t be afraid. Take life in its totality. Some pleasant, some unpleasant experiences happen and then they go away. Know that the best will happen to you and move ahead. — Courtesy: www.artofliving.org

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BLITHESPIRIT

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I Magandeep Singh Sommelier

fondly remember the rhyme, “Rain, rain, go away…” It was a heart-felt plea to Mother Nature from a young boy who was born in an era when playing hide and seek passed for the ultimate thrill. There were no mobile phones, no gaming devices, no range of movie theatres or malls to pack and very little money to do any of these even if they had existed. The outside, then, was the only place that could provide entertainment free and endless, as long as it wasn’t raining. Today we avoid the rain but for very different reasons; armed with our phones, laptops, gimbals and other techno-gadgetry, we dash and duck under parapets and awnings, all in an effort to ensure that our digital lives don’t get drenched and die. In other words, when it rains, one mostly stays indoors. And when one stays indoors one needs something to keep the mind occupied. Tea and samosas then are like that Pavlovian instinct which we have come to associate with rainy days, and consider it the best way to distract the mind when stranded indoors. Here are a few other ways to beat that rainy spell.

RAINY DAY RUNDOWN Be it a Martini, Rosé, white rum or even coffee, try a sip to lift your mood on a damp day

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MARTINIS: Well, since it’s wet outside, a Martini should keep us dry on the inside. This classic was ideally made using gin stirred gently with Vermouth. Today, many prefer it with vodka, shaken and the Vermouth is mostly forgotten: basically, chilled vodka in a glass! Classic or the Bond way, both are as dry as British humour. My current gin pick is the Christopher Wren and with a touch of Lillet, it creates magic. SHERBETS: India is easily divided into two parts, one which likes sherbets and the other which doesn’t. From Rose to Khus, the north thrives on them while the south pulls away in disgust. To me, these are great flavours for a damp day, with or without mixing with alcohol. I would even get as nostalgic enough to suggest having it with cold milk. ROSÉ WINES: I guess the dreariness of a grey day needs to be broken with the most colourful of options. Rosé wines can be a great rescue but even more so are rosé sparkling wines. A good pink hue with bubbles is just the kind of spirit lifter a damp day needs. My current pick would be the Laurent Perrier Rosé champagne or else a soft and easy Mateus from Portugal. COFFEE: While the north regales with tea and samosas, coffee is also finding favour. A long style drink (not espresso or ristretto) can be a good accompaniment to the pitter-patter outside. Recently I am hooked to this brand called Classic, which hails from the region of Coorg and have been at it for five generations. They have different styles for different times of the day (as also different suggested ways to have them): go with the matinee in a French press and add a touch of milk and sugar to your cup for a zesty daytime drink. WHITE RUM: Often people mistake rum as a spirit that’s always dark which is not true. A light (or white) rum can be a lovely daytime drink, one that can be enjoyed by itself on the rocks. The lingering taste of sugarcane in the background is a great aftertaste. To me it also presents earthy notes which aren’t too different from petrichor. Try it next time the clouds come calling, pour yourself a good wine rum on the rocks and see how smoothly it pairs. My brands du moment are Appleton, 10 Cane or the ubiquitous Bacardi Superior.

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HOTWHEELS

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Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert

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SAYING IT WITH AN ESTATE

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The newest estate from Volvo’s stable, the V90 Cross Country, is a rather brilliant idea since it combines the rough road ability of an SUV with the performance of a sedan

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THE

road from Mangalore to the cloud covered hill station of Madikeri is quite well maintained and in the upper reaches of the Western Ghats the road is nice and twisty as well. A perfect place to take a sporty little hatchback then. But I didn’t have a sporty little hatchback, I had the surprisingly large Volvo V90 Cross Country. The V90 Cross Country is the third of the next-generation ‘90’ series of large cars introduced in India by the Swedish carmaker. It follows the XC90 Sports Utility Vehicle and the S90 sedan launched last year. Both those cars are quite large as well, but while the XC90 is a full-size SUV and the S90 a large luxury sedan, the V90 is wait for it, an estate. In this case, in Volvo’s ‘Cross Country’ form a raised estate with more than enough ground clearance at 210 millimetres. But it is an estate after all and estates haven’t done very well in India. The last estate on sale was Audi’s RS6 Avant and people didn’t care what body shape that car was because it had 550 horses under the hood. Before that you had the Indigo Marina from Tata Motors, the Altura from Maruti, the Octavia Combi from Skoda and the much maligned but rather brilliant Adventure from Fiat. None of these cars did very well and that scared most Indian manufacturers from launching estates. But here is a simple thing, the V90 Cross Country is a rather brilliant idea since it combines the rough road ability of an SUV with the performance of a sedan, well in this case a large sedan because it doesn’t have the additional height and weight of an heavy SUV. And you do couple this with an incredible amount of storage space, although you lose the third row of seats, but how often do owners use those? Almost never.

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Back to the car, driving the V90 Cross Country which features Volvo’s two-litre diesel in a 235 horsepower specification is quite rewarding in the hills. Switch the car to dynamic mode, which makes the steering heavy but also tightens up the suspension and throttle response which makes it really good fun. But do be warned it could lead to your fellow passengers losing their lunch. Volvo has introduced something called “Power Pulse” on this engine, which keeps a tank of compressed air to spool the turbo up faster so while there is still a little bit of lag, it is almost imperceptible. And the eight-speed gearbox gets the job done

fabulously well, and in most circumstances you do not find yourself needing to use the steering mounted gear levers.

BUT

the nicest thing about modern Volvos have been their superb interiors, and while the V90 continues the family look with the 9-inch touchscreen control panel, there are some really nice touches. The machined aluminium interior door handles and speaker covers add a touch of class which rival cars lack. Similarly, the two-tone leather finish with counter stitching makes the inside of this car a place you really want

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to be inside. The driver and passenger seats both have a message function along with ventilation, so your back is both cool and relaxed. Even after the four hour drive back to Mangalore Airport one actually felt fresh, possibly even refreshed. But we come back to the same issue, this is an estate and this class of cars despite its undeniable sense has failed on the sales front. Can Volvo change its image? Well, for one this will be cheaper than a XC90 and it is more fun to drive. It is also surprisingly spacious inside with loads of luggage room and rear seat legroom. If you drive over bad roads or even venture into the mud the all-wheel

drive keeps it going and the ride is superb. And as mentioned above, the interiors are superb and the Bowers and Wilkins sound system is at another level. Volvo India is also launching this car with one fully loaded trim level. The only option buyers will have is choosing between 19 and 20 inch wheels, the latter being the variant I drove.

the Volvo V90 Cross Country ticks all the boxes and if you are looking for a car in the `60 lakh range you really couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t do any better. Now for Indian buyers to give up their reluctance of choosing to buy an estate.

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GROWTH IMPETUS

EMPOWER THE MARGINALISED Union Minister for Tribal Affairs JUAL ORAM has been making continuous efforts towards the empowerment of this neglected section of society for the last three years. He talks to VIRENDRA SINGH NEGI about his initiatives and future plans Proposals are being mooted to dilute the role of Gram Sabhas while giving green clearances to projects? What are your views on them? There are some provisions under different Acts to make sure that this does not happen. For instance, the provisions of the Forest Rights Act 2006 need to be strictly adhered to keeping in view legislative intent of the said Act and the primacy of the Gram Sabhas in democratic governance. The act doesn’t provide any exemption to any category of projects. Moreover, section 5 of the Forest Rights Act 2006 empowers the holders of forest rights, the Gram Sabhas and the village level institutions to protect wildlife, forests, water catchment areas, biodiversity and the cultural and natural heritage of forest dwellers. It also aims to “ensure that the decisions taken in the Gram Sabha to regulate access to community forest resources and stop any activity which adversely affects the wild animals, forest and the biodiversity are complied with.” It needs to be pointed out that the central role of the Gram Sabhas in development initiatives is not unique to

