fwd_life_ march 2013

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

PREMIUM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Rohan MarLEy on HIS DAD, MUSIC & MUCH MORE

New comer Anson Paul on his debut role

www.fwdlife.in ISSUE 05 VOL 02 MARCH 2013

` 50

FINDING SOLACE IN LETTERS Preeti Shenoy

BIGTIME SHOPPING Lulu Mall all set to Change Kerala

• Thiruvananthapuram: East Fort, 0471-2472922 | Pazhavangadi, 0471-2572117 | Pattom, 0471-2543611 | Peroorkada, 0471-2539377 • Nedumangadu: Market Junction, 0472-2803505 • Kollam: Chinnakada, 0474-2752005 • Pathanamthitta: K.P. Road, 04682270555 • Thiruvalla: Near KSRTC Bus Stand, 0469-2604060 • Kottayam: Rajiv Gandhi Complex, 0481-2303555 | K.K. Road,04812564825 | Kalarickal Bazar, 0481-2562783 • Thodupuzha: 04862-226699 • Kochi: M.G. Road, 0484-2381519 • Kodungallur: Vadakkenada, 0480-2801771 • Chavakkad: Bypass Junction, 0487-2500000 • Thrissur: Palace Road, 0487-2323971 | High Road, 0487-2420011, 2440460 • Palakkad: G.B. Road, 0491-2524500 | T.B. Road, 0491-2500101 • Coimbatore: Cross Cut Road, 0422-2482222 • Bengaluru: Jayanagar, 080-41666842 • Josco Diamonds @ East Fort, Thiruvananthapuram, 0471-2571635 Shop online: www.joscogroup.com | office@joscogroup.com | Follow us on

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,Triton, 38/580A, S.A Road )Opp Malayala Manorama Junction( Panampilly Nagar, Ernakulam - 682036 Tel- +91 484 4019010/20 www.ritukumar.com 2012 MAY

Life

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editor’s note MY PICK

share our experiences

S A BUSINES BORN IN THRISSUR AND FAMILY IN UP IN DUBAI, T BROUGH UL GETS READY ANSON PATHE TINSEL TO ENTERTH THE FILM KQ TOWN WI

NEW COMER ANSON PAUL ON HIS DEBUT ROLE n Photography tha Mario Text Thabi

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y Anson Anton

MARCH 2013

2013 MARCH

InEXCLUSIVE focus rohan marley

“I was told that I was named after the West Indian cricketer Rohan Kanhai,” says Rohan.

‘Tuff Gong’ was Bob Marley’s nickname and so his son named the clothing brand he owns as ‘Tuff Gong International’.

ENTREPRENEUR ROHAN MARLEY, SON OF JAMAICAN MUSICIAN BOB MARLEY, OPENS UP ABOUT HIS FATHER’S INFLUENCE IN LIFE AND MORE

“Death couldn’t part his love for music. My father was buried with his Gibson Les Paul Guitar, soccer ball, a cannabis bud and a Bible,” says Rohan.

Unlike his father, Rohan is a non-vegetarian.

Text Thabitha Marion e caught up with Rohan Marley in Mumbai where he was with a ‘mission of love’. His company, House of Marley, auctioned a range of earth-friendly, innovative audio electronics

Most important thing you learned, growing up as Bob Marley’s son...

He told me and taught me to dedicate myself in contributing to the betterment of people, the earth and also to give back to nature in double by preserving it. For him, it was just one

and lifestyle products at Enigma, JW Marriott in Mumbai on Valentine’s Day. Organized in association with The Light of Life Trust, an NGO, all of the proceeds raised at the event will go towards the NGO which works for the development of underprivileged communities.

The House of Marley donates five per cent of its annual profits to 1Love.org. Rohan Marley, also a former US football player, shares with us memories about his father and the vision of the

word that revolved around his world ‘LOVE’.

W

company.

hile there is a sea of male hi-tech entrepreneurs, the number of women founders of hi-tech start-ups is in single digits. Where do the women engineers we produce year after year go missing?

The leaky pipeline is alarming as 41.5% of Women engineers in Kerala are unemployed (70% among those with a degree in Electrical and Electronics engineering). Of the 25% of women employed by IT sector, less than 4% reach senior level positions. It is not surprising that world’s most promising under-30 women entrepreneurs resorted to conventional areas like fashion and cooking.

The absence of role models and gurus, the signals that a woman might receive from early age all might be reasons for women to shun hi-tech jobs. Initiatives like girldevelopit.com aim to bridge the women and technology gap by educating, empowering and engaging more women to the start-up community. It is high time we foster women leaders in scientific and technology field.

Your dad called you...

Ruggu….

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As a father, what were the inspiring words Bob shared with you?

Practise good, live by the Rastafari principles of natural living and stay true to the movement of love, peace and unity.

Your love for music...

For me, music is more about expression than the voice. I don’t care about how it sounds; I just care for the feel and emotions that flow from music.

When did you realise that

music wasn’t your cup of coffee?

When I was in 8th grade my brother gifted me a guitar.

I used to play it for a little while; often being distracted with the craze for football. I played linebacker for the University of Miami and became a professional football player in the Canadian Football League.

Coffee and you... what is the story of ‘Marley Coffee’ like?

Our family has a long history of hard labour in coffee plantations. As a child, I used to live mostly with my grandmother who used to get up early in the morning to begin with the coffee procedures.

I never used to have coffee, but once during my visit to Ethiopia, I got hooked with its flavour. And it was sometime in mid 90’s when I was a

MARCH 2013

“PRACTISE GOOD, LIVE BY THE RASTAFARI PRINCIPLES OF NATURAL LIVING AND STAY TRUE TO THE MOVEMENT OF LOVE.” 2013 MARCH

MOST HAPPENING PARTIES AND EVENTS

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FWD LIFE COVER LAUNCH The February issue cover launch of FWD Life magazine was held at Hotel Dream, Kochi.

SILVER SCREEN NITE

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Editor Abraham Tharakan

QUICK READ

HOUSE OF LOVE FOR ALL

Where are the women in tech start-ups?

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MARCH 2013

STARRY NIGHT FWD Life, the first premium lifestyle magazine in Kerala, is hogging the limelight once again. The February issue cover launch party was such that the who’s who of film industry turned up for the function and made it a never-before-seen cover launch event. Celebrities who graced the event include Mohanlal, Rima Kallingal, Krishna, Kunchako Boban, Asif Ali, Babu Raj, Ravindran among others.

Directors Siddique, V.K. Prakash and Lal Jose were also spotted on the occasion.

2013 MARCH

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I would love to know what you think of the magazine.

E-mail me at abraham@fwdmedia.in

LIFESTYLE TRAVEL LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

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All rights reserved. FWD Life is fully protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced fully or in part without permission. All inputs, text, image or illustration, are accepted on the understanding that no liability is incurred. All characters in any fictional story are purely imaginary and no references or allusion is intended to apply to any living person or persons.

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CONTENTS LIFESTYLE TRAVEL LEISURE ENTERTAINMENT LOUNGE

PREMIUM LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

Rohan MarLEy on HIS DAD, MUSIC & MUCH MORE

exclusive Set a good example

www.fwdlife.in ISSUE 05 VOL 02 MAR 2013

` 50

Standing up for yourself Preeti Shenoy

march/2013

26

BIGTIME SHOPPING Lulu Mall all set to Change Kerala

New comer ANsoN PAul oN his debut role

Behind the Scene

Photographer Anson Antony MakeUp Roy Antony Costume Designer Matin Mac Co-ordination Maxxo Creative

House of love for all

Entrepreneur Rohan Marley, son of Jamaican musician Bob Marley, opens up about his father’s influence in life and more

from 14 notes all over

ride 78 dandy on end

your 80 planning holiday

A round-up of major news, launches and gossips in February

A review of new Audi Q5 vehicle and its major features

It’s time for summer vacation.

Read a few things you should take care of before you set off

FWD LifeTakes no responsibility for unsolicited photographs or material. All photographs, unless otherwise indicated areused for illustrative purposes only. Views and opinions expressed in the articles are of the authors subjects and do not necesserally reflect those of the editors or publishers. While the editors do there utmost to verify information published, they do not accept responcibility for its absolute accuracy. In matters which may be sub judice, femina takes no legal stand. FWD Life can not be held responsible for products, product information, pictures, illustrations, etc Any information received by us through responses by users / subscribers to the short messaging services (SMS) key codes or such other subscription service of ours will be used in whole or part, in our publications (other than contact information), for our research, individual marketing, strategic client analysis and for other internal purposes and all copyrights in such information will vest with us. Your contact information shall not be sold traded, rented or in any way divulged to any third party unless we are legally bound to do the same.

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lifestyle solace 30 finding in letters

Chat with best-selling author Preeti Shenoy, who was in Kochi for the launch of her book back 32 coming to everest

Meet the only Keralaite who climbed Mount Everest twice.

