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FROM THE EDITOR
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 Chief Designers Anand Singh Rawat & Satish Jakhmola Production Manager Syed Nawab Raza Staff Photographer Pankaj Kumar SALES & MARKETING Vice President Jetender Rawat 9810404096 General Managers Kumar Gurudutta Jha & Sweety Verma Senior Managers Madhukar Saxena & Divyesh Kothari Managers Bharat Singh Sajwan, Prabhakar Pathak & Barun Choudhary Media Coordinator Neelu Sharma MUMBAI OFFICE General Manager Devendra Adhikari KOLKATA OFFICE Vice President Suzanna Roy HYDERABAD OFFICE V Sunil Kumar 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 No. 6, Behind Gulab Bhawan, 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; F-31, Sector-6, NOIDA, Uttar Pradesh-201301 Phone: 0120-4879800 & 4879900 Email: exoticapioneer2016@gmail.com
RAIN AS METAPHOR
RAINS
in Kolkata, Mumbai and places close to the coast can be blinding in their fury, making it difficult to stir out of the home, leave alone drive. And despite the massive backlash of clogged drains and submerged roads, rains in these places are accompanied by some traditional delights. For example, eating muri (puffed rice) lightly brushed with mustard oil along with fried onion rings (peyaji) while it’s pouring outside has a charm that’s difficult to capture in words. Or, khichuri with fried fish, yet another Bengali delicacy. I am sure every part of India has its own culinary way of celebrating the rainy season. In Delhi, for instance, it means toasted bhutta (corn) and kala jamun. When Edwin Lutyens planned New Delhi, he was insistent that only three types of trees be planted along its wide boulevards — gulmohar, amaltaash and jamun. It was such a thoughtful move, intended to visually depict three magnificent seasons — spring, summer and the rains. Once the dark purple fruits of the jamun tree start dropping on the pavements in July, they lend an aroma to central Delhi that’s as heady as ambrosia. I have started looking forward to that. Recently, I had observed the sky darkening while driving towards Gurgaon, the clouds bundling up in huge masses along the city skyline. One can sense the monsoon in the air heavy with moisture. In fact, the atmosphere is so moisture-laden that driving back one night I saw droplets hanging in the air like a blanket of mist, reminiscent of a late December night. Watching the Arabian Sea vent its fury on the rocky outcrop at Bandra’s Bandstand from the bay window of Taj Land’s End was as fascinating as sighting the advancing dark clouds in Delhi. Something happens to the sea during the monsoon as it transforms into furious coils of water from gentle waves that caress the coastline at other times. I have walked down Marine Drive during the monsoon when gigantic waves get tossed easily 10 ft into the sky as they lash the reclaimed embankment, wetting pedestrians with their violent protest. Unlike some people who love to enjoy the rains outdoors, the monsoon drives me indoors. There’s nothing I love more than fixedly staring at sheets of rain from a window or balcony, drink in hand. I am sure poets share this idea with me. Not being a connoisseur of poetry, I can only buttress my argument by referring to my favourite Madan Mohan composition rendered by Mohammad Rafi: Sawan ke mahine mein/Ek aagsi seene mein/Lagti hai to pee leta hoon/ Do-char ghadi jee leta hoon The rains invariably bring back memories of adolescence and youth, especially those related to romance. Just as spring is associated with love in the West, in India, Kalidasa onwards, it’s the rains that unleash feelings of intimacy as no other season. Paradoxically, the monsoon is also a time for lamentation. In almost every sense then, the rains make for memories — of togetherness and separation, love and despair.
[CHANDAN MITRA] Editor-in-Chief
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Little black book [p10] Kiara Advani: A quick peek into her style file Celeb talk [p18] Love & Prejudice Safari tales [p22] Wild world Food jaunt [p28] The Hearth of Hainan
I N S I D E
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JULY 2019 VOLUME 13 NO 9
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COVER: THE TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY PHOTO COURTESY: COUNTRYSIDE ADVENTURE HOLIDAYS
Globe trotter [p34] On track Night watch [p46] Shine on you crazy diamond Snack time [p50] Monsoon mania Fashion forward [p56] Work mantra
CONTRIBUTORS Bharat Thakur [p64] FITNESS: Have your back Sri Sri Ravi Shankar [p66] GURUSPEAK: Where we need to begin Kushan Mitra [p70] HOT WHEELS: Electric is the future Sanjay Jumaani [p73] NUMBER GAME: Count your fate TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES 76 INCLUDING COVER
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Right now I have picked up a Dior fragrance. It smells good. Sometimes I pick up men’s fragrances because they are stronger and smell better. FAVOURITE HAUNTS OF STYLISH PEOPLE
Earrings are easier to wear. They are less hectic and can be a stylish accessory without a thought.
I don’t read books but recently, I read The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*CK. It is a superb book on why one should do what they want to rather than worrying about what people say.
I love ghar ka khana, normal subzi dal. There is a different taste to it.
Hindi and Telugu actor KIARA ADVANI is flying high with the success of Kabir Singh. She made her acting debut with Fugly and then starred in M.S. Dhoni: The Untold Story
It is hard to list my favourite film. Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge is one. Three Idiots and Rang De Basanti are others. They stir certain emotions in my heart and they have a repeat value. So I can watch them over and over again.
I love New York and end up going there every summer. Recently I went to Maldives for a beach holiday. It was really lovely and peaceful.
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SCALE THE ZENITH OF EXCELLENCE
Driven by its commitment to provide quality technical education, the AJAY KUMAR GARG ENGINEERING COLLEGE has become one of the best engineering institutions in Uttar Pradesh
THE
Ajay Kumar Garg Engineering College (AKGEC), Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh is approved by AICTE and affiliated to Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow. The college was established in 1998 and offers B.Tech Courses in seven disciplines of Engineering. The college also offers post-graduate courses in Computer Application (MCA) and M.Tech in five engineering disciplines. The college is accredited by NAAC. AKGEC has excellent infrastructure with state-of-the-art laboratories, computing facilities, automated library with e-journals, modern well furnished hostels for 1500 students and faculty residences on its wi-fi enabled 40 acres campus. The college also has highly qualified and experienced faculty lead by its Director, Dr RK Agarwal, who is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur, CIT, UK and IISc Bangalore with vast teaching, research and administrative experience. The college has been consistently maintaining excellent results and has 18 students in the 2017-18 top ten AKTU merit lists with 3 Gold, 1 Silver and 2 Bronze medals. The college students have also received the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for best performance across all B.Tech branches for three consecutive years, since its inception. The college also conducts a number of industrially relevant programmes to make its students globally competitive. During the year 2017-18 over 650 students have been placed in reputed companies like Infosys, Cognizant, Ashok Leyland, HCL, Hero Motocorp, HSBC Software, TCS, Tech Mahindra, Wipro, Samsung Research Institute, NIIT Technologies. The college has established a number of Centres of Excellence in collaboration with eminent multinational industries. These include Industrial Robotic Training Centre in collaboration with Kuka Robotics, Centre of Competence in Automation Technologies with Bosch Rexroth, LabVIEW Academy with National Instruments, Product Life Cycle
Management (PLM) Centre with SIEMENS, Industrial Pneumatic Knowledge Centre with Janatics India and a Competency Development Centre in Integrated Automation with Automation Industries Association and industry partners like Pepperl & Fuchs, B&R, Festo and Siemens. The primary objective of these centres is to provide industrially relevant training in these inter-disciplinary state-of-art technologies to bridge the gap between academic curriculum and industry needs. These centres also promote research and industrial consultancies. To expand the outreach of this facility and to align its objective with “Skill India Mission,” AKGEC Skills Foundation has been established as a funded training partner of National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship. Under this programme, Advance Welding Technology and Advance Manufacturing Centre have been established. AKGEC Skills Foundation has also partnered with National Small Scale Industry Corporation (NSIC) to establish a Technology Incubation Centre. The college has the unique distinction of receiving the Academic Excellence Award for Best Engineering College in UPTU for two successive years from His Excellency the Governor of UP. The college is the recipient of the ‘Best Industry Institute Interface’ title, which was conferred by the Minister of Science & Technology, UP Government, as well as by NAFEMS, UK. The college has been honoured with the prestigious STEM awards for ‘Best Technology Infrastructure’ and ‘Best Vocational Robotics Education’ by All India Council for Robotics & Automation. AKGEC believes in setting audacious goals and infusing fresh ideas to achieve the same. The college plans to promote collaborative industry relevant projects, R&D, and consultancy to raise the overall academic standard and bridge the gap between academic curriculum and industry requirements to make its students globally competitive.