the Forest Rights Act 2006. It also finds a mention in the Panchayats (Extension to the Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 (PESA) where consultation with panchayats is a necessary pre-condition for identification of any land in the Scheduled Areas for development projects. The Right of Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, requires consent of the Gram Sabha for acquisition of land in Scheduled Areas for development. The role of the Gram Sabha has received affirmation from the Supreme Court in the Orissa Mining Corporation vs Ministry of Environment and Forests and Ors, 2013 (6) SCALE 57, wherein the apex court has clearly stated the central role of Gram Sabhas (which in Odisha is called Palli Sabha) in entertaining and determining community or individual forest rights claims. The court also specified that the Gram Sabha was free to consider all the community, individual as well as cultural and religious claims over and above the claims which have already been received from Rayagada and Kalahandi districts.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has voiced his opinion on skill development which includes the tribals. What are the steps being taken in this regard? In India the total number of tribals is 10.45 crore which constitutes 8.6 per cent of the total population of the country. Out of this, only 5.09 crore Scheduled Tribe persons are workers. The fact that tribals need special attention is obvious from their low social, economic and participatory indicators. Skill is a catalyst for economic growth and community development. There is an urgent need for skill development among young aspirants in a systematic manner. Skill building empowers individuals and improves social acceptance. There is a widening gap between the supply and demand for skilled manpower across various industries. Only 2.3 per cent of the total workforce in India has undergone any skill training. Many areas are devoid of skilled capacity and the industry faces a shortage. People with formal education are not equipped for jobs. Today the youth have rising aspirations, seek better jobs and higher incomes. Skill knowledge and development is important given the increasing pace of globalisation and technological changes in the world. Skill building improves the efficacy and contribution of labour to production and is also an instrument to empower the individual and improve their social acceptance. India has the potential to become a worldwide hub for skilled employees. The Government of India has opened new windows for skill development and creation of job opportunities within the country. Funds are being provided for skill development under Special Central Assistance to Tribal Sub-Plan (SCA to TSP) and through Article 275 (1) grants to the states. In their turn, the states assess the skill requirement and send proposals to the Ministry for funding in various trades, be it as drivers, nurses and so on. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs a scheme for Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) whereby free vocational training facilities are extended to tribal youth. The scheme in tribal areas is demand-driven. The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) is setting up one multi-skills institute in all districts under the scheme of Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). The goal this year is to start

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state-of-art skill centre in each tribal district. The states have also been requested to follow the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). The preservation of their culture and languages is another concern for tribals. Do you have any plans for that? The Scheduled Tribes comprise about 8.6 per cent of the population (census, 2011) of the country and the policy adopted in independent India reaffirms the commitment of the state to preserve and protect the distinctive culture, habitat and language of the tribes. However, despite political, social and economic commitments, development gaps exist between tribal and non-tribal people. The uniqueness of the tribal culture is disappearing fast. Understanding, promoting and preserving their culture is of prime importance. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs has been extending financial support to Tribal Research Institutes (TRls) set up in various states by the state governments for undertaking certain specific activities. Activities to be undertaken under this scheme interalia include: Preserving and promoting tribal culture through documentation work, tribal festivals and son; Documentation of intangible heritage/ arts and crafts of the tribal communities in various modes: models, audiovisuals, written form; Conducting ethnographic and anthropological studies and supporting fellowship; Developing data base for STs and PVTGs (Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) including collection of documentation, translation and publication on the tribal heritage, festivals, oral and visual folklore,arts, local games, sports, songs, literature and so on; Development and printing of primers in tribal languages / local official languages. Organising tribal exhibitions, dance and painting events and competitions, documenting art and craft to provide protection under Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) regime; Monographs on tribal communities; Preparation of books/dictionaries of tribal languages; At present, assistance is being provided to 21 Tribal Research Institutes (TRls).

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ACHIEVEMENTS Forest Rights Act (FRA): The Ministry paid special attention to the proper implementation of Recognition of Forest Rights Act, 2006, which was aimed to grant the forest rights and occupation in forest land, in forest dwelling Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers who have been residing in such forests for generations but whose rights could not be recorded. Minimum Support Price (MSP) to Minor Forest Produce (MFP): In order to ensure fair returns to the MFP collected by tribals, the Ministry in 2013-14 introduced a scheme for marketing of Minor Forest Produce (MFP) through Minimum Support Price (MSP) and development of value chain for MFP. This was initially implemented for 10 items in states with scheduled areas. In November 2016, the scheme was extended to all states and 14 new items were added. The states can independently fix the MSP 10 per cent above or below the MSP rate decided by the ministry. Initiative to arrest spread of Sickle Cell Anaemia: A protocol for Sickle Cell Management was issued in March 2015 to control spread of the disease. Workshops were conducted in states in collaboration with department of biotechnology for mapping the incidence of sickle cell trait and disease among tribal people all over the country through state governments. About 1.1 crore children and youth have been screened so far. As per revised protocol issued in November 2016 to states, screening of pregnant women is also done. Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs): As on 31.03.2017, 259 EMRSs were sanctioned and 161 are functional in different states. All the 672 blocks (with 50 per cent or more ST population and 10,000 or more ST population) are likely to be covered in the next five years. During the last three years, 93 new EMRSs with a total capacity of 44,640 students at 480 students per school have been sanctioned.

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Revision of list of Scheduled Tribes: Irular (including Villi and Vettaikaran) has been identified as a Scheduled Tribe in Puducherry, vide the Constitution (Puducherry) Scheduled Tribes Order, 2016 (C O No. 268). Further, to modify the list of STs in Assam, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu and Tripura, a bill namely the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment), bill 2016 was introduced in the Lok Sabha during the Parliamentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s winter session, 2016. Education: During the last two years, 13,340 new seats have been created in Scheduled Tribe hostels and ashram schools. Financial assistance for creation of 40,000 additional hostel seats during 2014-15 and 2015-16 has been provided to state governments as grants under article 275(1) of the Constitution. Financial assistance amounting to about `200 crores is being released every year as pre-matric scholarships which benefit about 20 lakh students. Skill Development: The Ministry is collaborating with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to build a framework suitable to the needs and requirements of the tribal people. It has planned to set up one multi-skilling institute in each of the 163 priority (tribal concentrated) districts. Infrastructure-funding will be shared by the Ministry and the State Government on a 50-50 basis. Recurring cost component will be funded by the MSDE under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY). Details of the collaboration are being worked out. National Resource Centre (NRC) on Tribal Livelihood: Launched in Bhubaneswar, NRC is housed in NSTFDC (National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation) with UNDP assistance. Vanjeevan will serve as an apex central institution within Ministry of Tribal Affairs to act as research and technical hub to further socio-economic development of tribal communities through comprehensive interaction of the 3Es â&#x20AC;&#x201D; employment, employability and entrepreneurship. The resource centre will cater to the development and promotion of sustainable livelihood avenues in the tribal areas through entrepreneurship and skill up-gradation. Vanjeevan will also forge linkages and build upon the skill building efforts of the other Central Ministries/ Departments such as Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Micro-Small and Medium Enterprises. National Tribal Carnival 2016: The underlying idea of the event is to preserve and promote various facets of the tribal life relating to culture, tradition, customs and their skills and to expose it to the general public with a view to utilising the potential for overall holistic development of the Scheduled Tribes.

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THREE REFORMS BY THE MINISTRY Implementation of Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): The Ministry has started fund transfer through DBT mode under the Schemes of National Fellowship and Scholarships for Higher Education of ST students. It is a part of the overall policy that ensures that funds earmarked and released actually reach the intended beneficiaries. Now, Aadhar is also being linked with all the scholarship schemes. For Centrally-sponsored schemes of pre and post matric scholarship schemes, states are using their own portals or the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) to get online applications from students. Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) monitoring: This entails channelising of funds from all sectors of development in the Annual Plans of States/UTs and Central Ministries/Departments for welfare and development of Scheduled Tribes. There has been no effective monitoring system of TSP funds at the Central level to ensure that these are not diverted, and are utilised

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effectively. Thirty Central Ministries/ Departments have a TSP component. It will now be monitored by Ministry of Tribal Affairs as per a new mandate allocated to it in the Allocation of Business Rules (ABR). For this, online monitoring system is being developed based upon the framework and mechanism designed by NITI Aayog. Introduction of Project Appraisal Committee (PAC) system for examining proposals from States for SCA to TSP, Grants under Article 275 (1) and proposals under PVTGs scheme: Earlier proposals from states were examined on file. A mechanism of a Project Appraisal Committee had been introduced in 2014-15 which enables expeditious examination of proposals, across table deliberations with the states for any clarifications, appraisal by concerned divisions in the Ministry at one go. The PAC is headed by the Secretary, Tribal Affairs, and comprises officers of the Ministry, state governments, internal finance divisions, NITI Aayog and other ministries.