He is a home guard now at 74 life startup village

Highlighting techies’ life and a report on major happenings at startup village

56 breaking into pavilion A sneak peek into Kerala Strikers camp and what we found out!

62 sensual serenity Architectural marvel of a house and its attractive features

i, me, myself

of 76 tastes all regions

l nove ovide es pr attir stylish new itions defin

Introducing mouth-watering delicacies of Itty Restaurant, Kochi

metro

chat

lounge

58 bigtime shopping

of 34 chapter sevens goal

cover 40 Fwd launch party

A report on Lulu Shopping Mall, Kochi, the largest shopping mall in India

Actor Rejith Menon speaks about his acting assignments and future plans

Report on the Cover launch party of FWD Life magazine held at Hotel Dream, Kochi

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going local globally

A behind the stage report on the ad filmmaking by advertising agency Sutra

96 wtf survey FWD Life readers respond to college girl Amrita’s “action” against eve teasers

14

FEBRUARY 2013

in focus

birth of a hero Debutant actor Anson Paul, who will be seen in Mollywood in the new film “KQ,” says that he always dreamt of becoming an actor

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2013 FEBRUARY

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Notes From Allover news A glance through the major happenings in February.

gossips Know the latest from the showbiz industry in case you missed it!

launch New ventures and products are being featured for your info.

Springr Studios Gallery and Cafe launched

Founded by Abhinav Sree, Ashwin Nath, Dhanya Johnson Springr is a platform for artists and creatives with a focus and passion for art, music and technology,which encourages collaborations and a crossover between all art forms and artists. It offers a virtual and physical space to showcase, develop and nurture young and established artists working in different medium; whether it be film, music or visual communication.

Springr launches a new platform for funding and developing creative ideas through Crowdfunding (Online funding). The Studio is located opposite OED Gallery, Bazaar Street at Mattanchery.

HOT NEWS Paris women can now wear pants

Women in Paris can finally wear trousers without fear of criminal prosecution after the government said a more than 200-yearold ban no longer had any legal effect. The ban imposed on November 17, 1800 was incompatible with modern French values and laws, it said.

The municipal order required Parisian women to seek permission from local police if they wanted to “dress like a man” by wearing trousers.

Candice Swanepoel poses topless

Ford Fairlane 500 in Kochi The Ford Fairlane 500 1958 Model was exhibited at the Kairali Ford stalls in a recently concluded motor show in the city. The model received the name Fairlane after Henry Ford’s mansion/estate by that name. The Fairlane was sold in the late 50’s upto the mid 60’s by Ford. It is a power packed car with a V8 Petrol engine, 6000 cc and 575 bhp. The stalls were theme was ‘We Started it All. We Are Ford’...

As it is the Ford Motor Company which gave birth yo the modern age car/automobile industry.Other cars on display were Ford’s latest hatchback The New Ford Figo and The Endeavour.

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MARCH 2013

According to a website on February 7, she was so appreciative of her fans that she shared a topless picture of herself on Twitter. Swanepoel made an appearance at New York City`s Victoria`s Secret location in Herald Square with fellow Angel Lily Aldridge to promote the brand’s new holiday-themed bra and fragrance.

tit bits Ellen turns director Juno star Ellen Page is all set to make her directorial debut with high school comedy “Miss Stevens”. Anna Faris is to star in the lead. She will play a teacher whose life is in disarray who ends up chaperoning a group of high schoolers on a weekend trip to a state drama competition. While on the trip, she rediscovers her own self-worth via the humanity of her students. Twenty-five-year-old Page rose to fame after starring in the unsettling drama “Hard Candy” and the teen pregnancy comedy “Juno,” for which she earned an Academy Award nomination.

Emma defends Kristen Actress Emma Watson has defended Kristen Stewart for cheating on Robert Pattinson. Kristen had a fling with married director Rupert Sanders in 2012, leading to a brief break-up with her boyfriend Robert. But Harry Potter star Emma believes that “everyone makes mistakes”. “Kristen is human, just like everybody else, and she’s so young. Everyone makes mistakes, everyone. It’s not fair to consider them matters of public interest,” a website quoted her as saying.

“Argo” bags best film award at Oscar

The Iranian hostage drama “Argo”, directed by Ben Affleck, won the best picture Oscar. “Argo” recounts how a group of US diplomats who took refuge in the Canadian embassy in Tehran during the Iran hostage crisis were spirited out of the Islamic republic as members of a bogus movie crew. Ang Lee won the best director award second time at the 85th Academy Awards for “Life of Pi”, a fantasy adventure drama widely shot in India.

The film also won four Oscars, including best cinematography, best visual effects and best original score. Daniel Day-Lewis (Lincoln) won the best actor award and Jennifer Lawrence (Silver Linings Playbook) got the best actress honour.

French film “Amour”, directed

by Austrian director Michael Haneke, won the best foreign film award.

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MARCH 2013

malayalam poet passes away in tvm

Well-known Malayalam poet D. Vinayachandran passed away in Thiruvananthapuram on February 11. He was 67. He was admitted to a private hospital in the city due to respiratory problems. Born in 1946 in Kollam district, he was an advocate of modern style of prose in Malayalam poetry. He had won many awards, including Kerala Sahitya Academi Award in 1992, Changampuzha Award and Asan Smaraka Kavita Puraskaram among others. He was a bachelor.

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tit bits Grammy Award for Pandit Ravi Shankar Sixty days after his demise, sitar legend Pandit Ravi Shankar was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Grammy award. His daughters, Anoushka Shankar and Norah Jones, jointly accepted the award. They attended the pre-Grammy ceremony at the Wilshire Ebell Theatre, Los Angeles to accept the honour bestowed on their iconic father, who passed away on December 11, 2012 at the age of 92.

Tyler’s $6mn drug binge Steven Tyler has admitted that he has shovelled at least five to six million dollars worth of cocaine up his nose.

In an interview, reporter Liz Hayes asks the 65-year-old rocker if he had snorted 20 million bucks worth of cocaine up his nose. “Realistically, 5 or 6. But it doesn’t matter. You also could say I snorted half of Peru, but it doesn’t matter,” a Hollywood website quoted him as saying. Tyler, who had been sober for over 20 years, had a relapse.

Britney Spears introduces pet on FB Pop star Britney Spears shared a picture of her new pet on social networking site Facebook.

The 31-year-old singer, who brought home pooch Hannah in November, posted the picture of the puppy, in which she is seen snuggling her white pup, reported People magazine. “Say good morning to my new baby people,” she posted. The pet also has a Twitter handle, with close to 40,000 followers and a devoted fan base that loves her quirky Tweets. in a hospital in Barcelona, Spain, reported USA Today online.

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MARCH 2013

filmmaker Sasikumar gets JC Daniel Award

Veteran film director Sasikumar has been chosen for the prestigious J.C. Daniel Award 2012 for lifetime achievement in cinema. The filmmaker has directed 141 films, which is said to be a world record.

Eighty-six-year-old Sasikumar is credited with having made the highest number of films with the same lead actor and same lead team, and the highest number of films in a year.

His first film “Kudumbini” hit the silver screen in 1964. He was chosen for the award by a panel chaired by music director M.K. Arjunan and comprising filmmaker Priyadarshan, actors Sukumari and Raghavan, and Culture Secretary Sajan Peter.

New comer Anson Paul on his debut role n Antony phy Anso ra g to o h P on itha Mari Text Thab

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siness d u b a n i Born ur an s s i r h T family in up in Dubai, t brough ul gets ready a Anson P the tinsel r to ente th the film KQ i town w

2013 MARCH

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QUICK READ

T

he boy dreamt of the world of visual media and films, but his parents sent him to an engineering college. Yes, like most Malayali parents do. Saddened by the decision made by his parents, Anson Paul entered the gates of Satyabhama College, Chennai with a heavy heart.

“Within a year, to pacify my unhappiness, I joined the strike questioning some institutional matters and got suspended. Barred from attending classes for good; with the mercy to attend exams, I became an engineer,” he giggles.

His life then had a twist, and it took turn to his true passion that got him into Loyola College to pursue Visual Communication. After which, he joined Anupam Kher’s acting school in Mumbai. To cheer up his parents, he helped his dad in business for two years. During his India tour for different purposes, he reached Kerala. Now this young man awaits his dream come true with the release of KQ.

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Anson Paul joined for B.Tech course due to persuasion by parents.

Though he was unhappy, he completed it and became an engineer.

To cheer up his parents, he helped his dad in business for two years.

During his India tour for different purposes, he reached Kerala.

Now this young man awaits his dream come true with the release of KQ. The story of KQ is about a local Mattanchery tough guy.

“With a lot of preparations, I was able to do it well, I guess,” says Anson Paul.

after completing b.tech, Anson Paul joined Loyola College to pursue Visual Communication against the wish of his parents. later, he joined Anupam Kher’s acting school in Mumbai

2013 MARCH

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MARCH 2013

he was to be the asst. director of KQ. when two actors walked out of the project, the director asked him to play the lead

Excerpts

Star status Though hailing from a business family, he wants to be an actor first.