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TRAVEL NEWS
SHANGRI-LA INVITES GUESTS TO SAVOUR SUMMER
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FROM
family meals to romantic dinners on the beach, the Savour Summer promotion is available at all Shangri-La hotels and resorts worldwide for stays until September 30. Guests, who book a minimum of a two-night stay, will receive daily breakfast for two and dining credit to be used on property during the stay, including curated dining experiences, Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic bars, beach-side dinners and more. Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort & Spa, Maldives is located in the island nation’s southernmost atoll, beyond the equator, with only the Indian Ocean separating it from Antarctica. The private island resort is quite literally on the edge of the world, boasting not only pristine white beaches and turquoise waters but also a unique jungle setting. As the largest resort island in the Maldives, spread across 12 hectares, it offers a host of amazing activities including water sports, a 6 km jogging trail, as well as a nine-hole golf course, which is the only one of its kind in the Maldives. Early risers can enjoy breakfast with nature while overlooking Sabah’s iconic Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the unique Borneo rainforest at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa, Kota Kinabalu’s 64-acre Rasa Ria Reserve, which is home to numerous plants and animals found only in Malaysia. Originally built in 1896 as the home of French imperial Prince Roland Bonaparte, the iconic building welcomes world travellers within its walls over 100 years later. Nestled on the quiet shores of Trou d’Eau Douce, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa is a luxurious private hideaway embodying the true spirit of Mauritius. Trendy dining experiences, private island retreats and a Bernhard Langer-designed 18-hole golf course are a few examples of what the resort has to offer. Located between the Dolmabahce Palace and the Naval Museum on the European coast of the Bosphorus Straits, the iconic Shangri-La Bosphorus, Istanbul welcomes its guests with an unfolding panorama of the shimmering Bosphorus and green hills of Istanbul’s Asian shores together with the domes and minarets of this magical city. The luxury city resort, set in 15 acres of lush greenery just minutes from the vibrant Orchard Road shopping belt, the Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore, is a tranquil, sophisticated urban retreat while travelling for business or leisure. It features 792 luxurious guest rooms and suites across three distinct wings, which include unique family-themed rooms, supported by a host of dedicated family-focussed amenities.
EXOTICA [13] JULY 2019
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ST MORITZ BECOMES AN OPEN-AIR SPA
IN
summer, this glamorous Alpine village offers countless opportunities to relax and rejuvenate your body and soul. When the sun regains its strength after the long winter, the Maloja wind takes its first breaths and the meadows and forests turn green once more, St Moritz turns into the most beautiful open-air spa in Switzerland. Countless well-ness treatments and activities invite visitors and locals to relax and get active in equal measure. Have you ever shared your yoga mat with a goat? Yoga with goats has a calming effect that can reduce stress and help people find inner peace. The same is true of ‘forest bathing’, the latest health trend from Japan. With its lush larch forests and mountain pines, St Moritz is the ideal place to take this meditative experience to a whole new level. Even a walk around Lake St Moritz is a great way to slow the stressful pace of everyday life. And if you head out onto the water on a stand-up paddleboard, you can see the village with its galleries, starred
restaurants and luxury boutiques from a whole new perspective. Hotels like Badrutt’s Palace, the Kulm Hotel St Moritz, the Carlton Hotel, the Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains and Suvretta House also draw on the power of nature. They all offer spa treatments inspired by the local flora and fauna. Natural ingredients such as floral blends, quartz and junipers are used to pamper and sooth the senses. An absolute must for all spa guests in St Moritz is a bath in the local healing spring water. The Alpine village has been renowned for its mineral water for centuries and respected naturopaths such as Paracelsus have been praising its healing properties since the 1500s. St Moritz’s exquisite ‘champagne climate’ and more than 320 days of sunshine every year ensure that summer never has a dull day. And, of course, the most luxurious open-air spa in Engadin is surrounded by the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps, as far as the eye can see.
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GOA BEACHES SHUT FOR THE MONSOON
WITH
moderate to heavy rains expected to lash various parts of Goa over the next few days, Drishti Marine, the state-appointed professional lifeguard agency, has issued a monsoon advisory instructing visitors to the beach not to venture into the sea during the monsoon months extending from June till the end of September. The Goa government shuts down the beaches for swimming and all water sports activities between June and August each year as the sea during this season tends to be extremely rough and choppy. Drishti’s 600 strong lifeguard force man Goa’s beaches through the year. Red flags have been posted across all beaches under Drishti’s surveillance indicating that these are strictly non-swim zones. Drishti advises visitors to avoid rocky areas, cliffs and hills on the shoreline while trekking. These are very slippery during the monsoon season. Given the height, intensity and frequencies of turbulent waves, one can easily get washed out. All rocky areas around the fort areas in Anjuna, Vagator and Tiracol are out of bounds during monsoon. River bathing, including water sports activities, is restricted and can only be done under the supervision of trained and certified operators. In case of a dry spell over the next few months and depending on weather conditions, Drishti may open up a few beach stretches so that visitors can wade into the waters.
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FREE EVENTS AND FESTI V
CATCH AN OUTDOOR MOVIE: Summertime and movies go hand-in-hand. Step up your movie-going experience a notch and relax outdoors while taking in a classic film or one you’ve never seen before. These outdoor movie screenings, many of which feature beautiful scenery and are free to attend, are the perfect way to turn summer nights into monumental memories.
LIVE MUSIC AT THE YARDS PARK: One of the city’s most scenic settings is The Yards Park in Capitol Riverfront, which overlooks the Anacostia River. The park’s familyfriendly Friday Night Concert Series usually runs from May to September, with shows starting at 6.30 pm. Kids will love the interactive fountains while the parents can sit back and enjoy the show.
TRAVEL BACK IN TIME AT THE NATIONAL MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY'S HALL OF FOSSILS: This summer, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History will debut its new 31,000-sq-ft fossil hall with an epic exhibit that connects our planet’s very distant past to the present and future. Visitors will be transported to ancient ecosystems, navigate through the evolution of life across 4.6 billion years and encounter roughly 700 fossil specimens along the way, including a T-rex and a woolly mammoth. EXOTICA [16] JULY 2019
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I VALS IN WASHINGTON DC
JAZZ IN THE GARDEN: Kick back and groove to the music with sangria in hand at Jazz in the Garden on Fridays throughout the summer, held in the National Gallery of Art’s Sculpture Garden. An eclectic mix of DC area jazz musicians lends a soundtrack to one of the city’s most idyllic scenes set around the sculpture garden’s central fountain. This is a free seasonal tradition that you do not want to miss. Check out the line-up and the food and drink offerings.
STEP INTO THE SMITHSONIAN CASTLE: The National Mall’s iconic red building features fascinating information on the Smithsonian museums and the man behind them, James Smithson. Once you have marvelled at the Victorian arches and dark woodwork, use the 3-D interactive maps of DC’s Smithsonian museums to plan your educational adventure. You can also learn of the history of the castle and visit Smithson’s crypt.
YOGA IN THE NATION’S CAPITAL: Good karma abounds in DC. Unleash your inner yogi with plenty of opportunities to perform the downward dog and bask in the sunshine without paying a cent. During the warm weather months, options can include Golden Triangle’s TriFit in Farragut Square, Community Yoga at the Kennedy Center, morning yoga at The Yards Park and outdoor yoga classes at The Wharf’s Recreation Pier.
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C E L E B TA L K
Love & prejudice Actress DIA MIRZA says humans constantly try to protect themselves rather than acknowledge the challenges and painful experiences that others face. She tells CHAHAK MITTAL how her new web series Kafir helped her change her perspective on life
WHAT
if you are in a situation where you are punished and brutally tortured for something that you are not responsible for? Or how do you react if you are imprisoned for seven years for a crime you did not commit? You have no way to get out and nobody to go to for help. You are in the most helpless situation of all time. Isn’t the very thought of it terrifying? However, what one needs to understand is that such situations are beyond our common imagination until they are felt within our veins. And that reality always tests human will. When actress Dia Mirza heard the script of her latest web series Kafir, which is currently streaming on ZEE5, she got goosebumps and also tears. “Did you experience goosebumps when you watched the trailer?” she asks me with curiosity in her eyes, while I nod a yes. “That is exactly what happened to me when I heard the narration from Bhawani Iyer
(screenwriter). And when I got to know that the story was inspired by a real person’s life, it was all the more reason for me to do it. I was very motivated and challenged as an artist to take it up. It is the first time I have hungered for a part like this,” she says and goes on to add, “My core was shaken. I felt like it was the best thing that happened in a long time. The story is so timely and necessary because only a few people are speaking the language of love right now and the world needs it.” Set in the backdrop of the border conflict between India and Pakistan, more than the geographical boundaries, the story covers the journey and life of a 21-year-old Pakistani woman Kainaaz, who, because of her circumstances, jumps into a river and is washed ashore on the Indian side. She is labelled a militant and imprisoned for seven years during which she births a child on Indian soil. When journalist and lawyer Vedant, (played by actor Mohit Raina), discovers her plight, he decides to help her get justice. “So the story is about how she gets there, why is she there and how was that child born. It talks about the idea of freedom, identity and most importantly, love,” says Dia. When I get curious to know more about the story, she laughs and says, “Let me hand over the script to you so that you know it even before the show airs.” However, it’s the way she tells a story that makes you want to keep listening to her. It’s her eyes, with their deep empathy, that tell the tale and at the
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PHOTOS: PANKAJ KUMAR