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TWIN SUCCESS Approval of Habitat Rights claims in Mayurbhanj District of Orissa: Mayurbhanj is the first district in the country to receive its Habitat Right claim provided for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under Section 3(1)(e) of the Forest Right Act. Mankadiya is the first PVTG in the country that has received its habitat right that is spread across an area of nine Gram Sabhas and four Sub-Divisional Level Committees (SDLCs). This title secures 250 households from Rairangpur, Baripada, Karanjia and Udala blocks of Mayurbhanj district. The process of awareness generation in order to build a common understanding on Habitat Rights was initiated by the District Level Committee (DLC) in September 2015. This was followed by a discussion and consultation with community/ Gram Sabha and claims were collected in March 2016. Within a monthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time, joint verification and determination of claims were undertaken by the respective four SDLCs and the claim was finally approved by the DLC on August 8, 2016.

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Sale of Non-Timber Forest Produce (NTFP) under FRA: Tendu falls under NTFP category and has always been the backbone of the forest economy, Earlier, it was controlled by the state governments by virtue of it being notified as a nationalised product by the Forest Right Act, 2006 under Section 3(1)(c) and it had the right of ownership, access to collect, use, and dispose of minor forest produce which has been traditionally collected within or outside village boundaries. After achieving their titles under community resource rights, 19 Gram Sabhas from the remote area of Etapalli and Bhamaragad from Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra have exercised their right of ownership, collection and disposal of tendu leaves in the FY 2015-16. The sale has brought a booming collection of nearly `3 crore, including wages for the villagers. The Gram Sabha has now independently started calling for the auction of the tendu leaves and directly engaging in contracts. They exercise autonomy in determining the wages charged for the collection of tendu leaf by the labourers as well as rate per bundle.

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E D U C AT I O N H U B

INSTITUTE OF EXCELLENCE JP Sharma, Director IMS Ghaziabad, Former Head and Dean, Delhi School of Economics, DU

IMS

Ghaziabad has been chosen many successful aspirants over the past 27 years. It was established to impart value-based education in a thought-provoking and novel milieu, favorable to holistic development. It’s accredited with ‘A’ Grade by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC ) — an Autonomous Institution of UGC (University Grant Commission). IMS Ghaziabad offers PGDM and MCA programmes approved by AICTE, New Delhi. The PGDM Programme is accredited by National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and granted the MBA equivalent status by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). MCA Programme is affiliated to Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow In its 27th year, IMS Ghaziabad, maintains its legacy of academic excellence under the dynamic and visionary leadership of Prof JP Sharma, who has been bestowed with accreditation, awards, ratings and rankings by NAAC, ASSOCHAM, TOI, Outlook, The Week, Business Standard, the Education Post, Chronicle etc. Prof. Sharma is former Head, Department of Commerce and Dean Faculty of Commerce and Business, Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, former Visitor's (President of India) Nominee at central universities including University of Allahabad, BHU, NEHU, Sikkim, Tripura, HNB Garhwal besides others. During his illustrious 44-year career, he supervised 25 Ph.D thesis, 29 M.Phil dissertations, authored 17 books and published over 100 research papers / articles in several national / international journals. Prof. Sharma, featured in “Top Directors of Leading Institutes of India”, published in Competition Success Review, Special January 2017 Issue.

IMS Ghaziabad has consistently been working for the holistic development of students for 27 years

A testimony to IMS Ghaziabad’s excellence in education, apart from the consistent 100 per cent placement records, as it is ranked: o 8th in North Zone for three consecutive years (2015, 2016 and 2017) and 26th in All India by Times B School Survey 2017. o Best private institute in Asia for corporate placements, by ASSOCHAM jointly with the Education Post, December 2016 o 12th among top B-schools of India and second among top private B-schools in U.P. by Competition Success Review- GHRDC B-School Survey, 2016 o AAA+ top B school in U.P, by Careers 360, November 2016 o 10th best private B-school in north zone, 12th in Delhi NCR, 41st private B-school in all India, by The Week, October 2016 o 37th among top 100 B-schools of India, by The Outlook, October 2016, o Rated in super league ‘A2’ group, by Business Standard, June 2016 o Best management college for industry interface in India 2016 by CEGR, March 2016 o Best institute for promoting industry-academia interface, by ASSOCHAM February 2016 It’s motto is ‘Value addition in Professional Education’. Corporate czars, alumni and distinguished academicians are on its academic advisory council to suggest changes in the education system and mentor students. IMS Ghaziabad has been updating its specialisations and certification programmes to synchronise with the changing business needs. Located strategically in the NCR in the heart of an active corporate community, IMS Ghaziabad delivers the real-world experience one need to succeed in today's competitive global marketplace.

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FIT BITS

TAKE A BITE OF CINNAMON prevalence of metabolic syndrome and diseases like diabetes are potential health threats in India. Moreover, Indian spices like cinnamon so far did not have a scientific validation which could help us use it as a curative or preventive aid. Inspired by this, Dr Anoop Mishra, Director, National Diabetes, Obesity and Cholesterol Foundation and Chairman, Fortis CDOC Hospital, Dr Seema Puri, Associate Professor at Institute of Home Economics, Dr Sonal Gupta Jain, Assistant Professor at Institute of Home Economics and Dr Seema Gulati, conducted a study to assess the value of cinnamon in managing and preventing metabolic syndrome, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and so on. Talking about their research study on Promising Effects of Oral Cinnamon on Weight and Multiple Metabolic Parameters in High Risk Individuals, which has been published in an acclaimed international medical journal, they emphasised the importance of diagnosing intermediate diabetes. It’s the stage which involves the high risk of diabetes and if adverse, even leads to heart diseases. “The only

THE

When we talk about diabetes, people usually mention Type 1 and Type 2. Very few are aware of the term ‘Intermediate Diabetes’, which can be cured by an old spice. DR ANOOP MISHRA and team share details

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difference is that diabetes is irreversible while the intermediate stage, if addressed with healthy diet and exercise, can lead to a normal condition with no risks involved. In our research, we have taken people who are half way down the intermediate stage and are prone to acquire diabetes. In order to pull them back to normal stage, we experimented with their diet. We increased and decreased several ingredients and noted the change. After the process, we came to our conclusion that the components which are associated with metabolic syndrome, that is fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, obesity, particularly abdominal obesity, were reduced to a significant amount. Also, there was a reduction in blood pressure — post systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The most important change was increase of HDL which is good cholesterol. We could reverse the condition of 34 of our patients to normal with our experiment,” said Dr Sonal. Nutritional modulation remains central to the management of metabolic syndrome. The team investigated the effect of oral cinnamon consumption on body composition and metabolic parameters of Asian Indians with metabolic syndrome. In the 16-week double blind randomised control trial, 116 individuals with metabolic syndrome were randomised to two dietary intervention groups, cinnamon [6 capsules (3 g) daily] or wheat flour [6 capsules (2.5 g) daily]. Body composition, blood pressure and metabolic parameters were assessed. Significantly greater decrease [difference between means, (95% CI)] in fasting blood glucose (mmol/L) [0.3 (0.2, 0.5) p = 0.001], glycosylated haemoglobin (mmol/mol) [2.6 (0.4, 4.9) p = 0.023], waist circumference (cm) [4.8 (1.9, 7.7) p = 0.002]

and body mass index (kg/m2 ) [1.3 (0.9, 1.5) p = 0.001] was observed in the cinnamon group compared to the placebo group. Other parameters which showed significantly greater improvement were: waist-hip ratio, blood pressure, serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Prevalence of defined metabolic syndrome was significantly reduced in the intervention group (34.5 per cent) vs. the placebo group (5.2 per cent). A single supplement intervention with 3 g cinnamon for 16 weeks resulted in significant improvements in all components of metabolic syndrome in a sample of Asian Indians in north India. So imagine the effects of sustained use. Dr Sonal talked about the basic factors they kept in mind while carrying out the research on people. “While performing the research, one thing we observed that even though patients are aware of the importance of diet and exercise, the actual problem lies in applying a regimen to their daily routine. Discipline and adherence to a diet are the first step to a healthy life. But in India, people usually cover up by giving excuses like they had to go to parties and so on. Proper motivation and discipline help one to carry out the diet regime honestly while happiness on seeing it work on their body and health keeps them loyal to it.” In order to cure people from intermediate condition, it’s very important to create awareness among them to go through regular body check-ups and most importantly follow a strict and healthy diet. “People did not know that they had certain conditions like high lipids, low HDL and so on until