How did you become a part of KQ? Initially, I was to be the assistant director of KQ, starring Arya, but due to date issues he was replaced by Tamil actor Vetri which didn’t work out either. Three days prior to the shoot, director asked me, “Can you play the lead?” Then I went for the audition. I was asked to present dialogues in Malayalam, tough work because my Malayalam is… (laughs)

Something that you would like to tell Parvathy Omanakuttan via FWD Life...

Thank you for the support. You were like a booster for me on the sets.

On facing the camera for the first time...

I was nervous, but to feel stronger I walked around as though I were a star already. And yes, it did help.

It gave confidence.

Magazines or blogs...

English magazines, as I don’t know how to read Malayalam. I do most of my reading when I am travelling and find magazines to be handier.

Could you tell us about the script?

The story is about a local Mattanchery tough guy with some slangs and street styles. With a lot of preparations, I was able to do it well, I guess.

Dating someone…

No. I don’t intent to in the near future. For the time being, films are my priority.

Any OMG moments during the shoot…

While shooting a scene in which I had no role, I

went up and sat near the crowd. I heard a man asking the assistant director ‘who is the actor’; he pointed out at me saying ‘It’s him’. The man said, “Why is he with the crowd?”.

I forgot the celebrities’ code of conduct.

Your take on Amrita’s response; the girl who bashed up men for their lewd comments…

Amrita responded to the situation and she had a reason to do so.

2013 MARCH

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InEXCLUSIVE focus rohan marley

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MARCH 2013

Quick Read

House of love for all

“I was told that I was named after the West Indian cricketer Rohan Kanhai,” says Rohan.

‘Tuff Gong’ was Bob Marley’s nickname and so his son named the clothing brand he owns as ‘Tuff Gong International’.

Entrepreneur Rohan Marley, son of Jamaican musician Bob Marley, opens up about his father’s influence in life and more

“Death couldn’t part his love for music. My father was buried with his Gibson Les Paul Guitar, soccer ball, a cannabis bud and a Bible,” says Rohan.

Unlike his father, Rohan is a non-vegetarian.

Text Thabitha Marion e caught up with Rohan Marley in Mumbai where he was with a ‘mission of love’. His company, House of Marley, auctioned a range of earth-friendly, innovative audio electronics and lifestyle products at Enigma, JW Marriott in Mumbai on Valentine’s Day. Organized in association with The Light of Life Trust, an NGO, all of the proceeds raised at the event will go towards the NGO which works for the development of underprivileged communities.

The House of Marley donates five per cent of its annual profits to 1Love.org. Rohan Marley, also a former US football player, shares with us memories about his father and the vision of the company.

W

Your dad called you...

Ruggu….

Most important thing you learned, growing up as Bob Marley’s son...

He told me and taught me to dedicate myself in contributing to the betterment of people, the earth and also to give back to nature in double by preserving it. For him, it was just one word that revolved around his world ‘LOVE’.

As a father, what were the inspiring words Bob shared with you?

Practise good, live by the Rastafari principles of natural living and stay true to the movement of love, peace and unity.

Your love for music...

For me, music is more about expression than the voice. I don’t care about how it sounds; I just care for the feel and emotions that flow from music.

When did you realise that

music wasn’t your cup of coffee?

When I was in 8th grade my brother gifted me a guitar.

I used to play it for a little while; often being distracted with the craze for football. I played linebacker for the University of Miami and became a professional football player in the Canadian Football League.

Coffee and you... what is the story of ‘Marley Coffee’ like?

Our family has a long history of hard labour in coffee plantations. As a child, I used to live mostly with my grandmother who used to get up early in the morning to begin with the coffee procedures.

I never used to have coffee, but once during my visit to Ethiopia, I got hooked with its flavour. And it was sometime in mid 90’s when I was a

“Practise good, live by the Rastafari principles of natural living and stay true to the movement of love.”

2013 MARCH

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EXCLUSIVE

young man still figuring out how to wisely invest the inherited lump sum I had, a friend of mine introduced me to the vast land at Blue Mountains, a 70-acre coffee plantation in Jamaica with the Spanish River running through it. I was sure that with some re-plantation this could be the land which could make my dad’s dream of organic farming come true. I

Excerpts About ‘House of Marley’...

It’s a living brand which strives to create emotional connections. My father used to spread his vision of unity, equality, charity and sustainability through his music and I thought of continuing it through ‘HOM’. The profit made by the company goes to One Love, the family’s charitable organization.

What brings you to India?

I am here in Mumbai to launch ‘House of Marley,’ a range of eco-friendly audio products such as headphones and portable speaker docks. I heard about the love for reggae music in India, the love for my father’s music in India, so we just thought it’s time we came to India and estab-

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bought it and with the help of the community people living around; we replanted coffee, planted fruit trees and very soon it became the paradise producing world’s best organic coffee.

What makes Marley Coffee special?

Blue mountain coffee beans are shade-grown under a canopy of

soccer He was in US football team and Canadian Football League.

lish The House of Marley.

Your message to sustainable farmers in India...

Apply organic principles and only if you are good to the soil and nature, would it reward you in abundance.

Sex or weed...

Not both, it’s LOVE. There is nothing as powerful as that….it’s eternal.

Your favourite food...

Eating freshly plucked pineapple and mangoes from the plantation One thing you like about India…

Over here, people pronounce my name correctly and I feel at home.

Words for your father’s diehard fans...

rainforest-preserving trees at an elevation of over 3,000 feet, without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, fertilizers or other additives.

Concept behind the novel idea of having a Bikecafe...

In Jamaica, a lot of buying and selling takes place on bikes. So then I thought of having Blue Mountain Jamaican coffee as a

entrepreneur He is a passionate entrepreneur and visionary, like his father.

Keep living the life of love and continue listening to Bob Marley tracks.

Love you all.

Share with us the good times the Marley brothers had during their African road trip..

It was our father’s dream, to meet people of Africa, to play music with them and so Ziggy, my brother played free concerts along with African musicians and later on he started a music band. We conducted campaigns, glorified music.

Something special of your father you still possess...

It’s his love. It gives me energy. It enlightens my life and also the patience he taught me to live the life of turbulences.

mobile commodity and we continue to adopt this trend across Canada, US and in Jamaica.

Tell us about the time you spend at the Blue Mountains and Spanish River in Jamaica amongst the coffee plantations...

I along with the community farmers cook collecting vegetables grown on the mountains using the firewood we pick up from the plantation. We climb the cliff and from a height jump into the Spanish River and swim across. There you have fresh

POPULAR MARLEY’s PRODUCTS

marley’s father was a farmer.then he became a musician.their ancestors were into farming. so he too joined them.

But before long, he went after music

air to breathe, organic food to eat, happy and content people around who believe and trust each and every move I make. I share my passion for football with the kids living within the community.

“I will stop playing music one day and start a farm,” said Bob. Was he into farming any time?

First a farmer, then he became a musician. As I said our ancestors were into farming, so he too joined them. But before long, he went after music…always busy in his studio, recording….He was enjoying what he was doing and thought farming to be his old age engagement.

But unfortunately…

You are the 5th child of Bob, what about your siblings?

We are 12 of us and most of my brothers and sisters….Ziggy, Stephen are all into developing music.

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in focus

preeti shenoy

finding solace

in letters

FWD Life catches up with bestselling Author during the launch of her latest book wish list� at the Ritu Kumar store in kochi ew writers have captured in the Indian readers with a varied fare as Preeti Shenoy has. Her interests are as multifarious and diverse as her several academic degrees. She also specialises in pencil portraits and holds an internationally recornised qualification from UK in portraiture. The articulate mother of two was open about her stances in various issues.

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Excerpts About the Book Many of us in India, still do not stand up to their parents or families and we sacrifice our personal needs, for the sake of our families. Over a period of time, this results in extreme frustration and unhappiness. It is basically a heart-warming tale about friendship and about following your heart and doing what you truly long to. It is also an unusual love story. Very often, we are the victims of our own circumstances and we play along and do what is expected of us noticed this in many marriages and have always wanted to write a story on it.

And then a few people close to me sud-

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Preeti Shenoy “The Secret

QUICK READ

Excerpts contind. denly passed away very young. It made me want to convey a powerful message about how short and unpredictable life really is, and therefore it is all the more important to follow your heart. The book was a result of that.

Why novels?

I have always written ever since I learnt how to. As a child I would make these little books with my own illustrations and stories. In college I have taken part (and won) a number of creative writing competitions. After starting the blog, I began writing for Times of India and Readers Digest. My writing also appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series. My poetry was published around the same time.

The natural progression from all this was to author a book. But I started writing seriously only in 2006, when I lost my dad, all of a sudden. It was deep and intense grief, very hard to cope with. Writing and

Art were therapeutic.

Personal Philosophy Live life to the fullest. People keep asking how I find the time for so many things.

The thing is I have varied interests and am equally enthusiastic about all of them.

A day has 24 hours. Take away 10 for sleeping and other routine things. You are still left with fourteen whole hours, which is a lot of time!