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‘IT IS IMPORTANT FOR YOU AS A HUMAN BEING TO ALLOW YOURSELF TO FEEL WHAT THAT PERSON HAD FELT. WE DID SOME EXERCISES TO OPEN OUR HEARTS, MINDS AND BODIES TO EXPERIENCE THE MOST IN-DEPTH EMPATHY. WE ATTENDED WORKSHOPS TO ALLOW OURSELVES TO FEEL THOSE EMOTIONS BECAUSE AS HUMAN BEINGS, WE TRY TO PROTECT OURSELVES. WE DON’T GO TO CERTAIN PLACES OR ALLOW CERTAIN EMOTIONS TO EMERGE BECAUSE WE FEEL THEY WEAKEN US. THE WHOLE EFFORT OF THE WORKSHOP WAS TO REALLY BARE OUR SOULS TO THE ABSOLUTENESS’ same time revive memories of Reena from Rehnaa Hai Tere Dil Mein (2001). Talking about the show’s theme, she says, “It explores prejudice and how the world is full of it, whether we speak about prejudice between two nations or against religions, class and culture. But also prejudice that we have for ourselves. And in a way, we are fortunate that it was not made earlier. Since right now is actually the perfect time.” Kafir was intended as a feature film, the script of which was written 13 years ago and “it took Siddharth (Malhotra, producer) eight years to finally decide to tell it as a web series. With that, we got the luxury of showing the story through eight episodes where we can show the narrative with all its intricacies and nuances. There is more time to invest in the humanity of each of the characters and their humaneness. I don’t think the film would have done justice to it. I am thankful to the universe that it chose us,” says Dia as she talks about how online platforms have an advantage when it comes to telling stories with greater depth. It really struck a chord within Bhawani when she met Shahnaaz, the woman who is the inspiration, and heard her story. She explains, “She said there were three things which
struck her — her sense of peace, calm and grace, despite her experiences. Also, patience plays a very important role. And one thing that I would like to lend to this narrative was the ability to love.” She feels that the story had had its own journey and took its own time to reach where it is today. “However, it has been an amazing one. It has come out so beautifully. When Bhawani saw the first bit of the presentation, she said ‘how did you guys know what I wanted to show and say!’ That was just divine. There could be no other word to describe it, for it is so powerful when a writer’s story comes out in the same way as s/he had imagined.” And after a moment’s notice, Dia exclaims with a smile, “You write, you would know.” There is one thing that the actress wants people to feel and understand here, while watching her character — the role and importance of empathy. She says, “It is important for you as a human being to allow yourself to feel what that person had actually felt. We did some exercises to open our hearts, minds and bodies to experience the most in-depth empathy. We attended workshops to allow ourselves to feel and express those emotions because as human beings, we try to protect ourselves. We don’t go to certain places or allow certain emotions to ever emerge because we feel they weaken us. The whole effort of the workshop was to really bare our souls to the absoluteness and allow ourselves to experience everything that this person felt. So it makes you feel the part as opposed to acting the part.” It’s also the other team members, cast and crew,
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“It all begins with writing. Only after who play a constant role in bringing that other things fall in place. There out those emotions, she feels. are costumes, which are a very “When you are a team that is so important factor. It matters a lot encouraging, whatever the emotion that what clothes you are wearing, is, whether its your co-actors, Mohit how much mud you are pushing into or that six-year-old child (Dishita), your fingernails because there is no who is the most aware kid I have manicure in jail. You are engaged in ever come across. She never acted. hard labour everyday. All these small She was there in that very moment, things don’t come into sharp notice feeling whatever she was ‘I AM DEEPLY IMPACTED BY THIS ROLE. KAINAAZ HAS but go a long way in building up the experiencing and bringing that out EMPOWERED ME AND character and the show.” and expressing herself then and MADE ME REALISE She talks about how Kainaaz has there. And then there is the director, EVERYONE’S LIFE HAS CHALLENGES TO A GREAT changed her life. “I am deeply Sonam Nair, who is constantly EXTENT. IT’S ONLY YOUR impacted by this role. There are two facilitating it. It gives you the RESPONSE TO THOSE CHALLENGES THAT MAKES things that I have discovered — freedom and room to just be. She THE DIFFERENCE. AFTER Kainaaz has empowered me and never let us feel the presence of the THIS ROLE, A LOT OF made me realise everyone’s life has camera. It almost felt like she was PEOPLE ASK ME HOW WILL I GET OUT OF THAT challenges to a great extent. It’s only bearing witness to what is EXPERIENCE OR LEAVE your response to those challenges happening to us,” says the actress. KAINAAZ, BUT I DON’T WANT HER TO LEAVE ME that makes the difference. After this About having a kid around such EVER. IT HAS role, a lot of people ask me how will I an intense atmosphere, she says, “It TRANSFORMED ME AS A get out of that experience or leave made all the difference.” She goes on HUMAN BEING’ Kainaaz, but I don’t want her to to add, “As adults, we struggle to leave me ever. It has transformed me present something in an honest as a human being,” says she. way, we might not be present here Lately, there has been a lot of and now. But that child is so Kashmir-related content that vividly present. It’s like she was born of portrays the conflict, the most recent meditation,” (laughs). example being, No Fathers in Kashmir She says that Dishita made her a and Raazi. She explains that it is mother. “You don’t need a biological because “it needs to be there. child to feel what a mother could be. Cinema is one of the biggest media She really evoked the most intense of change and if these can impact maternal instinct in me. I have the relations between India and always been a nurturer and carePakistan even a little, why not?” giver for my friends and family, and The actress, who is known for fans, but what that kid made me feel her social work like working for was something else. I really went cancer aid, PETA, Cry and into withdrawal and couldn’t stop Greenathon, and has also served as an ambassador crying on the last day of our shoot. I didn’t feel like I for the WTI and the goodwill ambassador to the UN, could live without her. And she still calls me Dia hopes that people through these stories realise that ammi while we are talking on Facetime (laughs).” “hate exists because of fear. We just need more While one would think about the story and how it acceptance and love towards each other to make it a has been presented after watching any film or show, better world.” one often ignores what goes into making it. She says,
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S A F A R I TA L E S
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Witness animals luxuriating in the heart of the jungle as they revel in the magic of the monsoon
EXPERIENCING
monsoon in the heart of Chitwan National Park, tucked away in the wilderness of Nepal, is nothing short of a gifted privilege. The forest floor is hidden under a luxuriously thick carpet of lush green and runs ribbon-like alongside the River Rapti. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Taj Safari’s Meghauli Serai offers an interpretative wildlife experience that is one of its kind in Nepal, which is also sustainably rooted in the community of Chitwan. While there’s never a bad time to head to one of the best wildlife viewing national parks in Asia, here are six reasons why it’s even better in this season: WILDLIFE: The Nepalese army’s presence in the region ensures that the 932 sq km park is a zero-poaching zone, as a 600-strong rhino population awaits the visitors in the elephant grass. Here, they can also spot the rare greater one-horned rhinoceros, which is the largest of the species. Serviced by the jungle mynahs that pick insects and other irritants off their impressive plates of armour, they stand still even though they can rouse themselves to speeds of 40 kmph when challenged. It is the perfect birders’ paradise, as roughly 640 different species dot the park. There is a plethora of other animals like the deer, wild boar, mongoose, jackal and more. During monsoon, the park is refreshed and the wild animals meander closer to the jungle’s edge.
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RAPTI RIVER: The monsoon transforms the water body as it nourishes life around it. Chitwan’s dense forests, broad grasslands and oxbow lakes on both sides support an enormous variety of wildlife, including the mugger crocodiles. Experience bliss as you settle down for an elaborate breakfast by the riverside. Canoeing on the river at sunset is a heady experience. The sound of the oars gently pushing back the water as one makes way to the Gola Ghat is what great memories are made of. One can marvel at the endangered gharial basking on the banks or surprise the rhino wallowing in the water as you glide towards the confluence of the Rapti and the Narayani rivers. Postride, settle for a sundowner at a low table and witness a dramatic sunset. JEEP AND WALKING JUNGLE SAFARIS: Home to the Great Hornbill, Ruddy Shelduck, and approximately 68 species of mammals, Chitwan is an ideal place to be explored by way of a jeep or walking safari with professionally-trained naturalists. Witness the elusive elephants, and one-horned rhinoceros in their most majestic avatar, close in on the spotted and hog deer and many other exotic animals. Travellers can also walk through the local Tharu village, which showcases traditional life. Get a glimpse into the life of the locals as you mingle with them and learn the various ways of crafting traditional brews alongside Nepalese delights. The Tharu are believed to have lived here for hundreds of years and call themselves “The People of the Forest.” They farm rice, corn lentil and hunt wild boar, deer and rabbit along with river fish. They wear an armour of pride and unlike other Nepalis, never venture out of their forest for jobs and other comforts.
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CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK — UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE: A dramatic landscape of dense sal groves, thick grasslands and meandering water bodies, Chitwan is Nepal’s first national park. It is a world heritage site and home to 120 Bengal tigers, sloth bears, leopards, elephants and, of course, the rare and endangered greater one-horned rhinoceros. Now this species has been
revived because of dedicated conservation efforts. Greater one-horned rhinos are usually solitary, except for females with small calves. Males have loosely defined territories which they defend aggressively and rarely venture far out of. The territories change according to food availability in relation to the current season. The females can move in and out of these territories as they like. If
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food is abundant within an area, it is not unusual to see several animals all grazing close together. In fact, they have a social ritual called mud-wallowing, where they roll over in pits. Covering their skin in mud aids thermo-regulation by preventing overheating, and also suffocates any ticks or parasites that are embedded on the surface of the skin. Call it a community spa treatment! FAMILY DELIGHT: Meghauli Serai is a safe haven for children and offers a wide range of fun and educational activities that will keep the young ones entertained. There is even a put course designed especially for them. The lily ponds are the perfect place where children can try their hand at fishing. A state-of-the-art archery target can keep both children and adults entertained. Both can also interact and bond over baking classes with the team. Those who want to be junior naturalists, there is a passionate team that will ensure that
their treasure trove of information is passed on to the future conservationists! A LOCAL LUXE AFFAIR: This lodge on the banks of the meandering Rapti River offers the Taj group’s signature luxury amid the most exclusive camping experience. Rhinos and wild elephants frequently come to the river to drink, bathe or woo the domesticated females of a nearby elephant camp run by the forest department. So guests can witness stunning sightings while they enjoy a dip in the resort’s shimmering infinity pool or sip cocktails at the outdoor restaurant overlooking the water. Private, isolated and specially designed for wildlife enthusiasts, this resort offers one Presidential Suite, 16 independent villas with private plunge pools, and 12 contemporary rooms. The architecture smoothly blends fine touches of contemporary designs with its natural surroundings. Traditional Nepalese design elements in the rooms include wall murals painted by a local artist. You would be forgiven for blending in.