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NEED TO KNOW

they were asked to undergo a test. We went to a lot of screenings and conferences where we were able to figure out certain conditions by merely looking at the subjects’ physique. The strangest part was that they were completely unaware of it. Compelled to undergo tests, they discovered that they suffered from conditions like blood sugar and high blood pressure. We can arrest so many cases of full blown diabetes just by following discipline,” Dr Sonal added. Significant self-referral symptoms and signs which call for consulting a dietician include an elevated BMI (body mass index) count, which should not be more than 23, waist circumference higher than 80 cm for Indians, family history of diabetes and heart disease, birth weight higher than 4 kg (which makes one prone to acquiring diabetes) and existence of a polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr Seema Gulati said that educating people is the first step towards creating awareness. “People who have metabolic syndrome are one step away from diabetes and two steps away from heart diseases. Left on their own, they keep following a faulty lifestyle which aggravates their latent condition. But if they are educated about the importance of a healthy lifestyle, there can be complete reversal to normal stage. Our research paper has been published in international journals and has gone through a lot of revisions after

Cinnamon bark, known from ancient times in the Mediterranean region, Sri Lanka and India, has been used for cooking traditional Indian, Turkish and Persian cuisines, to provide flavour to curries and other food items. The major components present in cinnamon include cinnamaldehyde, cinnamic acid, eugenol and coumarin. However, the water-soluble polyphenol compounds present in cinnamon which display insulin-potentiating, antioxidant, and related activities are Type A doubly linked procyanidin oligomers of the catechins and epicatechin. Further, methyl chalcone polymer in cinnamon enhances the triacylglycerol lipase activity that hydrolyses dietary fat molecules, increases glycogen synthesis in liver, enhances glucose uptake and phosphorylation of insulin receptor in skeletal muscles and adipocytes. Some previous studies suggest a potential role of cinnamon and its components in improving insulin sensitivity, reducing fasting blood glucose (FBG) postprandial blood glucose levels (PPG) (2 h post breakfast), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, low density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-c), blood antioxidant levels, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and percentage of body fat. However, among the few human trials conducted, only one which has been conducted on 22 individuals with prediabetes and metabolic syndrome has shown significant decrease in hyperglycemia, blood pressure and body composition parameters.

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responses from there. We are trying our best to create a mass awareness campaign.” Dr Mishra said diet was such a delicate and personalised issue that no amount of internet aids could help you decide what foods are good for you. “Nowadays, everybody searches Google for an answer. We even find people searching emergency medicines on it. If we get all the answers on the net, then why go to a doctor for dietary suggestions? Google provides answers for the general public. But what we fail to understand is that every individual has his own problems and dynamics. A dietician will prescribe the diet based on his or her family history, gene tree, weight and so on. Individualising diet plans, putting emphasis on and deleting certain food items require a lot of detailed study which can be possible via human interaction. That’s the difference between a dietician and internet”, said Dr Mishra. Talking about the type of awareness created in the field of nutrition and diabetes, Dr Mishra felt that these were the most neglected fields of study and research. The most important step has to be taken by the government. “Unfortunately, nutrition, diabetes and proper diet are not receiving the same status as HIV, polio and AIDS. What we as doctors can do is just a small bit. The Government can do public awareness campaigns,” he added.

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causes allergic cough? It is a reflex caused by the stimulation of the lining of the nose, throat, voice box or lungs and considered a normal defence mechanism of the body. Most coughs — based on their cause — can be mainly divided into allergic (caused by allergens) or the byproduct of infections.

WHAT HOW DOES IT START?

We get allergies due to multiple things that float around us all the time such as o House dust mites o Inhalants that we contract at work o The kind of food we eat, especially sour food items o Pollution Other causes include viral infection, gastroesophagus reflux disease (GERD, allergies, chronic bronchitis, asthma, whooping cough, tuberculosis, pneumonia and lung cancer.

CAN ONE AVOID IT? Allergens irritate the various linings of the nose, throat, noise box or lungs which lead to inflammation or swelling which causes the cough. Some precautions people prone to allergic cough can take are o Eat only home-cooked food o Drink clean water o Make sure your home and workplace are very clean and your air conditioners are serviced regularly. o Avoid scented cosmetics, air fresheners and so on. o Avoid being in polluted places for prolonged periods. If you cannot avoid this, use a surgical mask easily available at any chemist’s. o It’s advisable to not keep thick curtains which attract dust and switch to thinner ones. o Also people should opt for hypoallergenic mattresses and pillows, which are now widely available.

People react to allergens that manifest in a series of lung conditions, some aggressive, others mild and the rest repetitive and nagging. DR RAJESH CHAWLA suggests common preventive measures

COUGHING UP SOLUTIONS

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MENTHOL IN PEPPERMINT SOOTHES THE THROAT AND ACTS AS A DECONGESTANT, HELPING TO BREAK DOWN MUCUS

HOW TO GET RID OF THE COUGH NATURALLY o Honey is a time-honoured remedy for a sore throat. It can also relieve coughs more effectively than over-the-counter medicines that contain dextromethorphan (DM), a cough suppressant. o Probiotics are micro-organisms that can provide a host of health benefits. While they don’t relieve a cough directly, they do help to balance your gastro-intestinal flora (the bacteria that live in your intestines). This can support immune system function throughout the body. Evidence also suggests that lactobacillus, a bacterium in dairy, can reduce the likelihood of a cold or flu and sensitivity to certain allergens like pollen. o Bromelain — an enzyme found only in the stem and fruit of pineapples — can help suppress coughs

as well as loosen the mucus in your throat. To enjoy the most benefits of pineapple and bromelain, eat a slice of pineapple or drink 3.5 ounces of fresh pineapple juice three times a day. o Peppermint leaves are well-known for their healing properties. Menthol in peppermint soothes the throat and acts as a decongestant, helping to break down mucus. One can benefit by drinking peppermint tea or by inhaling peppermint vapours from a steam bath. o Marshmallow: This herb contains mucilage, which coats the throat and soothes irritation. o Thyme: Herb used by some for respiratory illnesses. The leaves contain compounds called flavonoids that relax the throat muscles involved in coughing and lessen inflammation. o Salt and warm water gargle: While the remedy

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HONEY IS A TIME-HONOURED REMEDY FOR A SORE THROAT. IT CAN ALSO RELIEVE COUGHS MORE EFFECTIVELY THAN OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICINES THAT CONTAIN DEXTROMETHORPHAN (DM), A COUGH SUPPRESSANT

may seem relatively simple, a salt and water gargle can help soothe a scratchy throat that causes you to cough. Mixing 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 8 ounces of warm water can help to relieve irritation. o Red Onion Water: Onions contain a water soluble chemical compound called quercetin, which has been demonstrated in preliminary studies to reduce the amount of histamine produced by the body, therefore reducing symptoms of allergies. It is, essentially, nature's version of an anti-histamine.