One of the things I do (or rather don’t do) is that I watch no television at all. I do watch movies though. Like every mother I am also engaged in my children’s life. I am really happy that I am able to receive them when they get back from School.

I am sure there are many out there who would want to do things their way but ofen do not find the strength to do so.

A day in which you do the things you to want to without someone forcing you to do or something that is done out of obligation, that is a day well-lived.

Preeti Shenoy is one among the Fobes India celebrities long list.

She is not only a writer but also a blogger, poet and artist, her blog ‘justamotheroftwo’ with its huge fan following was started as a joke.

Her book ‘Tea for two and a piece of cake’ was the 2011 bestseller.

Her other books include 34 bubblegums and Candies, Life is what you make it,

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adventure s. suresh kumar nowy mountains, steep climb, cold wind and snowfalls…Finally the ecstasy of reaching on top of the world. Perfect setting for woolgathering, isn’t it? There is one Keralite who experienced this in real life.

For many, he is just a home guard controlling traffic at Alappuzha town. But this unassuming man has a unique record of scaling Mount Everest twice. The story goes back to 1987 when S. Suresh Kumar, of Muthukulam in Kayamkulam, joined Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) as Havildar. He was a photographer till he gets the job. In ITBP too, he was assigned as a lensman. His interest in adventurous activities made him getting trained at Mountaineering and Skewing Institute, UP. His first expedition was to Kanchenjunga in 1991. The first expedition to the Everest, highest mountain in the world, was in 1992. “I was part of a 25-member international expedition team. We took the South Col route, on the Nepal side. The second time, in 1996, we chose the North Col route, on the

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Coming back to Everest Meet the only Keralaite who climbed Mount Everest twice. Now working as a home guard in Alappuzha, he awaits the reward announced by the State Government in 1997 Text & Photography K R Rejeesh

From the top of the Everest, they contacted the then Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao over satellite phone.

He congratulated them and wished a safe return

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COOL TIPS China side,” says Suresh Kumar, who is now residing at Alissery in Alappuzha.

Suresh Kumar recorded the team’s climb and the summit of the Everest in a 60 mm movie camera. In 1992, Doordarsan telecast it as a documentary.

Death traps He still remembers the deaths of some of his teammates in front of his eyes. “We’re helpless, but only to watch their slow death. We usually start climbing around 2 am as there will be moonlight that would give a good view of the snowy mountains. By 11 am, we have to stop scaling and return to our camp as there will be heavy snowfall,” he says.

There was a four-member group from Pune with them.

They ignored their warning and started late. While returning, with barely 10 feet to reach the camp, they became frozen.

While looking out of the camp in the morning, he saw four people in exercising pose.

“At noon, when we looked out again, we saw them in the same posture. Sensing trouble, we went near them and found them merged with the ice,” he ruminates.

Wait for reward In 1997, the E.K. Nayanar government announced a reward of Rs 5 lakh to Suresh Kumar for his feat. But he is still waiting to get it. His team-

mates have already got their rewards years ago. Now this 48-year-old has a ‘mountain of red-tapism’ in front of him to climb.

“The issue is with the state Youth Welfare Board, which has no provision to sanction Rs 5 lakh as reward.

Unfortunately, our State has no fund to promote adventurous activities,” he adds.

He approached Chief Minister Oommen Chandy during the Mass Contact programme. But the file is yet to see light of the day. After serving 11 years in ITBP and another 10 years with Special Protection Group (SPG), Suresh Kumar took voluntary retirement in 2008.

FACT FILE

Are you ready to conquer?

Preparations such as team selection for expedition will begin before one year Though you are willing for the mission, you have to get through several tests To check your BP and fitness, one-week cycling will be conducted in a hospital You will be put up at a snow falling place for 3-4 months

Kanchenjunga, the third highest peak in the world, is located along the India-Nepal border It took 3-4 months to climb Mount Everest, the Earth’s highest mountain According to Suresh Kumar, it will take 2-3 days to descend the peak Major climbing equipment include sleeping bags, crampons, face mask, jumar and synthetic gloves There were 25 people in the Everest expedition team in 1992.

About Rs 3 crore was allotted for the first expedition. The amount was raised through sponsors.

In 1991, during the Kanchenjunga expedition, the team had members from India and Japan Bachendri Pal is the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest. She achieved this feat on May 23, 1984

Then there will be training in an ice peak to get acclimatization

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chat

rejith menon

Chapter of Sevens goal So far, actor Rejith Menon has acted in a few movies. But he succeeded in making felt his presence onscreen Text Thabitha Marion Photography Shiva On the sets of Kamal’s film “Karutha Pakshikal”, one of his assistants noticed the teenager among the crowd. The lean boy was eagerly watching the proceedings.

The assistant approached him and asked if he was interested in acting. The boy agreed to do an audition and later he was referred to Kamal for his next movie “Goal”. That was the birth of actor in Rejith Menon. He vindicated his selection for the character in “Goal” by winning Asianet Best New Face Award. After “Goal” and “Vellathooval”, there was a hiatus as he went to pursue B.Tech.

In his return to Mollywood, Rejith Menon was seen in films like “Sevenes”, “Dr. Love”, “Innanu Aa Kalyanam” and “Chapters”. With each project that came his way, he climbed up the ladder of ‘new generation stardom’ that gave him favourable circumstances to share screen space with actors like Mohanlal, Suresh Gopi, Jagathy Sreekumar,

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Excerpts

new release “Rose Guitarinal”, directed by Ranjan Pramod, is his new release.

Why are you not in Amma Kerala Strikers team for CCL Season 3?

The matches and practice hours were clashing with my movie dates. It was not possible for me to attend training sessions. This season, I wish Kerala Strikers all the very best and pray that they come winning the trophy.

Six years in the industry, why only

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Thilakan and Nedumudi Venu. “Rose Guitarinal” is his maiden release in 2013. “I play the character Benoy, who owns an airhostess company,” says Rejith. “Up and Down Mukalil Oralundu,” a onehour and fifty minute movie is his forthcoming release.

“I am happy that I got an opportunity to be a part of this movie. It’s the only Malayalam movie shot in confined space. Three-fourth of the movie goes on in a lift stuck for hours,” says Rejith.

Currently, he is in Chennai, grooming his spoken Tamil skills for the romantic flick “Ninaithathu Yaaro”, in which he plays the lead role. “The movie is about how love can help you succeed,” says the actor.

“Another movie is one that requires a lot of preparation as its dialogue delivery and action has to be spot on using single shot technique,” signs off Rejith.

his heroine Aksha was his pair in “Goal”.

She is busy in Tollywood now.

nine movies in your credit?

As I had to complete engineering, the times dedicatedly spent for movies were relatively less. And once I completed the course, I pursued MBA course.

What do you want to tell our readers?

To the girls out there, I am single, ready to mingle. To boys: do keep watching movies.

QUICK READ Rejith is a Karate black belt holder.

He has completed his B.E Mechancial Engineering from St. Joseph’s College, Chennai and his MBA from Manipal.

Lucky one to be cast playing lead roles in movies directed by I.V Sasi, Joshiy, Kamal, Rajasenan and T.K. Rajeev Kumar.

“The song ‘Chutti Varum Katte’ from the movie ‘Rose Guitarinal’ is the first Malayalam song taken in a single shot with no cuts.

He now enters Kollywood with his debut Tamil film “Ninaithathu Yaaro”.

“Up and Down Mukalil Oralundu,” a one-hour and fifty minute movie, is his forthcoming film.

FWD Life

Celebrity Makeover Calendar 2013 Yet another milestone from FWD Life, a calendar with the previous year’s covers WD Life launched its star-studded limited edition of desk calendars. First-of-itskind in Kerala, it has been designed as an eco-friendly product. The launch of the premier calendar of the year 2013 was held at the Kaloor International Stadium on February 9. The function was graced with the presence of actors Mohanlal, Mammootty, Manoj K. Jayan, Mamta Mohandas, Bhavana, Babu Antony, Lalu Alex, Asif Ali, Ganesh Kumar, Manian Pillai Raju, Gopika, Kerala Strikers owners Lissy Priyadarshan and Shaji, entrepreneur Jose Thomas et al.

Celebrities appear in the calendar are team members of Amma Kerala Strikers, Parvathy Omanakuttan, Sarah Jane, Bhavana, Nivin Pauly, Ashiq Abu, Lakshmi Rai, Vineeth Kumar, Ann Augustine, Rajeev Pillai, Shamna Khasim and Isha Talwar. Shutterbugs Ajay Menon, James Kottakkal, Push Creatives, Shani Shaki, Subhash Maheshwar

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Ramesh Kalyanraman with Arun Balachandran, CEO, FWD Life

and Venkat Ram photographed the riveting poses of celebrities for the calendar.

A makeover of this kind with the celebrities of tinsel world makes the 500 exclusive calendars unique and special. And they are going to be spotted only on the table tops of Kerala’s who’s who.