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Hainan THE HEARTH OF
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FOOD JAUNT KARISHMA KRIPLANI manages to get past the language barrier and savours some authentic island food at Sanya, China’s latest Florida-like beach town
INDIANS
think that Chinese food is limited to fried rice, chilli paneer, vegetable Manchurian, Hakka noodles and chicken in black bean sauce. Well, that’s not really what the Chinese eat. Their eating habits and palate are very different than what we think of as Chinese cuisine. All the dishes I’ve spoken about are variants of the Chinese, which are actually invented in India. Just a month ago I visited Sanya, which is on the southern coast and is a part of the Hainan islands. It’s also called the “Florida of the East,” a part of the Chinese effort to replicate every global hotspot — White sands, blue skies, warm sunny weather, teal waters, lazy hammocks, fresh seafood and the lovely locals. That’s what makes Sanya splendidly beautiful and special. People are so warm and friendly that they make for lasting memories. Usually in a country like China, where communication through language is quite a major problem, I managed to navigate well and got myself to taste some delicious local cuisine. It’s always more fun to get your hands on food made by street vendors rather than in five-star hotels and that’s where the native touch and taste is actually present. A Hainan speciality dessert is the coconut jelly, which is sold on the streets. It basically comes in two layers, a creamy coconut kernel sitting atop a coconut water jelly that makes for a transparent and major layer of the dessert. And it is served in a
coconut shell while everywhere else in the world it’s made and frozen in a bowl. Another Hainan speciality dessert is a mix of fruits with chilled coconut milk. Very light and easy on the stomach, yet so flavourful. The fruits to choose from with the coconut milk were just plenty, right from pittaya, mango, strawberry, pineapple, kiwi, banana, apple, peach and plum. A little too many actually.
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So, how did I explain to Mr Yu Zhenjie, the owner of Tin Tin cold drink house, what exactly I wanted, because there was a huge language barrier that we were facing? Most Chinese people have a translation application called Youdao. Basically, I started off by saying the only fruits I wanted were mango, strawberry and pittaya along with the coconut milk. The app then translated. In turn, he said something in Chinese into the phone and I got my acknowledgment in English. Voila! It was perfect. He understood exactly what I wanted. And to make me understand the price, which was 50 Yuan (approximately `500) he punched the digits on the calculator. With my fingers, I gave a thumbs up. Only then did he get the dessert ready. Well Sanya is on the coast, so everything is coconut. Chilled coconut milk is to be found in every nook and corner to give you a breather from the sultry tropical weather.
OF
course, how can one not sample the Hainan chicken while here. The authentic version has the breast of the bird, poached and served with garlic seasoned rice and garnished with cucumbers. The water in which the chicken is boiled is served as a soup. This actually completes the meal. We Indians need chilli oil to perk it up a bit. This dish is not readily available in the streets but more in the local restaurants. What else I tried in the local restaurants was the seafood, particularly lobster and crab. Since you are on the coastline, fresh seafood is a must. The lobster was cooked with butter, garlic and some Chinese chilli oil but what I devoured was the crab, which was cooked in typical Chinese style with some capsicum and a whole lot of garlic and chilli oil. That flavour is still lingering in my mouth and I definitely want to go back and eat some more. I communicated with the restaurant owner by showing her the picture of these two dishes on the restaurant menu. I
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TIPS&TRICKS
o There’s no Uber in China but an equivalent called Didi. o The calculator is the most effective way in communicating price and even for bargaining. o If you take international roaming pack from India all applications will work. Google, Facebook, whatsapp are all available. o If you are taking a local sim, please download a VPN in India itself. o Sign language and pictures on the internet, make communication very easy. o Commuting is very easy as there are enough taxis on the road. Just put your hand out and one will stop for you. Just carry your address to be reached and taxi will take you there. o Definitely download the Youdong translate and Wechat application. o Most of the five stars have an Indian chef so people who are not willing to experience and experiment, there’s ample Indian food available. But I must say the Hainan food is simply delicious and what makes it more special is the love locals serve it with.
obviously wanted some carbohydrates with the seafood, so googled fried rice to show them the picture of what exactly I wanted. Along with me, there was a vegetarian on the next table who was eating some Chinese greens. So I went to that table and pointed that I wanted a plate of that as well. Between internet, pointing at pictures, going to the other table and showing dishes, and the calculator, communication was very easy. Fish cakes are sold in all tourist spots in Sanya, whether it’s a Buddha temple or a cultural village. Another tourist spot speciality is marbled eggs that are boiled in tea. The jasmine tea of China definitely gives these eggs a very unique flavour.
CHINESE
people are like Bengalis or South Indians. Rice is an absolute staple part of their diet and they love it in any form. I saw some of it served in pineapples and another lot served in pandang leaves. The one which was steamed in pandang leaf had been cooked in a vegetarian broth and had some duck meat in the centre . What a healthy meal I must say: rice, veggies
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and duck. Today’s mantra is eat clean and gluten free. Another surefire hit, available all over the streets of Sanya, is Chinese barbecue, mainly with chicken, pork and beef, and having a very good local spicy flavour. I was keen on having pork, so to explain me that what she was serving was indeed a pig, the local pointed to her nose and wriggled it up and down. People in Sanya have really found ways of communication and beating all language barriers.
AND
though I have begun this piece in a reverse order, beginning with dessert, there’s a reason. That’s because I wanted to save the best for last and that happens to be the Chinese breakfast, the best morning meal I have had in a long time. I loved the taro pie, pumpkin pie, dim sum platter comprising of pork bao, prawn suimai and vegetable savoury dumpling. The noodle soup in chicken or pork broth along with all the condiments is one of the healthiest you will ever find. No wonder the people are a happy lot.
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BOOK REVIEW
VICTORYMANTRA Self-help books usually speak only of achieving the desired visions and planned goals regarding wealth, prosperity, fame, establishment of business empires, big positions but Selfie of Success speaks about 360° of development
THE
book, Selfie of Success, authored by Burra Venkatesham, is a practical guide. It fills the mind with positive and inspiring affirmations that can motivate an individual to take the path of success. Venkatesham’s masterpiece is above and beyond most books in the same genre. So far, the ‘success books’ spoke only on achieving the desired visions and planned goals regarding wealth, prosperity, fame, establishment of business empires, big positions; or tips to achieve anything you want in life; completing the objectives; reaching the career goals; accumulating abundance; the dos and dont’s etc. But this book speaks about success in 360 degrees, which is its USP. It encompasses all the angles of it, providing various insights and comprehensive perspectives of the world of success. Everyone, who wants to reach success, should read it to know the unimaginable and fascinating aspects of it. The book presents a holistic view of the success in a poetic and philosophical way, with fluid style.
The aspirant cannot so far imagine what the side effects of success will be; and what the sins will be. The succeeding real life stories highlight each concept in a subtle way. It is the most comprehensive snapshot of what success is. It’s a book that broadens horizons for the reader right from page one. To conquer anything, one must first study every facet of it. Author and IAS officer Venkatesham has studied the elusive pattern of success and employed it in his personal life with incredible results. The book is unique in many ways. The book has stories of some well-known personalities from across the world — Mahatma Gandhi to Escobar, Jack Ma to RamojiRao, Oprah Winfrey to Michel Jackson, giving the reader greater insights. It is compartmentalised well and the reader can either read it in one go or in segments, based on the interest or curiosity that the title of the segment arouses. The language is simple and easy to comprehend for all ages. A must read for its lucid style and unique takes on real life situations.
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GLOBE TROTTER
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track On
The charm of slow travel, where one can experience a place and engage with it, is best enjoyed while aboard a train. MILIND BHIDE explores a variety of options
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Holidays are no longer about treading the usual. The new-age traveller is seeking bespoke experientials and going as much local as possible while discovering new lands. While air travel implies faster checklists, rail journeys can be more meaningful and intense in connecting you with your environs and people. Taking a journey across Europe can be immersive, enriching and nostalgic. And on the train, it’s incredibly romantic.
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THE TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY: BEIJING TO MOSCOW VIA MONGOLIA
THE
longest railway line in the world, Trans Siberian Railway, starting from Moscow to Vladivostok, covers a distance of 9,289 km. It was built between 1891 and 1961 under Tsar Nicolas. It’s the journey nearly everyone wants to take, perhaps because it’s commonly said to be the longest you can make on a single train: the longest of the three trans-Siberian routes, between Moscow and Vladivostok, covers 9,258 km (6,152 miles) and takes seven days. There is a longer one, from Ukraine to Vladivostok, but as an introduction to the immensity of the
world’s largest country and its landscapes, the Trans-Siberian experience is unrivalled. This line played a strategic role in shaping Russian history, be it Russo-Japan war of 1904, the Russian revolution of 1917 or World War II in 1941. Even today the Trans-Siberian line remains the most important transport link within Russia after 100 years, transporting goods and people. Among the discerning traveller, this features high up in the experiences that they want to opt for. There are connecting branch lines into Mongolia, China and North Korea.
THERE ARE THREE ROUTES: o Moscow to Vladivostok (9,258km/6,152 miles). The longest and least popular, which takes seven nights. o Moscow to Beijing via Harbin, Manchuria (8,986km/5,623 miles). The older of the two routes that reaches Beijing, this was completed in the 1900s. o Moscow to Beijing via Mongolia (7,621km/4,735 miles). This is considered by many to be the most interesting of the routes. Leaving Siberia, the train crosses Mongolia via the Gobi Desert to enter China.