HOW TO PREVENT COUGHING In addition to learning how to treat a cough, you might want to learn how to prevent them in the first place. To prevent against flu, make sure you get your annual flu shot, usually starting in October. Other steps you can take include:

o Avoid coming in contact with others who are sick. If you know you are sick, avoid going to work or school so you will not infect others. o Cover your nose and mouth whenever your cough or sneeze. o Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. o Frequently clean common areas of your home, work or school. This is especially true for countertops, toys, or mobile phones. o Wash your hands frequently, especially after coughing, eating, going to the bathroom, or caring for someone who is sick. Exercises like yoga with deep breathing help in preventing and treating cold well. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Dr Chawla, senior consultant (critical care, pulmonary and sleep disorders, Apollo Hospitals)

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DIET CARE

STOMACH THESE

HAIR-SPLITTING TRUTHS By eating nutrient-rich foods that are proven to help your hair as they do other parts of the body, DR KULDEEP SINGH tells us how we can decide our hairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thickness, greying, growth, shedding and lustre

YOUR

hair is the result of what you eat. Everything that you put into your body also affects the health and well-being of your hair follicles. Our hair requires as much pampering and care as our skin and is equally dependent on exercise and a proper diet. WHOLEGRAIN FOODS: These include breads, flour, rice and cereals. Including them in your diet will provide nourishment to the scalp and hair follicles. If you want naturally beautiful and healthy hair, wholegrain food is your answer.

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EGGS AND MEAT: These contain a high quantity of proteins. Any deficiency in this department immediately reflects in your hair, which turns weak and brittle. Including eggs and chicken in the right proportion can promote healthy hair growth and eliminate problems like fall and breakage. GREEN VEGETABLES: If you want shine and bounce in your hair, the easiest way to get your desired result is by including as much green leafy vegetables as you can in your diet. Vegetables like broccoli, spinach and fenugreek are rich in iron, vitamins A and C, and calcium that are vital for hair growth and regeneration. Green vegetables are necessary for production of sebum, which is a natural conditioner. LEGUMES: If you think your hair is brittle most of the time, then you are probably suffering from the deficiency of biotin. Include legumes like beans, soy and lentils, which will provide necessary proteins and vitamins to stimulate the production of keratin. The high content of biotin and minerals like iron and zinc in legumes makes your hair flexible and strong. Lentils have plenty of folic acid. The body needs folic acid to restore the health of red blood cells that supply skin and scalp with hair-improving oxygen.

FISH: This is a rich source of Omega-3 acids, vitamins D and E. Since ages it has been considered the best food for hair growth and regeneration. It also helps maintain health of the scalp and ensure lustrous and vigorous hair growth. The health of the scalp is directly related to the health of the hair. Including fish in your diet will help you clean your scalp. Omega-3s are anti-inflammatory. They can help if you have inflammation that’s causing hair shedding. NUTS: Also known as nature’s quick snack, cashews, walnuts and almonds are considered effective sources to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. Dry fruits are rich in selenium and zinc and prevent unpleasant signs of hair loss and breakage. If you have thin hair and are looking for treatments to make them thick and strong, then raw nuts can help you a great deal. Pistachios have been linked to helping with male pattern baldness, cashews have biotin and walnuts contain oils that add to the amount of elastin in your hair. Elastin keeps hair supple and stops it from breaking. A spice like cinnamon improves circulation and brings oxygen and nutrients to your hair follicles. FRUITS: Vitamin C is always necessary for healthy hair. Lack of Vitamin C in the body can cause hair breakage. So consume fresh fruits every days like berries, oranges, Indian gooseberries, kiwis and strawberries. Also eat bananas for healthy hair as they are rich in zinc and vitamin B. The vitamin B12 in oranges promotes hair growth, reduces hair loss and slows down the greying process. — Dr Kuldeep Singh is Senior Consultant, (Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery), Apollo Hospitals

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STYLEFILE

FREE FLOW Polka dots, insects, flowers and more jazz up the new resort wear collections AKURA MAXI STRIPE DRESS: This long, flowing dress sports a v-neck. It features narrow vertical stripes and a lined bottom which lends it volume. Little details like a pocket lined with grey dots and dressed with an embroidered pink flower make it special.

NICO DRESS: A Nicobar favourite, revisited in red polka on slick white cotton. With a wrap waist, softly pleated skirt and a hemline that skims around your ankles, you can’t help but channel a hint of old-Hollywood glam. Wear this as is or layered over striped pajamas.

GADI: Jenjum Gadi’s label recreates the magnificence of nature and creatures big and small in his extraordinary designs. The label also draws upon Gadi’s Northeast heritage. Featuring a white and black fly screen print kaftan dress in satin silk with striped border.

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ANTRA-AGNI: Men’s sherwani jacket in ice blue with trouser and white kurta shirt by Ujjawal Dubey is stylish and chic.

PRAMA: Pratima Pandey succeeds in creating a oh-so-dreamy effect with this soft onion coloured Chanderi silk embroidered kurta. Pair it with wrinkled cotton anarkali inner and palazzo.

RAGINI AHUJA: A feminine twist to boxy, relaxed shapes is what Ragini Ahuja aims at, by using creative appliqués. Her statement separates work best when layered together. With eye-catching surface techniques, you can easily skip accessories.

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CERULEAN: Dhruv Vaish’s collection is a breath of fresh air with newness oozing out of the collection. The crisp cotton shirt in rich purple teamed with a beige trousers along with a patchwork coat creates a modern collection.

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STYLE ICON

The latest jewellery trends, inspired by themes, unboxed by EXOTICA Designer MIRA GULATI [Mirari] “Our latest collection is Machu Picchu. Embracing the captivating step element and the zigzag linear form, which is the most prominent symbol and architectural element of the Inca Empire, the collection boasts of eclectic amalgamation of art and modernism.” Machu Picchu: The ring echoes the geometric design of the site and flaunts curious angles. Crafted in pink gold, this ring has matchless permutation and combination of unique shapes and cuts of gemstones, complementing the elements of the architectural site.

Designer LESHNA SHAH [Aurelle] “The wedding collection has a lot of colour! We’ve put together interesting combinations in the most modern way. We’ve revived old techniques and traditional colour schemes to suit the modern thinking clientele.” Pink shine: These earrings begin with a cliff of diamonds and flow into a river of rubies. With elaborate round and baguette cuts, these one of a kind pieces celebrate true craftsmanship.

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Designer SHEHZAD ZAVERI [Minawala]

“Fusion defines our designs. I always wanted to bring something fresh and new for my customers and this mix of Indian and International taste is the best way to do that. Big cat: The ring is dedicated to the Panther and showcases it in an angry mood.

Designer RAHUL MAHESWARI [Vishal Jewels] “Our designs are eclectic, derived from a broad and diverse range. When we have to design something for a particular person, we sculpt something based on their personality from bold to subtle.” The classic Mughal: This style of earrings incorporates innovations like polki and gemstones. Polkis and pearls are strung at the end of strands of semi-precious blue stones.

Designer QUEETA RAWAT

[Tanishq]

“This collection is ageless as some women are even moving and shaking things up in their 50s and 60s. My wearer is not dependent on the jewellery to define her; she uses jewellery to enhance her personality. A woman makes the jewellery beautiful. Queen of Hearts: Make a statement necklace with emeralds and diamonds set in a floral pattern inspired by nature.