The calendar was conceptualized, executed and printed with the full support of Mahesh Karthik. S and his vibrant team at S.T. Reddiar & Sons, Ernakulam. Hundred per cent recyclable paper is used for its printing and it also satisfies the eco-friendly industry norms like Well Managed Forest, ECF (Elemental Chlorine Free), heavy metal absence, long life, selected secondary fibers, NAPM approved recycled and FSC. The ink used to print the calendar is manufactured using eco-friendly Soy oil extracts which replaces the traditional petroleum oil.

QUICK READ A special eco-friendly texture coating (exclusive to S.T.Reddiar & Sons) was added to the calendar as a value addition. S.T.Reddiar, who has always been in the forefront in bringing the latest in print technology to Kerala print buyers, has added another innovation by bringing a range eco-friendly texture coating solutions.”FWD Media being the first customer to avail the new coating as usual,” says Mahesh Karthik, MD, S.T. Reddiar.

Mega Star Mammootty launching the calendar

Biju Nirapara

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trends

toni & guy

High on

hair styles Toni & Guy is the most popular hairdressing brand in the world, is coming to kerala with special focus on bridal makeover

oni & Guy is a pioneer and innovator within the hair industry, providing the link between high fashion and hairdressing. The well-known brand is widely regarded as the number one global hairdressing brand.

They are also experts at giving the ‘perfect wedding look’ to the bride and groom. They have the best of full body bridal makeover or just bridal makeup by experts specializing on hair, skin and makeup for an outstanding and stunning wedding grooming. This will be the special focus for Kerala market.

For the past 47 years, Toni Mascolo OBE has guided the company’s distinct brand heritage, which

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continues to grow from strength-tostrength. This impressive franchise network has maintained the company’s high education and creative standards and currently comprises over 400 salons worldwide.

Toni & Guy are in the forefront of the hairdressing industry exceeding all industry standards to make expertise available on a global scale. Toni & Guy has 402 salons in 41 countries worldwide and 28 educational academies globally employing over 5000 in the UK and a further 2,000 plus employees across the world.

Mission possible It offers the best education on the planet and boasts fabulous prod-

QUICK READ uct ranges and dynamic and modern image. Toni & Guy is the only hairdressing company to be awarded “SUPERBRAND” and “COOLBRAND” status to truly represent the catwalk-to-client philosophy. The firm has won over 85 awards.

Toni & Guy created a professional hair care range called Label M in 2005 which has successfully launched in 41 markets. Toni & Guy has published over 29 educational and 25 videos/DVDs step-by-step collections to date.

In 2003 Toni & Guy launched its own charity, the Toni & Guy Charitable Foundation that did refurbish a new children’s ward at the Variety Club Children’s hospital at Kings College in London. It will be known as the Toni & Guy Ward, and will care for chronically sick children from all over the UK. As of March, the remaining balance stands at 70k to raise.

In South India

Toni & Guy launched its first hairdressing salon in Chennai in August 2010, the first in South India, at the Express Avenue mall. The salon boasts of the finest stylists the South has to offer. In 2010, the company launched the first Toni & Guy with six stylists all trained and certified by the Toni & Guy Academy. Now we take pride in saying that we have over 120 certified Toni & Guy stylists in less than three years working with us thus living up the name of the super brand.

Toni & Guy, Chennai has set a new standard of hairdressing in the South and attract clients from all over India by word of mouth.

Expansion Toni & Guy will soon be launching in other major cities in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and in Kerala at Lulu Mall in Kochi. The company will soon launch its first ever Academy in the South.

This will not only help educate

Toni & Guy has 402 salons in 41 countries worldwide.

It has 28 educational academies globally employing over 5,000 in the UK. It is the sole hairdressing company to be awarded “SUPERBRAND” and “COOLBRAND” status.

Toni & Guy has published over 29 educational and 25 videos/ DVDs step-by-step collections to date.

Its first hairdressing salon in South India was launched in Chennai in 2010, at the Express Avenue mall.

future stylists and provide a structured career ladder, but also put Tamil Nadu on the map for its creativity in the hairdressing industry.

Complementing this habitat of creativity are the certified stylists, including stylists that have been trained and certified

by Toni & Guy, London. Each having extensive background and proven track record in their field, continue to research and practice new technologies and technicalities in hair, constantly updating their clients look with the perfect colour, design and proper care. The services offered at the salon are no longer widely viewed as luxuries, but, for some people, as a necessary component of an overall wellness plan.

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trends

aromathai

Take a pew

in Thai style Based on a unique concept, AromaThai, the well-known foot spa, will soon be coming to Kerala at Lulu mall with a wide range of services

QUICK READ It’s the first truly Thai chain of foot spas to arrive in India.

Most convenient and affordable way to relax in 60 minutes.

It has seven operating locations, including Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.

They have five native Thai trainers, each with over 20 years of experience.

Trainers have been certified by the elite Thai Spa Academy and the Public Health Ministry of Thailand.

rop in on them once you decide to pamper your all six senses.

Truly you will be rejuvenated in all sense. Inspired by the concept and intrinsic value of foot massages and enlightened by the experiences of spas in Thailand, AromaThai, a one-ofits-kind concept, was launched in 2008. As they claim it’s a spa for the feet from Thailand, a kingdom that stands at the forefront of the spa therapy.

Thailand is also well known for its atmospheric relaxation and

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heirloom traditional wellness treatments.

Ambience The concept at AromaThai is to provide various “convenient to indulge in” relaxation therapies, starting from feet up to mind, in a luxurious and pampering Thai ambiance. Unlike majority of the spas, massages at AromaThai are not run of the mill with limited steps that are repeated several times to complete the hour. In fact, for example, take the foot massage, you may not even have realized that you enjoyed the smooth and unfelt transition of 50 different massage steps by the time you conclude your 60 minute massage. Likewise, all the other therapies offer this distinctive edge, making AromaThai definitely unique and outstanding in it is services.

You will feel totally renewed in as little as 30 minutes to max 90 minutes in a luxurious Thai environment at very affordable pricing. You can walk in the way you are and not prepare yourself just to come to a spa.

Thai culture AromaThai business conduct and principles are based, greatly, on Thai culture and that culture is deeply inculcated in each and every employee.

Delightfully indulgent, unique therapies are influenced by the authentic natural healing, rejuvenation and traditional secrets of Thailand and delivered by an experienced team of professionally trained and certified masseurs.

Over the last three years AromaThai has rapidly expanded its presence and its range of services in various metro cities of India - Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Pune- to a total of 12 spas offering foot and body massages, face refreshers and manicure & pedicure.

In the near future, it plans to enter South India and other upcoming cities that are awaiting such type of lifestyle and convenient wellness amenities.

The firm’s vision is to become the best and most visited place in India to obtain relaxation and wellness.

snapshot

Services offered Foot Therapy Sawadee - AromaThai Signature Foot Massage, Hot Stone Massage, Arokaya - popular ancient Thai herbal compress, AnandaThai - toe to head massage.

Face Refresher Oxygen Skin Pure, Collagen Gold, Radiance C, Aroma Men. Manicure & Pedicure AromaThai Royal Manicure– manicure/foot massage, AromaThai Royal Pedicure – pedicure/foot massage.

Delightfully indulgent, unique therapies are influenced by the authentic natural healing, rejuvenation and traditional secrets of Thailand

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MOST HAPPENING PARTIES AND EVENTS

Silver screen Nite

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starry night FWD Life, the first premium lifestyle magazine in Kerala, is hogging the limelight once again. The February issue cover launch party was such that the who’s who of film industry turned up for the function and made it a never-before-seen cover launch event. Celebrities who graced the event include Mohanlal, Rima Kallingal, Krishna, Kunchako Boban, Asif Ali, Babu Raj, Ravindran among others.

Directors Siddique, V.K. Prakash and Lal Jose were also spotted on the occasion.

fwd life cover launch The February issue cover launch of FWD Life magazine was held at Hotel Dream, Kochi.

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honey bee launch The function was a perfect setting for the launching of new movie “Honey Bee�, directed by Jean Paul, son of actor-director Lal. The informal function was full of fun and frolic. Actors Fahad Fazil, Lal, and Siddique were in the jovial mood of their best. Actors Vinay Fort, Kavitha, Archana Kavi and director Mamas were also grabbed the attention.

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fashion

trends

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photographer sreeram nambiyar model sreeram ramachandran make up & hairstyle snoopy costume & styling shilpa shivdas & anandhan

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fashion

trends

super combo -white linen shirt with winter sleeveless jacket and khakhi corduroys

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Black tank T Shirt , and Chocolate brown slimfit cargos with black flap cap

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fashion

trends

Green T-shirt with off black checked wollen shirt - paired with cargo pants and a levis military green bag used to accessorize

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Blueish green short sleeve T Shirt and black slimfit Cargo pants accesorised with a quirky cool colour framed shades 2013 MARCH

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MOST HAPPENING PARTIES AND EVENTS

David & Goliath

Main Cast Jayasurya Anoop Menon Anumol Soumya P. Balachandran Indrans Lena Sukumari Behind the Scene Producer: Sudeep Karat, Arun MC Direction: Rajeev Nath Screenplay: Anoop Menon Choreography: Jithu Damodar Music: Ratheesh Vega

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AUDIO LAUNCH The audio launch of new Malayalam film David & Goliath was held at a five-star hotel in Kochi recently. Here are some of the ‘melodious’ moments at the event.