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THE ORIENT SILK ROAD EXPRESS: UZBEKISTAN
TRAVEL
in the land of turquoise domes, enticing bazaars and imposing desert ruins. This once-in-a-lifetime railroad voyage includes tours led by experienced guides and delicious dining, both on and off the train. Extensively refurbished a few years ago, this private train offers the highest standards of safety, service and comfort. The best way to experience a place is to indulge in the fresh, regional dishes accompanied with a cool drink as the arid desert flies by. This journey familiarises you with the different cultures along the legendary Silk
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Road. Further, there are the mandatory stops at different historical places including four UNESCO World Heritage sites. Uzbekistan is richly endowed with history and culture, a flavour of which you will sample on this journey. It will take you to Tashkent, which was once an ancient oasis, now a bustling metropolis where you can witness the city’s monumental architecture, including the Kukeldash Madrasa and the Amir Timur monuments. There are Caravanserai, fortresses, museums and madrasas. The next is Shakhrisabz, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and birthplace of Timur, the 14th century Mongol conqueror. The ruins of his palaces surround the city’s bustling market. Witness a folk performance and meet locals before boarding the train, where there is an Uzbek wine tasting session in the dining car. Samarkand, which lies at the cultural crossroads, is the place where wealth, conquest and faith intertwine as it is one of the oldest settlements on Earth. It was known to be the most beautiful city in the world during Timur’s time.
The ornate marble pillars and vaults of Registan Square and the exquisite glazed tiles of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis unleash a sense of wonder. At the Afrasiab excavation site, you visit a museum where you learn about the ancient history of this astonishing place. Another city that one visits is Khiva, which seems to be straight out of a tale from One Thousand and One Nights. Do not miss on the Kunya Ark Citadel, the Kalta Minor and Islam Hodha Minarets. The palaces, mosques, minarets, mausoleums and madrasas represent one of the best preserved ensembles of medieval urban architecture in the world. In Bukhara, sights include yellow brickwork of the Kalyan Minaret and city gates with intricate tile work. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to a thousand monuments. At the Lyab-i Hauz ensemble, witness the 500-year-old architectural ingenuity. There is also Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, Samanid Mausoleum, the gargantuan, 1,500-year-old Ark of Bukhara and the only women’s mosque in the country.
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THE LHASA EXPRESS: FROM QINGHAI TO TIBET Sky Train or the Lhasa Express is the the record-breakers; the world’s highest passenger world’s highest railway and an railroad (at Tanggula Pass, which is at an elevation engineering wonder. Since it runs at a height, it is of 16,640 ft/5,072 m) and the world’s highest equipped with two oxygen sources as well. The railroad tunnel (Fenghuoshan at an elevation of tracks pass by Qinghai Lake, China’s largest, and 16,093 ft/ 4,905 m). runs through the Golmud- to-Lhasa sector, which The train, at certain sections, runs at altitudes, has breathtaking scenery. That segment also offers which tower at more than 4,000 m. The
THE
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temperature is regulated and pressurised. All windows are glazed with a UV coating and oxygen is available for those who find it difficult to breathe. Each train has a dining car, eco-friendly washrooms and comfortable beds. The journey will take you along one of the world’s most spectacular rail routes with stunning mountain views and scenic provincial villages as
you head deep off the beaten track. In Shanghai, visit the Yuyuan Garden before you go to the Shanghai Train station. The train takes you through two important provincial capitals in northwest China: Lanzhou and Xining and Lhasa with its UNESCO-listed Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. There are two great monasteries of central Tibet — Drepung and Sera.
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ARCTIC EXPLORER: MOSCOW TO NORWEGIAN ARCTIC CIRCLE the polar night to Nikel, making a stop in the on a journey to the port city of Murmansk to tour the first spectacular Northern nuclear-powered ice-breaker. From Nikel, Lights as you venture far above the Arctic Circle. travel by coach to Kirkenes, Norway, for a Aurora Borealis or the Northern Lights, at a two-night stay. Here, visit the Snow Hotel, enjoy high altitude of 60 to more than 250 miles in the chilled vodka, see reindeer and huskies and Earth’s atmosphere, are created when charged during the evenings, set off in search of the particles from the sun are trapped in the Earth’s Northern Lights. magnetic field. The celestial sky turns into a In St Petersburg, gaze upon the gems of the dancing light show and could be a breathtaking Hermitage Museum, the Peter and Paul Fortress, array of colours and fluid shapes. During this and St Isaac’s Cathedral. Plus, go beyond the city exciting rail journey, you’ll also explore the to see Catherine’s Palace. treasures of Moscow, St Petersburg and the On your luxurious private train, you can Golden Ring. During a day in Moscow, visit expect well-appointed en-suite cabins, fine dining, Novodevichy Convent, the Kremlin’s Armory and elegant surroundings — even in the remotest Museum and the St Basil’s Cathedral during a areas. The first-class service is included as walk-through of Red Square. standard, with a personal cabin attendant service, In the Golden Ring towns of Vladimir and available at all times, to look after all your needs. Suzdal, you’ll visit important religious sites, attend In addition to the private en-suite sleeping cabins, a choral concert by monks and feel the excitement it offers beautifully appointed bar lounge car and of a sleigh ride on a traditional troika. restaurant cars. Board your train and journey north during
EMBARK
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N I G H T WAT C H
Shine on crazy you
diamond Experience magic at the festival of a million fireflies as a village in Maharashtra comes alive at night with these tiny creatures. EXOTICA takes you on a journey
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PHOTOS COURTESY: GRASSROUTES
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DREAMS
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, poetry and prose have been written about how fireflies light up lives and their surroundings. Whether it is inspired by literature or by the idea of doing something, which is like a forbidden fruit, diving into the myriad colours dissipated by sparkling fireflies is something that all of us would want to indulge in once in a lifetime. After all, the tiny glowing creatures fascinated us during our childhood. We loved to chase them around in the backyard of our grandparents’ house. Sadly, the current crop of youngsters have not had the opportunity to do so, surrounded as they are by technology. But then they can do just that as millions of fireflies come out in the open and create a fascinating spectacle at Purushwadi, a village in Maharashtra. If you thought that there was only one species of fireflies, nothing can be farther from the truth as there are over 2,000 species that can be spotted
in the woods here. These tiny creatures dissipate light to attract the opposite sex. Male fireflies send signals in the form of distinct patterns of flashing light and females respond to them in their own way of signalling. It is this exchange of light that creates a breathtaking sight for the onlookers. The flies live long enough to mate and lay eggs, which is all of two months. They die eventually and the eggs miraculously hatch the next day. Nature nurtures and cares for the larvae. A festival structured around inviting folks from the city to experience the phenomena and celebrate the arrival of the farming season is celebrated in the area in June. And since the festival is centered around a natural phenomenon, responsible trips have been hosted here since 2008 with help from the communities at Purushwadi, Wanjulshet and Gundoshi in Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra. Fireflies can be seen in abundance across this whole region because of the sheer richness of bio-
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GET TINGTHERE Drive down from Mumbai as it is 220 km which should take you roughly five hours. ESSENTIALS: As it’s a village area, it is recommended that you to take some snacks, medicines, mosquito repellents, sunglasses, running shoes and the like with you. STAY OPTIONS: The tents are set up in a village in Ahmednagar that has been adopted by Grassroutes. You can choose from their camping tents (lake view, valley view) or ‘village homestays’. The food is cooked by local rural women. You can participate in festivals of the rural people or have fun playing their games. One villager guide per group is always there to help you out with practical details and guidance. LOCATION: Grassroutes, Purushwadi, Maharashtra 422604 CONTACT: 088794 77437 Email: info@grassroutes.co.in
diversity and green cover. While exposing people to this phenomenon, which is brilliant in every sense, the festival also sustains the local economy as the community is engaged either as guides for the trip, cooks for meals or as a part of the maintenance team. This money earned during the pre-agriculture season provides them have an alternative source of income. You can literally wade through them; the light is not warm and is emitted by a complex process called bio-luminescence. They bob up and down on your hand and in the cup of your palm without so much as a tingle. The fireflies are best seen during the night but there are a lot of activities to indulge in during the day. Visit the surrounding lush green farms and mountains, there is a dam near the village where one can spend time. Visitors can even plough, harvest and sow seeds. One can experience all that rural life has on offer, including tree climbing and swimming in the river.
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SNACK TIME
MONSOON MANIA
Most of the country is in the midst of heavy rains, a season when fritters rule the culinary kingdom. A gentle pitter patter is enough to make you scurry to the kitchen, warm up a wok full of oil and dip in the spatula for the golden dough balls to rise. EXOTICA suggests some new ideas with a whiff of the old EXOTICA [50] JULY 2019
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BABY CORN BEZULE INGREDIENTS: Baby corn: 100 gm For marinating: Deghi mirch powder: 10 gm; Ginger and garlic paste: 10 gm; Salt: To taste; Turmeric powder: 2 gm; Curry leaves: 10; Garam masala powder: 4 gm; Dhania powder: 4 gm; Coating: Rice flour: 40 gm; Besan flour: 40 gm; Oil: To deep fry METHOD: Blanch baby corn in turmeric and salt water. Cool it and mix with the above marinating spices. After marinating, dust it with rice and besan flour, make sure the baby corn doesn’t stick to each other. Deep fry in medium hot oil till it becomes crispy and serve hot.