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FITNESS

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LAPTOPS Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga

were originally intended to be used for short periods of time when people were away from their desks. Now, everyone uses them and they have become an integral part of working and student life. For many, it’s the only computer they use. This has the potential for causing posture and orthopaedic problems among users. In a laptop, the screen and keyboard are together. So if the screen is at the right level, your arms and shoulders get strained. If the keyboard is placed comfortably for your shoulders and arms, the screen is too low and you have to hunch. Then the neck, shoulders, arms, the spine and the body’s joints are immediately at risk and can result in sore muscles, aches, tension and

WORK AROUND YOUR LAPTOP

The neck, shoulders, arms, the spine and the body’s joints are at risk from overuse of your digital device. Unattended, you could develop serious conditions like cervical spondylosis, tendonitis, joint and lower back problems. Yoga offers a range of practices that can counteract these and re-balance the body and mind

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headaches that can develop into more serious conditions like cervical spondylosis, tendonitis, joint and lower back problems. Yoga offers a range of practices that can counteract these and re-balance the body and mind. If parts of the body are already stiff and sore, it’s important to start with simple exercises and asanas. There are many gentle warm-up exercises that will help loosen up your joints and get your circulation going again. There are stretches that will undo the negative effects of sitting hunched or with incorrect posture. By stretching, bending, twisting your body, yoga practices will help release tension. There is something hypnotic about a screen that keeps laptop users there longer than they intend. This can affect the eyes and cause both mental and physical tension without you even realising it. So when adopting the postures I have given you, do so with awareness. Focus on your

breathing, letting your body relax each time you breathe out. Laptops and computers are not an established and vital part of your working life. You have to build into your lifestyle ways to counteract their negative effects. Yoga is ideal as it works on physical and mental levels but if not yoga, do something else. I advise you to invest in your health. Join a class and make it a part of your life. Make sure that these initial problems don’t develop into more serious conditions that will affect the quality of your health and life in the years to come. Computer-related overuse can cause injuries to the hand or arm. Muscles and tendons can become painful with repetitive movements and awkward postures. This is known as “overuse injury” and typically occurs in the elbow, wrist or hand of computer users. Symptoms of these overuse injuries include pain, swelling, stiffness of the joints, weakness and numbness.

TADASANA o Stand with your feet slightly apart, arms by your side. o Breathing in, raise your arms above your head and bring your palms together. Stretch upwards and rise up on your toes, balancing your weight equally on both feet. o Hold for 10-15 seconds, breathing normally. o Breathe in, exhale as you come down to start position o Repeat 3-5 times BENEFITS: o Stretches the spine o Stretches the nerves of the carpal, relaxing them.

DWIKONASANA o Stand with your feet a foot apart. o Interlock the hands behind your back. o Breathe in. o Breathing out, bend forward while lifting your arms up behind your back (take care not to strain). o Breathe in as you slowly come back to start position. o Repeat three times. BENEFITS: Stretches the neck, shoulders and the muscles between the shoulder blades.

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GOMUKHASAN [COWâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FACE POSE]

o Sit straightening your back and stretching out your legs. o Bend left knee and place left foot beside the right buttock. o Bend right knee, place over left knee, with foot beside the left buttock. o Raise left arm above head, bend and place behind head, palm between shoulder blades. o Bend right arm backwards and twist it upwards. o Reach for the left hand and interlock the fingers. o Gently pull the arms away from each other, straightening the back.

o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally. o Repeat the other side. BENEFITS: o Stretches and increases flexibility in the arms and shoulders. o The stretch and pull experienced by your wrists while interlocking your hands strengthen the wrists and relax pinched nerves. o Straightens and tones the upper back. o Clears the chest and helps in respiration.

MARJARIASANA [CAT STRETCH] o Come down on your hands and knees, palms placed below your shoulders, knees in line with your hips, back in a straight line. o Inhale as you look up, head upwards and dip the back. o Exhale and arch the back, dropping the head to look at your navel. o Breathe in, come back to start position. BENEFITS: Tones the abdomen, improves digestion, relaxes the mind and improves blood circulation.

KATI CHAKRASANA o Stand with your feet together and arms beside you. o Bending your elbows,wrap your left arm around your back and place your right arm on your left shoulder. o Twist your body towards your left, pushing your left shoulder as far back as possible. o Turn your head towards the left as well. o Hold for 10-30 seconds. o Repeat with right arm behind you, left hand on your right shoulder, head turning to the right. BENEFITS: Helps to remove lethargy, improves the flexibility of the spine and waist and relive back pain.

ARDHA MATSYENDRASANA o Sit with your back straight and your legs stretched out in front of you. o Bend the left knee and place it under the right leg, with the foot close to the right buttock. o Bend the right knee and place the right leg across the left knee. o With your left hand, lock the right knee in place. Do this by holding on to the right foot or place the left hand on the left knee or simply hold the right knee with your left palm or elbow. o Place the right arm behind the back. o Now twist the back as much as possible and look behind you. o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathing normally. BENEFITS: o This is an excellent asana for diabetics as it exerts pressure on the pancreas and stimulates the production of insulin. o Also massages the abdominal organs and helps digestive ailments. o Stretches the back, increasing flexibility and tones the spinal nerves.

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NUMBERGAME

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Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist

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COUNT YOUR FATE

NUMBER 1 (Ruled by Sun, people born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th) With your sheer hard work and self-belief, there is a lot that you can achieve. On the personal front, try not to be too critical, and if you must voice your opinion, then do so like a surgeon who uses his knife for healing. A kind word spoken can make someone’s day. An unkind word creates fissures.

NUMBER 4 (Ruled by Uranus, people born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st) Sometimes there is happiness in the smallest moments of life. On the personal front, it could be a light, romantic occasion, even though it may not be the right time to offer commitments. People expect a lot from you, so make sure to draw a line somewhere and learn to say ‘NO’.

NUMBER 7 (Ruled by Neptune, people born on the 7th, 16th and 25th) You could win a few admirers but also acquire some enemies at the same time. It would do you good to remember that when you are in a position to receive bouquets, you are also vulnerable to brickbats. Materialistically, it appears to be a little expensive month, so try to round off the edges if possible.

NUMBER 2 (Ruled by Moon, people born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th) If you have been feeling a little restless and impatient, then now is the time to change the status quo. Swinging back in action to make a positive change will help to fulfill your creative desires, even though material success is not as important to you as is the recognition for your efforts.

NUMBER 5 (Ruled by Mercury, people born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd) Being a good listener is not something you can take pride in, but the plus point is that this is not known widely. Communication has been your forte, but not when you are the listener. And like the old adage goes: ‘If you want to be happy and successful in life, never stop learning’.

NUMBER 8 (Ruled by Saturn, people born on the 8th, 17th and 26th) An associate could make you feel important. Back home, the atmosphere could be more calm. Loved ones would reciprocate well if you allow them to. There could be a certain grey area in the work front, it can be tackled efficiently; finding the eye of the needle will help resolve the mess.

NUMBER 3 (Ruled by Jupiter, people born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th) Those who are self-employed must try to step up the pace, if they are to meet their deadlines. For others too, once again, you could get inundated with work and commitments, so there will be hardly any scope to shift priorities. It would be good to remember that work is indeed worship.

NUMBER 6 (Ruled by Venus, people born on the 6th, 15th and 24th) You need to wind down a bit from the gruelling and demanding work schedule. Since you’ve been out of touch with an old acquaintance, you would do well to pick up the phone and make the muchdelayed call. A true friend is not blind to your faults but chooses instead to overlook them.

NUMBER 9 (Ruled by Mars, people born on the 9th, 18th and 27th) By now you would have realised that reputation is only what you are supposed to be, and character is what you are. Religion and spirituality could claim your attention, showing you the importance of good karmas. Success is a blend of good fortune and hard work.