The evening was perfectly set for the audio launch function, which was a star-studded affair. The celebrities spotted at the event include actors Suresh Gopi, Jayasurya, Honey Rose, Saranya Mohan, Anu Mol and singers Vijay Yesudas, Biju Narayanan, music composer M. Jayachandran, producer Sudeep Karat and directors Rajeev Nath, Hari Kumar among others.

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The CCL-3 glam nights are the parties where the who’s who of the film industry is seen and the party in Kochi and Hyderabad was no different. At the CCL-3 after party held in Kochi and Hyderabad, an entourage of celebrities made their presence felt.

The party which started off post 12 in the night ended in the wee hours of the morning. The celebs seen at the venue were Salman Khan, Venkatesh, Bipasha, Chirangdha, Nargis Fakhri, Charmee, Sohail khan, Bobby Deol, Priyamani, Shruti Hasan, Rana, Ritesh Deshmukh, Genelia D’souza and many more.

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show biz

ights

ty held r a p r e -3 aft At the CCL d Hyderabad, an an in Kochi ebrities l e c f o ge lt entoura sence fe e r p r i e made th

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entertainment

ccl season 3

breaking into

pavilion FWD Life snoops around kerala strikers camp to get a first-hand experience of fun among team members off the cricket field nother CCL season is here and it’s time to enjoy the ‘cricketainment’.

Cheering their favourite stars, encouraging players with Mexican waves and wearing Kerala Strikers jersey, fans celebrate the team’s victory in the league matches. A victory will certainly push players into frenzied

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mood. That was the scene we witnessed at the stadium. Have you wondered what happens when they are back in the hotel? We had a sneak peak when the team members let their hair down during their travel and stay in Hyderabad. The match in Hyderabad was a disappointment for all of us. It was such an unfortunate moment to stop

the match half-way due to the rains.

Team When it comes to bonding, Kerala Strikers is like a family. Shaji, owner of Amma Kerala Strikers, amazingly manages the whole team single-handedly with the support of multiple vendors.

He is an entrepreneur who has

QUICK READ Saving the border Interestingly, the serious men we had seen onscreen made us “stumped” with their funny riposte.

Bineesh Kodiyeri and Riyaz Khan, who often appears onscreen as villains, had enough “googlies” and “doosras” in their armour to tickle the funny bones.

When they all got together to discuss the day’s play, Santhosh Sleeba who missed the ball while fielding, was their first victim.

“Did you see Santhosh crawling on the field to get hold of the ball?

To me, he appeared like a jawan at the warfront heading towards the enemies saying ‘Bharat Matha Ki Jai’. Major Ravi, who watched him doing this, has offered him a role in his next flick,” comments Manikuttan, making others burst out into laughter.

Match point v/s Kerala Strikers won by 3 wickets

v/s Bhojpuri Dabbangs won by 11 runs

v/s Kerala Strikers won by 146 runs For more scores & updates visit www.keralastrikers.in

been into business for decades, but here at CCL he runs around looking after the comfort and needs of his boys.

To hold the team together there must be a powerful binding factor, who is none other than Mohanlal, our ‘Lalettan’. On and off the field, he is concerned about the team. He has a watch on all, pats them like a big brother, saying ‘next time watch out’ when they go wrong. Team man-

When it comes to bonding, Kerala Strikers is like a family.To hold the team together there must be a powerful binding factor, who is none other than our “Lalettan” ager Edavela Babu was terribly shattered by the team’s defeat in Hyderabad.

Lissy Priyadarshan steps into the shoes of an elder sister. She pours sisterly affection, wishes the team good luck by offering them “prasadam” from temples and by applying “thilakam” on their forehead before heading to the stadium. To keep guard of the players’ fitness, they have physiotherapist and fitness expert Kumar who has been part of the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association and Kerala Cricket Association for the past 15 years.

“All these years, I have been training professional sportspersons, and currently I am with Kerala Strikers team warming them up for the future matches.

One thing I appreciate about them is their willingness to accept the directions I give. Whatever I say they do it 100 per cent. It is indeed rare to see a superstar like Mohanlal obeying all instructions for playing the sport,” says Dr. Kumar.

When asked him about the training and fitness of the players, he said, “Each one has their own fitness varying from person to person. I suggest warm up exercises as it helps prevent injuries and emphasis on intake of water which helps prevent cramps due to dehydration.”

As CCL Season 3 progresses, Amma Kerala Strikers gets confidence and they are ready to face challenges in next matches.

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metro

lulu

Bigtime shopping Come this March, Kochi is going to be the proud owner of Largest shopping mall In India bulit by the firm W S Atkins, who was also associated with the London Olympics 2012

In the pipeline The group’s next move is to launch a ‘Webstore.’ “Though the online retail is still in its early stages in the region, we see great potential in it, especially among the youth segment. The popularity of Lulu brand combined with the innovative approach and value addition will make the Webstore a convenient way to shop,” they said.

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Impact The major area of impact would be the lifestyle choices for those in Kerala. International and national brands can now be purchased without having to leave the State. Latest trends and a premium shopping experience do not mean travelling to other Metros like Chennai, Bangalore or Mumbai.

There will be a possible exodus from the above mention places to Kochi because the Mall has quite a few international brands which are not present elsewhere in India. One of the another area where the mall is going to the tourism sector were the crowd travelling to Kerala can avail their favorite brands be it in clothes, food or entertainment options. The mall is planned in such a manner that the customer can spend a whole day inside. The kids area including the entertainment section and the feeding section would be an added blessing for parents who come in for shopping.

Brands @ LULU

BONUS

Facts and Figures

otal cost of construction – 1600 cr T Capable of handling 1 lakh customers a day 320 popular brands selling their merchandise Parking for 3,000 cars Nine-screen multiplex 12 lane bowling alley 55,000 sq.feet kids area India’s first ice rink in a mall.

3,500-seat food court that has 18 multi-cuisine kitchens and three fine restaurants

Facebook Hoax One of the biggest social media hoax was associated with the launch of the Mall.It was announced on a popular social media site that the Mall would be opened on 12-12-12 along with a performance by the music band Linkin Park .

A comparison of Gross Leasable Area or GLA Lulu Mall, Kochi 1.7 million sqft.

Phoenix Market City, Mumbai 1.32 million sq Ft Phoenix Market City Chennai, 1 million sqft.

Fashion & Accessories Catapillar Jack and Jones Vero Moda Beauty and Wellness Toni & Guy AromaThai Body Shop

High Street Phoenix, Mumbai 7 lakh sqft,

Books & Electronics Crossword William Penn Apple Store

Mantri Square, Bengaluru 9 lakh sqft.

Food& Beverages Saki Mothi Mahal MacDonald’s

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leisure

sutra

Going Local Globally

If you have ever wondered how ads get made and who makes them, FWD Life’s new series, whodunit, takes a sneak peek into the world of advertisements, this time with the creative agency Sutra and their jewellery client

Quick Read Media Print and TV Brand Joy Alukkas Title Heart Says

Creating a Jewellery campaign is never easy especially when it is in a market which has many similar products. The driving forces behind Sutra, Syam Manohar and Sunil Damodar, gets candid about how they went about the creating the brand new campaign.

Strategic base The single line concept behind the ad was ‘Be Global touch Local’. Joy Alukkas is a global brand that respects and understands the local culture and traditions of every market they are present in and of consumers that shop at the jewellers.Such an approach would help the brand to get connected to not just their loyal customers but also the new customers.

For communicating the above concept four super stars from the 4 key regions in India

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that jewelers are present in were chosen. The choice was made after intensive research to understand their bonding not only with the brand’s profile and stature but also the stars connect with the audience. The selected stars were Madhavan for Tamil Nadu, Suresh Gopi for Kerala, Kitcha Sudeep for Karnataka, Allu Arjun for Andhra Pradesh.

The insight The universal truth is that we think with our heart.Our emo-

tions and actions more often than not are guided by what our heart says. We picked this insight as the basic foundation to develop the campaign for the brand The rationale behind such a move was that Joyalukkas is synonymous with jewellery.

And jewellery purchase is a very emotional buy. It has to appeal to the woman (the buyer in most cases) and she has to be completely convinced. It's not what people around her says, it’s what her heart says.... This is

Agency Sutra

Creative director Syam Manohar

Head of Strategy Sunil Damodar

jewellery purchase is a very emotional buy.

It has to appeal to the woman.

It’s not what people around her says, it’s what her heart says...THUS the title copy came about

STORY BOARD

how the title copy came about, that finally its about the consumer and their choices.Powerful lines were merged with powerful personalities narrating it to make it a compelling message for the various audiences. As part of the campaign The new Joyalukkas Group identity was also unveiled and launched.