WARM DEEP-FRIED MILK AND TOFFEE CHOCOLATES
CHEESE AND CHILLI QUESADILLAS INGREDIENTS: Rolled flat bread: 2; Grated cheddar cheese: 50 gm; Grated mozzarella cheese: 50 gm; Chopped green chilli 2; Salt: To taste; Refined oil METHOD: Take thin flat bread and sprinkle grated cheese and chopped green chilli on half bread (you could use chapattis from the previous meal). Now fold the other half bread into half moon shape. Heat non-stick pan with oil and grill both sides of stuffed bread till crisp. Cut in to four equal parts and serve hot. You can add crisp vegetables/pepper/mushrooms/ chicken strips for stuffing.
INGREDIENTS: Milk and toffee chocolates: 2 each; Refined flour: 30 gm; Egg (optional): 1; Bread crumbs: 50 gm; Cookies: 1 pack; Sugar: 50 gm; Honey: 20 gm; Oil: To deep fry METHOD: Cut the chocolates in even sizes. Make a batter with refined flour and eggs. Dip the chocolates in the batter and coat them with bread crumbs. Deep fry in hot oil till they turn crisp from out side. Crush cookies on a plate and place fried chocolate. Pour honey on top. Sprinkle sugar and serve hot. You can serve this with vanilla ice-cream. — Prem K Pogakula, Executive chef, The Imperial New Delhi
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CHAUNKIYA MATAR AUR AKHROT KE SIDDU INGREDIENTS: Whole wheat flour: 500 gm; Dry yeast: ½ tsp; Salt: To taste; Sugar: 5 gm; Fresh green peas: 100 gm; Walnuts: 100 gm; Cumin seeds: 1 tsp; Turmeric: ½ tsp; Desi ghee: 100 gm; Ginger: 20 gm; Fresh coriander: 1 tbsp; Green chilli: 2 METHOD: Add salt to flour and sieve it. In a bowl, mix dry yeast and sugar with little water. Add this to the flour and prepare a dough by adding water, as desired. Knead well and keep aside for proving. In a pan, temper the green peas in ghee and spices. Add crushed walnuts and season. Make small balls with the dough and fill them with the pea and walnut stuffing. Allow these stuffed dough balls to rest for 15 minutes. Grease the base of steamer and place stuffed balls carefully. Ensure that there is enough space in between each ball. Steam for about 20 minutes. Once ready pour desi ghee on top and serve with your favourite chutney. — Atul Upadhyay, Executive Sous Chef, Taj Palace, New Delhi
KADHAI PANEER IN PALAK WRAP INGREDIENTS: Spinach leaf: 5; Onion: 20 gm; Tomatoes: 15 gm; Oil 10 ml; Red chilli powder: 3 gm; Turmeric powder: 2 gm; Garam masala: 3 gm; Salt: To taste For kadhai masala: Whole coriander 5 gm; Red chilli whole 2; Cumin whole: 5 gm
METHOD: In a pan heat oil, add whole spices. Once the spices release their aroma, add onions. Brown the onions and add tomatoes, ground spices and cook until the oil separates from the masala. Add slices of paneer and toss until the masala gets
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evenly coated. In a sauce pan, boil some water and blanch the spinach leaves. Roll the warm mixture into the spinach leaves and the wrap will be ready to serve. — Chef Mahadev Prasad, The Gateway Resorts Damdama
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PALAK PATTA CHAAT INGREDIENTS: Spinach leaves: 120 gm; Gram flour: 80 gm; Salt: To taste; Cornflour: 50 gm; Saunth chutney: 30 gm; Chaat masala: 3 gm; Roasted crushed cumin seeds: 2 gm; Pomegranate seeds: 5 gm; Mint chutney: 20 gm; Sweet curd: 150 gm METHOD: Wash spinach leaves and dry them. Prepare a thin batter of corn flour, gram flour and salt. Heat oil in a wok. Coat the leaves with just enough batter to get a very thin layer on the leaf and fry in hot oil till crispy. Keep aside in a dry place to keep it crispy. Dust some more spinach leaves with gram flour and corn flour. Fry in hot oil till crispy. Keep aside. In a plate, spread the batter fried crispy spinach leaves. Pour a thin layer of sweet curd, some saunth and mint chutney. Garnish with the fried spinach leaves and pomegranate seeds. Sprinkle with chaat masala and roasted crushed cumin seeds and serve. — Rajiv Malhotra, Corporate chef, Chor Bizarre Restaurants
SWEET CORN KHICHDI INGREDIENTS: Sweet corn kernels: 200 gm; Desi ghee: 20 gm; Whole cumin: 5 gm; Turmeric powder: 3 gm; Asafoetida: 5 gm; Chopped green chilli: 5 gm; Cream: 20 gm; Amul cheese: 15 gm; Chopped, fresh coriander: 10 gm; Salt: To taste; Sugar: To taste; Lemon: 1; Tamarind chutney: 10 ml; Mint and coriander chutney: 10 ml; Sem ka beej: 15 gm METHOD: Take half of the corn kernels and puree them in a mixer. Reserve the rest. In a thick bottom pan, add desi ghee and place on medium heat. Add whole cumin seeds and cook till they start to crackle. Add asafoetida, chopped green chilli and turmeric in the pan and cook for a couple of minutes. Turn down the heat to a low setting and add the pureed corn along with the whole corn kernels. Cook for a couple of minutes. Add cream and cheese to bind the corn mixture. Adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar. Add fresh coriander and squeeze a lime wedge to finish. Top the khichdi with a little mint chutney, tamarind chutney and sprinkle sem ka beej to garnish. — Dhiraj Dargan, Executive chef, Comorin
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MANGO MINT PANEER TIKKA INGREDIENTS: Paneer: 400 gm; Hung curd: 100 gm; Mango puree: 100 gm; Garam masala powder: 25 gm; Coriander powder: 20 gm; Yellow chilli powder: 40 gm; Vegetable oil: 50 gm; Salt: To taste; Mint leaves: 50 gm METHOD: Mix hung curd, mango puree, garam masala powder, yellow chilli powder, vegetable oil and salt in a bowl. Add mint leaves to the mixture. Cut paneer into small cubes and add them to the marinade. Mix well. Cover the bowl and let the paneer marinate for a few hours. Thread the marinated paneer, capsicum and onion in wooden skewers. Heat a grill pan and add some oil to it. Grill the paneer skewers till slightly browned from all sides. Serve hot with coriander and mint chutney.
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KAIRI CHICKEN TIKKA INGREDIENTS: Chicken tikka boneless: 200 gm; Hung curd: 50 gm; Raw mango paste: 50 gm; Kasoori methi: 20 gm; Mint: 20 gm; Fresh coriander: 50 gm; Salt: To taste; Vegetable oil: 50 gm; Cooking cream: 50 gm; Cardamom powder: 20 gm; Ginger garlic paste: 100 gm Lemon juice: 50 gm; Green chilli paste: 50 gm METHOD: Wash the chicken and marinate with ginger garlic paste and lemon juice for one hour. Add cardamom powder. In a second bowl, add hung curd and raw mango paste, salt and green chilli paste and mint paste. Set it aside for one hour. In a tandoor, grill the chicken tikka while applying the raw mango and hung curd paste. Serve hot with fresh coriander and mint chutney. — Chef Devraj Sharma, Crowne Plaza Today Okhla
RISOTTO WITH ASPARAGUS INGREDIENTS: Asparagus: 2 kg; Arborio rice: 550 gm; Salt: 20 gm; Pepper: 10 gm; Basil sprig: 20 gm; Olive oil extra virgin: 100 ml; Thyme: 15 gm; Onion: 50 gm; Garlic: 30 gm; White wine: 100 ml; Parmesan: 250 gm Butter: 200 gm; Vegetable stock: 3000 ml METHOD: Heat oil, add chopped garlic, onion and some blanched asparagus. Add arborio rice and deglaze with white wine. Cook the rice using vegetable stock till al dente. Add asparagus tips, finish it with butter, thyme and grated parmesan. Garnish it with asparagus tips, herb and parmesan shaving. — Diwas Wadhera, Executive chef, Crowne Plaza New Delhi Mayur Vihar Noida
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F A S H I O N F O R WA R D
Work Mantra While monsoon might be the season to have fun and enjoy a splash in the rain, turning up in office soaked like a wet rag is certainly a no no. There are clothes which carry the colours of the monsoon, dry fast and do not crumple. Don these options and take charge of board meetings
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Ancestry Jamdani: The romance of monsoon is best captured in white. With a splash of hues, you can enliven your surroundings.
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Bhaavya Bhatnagar: The best way to negotiate puddles is to keep it short. Whether it is a printed dress or culottes, these help you emerge super dry and chic from the showers.
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Clove: A striped black and a cropped top are sure to add some sizzle to the rains.
Melissa: Keep it formal with this super short, belted skirt and a buttoned shirt. A sure way to face those board meetings.
PostFold: The aqua hues complement the weather. Bring out the colours and blend in with the scenery outside.
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Bhaavya Bhatnagar: When in doubt, pull the ethnic look out. The embroidered tops and the ombre kurta will surely nail the monsoon look.
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Urvashi Joneja: The prints have it. An ensemble, which combines the pinks and the blues, makes a trippy statement. The grey, without appearing to be dull, is good for a cocktail evening.
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Vedika M: Hit by blues, there is nothing more enchanting than wearing shades of the colour as the rains lash outdoors.