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F LY H I G H

READY TO TAKE OFF Airside view of Air Traffic Control tower

The centrally located Kishangarh airport will connect the city with other areas of the country and boost development

A SMALL

airstrip at Kishangarh in the historic city of Ajmer, Rajasthan, was occasionally used for chartered aircraft and helicopters operation by the officials of state government, visitors and businessmen. Apart from being famous for Ajmer Sharif dargah, Pushkar Tirth and Jain Temple, Kishangarh is Asiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest marble hub and the centre for itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style of painting. The Central University of Rajasthan and Mayo Collage also situated in the city attract diverse visitors, thereby, fuelling the need for a full-fledged airport. Under the Regional Connectivity Scheme of the Government of India, various unserved and underserved airports are being connected with served airports to boost regional connectivity. These include unserved and underserved airports of Rajasthan, such as Bikaner, Jaipur, Jaisalmer, Jodhpur, Udaipur, the Kishangarh airport which will also be connected with other major airports in India. This will go a great distance towards realising the dream of the common man to fly in a safe, secure and affordable manner. The Airports Authority of India,

committed to implement the Regional Connectivity Scheme, decided to construct a modern, selfsustainable, artistic, low cost civil airport which meets international norms. The MoU was signed between the government of Rajasthan and AAI with the approval of the Ministry of Civil Aviation in 2009. The state government gave AAI approximately 745 acres of land in a phased manner till October 2016. Despite practical and technical challenges, the airport would be ready for flight operation of ATR aircraft by this month. The Kishangarh airport is in Ajmer district and lies 30 km north-west of the city. It is well connected by western railways network from New Delhi to Ahmedabad and on National Highways network of GTRIP from New Delhi to Mumbai NH-8. During the British Raj, Kishangarh was the capital of the eponymous princely state in the Rajputana Agency. This place is unique for several

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Glazing in arrival hall reasons. It is the only place in the world with a temple for nine planets. It is commonly known as the Marble City across the world. Marble, granite and other stones are exported to US, UK, Italy, Vietnam and other countries. o TERMINAL: The terminal is a glass and steel structure spread over 3,200 sq mt and is equipped with modern passenger friendly facilities such as air conditioning, four check-in counters, VIP and CIP lounge, baggage conveyors in the arrival and departure, baggage trolleys, two X-ray machines, two security frisking booths with Hand Held Metal Detectors and Door Frame Metal Detectors, PA system, CCTV, Flight Information Display System LAN, VRF air conditioning, LED lighting, drinking water, toilets, fire alarm and fire fighting etc. o REFUELLING DEPOT: Oil companies like Indian Oil, Hindustan Petroleum and Bharat Petroleum have visited the airport to setting up refueling station for aircraft refueling services and Bharat Petroleum has submitted firm proposal for allotment of land. o DOMESTIC AIRLINES SERVICES: Since Kishangarh sees both international and domestic tourists throughout the year, this airport would serve as a hub for tourists of Udaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur. The demand for air connectivity would be from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati, Ahmedabad and Chennai. This was assessed by the demand for executive class berth in regular trains. Private airlines are enthusiastic about starting operations from this airport. M/s ZOOM Airways and Supreme Air have scheduled a programme for operating flights on the Delhi-KishangarhUdaipur route. Other airlines are also willing to operate ATR aircraft and have visited the airport recently.

o STANDARDISATION AND CERTIFICATION: Fire NOC for terminal building and clearances from Ajmer Development Authority, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of Environment and Forests have already been obtained. DGCA licensing and BCAS security clearances are in the process of being obtained. o TRAFFIC SCENARIO: The passenger growth is expected to be around 0.2 million per annum. Hopefully, Kishangarh airport would join one million passengers per annum club within five years. o PILOT TRAINING INSTITUTE: Kishangarh airport has received two firm proposals for Pilot Training School Operations. o ANS FACILITIES: Airports Authority of India has provided the following modern navigational facilities at Kishangarh airport for smooth and safe conduct of flight: n DVOR-DME radio navigation facility for aircraft. n VHF n Automation system providing seamless Air Traffic Control Services. n Precision approach path indicator (PAPI), SAPL and so on have been added at both ends. o DISASTER RISK MANAGEMENT: Various disaster risk management plans are in place at the airport. There is airport emergency plan, bomb threat contingency and so on. All the aviation personnel actively participate in mock drills to keep them ready for any eventuality. Since Kishangarh is a central hub, this airport would play a major role in operations for disaster management in Rajasthan. o SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: Kishangarh airport has been geared to recycle everything. Recycling of water by Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) and Rain Water Harvesting (RWH) is being done. The AAI has its own paper recycling unit in Delhi from which all airports in India get paper stationery for official work. Solid waste management system City side view of terminal building

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will also be done at this airport where waste will be collected through different bins — one for biodegradable waste, the second for plastic and the third for metal. The collected waste will be sent to a specified site, where it will be segregated again. Metal and plastic waste will be sent to the recycling units and manure will be prepared from biodegradable waste to be used for plants. Recycling ensures that 100 per cent environmentfriendly waste disposal takes place. o STP: Continuous Aerobic Multistage Unsaturated Soil Bio Technology (CAMUS-SBT) is a green technology having proven track record to treat sewage (domestic waste water) and other industrial waste water effectively and economically. It uses local skills and materials for water renovation wherein respiration, mineral weathering and photosynthesis are synergised in a soil type formulated media environment to bring about water purification to desired levels. Evergreen ambience, non-moving parts, gardening-like skills for operation are its unique features. Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) with a capacity of 60-90 KLD capacity, which leads to good quality output of treated water, is installed at the airport. The treated water will be used for flushing toilets, gardening, washing of vehicle and offices. Using STP will lead to a saving of approximately 60,000 to 90,000 litres of water per day or 2,16,00,000 to 3,24,00,000 litres of water per year. KEY FEATURES OF SBT: n No external aeration n Low power consumption n All green process n Non-moving parts n No bio-sludge formation n Efficient removal of pollution n Garden-like ambience n One-time media installation n Long life n Unskilled personnel sufficient to operate

n Kishangarh airport has been designed as an “Art Gallery” as a speciality SAVE WATER: There are 10 underground tanks of 1.5 lakh litres capacity each to store rooftop water. There are six rainwater recharge pits of 50,000 litres each and 12 recharge wells of 50,000 litres each to recharge underground water. Using RWH will save approximately 330 lakh litres of water per year. o SAVE EACH AND EVERY PETAL: During the construction of the airport, efforts are made to preserve each and every petal and measures are adopted to incorporate trees, plants, top soil, stones and so on. The stone sculpture will exhort every visitor at Kishangarh airport to contribute their efforts to Save Each And Every Petal. o SAVE TOP SOIL: At the Kishangarh airport site, there was around two feet thick layer of black cotton soil on the top, which is not suitable for construction purposes. So this was segregated and spread at locations where there were plants. By doing this, a huge amount of top soil has been preserved and waste material converted into a useful material for greenery. To educate the visitors about this theme, a sculpture, ‘Save Top Soil’, has been installed. o SAVE FOSSIL FUEL: Kishangarh airport uses solar power to reduce the use of fossil fuel generated electricity. This solar plant is kept on a grid system so that the electricity generated can be redistributed to nearby villages when not in use at the airport. o GEO THERMAL ENERGY: Geo thermal energy, is being used at the terminal. The EPA has acknowledged geothermal systems as the most energy-efficient, environmentally clean and cost-effective space conditioning systems available. o CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: As part of its commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility, the Kishanagarh airport has constructed toilets, provided drinking water facilities in more than 20 Government Senior Secondary Schools and provided dustbins for government Approach road to airport

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Local artwork displayed in arrival hall schools in the vicinity of the airport. It has also distributed study and sport materials to underprivileged students and provided furniture and a sanitary disposal machine for girls schools. Various schools have been fully adopted and the one at “Sillora” Village has been converted to the best school in the district. Apart from these, rooftop solar panels and other basic amenities required by schools are likely to be provided soon. The AAI employees families artists’ forum called AAIFA has organised art and drawing programmes under the name of “UDAAN” for awareness and to find talented underprivileged students. The airport has also repaired rainwater harvesting system, provided shed and constructed hygienic kitchens for government schools which have benefited around 10,000 students from nearby villages. It also constructed a boundary wall in Government School, Silora, developed a sports ground and provided approximately 60 sets of slides, sea saw, army climber as well as playing equipment to football, cricket, volleyball, badminton, basketball, table tennis and so on. It has also provided approximately 400 sets of furniture and repaired 20 government schools in Ajmer district. There are proposals to make rooftop solar plants in 20 government schools in Ajmer. o CARGO: There is lot of cargo potential like farming of rose flowers and heena as well as developing the famous art work from the area.