Based on the consumer response Joyalukkas has received for the new campaign our Heart says... we will see a very positive impact for brand.

2013 MARCH

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lifestyle

Quick Read

architecture

Interiors and Colour Scheme The overall design is open. The spaces are left with no clutters and with a classic underlying theme to ensure longevity.

As per both local and international standards, earthy looks can be created by warm tones. Light tones are also fabulous and it works well with woody tones. Neutral colours always make a room seem costlier and all others colous and accessories will have a stunning accent along with the dominant light interior. These concepts have been applied here.

Also it is a common trend over the years to go back to the past as a reference point. No matter what ever the style you are adapting, a little touch of vintage glamour makes a bold style statement.

01

Sensual

Serenity

Text Dhanya Menon

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MARCH 2013

implicity at this best�- this perfectly describes the residence of Suresh Panicker and Meena. You can see a blend of traditionalism as well as modernism in this house designed by architect Punnen C. Mathew, of Design Combine Architects & Designers, Kakkanad, Kochi.

The house is located within the cramped urban limits at Thiruvananthapuram. But when explaining the requirement, the well-travelled client’s demand was to create maximum space effect within the limits. Mathew achieved this by an uncluttered

S

open house with an earthly warmth.

The Design Concept The house was designed for a family of four. “As any typical Keralite requirement, the spaces must cater to the requirements of accommodating an extended family temporarily or permanently� says Mathew. The house again is located at the end of a 3m wide road, which made it necessary to treat the front of the house in a way that it looks broader and at the same time with enough privacy. The entrance faces the West, which created the requirement of working on fenestrations to cut off evening sun. This was achieved by maintaining minimum openings towards the west and with judicious use of sun shading louvers and sun breakers.

Although the house is based on a global design language, it is built using conventional

02

03

building materials, which are cost effective and efficient. Along with maximum space utilisation, a spacious effect was created by having the core of the house -its living spaces connected at various levels as a single

04

01 Terrace Garden: A

perfect spot party cum hang out space

02 Compact Staircase:

The double height space enhances the feeling of a large house

03 Family Living close to

05

dining ensures more interactive spaces

04 Formal Living: Classy

and enriched with the beauty of plainness

05 Dining cum compact open kitchen: Catering to new urban living

2013 MARCH

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lifestyle

architecture

space. “This creates an illusion of a large heart to the house”, says Mathew. “The longitudinal spaces in the living spaces also visually enlarge a space”.

Spaces Inside Formal Living The formal living is ‘classy’ and enriched with the beauty of plainness. Large French windows with no grills create a sense of openness, and at the same time blinds ensure the required

large house, while bringing in a lot of light and ventilation to the centre.

The central space also justifies the traditional idea of courtyard house, where the sky lit courtyard would form the central light and ventilation source of the house. The connected character of the living spaces as well as the compact open kitchen caters to the new urban living of a working ‘woman of the house’.

It reduces the distance between functions and thus increases the

06 privacy. The living space like all the other spaces is well ventilated too to ensure that ample natural light is coming in. Indirect lighting gives a formal look and blends with the specially designed classy sofas.

The Central Space The central space that connects the living and dining spaces is the heart of this house. All the living spaces are connected by a compact staircase. The double – two and a half height space here also enhances the feeling of a

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MARCH 2013

efficiency of the living core.

Dining Area The dining area is a horizontal space with natural light peeping in from the side window as well as the central courtyard. The family living close to dining ensures more interactive spaces for the family members.

Bedrooms A hard day’s work must be followed by a blissful night of sleep. All bedrooms are cozy and cross ventilated. All the three

bedrooms are attached and have a balcony which is opened from a wall cum windows of glass with no rails. The toilets are designed in a way that it has enough light and ventilation with the use of louvers and glazing. This also creates a feeling of ‘bigger’ than they actually are.

Terrace This is the most envious spot in the entire house. Enhanced with a terrace garden with buffalo lawns and gathering space with

seating, it is a perfect spot party cum hang out space. When converting the terrace to an usable space, a membrane roof shading was created, which doubles up as a roof shading for the main building, thus not only giving rain protection to the terrace, but also keeping the roof protected from direct sun rays, effectively reducing the heat intake of the building. “Enjoying spaciousness within the urban milieu and a simplicity that’s been inspired by nature”, the architect sums up.

07 08 06 Catwalk space: Longi-

tudinal spaces visually enlarge a space

07 Bedroom: Cozy and cross ventilated

08 Toilets: Ample light

and ventilation with louvers and glazing

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2013 MARCH

67

lifestyle

wedding

Trousseau

for Grooms-to-be FWD life reaches out to designer Sunil Mehra, who has made a name in the men’s wear, to explore what’s latest on Groom’s Trousseau Text Mandeep Puri

groom accessories

Cufflinks The foremost and the most obvious, wedding suit accessory include cufflinks. These minute superfluities can help you make a big fashion statement and so it is indispensable to have them as part of your accessories and thus gratify your look Shoes Wedding shoes are yet another important wedding accessory for men. Though there is variety of shoes available in market with different colors, textures and patterns; always go for the ones that will give you comfort and complement your outfit.

Vests Also called as waistcoats, this is yet other accessory to personalize your suit. Waistcoats actually help adding to the custom and grandeur of the carnival and well-chosen waistcoat with unique pattern and style can complement the outfit fantastically.

If it is a Christian function or a function with a Western influence, formal shoes, gold/ diamond cufflinks, tie pins and brooches enhances the appeal of the outfit. Add a dazzling watch to the outfit and you are ready with the perfect groom look for your wedding.

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MARCH 2013

ditional metallic patterns are also in vogue. Embroidered sherwanis too have got a brilliance. If it is a formal evening function, a black wear, or a tuxedo do well.

What is Concept Dressing?

A lot have been spoken about bridal wear and trends. But does that mean grooms should not have a style statement?

A few years back the Indian groom had very few choices except a straight cut dark suit, a simple silk kurta or a brocade sherwani. But now, men too want to look sober and stylish; as good as their brides. But very few designers had paid attention to men’s wear and even men are busy designing bridal wear. At the same time it is a truth that grooms need a good designer as the usual mix-and-match will only show them to disadvantage.

So, what are the trends in grooms wear for the season?

Grooms if dressing up in desi style at wedding reception, could go for muted kurtas and nehru waist coats with patialas or pyjamas.

For heavier looks, open button achkans layered over silk kurtas and contrast patialas are a great look. A fusion of banarasi brocades, bandhani, Ikats and velvets, embellished with glittering zari, gotapatti work, badla and tra-

Yes, concept dressing is very popular in North and I see it is popular in metros of South too. As most wedding receptions are now theme based, the bride-groom’s costumes will be designed in a way that it go with the theme.

Some popular themes are Arabic, Radha-Krishna theme, Egyptian style, Vintage and so on. And to match that for example, if it is Radhakrishna theme its more about romance, so importance for colors and groom generally ask for a frock cut angrakhas.

What are the Fabrics and Embroiders ideal for groom’s trousseau?

Grooms if dressing up in desi style at wedding reception, could go for muted kurtas and nehru waist coats with patialas or pyjamas.

Embroidered sherwanis give heavier looks.

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lifestyle

wedding

“Khadi has been the inspiration for many finishes. Synonymous with patriotism and ethnicity, we see it often on Indian events in conjunction with more modern trends. “

I also recommend a long floor length robe teamed with a different concepts or even headgears. For example, what we did for one of our customer was a robe teamed with a Arabic style headgear embellished with a stoned broach.

Antique dabka work (not the shiny one) in gold and silver, intricate hand embroideries in pureresham, precious stone work and hand painted effects….there are many. Just like brides do, mix and match of fabrics and embroideries also will be fine. For a plain effect, a subtle silk brocades, rich velvets all will do.

And, Khadi has been the inspiration for many finishes. Synonymous with patriotism and ethnicity, we see it often on Indian events in conjunction with more modern trends. Khasi is especially good if the wedding takes place in summer as it is advised to avoid black suit or dark tones.

What’s more important while choosing groom’s clothes?

Although the bride’s dress is the one that captures most of the attention on her wedding day, the groom’s wear is as important as the bride’s, as they have to choose attires that complement each other.

Also, just as brides do, grooms too have toensure that their accessories go well with their dress.

Can you tell us more about mix n match style?

Bandhgala jackets can be teamed up with ombre dhotis and salwars. Angrakha or frock-tunic silhouette goes well with palazzo pants.

BONUS His autumn winter collection, Krishna’s Lily, is inspired by the divine light of Krishna taking one towards a more fashionable and spiritual way of living.

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MARCH 2013

suede and velvet jackets give maximum party appeal It consists of sherwanis, jodhpuri bandhgalas, jawahar jackets and angrakha sherwans. The luxurious velvets, pashmina and fine wool blends enliven the designs.