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back problems are a common ailment and on the rise. This is partly a reflection of our daily routines. High stress levels affect us mentally and physically. Our muscles tighten and are prone to stiffness, aches, pulls and spasms. Sedentary lifestyles and inadequate exercise lead to weak back muscles. The most affected ones have deskbound jobs or engaged with laptops or smartphones over long periods. This invariably leads to poor posture, slouching, compressed lower spine and poorer blood circulation. Other factors like obesity, lifting heavy things, injuries and natural wear and tear as we get older, also contribute to back aches. The lower back is a remarkably well-engineered structure that includes the five lumbar vertebrae, inter-vertebral discs, joints, muscles, ligaments, tendons and nerves. It supports the weight of the upper body and spine, allowing us to move, bend, twist and rotate the hips. Problems begin with soreness and stiffness, which can be normalised by some remedial action. Yoga postures, done gently in co-ordination with breath, stretch the lower back, reduce stiffness and help to get mobility back. Stretching and relaxation reduce the tightness and
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FITNESS
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Bharat Thakur is a yoga guru and founder of Artistic Yoga
The ancient science holds a solution to the problems caused by a sedentary lifestyle and lack of adequate exercise
tension, increase the blood flow, allow nutrients to flow in and nourish soft tissues. Tadasana (mountain pose), Bhujangasana (cobra), Pavanmuktasana (head to knee) and Marjariasana (cat pose) are helpful. Once the lower back is relaxed and more mobile, the next step is to strengthen the abdominal muscles, erector spinae, gluteus, hip abductors and flexors. Strong core muscles stabilise the body, lessening the risk of injuries. Yoga postures like Naukasana (Boat), Santolanasana (plank), contract and strengthen abdominal and back muscles. Setubandhasa, (bridge), modified Salabhasana (locust), Dhanurasana (Bow) strengthen the gluteus and lower back muscles. Yoga asanas also improve blood circulation and exert gentle pressure on your internal organs for them to function effectively. Yogic breathing exercises directly impact your nervous system, help soothe and calm nerves and reduce stress. Practising these postures under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher is important. For chronic pain, you need to consult a doctor.
HAVEYOURBACK
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TADASANA (Mountain pose)
MERUDANDASANA (Spinal column pose)
o Lie on your back with arms outstretched o Place your right foot on your left knee o Inhale, exhale and drop your right knee to the left towards the floor. Face towards the opposite direction o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathe normally o Repeat on the other side BENEFITS: o Helps spinal and lower back flexibility o Stretches the sciatic nerve and alleviates pain o Massages abdominal organs and helps in digestion
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, breathe normally o Breathe in, exhale as you come down to start position o Repeat three-five times BENEFITS: o Stretches the spine and the nerves of the carpal, relaxes them
SARALHASTA BHUJANGASANA (Cobra pose)
o Lie on your stomach, chin on ground, feet together, palms beside shoulders and elbows tucked in o Breathe in as you stretch your upper body upwards, straightening elbows and arching back to look up o Hold for 10-30 seconds, breathe normally o Inhale, exhale as you slowly come down BENEFITS: o Removes stiffness from chest, shoulders, neck o Stretches the abdominal muscles o Removes lower back pain by stretching and strengthens lower back muscles
PAVANMUKTASANA [Wind-relieving pose] o Lie on your back, arms by side, legs together o Inhale and raise your right leg o Bend the right leg, interlock hands below your knee and exhale as you bring your right knee to the chest o Breathe normally and hold for 10-30 seconds o Breathe in, exhale as you drop your head and straighten leg
o Repeat with left leg o Repeat with both legs o Do three rounds, then relax BENEFITS: o Removes stiffness and backache from the lower back o Stretches and improves flexibility of hips, hamstring and knees o Releases unwanted gas and helps digestion
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WHERE WE NEED TO
Sri Sri Ravi Shankar Spiritual Guru
Spirituality is not just sitting and practising something but rather a value system that is exciting and enriching
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21st century belongs to spirituality. But what is spirituality? It is all that you do to nurture and enhance the spirit. It is joy, love and enthusiasm. Look at what this ethereal outlook brings to our lives and to society. The spiritual dimension dissolves the boundaries of caste, creed and religion and gives one a broader awareness — that life is present everywhere. It brings a great sense of belonging, responsibility, compassion and caring for the whole world. We have allowed our world to be driven by hatred and greed for too long and now, in this century, we have the opportunity to drive this world by love and peace. Through spirituality, life attains its richest form. Without it, life becomes very shallow and we become unhappy, dependent and depressed. It is the dharma of spirit to support and sustain life. The natural law of something is called dharma. It is the natural quality of fire to burn and of water to flow. And it is the dharma of spirit to uphold, support and sustain life. Spirituality makes one strong. If we do anything — either for our own welfare or for that of society or the world — without considering the spiritual dimension of life, it is not going to work. One aspect of a spiritual life is a sense of
sacredness. When we have a deep sense of gratitude, combined with regard and respect for everything in our life, it brings about a sense of sacredness, which in turn brings alertness in the consciousness. Spiritual practice is getting in touch with the spirit that you are and kindling it. Honouring life is spirituality as is respecting the self. So is caring and sharing. Corruption is nothing but a lack of sense of belonging. Spirituality can help here too as it creates a sense of universality. We accept food and technology from every part of the world. So why can’t we open ourselves to wisdom and spiritual knowledge from every part of the world? Today is the time to globalise wisdom; we have to accommodate wisdom of the world within us. We cannot remain in narrow, isolated pockets. Today, as we find ourselves moving away from our nature, spirituality is the antidote that brings us closer to it. When we align our self with nature, the spirit is uplifted. Spirituality is never divisive. It is the means to connect with humanity everywhere. Religion should be confined to the personal space. Every religion has three aspects: values, customs and symbolism. The values are common to all religions. Today people mistake symbols for the values and they have forgotten the latter.
SPIRITUAL PRACTICE IS GETTING IN TOUCH WITH THE SPIRIT THAT YOU ARE AND KINDLING IT. HONOURING LIFE IS SPIRITUALITY AS IS RESPECTING THE SELF. SO IS CARING AND SHARING. CORRUPTION IS NOTHING BUT A LACK OF SENSE OF BELONGING. SPIRITUALITY CAN HELP HERE TOO AS IT CREATES A SENSE OF UNIVERSALITY
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We must remember that this country got freedom because of the spiritual renaissance. It was Mahatma Gandhi’s values of peace and non-violence that ensured our freedom. He used to conduct prayer meetings every morning and evening to bring people together, motivate them and uplift the entire atmosphere. We have forgotten the spiritual dimension of this country and its immense possibilities of personal and social transformation. Often we think that spirituality is only for the rich, for those who have leisure to sit and sing bhajans. However, the heart of the matter is that if we give food, clothing and shelter to a poor man, it has limited use for him. But if we give him spirituality, then his self-esteem is awakened. He would want to be self-sufficient and this energy to
do something would come from within. So the person is able to stand on his own feet and take responsibility for himself and the others. In life, if anything can give us enthusiasm, it is spirituality alone. This is my experience. When spirituality enters a wealthy person’s life, he becomes generous and engages in social service. When the poor become self-confident, they become entrepreneurs. It is a misconception that spirituality is averse to economic development. In this country, the metaphysical is very scientific and the two are very similar. Science looks at the outer world and asks, “What is this?” Spirituality turns the mind inward and using the same methodology, asks, “Who am I?” Such questions are the signs of an awakening consciousness. Both are essential for life.
WHEN SPIRITUALITY ENTERS A WEALTHY PERSON’S LIFE, HE BECOMES GENEROUS AND ENGAGES IN SOCIAL SERVICE. WHEN THE POOR BECOME SELF-CONFIDENT, THEY BECOME ENTREPRENEURS. IT IS A MISCONCEPTION THAT SPIRITUALITY IS AVERSE TO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
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Especially for our youth, this will help them face the challenges of life. Every youth yearns for enhanced enthusiasm. Spirituality kindles, sustains and enhances it. We see that youth are moving away from spirituality. This is because of the misconception that portrays spirituality as something serious and boring. We need to change this notion. It is not just sitting and practising something. It is a value system, a way of life that is exciting and enriching. Indian spirituality is an experiential understanding of the mind, spirit and life that offers solutions to most of the challenges faced by the youth today. It is practical and useful in every single aspect of life. It is not something esoteric or out of the world but something that is relevant to the times.