o UPCOMING DEVELOPMENT: Provision of hangars, expansion of apron, administrative block, residential colony, solar panels are the imminent works to be taken up in future. It is anticipated that the terminal building runway will be expanded soon. o PASSENGER FACILITIES: n Four check-in counters n Two X-BIS for registered baggage with ETD. n One X-BIS for hand baggage with ETD. n Two frisking booths with DFMD & HHMD for SHA n Passenger baggage trollies. n Baggage conveyer belt in arrival and departure halls. n Restaurant. n Centralised drinking water. n VRF Air-conditioning and LED Lighting. n Entertainment TV. n Passenger lift. n Automatic sliding door at exit and entry gates. n CCTV, FIDS system. n Public address and car calling system. n Four-lane vehicular road from NH-8 to terminal building with decorative water fountains footpath, greenery and theme park. n Ambulance for emergency medical services. FINANCIAL STATUS: n A A & E S Amount of Project : `180 crore n Completion cost of Project: `140 crore n Cost Saving: `40 crore — Sanjeev Jindal, GM (Engg.) Project, Kishangarh Airport, Ajmer (Rajasthan) E-mail: sanjeevj@aai.aero

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F O C U S S TAT E

The traces of a matrilineal society are evident in the celebration of the unique Raja festival in Odisha, says DEBAJANI MOHANTY

CELEBRATION OF

WOMANHOOD

JUST

before the first soothing drops of rain hit the ground, which has till then been smouldering in the summer heat, people in coastal districts of Odisha observe Raja, a festival, for four days with fervour and gaiety. The word Raja originated from the Sanskrit word Rajaswala that refers to a menstruating woman and hence Raja is also a festival denoting fertility, prosperity as the well as the reproductive power of women. It is believed that during these four days of celebration, Mother Earth or Bhudevi, the wife of Lord Jagannatha, menstruates. If the earth is ploughed or dug during menstruation, scriptures say, it will make her unhappy. Hence all activities related to the soil come to a total standstill during

these days of celebration. Even plucking a flower or fruit from trees or walking barefoot is forbidden during this time, as it would cause pain to Mother Nature and thus be a sin. At the same time, women who represent mother and the source of life for the family cannot be engaged in any household work, be it in kitchen or otherwise. Young maidens in the countryside wear new dresses, sing and dance and swing on trees pumping themselves higher and higher on rope-swings mounted on tree branches. The fourth day of the festival, which is called Vasumati Gadhua or ceremonial bath of Bhudevi, coincides with the first day of rainfall in eastern India. It symbolises the beginning of another fertile season for reproduction. The festival symbolises

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restrictions prescribed for a menstruating woman. The very first day, they rise before dawn, do their hair, anoint their bodies with turmeric paste and oil and then take a purifying bath in a river or tank. Bathing, for the two days that follow, is prohibited. They don’t walk bare-foot, nor scratch the earth, or grind, or tear anything apart. Women do not cut or cook. For three consecutive days they are dressed in their best and eat cakes as well as other delicacies while visiting the houses of their friends and relatives. They also spend long cheerful hours on improvised swings while the village reverberates with their merry impromptu songs.

BYGONE DAYS

women’s exclusive power of procreation. While men in other parts of the world still have multiple wives, concubines and slaves, and many Western countries are arguing over a menstrual leave policy, the Odias are a proud community who always empathise with women during these four difficult days of the month, when women need respite from daily chores. The Odias see it as days when women need to comfort themselves so that they would be able to produce healthy offspring, which is the future generation. During the festival, all agricultural operations remain suspended. Just like a Hindu household, where menstruating women remain secluded because they are considered vulnerable and are not allowed to touch anything and given full rest, similarly Mother Earth is given full rest for four days during which all agricultural operations are stopped. Significantly, it is a festival of the unmarried girls — the potential mothers. They all observe the

per Indo-Aryan migration theory, around 1800 to 1500 BC, Aryans started migrating to India which was then inhabited by Dravidians. Due to lack of evidence, historians are unsure if there was a tussle for power and territory between the two communities. However, it’s largely believed that most of the Aryan descendants have settled down in northern India whereas Dravidians shifted to southern provinces as well as forest regions of India. One major belief that differs in these two communities is their social structure; where Aryans were a patriarchal society, Dravidians practised matriarchy. With time, patriarchy slowly spread to all parts of India but the reminiscences of matriarchy are found in the form of temples and rituals that certain communities follow even today. Historians may argue, but people from Odisha believe that they are the descendents of Dravidians with some Aryan connections. It’s worthy to note that in terms of looks, food, clothing or pre-existing matricentric goddess cults, Odias bear close resemblance to southern India. Be it the uniquely architect of Yogini temples from the medieval period or the worship of goddess Durga and Kali in the modern era, there are many references that indicate that women were the centre of society. Giving more credence to the theory is the fact that regions like Sumatra in Indonesia and Siachen that are the world’s biggest matriarchal societies even today, had links both in trade and migrations with Odisha historically. — Debajani Mohanty, Winner of “Aarya” award, an epitome of nobility, purity and preciousness, year 2017 by Nobel Laureate Shri Kailash Satyarthi and Authoress of the critically acclaimed historical fiction The Curse of Damini

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SIGN-OFF By RINKU GHOSH

UNBOTTLING THE GOURD

ow the humble bottle gourd, variously perceived as beggar’s food or a convalescent aid, good for almost all major organs, is hardly an inspiration for a happening spread at a fine-diner. But with the rains hitting Delhi and each of us complaining of some lifestyle-related affliction or other, Chef Davinder Kumar decided to elevate our senses and well-being by rolling out a full course of “lauki reloaded” as it were at Le Meridien’s Eau de Monsoon. The bottle gourd, incidentally, is among our earliest cultivated vegetables and our constitution completely agrees with it. In the age of superchefs and TV maestros, Chef Davinder has quietly done his own thing over the years with a fine artistry and strict adherence to food logic. His lauki menu was not just a sales pitch but a well-researched and executed spread that explored all possibilities of a vegetable that is 70 per cent water. And he paired them with some fine wines. We began with an amuse bouche in shot glasses, a mix of hot and cold zesty freshness, smoothening and rounded, the kind that whets your appetite for more. By the time we were served the tempered lauki and lentil cappucino with jeera biscotti, we were convinced that the gourd, which is neutral and bland on its own, could be absorbent of unknown flavours if the preparation technique was just right, mashing instead of blending and keeping the consistency just right with a lentil base that was not too overpowering. But it was the lauki galawat kebab sitting pretty on a khasta bread that made us respect the bottle gourd. Truth be told, we never felt that this was a vegetarian compromise. Rather this was a full-bodied burst of goodness and known flavours, turgid and crisp, offset ably by a dash of lauki raita. The lamb mince and finely diced gourd curry with home-ground spices, curry leaves and mustard was another favourite, meant to be savoured on rained out afternoons when nothing but self-indulgence seems to be the only agenda. The lauki dumplings stuffed with dried plums and simmered in mildly spiced gravy had a balance of tastes in the ayurvedic sense, sweet, sour, salty and everything else in between. He presented these with a gourd biryani, dunking pieces of the vegetable in the later stages of preparation to keep them intact. The other winner in our book was the gourd and yoghurt combination, the former

spiced lightly, almost dusted, and dunked in a gravy of the latter infused with fennel. Now this was subtle yet envelopingly fulsome at the same time. But chef Davinder doesn’t like to keep it predictable. So he did present a gourd ravioli with butter glaze and tossed cherry tomatoes. Attempting a ravioli with a soggy constituent is a tough challenge in itself, and its external contours did collapse a bit by the time the dish was brought to the table. Its Indianised stuffing, too, did not blend well leading to a sharp demarcation of flavours, making the dish look like a forced presentation. He, however, more than made up for it by presenting the Bengali staples of chana dal with cuboid pieces and the famed lau chingri, bottle gourd and shrimp curry. Normally, the latter is done with popcorn shrimps but the slightly bigger version lent more texture in the chef’s preparation. A combination of sweet bottle gourd and the spicy shrimp, this is had in Bengal to offset the heaviness of shrimp and make sure it settles easy in the humid climate. While mention must be made of the gourd chutneys and dips that kept us going through the afternoon, it was the lauki halwa with caramelised almond and pista biscuit that perfectly rounded off the meal. There was neither too much ghee or khoya in this one, leaving us with a taste of comfort. And great ideas to make everyday exotic with seasonal stuff.

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