EVERY YOUTH YEARNS FOR ENHANCED ENTHUSIASM. SPIRITUALITY KINDLES, SUSTAINS AND ENHANCES IT. WE SEE THAT YOUTH ARE MOVING AWAY FROM SPIRITUALITY. THIS IS BECAUSE OF THE MISCONCEPTION THAT PORTRAYS SPIRITUALITY AS SOMETHING SERIOUS AND BORING. WE NEED TO CHANGE THIS NOTION
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HOTWHEELS
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Kushan Mitra Auto & tech expert
Hyundai has launched the electric ‘Kona,’ Audi has its e-tron about to hit the market. But the electric future of vehicles is not as simple as launching a few cars and motorcycles
ELECTRIC
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FIRST
things first, there is no doubt that vehicular transportation is staring down the barrel of electrification, at least from an urban transportation point of view. But the Indian automotive industry appears to be staring down the barrel of a gun by the government, which appears to be in a tearing hurry for electrification. The reasons to switch to electricity as the main mode of tractive power on vehicles are myriad. There is the dream to free the Indian economy from the vagaries of fluctuating crude oil prices as well as the huge amounts of money that India spends on importing crude every year. Then there is air pollution. Vehicular pollution is a reality of life. It might not be as visible as the huge clouds of dust swirling around, thanks to poor roads and never-ending construction projects, but it is a problem. Then there is that pipe dream of making India the ‘Detroit’ of electric-vehicle manufacturing, an argument that overlooks two things — Detroit’s factories are rusting hulks right now and India has done nothing, nada, to secure the resources needed to make the batteries that electrifying India’s roads will need. Policy wonks in the government talk of the need for private sector to step up, not even looking across the border at what China has done with regards to Lithium, Palladium and the Rare earths that mass-scale electrification will need. The government and policy think-tanks may not like it but this requires government intervention, not loud and rude sessions with Indian private sector manufacturers. But the single-biggest elephant in the room is cost. And this is evident with the recently launched Hyundai Kona, which is a Creta-sized electric SUV from Korea and the Audi e-tron, Audi’s latest electric SUV, based on the Q5 long-wheelbase, which will be launched in India in the next few weeks. They are very modern and full of the latest technology, the e-tron dispenses with standard outside rear-view mirrors and replaces with cameras projecting images onto screens mounted on the door trim. Electric cars have unbelievable running costs. A few months ago, I wrote about the BMW i3s that I drove, which gave me a running cost, with the air-conditioner and everything, of under a rupee a kilometre. The problem is that fixed costs of the vehicles are ridiculous, because batteries are expensive. And India has no battery mega-factories, although Panasonic and Suzuki are in partnership to build the first. Some problems are hyped up to be much worse than they are, the problem of charging infrastructure, for example, which actually can be fixed very easy. There is also the fallacy of there not being enough electricity in India, which is untrue. And even if the electricity is thermal, an electric car is somewhat cleaner in the long run than an internal-combustion engine car, though given India’s energy mix, it has been shown that plug-in hybrids are the most carbon-efficient vehicles
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in India currently. Also, it has to be noted that India’s energy mix will change going forward with more renewables and more nuclear power coming onstream. The problem with electrification is actually in the back-end, the requirement for three-phase power everywhere and the massive investments in transformers and smart grids that will be required. Given the precarious financial health of most of India’s publicly-owned electricity suppliers, this is a hundred thousand crore question. Back to costs for the consumer. There is one thing about the mad push for electric vehicles that I find disconcerting that even massive reductions in taxes and registration charges will not fix. The huge fixed costs of batteries. In a four-wheel electric car, the battery costs make up between 50-70 per cent of the overall vehicular costs. In a two-wheeler, the battery will make up between 70-90 per cent of the cost, because really metal and plastics are not that expensive. And if you have not noticed, a bulk of the vehicles on India’s roads today comprise commuter motorcycles, the sweet-spot for the manufacturers being the `50,000 mark. However, this industry is suffering a sales downturn because costs of popular 100-125 cc motorcycles will climb 10-15 per cent thanks to BS-VI emission norms, which will make Indian motorcycles the cleanest in the world. So, expecting the poor guy on the street to fork out `1.2-1.5 lakh for an electric two-wheeler is ridiculous.
Yes, there has to be some sort of government push, but the government also has to invest, they cannot expect the private sector to shoulder the burden of their myopia. In the West, and Norway, which the government likes to quote where 39 per cent of the cars are electric, ironic for a country that makes it money exporting crude oil, subsidies on electric vehicles are huge. The FAME-II subsidies by the Indian government, on the other hand, are not even worth being called that. There needs to be far better thinking and thought put towards electrification. Some studies and pilot projects conducted have highlighted the issues that India will face, poor electrical infrastructure coupled with ambient Indian summer temperatures became a huge problem during one pilot project. Demanding the industry does one thing will not make these problems magically disappear. Electrification will happen and it might even happen sooner than we think in the natural scheme of things, a properly planned out build-up. With huge battery factories, better back-end electrical infrastructure and world-class vehicle manufacturing. A brainless ‘Charge of the Light Brigade’ style rush into electrification will be suicidal for the Indian automotive industry, which will be inundated with Chinese imports. Believe me, the Indian economy can afford that much less than the amount we spend on crude oil imports.
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Sanjay Jumaani Numerologist
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COUNT YOUR FATE
NUMBER 1 (Those born on the 1st, 10th, 19th and 28th of any month) Your mental energies have probably been rejuvenated and are lending a fresh perspective to mundane things. Colleagues might support your ideas and aid in implementing them. However, be careful about the financials or you might have to face criticism. Your commitment might be duly rewarded.
NUMBER 4 (Those born on the 4th, 13th, 22nd and 31st of any month) Circumstances put you in a tight spot but the only alternative is to go with the flow. Allow things to take their own course. You might also see a twist in your career. People in a relationship might have to face the complaints of their loved ones as they might not be able to explain the reasons behind some actions.
NUMBER 7 (Those born on the 7th, 16th and 25th of any month) Creative people might have a fruitful month as their ideas get implemented. Trust your instincts and avoid panicking in an uncomfortable situation. You might be able to concentrate on a relationship’s practical side towards the latter half of the month. Be open to healthy discussions on difficult subjects.
NUMBER 2 (Those born on the 2nd, 11th, 20th and 29th of any month) Routine things might keep you pre-occupied leaving no room for leisure. Nevertheless, wait for the right time and you might probably see your plans culminating into something tangible. There might be a slight delay in financial matters which requires restructuring and that can be stressful.
NUMBER 5 (Those born on the 5th, 14th and 23rd of any month) It might not look like a pleasant beginning initially but things might improve. You might get a chance to get closer to your real self and connect within. There is a possibility of different kinds of people entering your life that might provide you with some pleasurable insights. Be open to adapting and adjustments.
NUMBER 8 (Those born on the 8th, 17th and 26th of any month) You probably worry that time is running out without you accomplishing much. Try not to take a drastic step. Think carefully and you might be able to see the larger picture. You might need to work harder than others to see the results. Avoid getting disheartened and remember that hard work pays.
NUMBER 3 (Those born on the 3rd, 12th, 21st and 30th of any month) Your financial situation might be the cause for concern during the first half of the month. However as time progresses, money matters will settle. Avoid being complacent about management issues or they might affect you negatively in the long run. Ask questions and raise queries to get to the bottom of things.
NUMBER 6 (Those born on the 6th, 15th and 24th of any month) There is too much information and too many options to choose from. The situation is confusing and probably hampering your decision-making. Try to look for small hints and make a logical conclusion. Avoid rebelling against people with ideologies different from yours. Ignore and move on.
NUMBER 9 (Those born on the 9th, 18th and 27th in any month) Your communication skills are probably acting in your favour and making things fall in their appropriate place. Try to be diplomatic in front of sensitive people. Let your work speak. Family matters might get sorted out within this month. This might also help you to concentrate on romantic relationships.
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SIGN-OFF
By RINKU GHOSH
PREPFORDAYZERO
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arnataka’s deputy chief minister has clearly done some loud thinking on the water crisis in Bengaluru, which is fast approaching Day Zero, saying the government was indeed contemplating not building new apartment complexes for the next five years to avoid resource stress. It may seem outrageously bold but with NITI Aayog predicting Day Zero for 21 Indian cities, Bengaluru among them, and Chennai’s frightening images of water woes, these are probably the last warning bell to reshape urban life as we know it. The facts are glaring, there is no water in the Cauvery for two months, there is overextraction of groundwater with borewells having now gone down to 1,200 ft and replenishing supplies with tankers has made many residents sick with no guarantee of hygiene standards by the water mafia. Central government data has also indicated how polluted water, because of overdrawal, unhindered waste flow discharges and chemicals leaching into vaccumised water tables, has resulted in seven deaths every day in 2018. So it is understandable why desperate conditions call for desperate measures. Of course, correctives such as the one suggested in Karnataka, cannot ignore the pitfalls, the primary one being on the local economy. A moratorium of this kind would naturally be a disincentive for industries and divert them to the hubs of Hyderabad and Amaravati. It would prevent MNCs from expanding operations requiring migrant talent as there would be a tremendous pressure on housing them in the city and the demand spiral for rented space, too, would push up prices. Not that the workarounds aren’t being looked at, like creating sub-cities round Bengaluru to take off the pressure of urbanisation, desilting and recharging lakes, making rainwater harvesting mandatory at the community level, recycling water and ensuring compliance of zoning residential and commercial use norms. Some techie groups have also suggested using technology to map water requirements across localities and rationing supplies accordingly. Bengaluru is just a tiny dot in India’s acute waterscape where 12 per cent of India’s population is already believed to be living the ‘Day Zero’ scenario
because of excessive groundwater usage, a wasteful water management system and years of deficient rains. A report also states that by 2030, the country’s water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying severe water scarcity among our people resulting in a six per cent loss in the country’s GDP. The Jal Shakti Ministry has been created to supply potable water to every home by 2024 but that alone cannot be a solution as it is dependent on a supply matrix that frankly won’t work if there is no water in the first place. Taking lessons from Cape Town, which just about scraped through Day Zero, we have to move our focus from merely increasing supply to managing the demand better. Cape Town rationed water usage by metering 50 litres per person per day. Overuse meant auto shutdown of supply or hefty fines. Even the World Health Organization (WHO) has quantified individual need at 25 litres daily for basic hygiene and food needs. The rest is used for non-potable purposes. We should reuse and recycle treated wastewater, at least for nonpotable purposes. And this is cost-effective too. Most importantly, we also have to look at farming innovations that water-stressed regions are already working on. The Chennai experience showed us how irrigation by flooding was costing us and if we do not zone cropping patterns according to the water map or find what every crop really needs, we may not be able to out our most precious resource to multiple uses. Farmers around Cape Town switched over to night-time irrigation, mulching and wetting a focussed area around the trees’ roots systems. It stopped growing non-native and thirsty plants and added seven per cent more water to the city. However, while policy experts, government and climate activists do their bit, the Cape Town experience shows us how individual behavioural change staved off a crisis. Residents, much like Chennaiites, showered over buckets under a platform to catch the runoff for reuse, recycled washing machine mater and limited toilet flushes. Till discipline becomes a part of our beehive mindset, there’s no hope. And urban living is no more about chasing dreams but living with reality.
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