Adding to the grandeur are perfect accessories. “Always remember the basic rules -that of comfort and confidence. Wear the garment; do not let it wear you,” says Mehra.

“Being your glamorous best is a little difficult in winter.Try out bandhgala jackets with ‘dhotis’ and ‘salwars’, angrakha and frock-tunic silhouette with palazzo pants.”

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71

trends

Quick Read

fabindia

Idioms of

an artist A first in the series “The Artist and the Maker”, Fabindia introduces Kaleidoscope Eyes - a limited edition collection inspired by artist Trishla Jain’s work of Tangarine Trees and Marmalade Skies n a first-of-itskind, Fabindia brings you a limited edition collection which draws inspiration from artist Trishla Jain’s art. A part of its year-long initiative to create an exciting line of products for contemporary living based on the work of artists, this striking collection promises to bring a special panache to your home. Combining a bold and vibrant colour palette, with experimental motifs, images and words that act as brush strokes, the collection entitled “Kaleidoscope Eyes”,

I

creates stunning visual impact that reflects both the artist’s and Fabindia’s shared passion for colour, pattern and textures in contemporary settings.

Cushions that speak the language of graffiti, tableware with bold motifs that surprise, images that create nostalgia around furniture…. all find a place in this collection. The artist reveals, “Anything is fair game…

The heart lies in bringing the elements together to tell a whole new story in a whole new way.”

Speaking of her Fabindia experience, Trishla says, “Creating everyday objects inspired

by my art is something I have wished to do for some time.

From now clocks to flower power curtains, dancing cake trays to rejoicing bed-quilts, Fabindia has greatly expanded the technical and aesthetic possibilities of my art. These art objects give my work a utilitarian aspect as well as allow me to reach a larger public.” The fizzy array of colors, images and text taken from the paintings and repurposed on these objects inspire the user to do just that – get beyond the day to day grind and enjoy the effervescent present moment completely.

SNAPSHOT A self-taught artist who picked up the brush at the age of seven, Trishla Jain is a young emerging artist in the contemporary Indian art scene.

Having held two solo exhibitions thus far, her work is loosely influenced by her education at Stanford University where she studied Literature and Anthropology, as well as by the American Pop Art movement.

With 170 stores across 74 cities in India and eight international stores, Fabindia Overseas Private Limited is India’s largest retail platform for a wide range of products produced largely in rural areas.

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MARCH 2013

The collection, Kaleidoscope Eyes, is described as “the stay in the now collection.”

Fabindia celebrates with this exciting collection, one which highlights the elements of fun and delight, and creates for it a space in your home.

The collection comprising beautifully printed furniture pieces and giftware, home, bath, table and bed linen with an artistic slant will be available in select Fabindia stores across major cities like Delhi, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, Ahmedabad, Kochi, Panjim, Chandigarh and Dehradun.

Being launched at Fabindia stores across the country on February 22, this collection offers a wide range of products extending from tops, tunics, stoles, scarves to bed, bath and table linen, furniture, giftware and lighting.

01

Collection Spring Summer

2013

05

01 CHECKs

Yarn dyed silk chiffon.

Colors – white and Green Mrp 4,600

02

02 FEATHER PRINT

03

Printed viscose chiffon.

Colors – white/blue & beige/orange Mrp 2,600

03 SMOKE PRINT 04

Printed viscose chiffon Colors – green & yellow Mrp 2,900

04 INESSA

Chnderi silk + printed cotton Colors – turq,light green & red Mrp 2,600

For Enquiries: Triton, 38/580A, S.A Road, (Opp Malayala Manorama Junction), Panampilly Nagar, Ernakulam Tel- +91 484 4019010/20

05 GARDENIA

printed cotton Colors –ecru/red & ecru/ blue Mrp 2,900 2013 MARCH

73

Startups

profoundis

Making IT happen It’s the sheer passion and determination of four youths that paved the way for the formation of Profoundis at Startup Village lainly speaking, entrepreneurship is not a field of only dough-eyed people. Some aim exposure and fame through it. For others, it’s a profession that keeps them occupied. But

P

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MARCH 2013

when it becomes a passion, Profoundis, a Startup Village company, is the epitome.

Profoundis is the brainchild of a group of youngsters, moulded by their passion. Arjun R. Pillai, Jofin Joseph, Anoop Thomas and Nithin Sam – a close-knitted team with diverse skills, as

they call themselves, are the four youngsters.

The beginning, they say…

We were classmates at College of Engineering Chengannur (CEC), one of the premier institutions in Kerala when it comes

to entrepreneurship. CEC has given birth to nearly 50 companies, small and big, in 15 years.

Right from the college days, we were inspired and guided by companies like Poornam and many campus startups in the college.

The milieu in the college

Quick Read was activity driven rather than academic driven. We worked together at the college for various events and programmes.

Arjun was an organizer and manager and made his mark with his volunteering activities with IEEE. He chaired the IEEE section at college and learned from eminent mentors of IEEE. Arjun organised the IEEE Region 10 Student Congress in Singapore when he was in III year of engineering. Jofin proved his mettle in taking responsibilities in management and technical activities together. He was instrumental in getting all the events in the college go digital with online management systems. He would code and build software, arrange judges and speakers for events and even carry water cans to the venues.

Anoop Thomas Mathew aka ATM was the best technology guy the college had ever seen.

A coder, animator and designer, he took initiative to bring out a digital magazine while in the first semester. Nithin Sam alias Mamboo was a master networker. With his ebullient nature, he

was the most popular fellow in the batch.

Being part of a government engineering college, it gave us the opportunity to be free and think freely. We were never spoon fed and always had to find our own ways to get things done. That, we think is the most important factor that a student need – Freedom to unleash his creativity.

Entrepreneurship We, along with couple of other friends started Openode Labs, an internet services startup while in the third year of engineering. We were toying with the idea of doing something, but we distracted from the right direction. We couldn’t scrounge for money from parents as they stopped giving ‘pocket money’.

We ran the company for two years and at the end of the undergraduate course, the team sat together to decide the future of Openode. The decision was to go ahead in a more serious way. The team parted ways to join different companies and decided they would come back

snapshot

Valentine’s Day at the pallets Chocolates and roses for a special person? Or perhaps a ride on the ferris wheel celebrating the birthday of George Ferris? Yes, 14th of February is the day. Powered by our very own startups MindHelix, RHLvision, Backbench Studios and Mashinga, Valentine’s Day night at Startup Village turned out to be a raving get together. It was all organized at the famous pallet racks of Startup School’s residential stay, the “Living Building” as it is referred to. The evening was called Project SV, with a white and red dress code, neon lights and Startup Village spending another special day with its own special way.

Profoundis is the brainchild of a group of youngsters- Arjun R. Pillai, Jofin Joseph, Anoop Thomas and Nithin Sam, moulded by their passion.

They were classmates at College of Engineering Chengannur (CEC), one of the premier institutions in Kerala when it comes to entrepreneurship.

CEC has given birth to nearly 50 companies, small and big, in 15 years.

Profoundis Labs provides a wide spectrum of business optimization solutions to enterprises In a short span, the company has been selected for the prestigious Microsoft Accelerator Programme.

While in the third year of engineering, the friends started a firm called Openode Labs, an internet services startup.

within three years to get a strong head start.

The team members joined different companies – two with Infosys and two with startup companies.

In a corporate firm, what you get is the security and pleasure of sailing through a calm ocean while we were not made for that. We were surfers who love large waves and enjoyed riding on them.

The passion to do something ‘BIG’ brought us together.

We worked nine hours and spent the night on online calls to plan and align ourselves.

Startup Village The advent of Startup Village expedited our decision to quit from our jobs. As Sanjay, of Startup Village, says, in business, we are line surfers who ride on waves. You wait for the right wave and have the fun of riding on it. We did not want to miss the excitement of being part of the changing entrepreneurship ecosystem in Kerala.

We resigned and joined Startup Village as the third incubated company.

From day one the journey has been one of excitement and being on the toes. The seven months at Startup Village has been one of regular learning and adaptation. One fine day Sanjay walked into our room and talked to us for 30 minutes. BANG! We felt like we got two years worth of lessons on how business works in 30 minutes. Many more conversations, mentoring, experiences have made us to be one of the early success stories of Startup Village. We have, in a short span of seven months, grabbed a handful of awards, gained traction and now, have made it into the Microsoft Accelerator.

As a startup, we are lucky and proud to be part of the changing startup ecosystem and the dawn of the Silicon coast.

In the startup world, it’s the community that matters more than anything else. With Startup Village and team MobMe, we look forward to the day when the sun that sets in the Silicon Valley rises to witness the Silicon coast here!

2013 MARCH

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Startups

events

Life at Startup Village a round-up of the happenings at startup village

QUICK READ The objective of this contest is to allow students to experience the cradle of tech revolution Meet founders of Google and Facebook at the Rajeev Circle gathering.

Encourage them to develop their innovations.

Students with innovative ideas have to submit a video in YouTube where they will have to introduce themselves and explain their ideas.

The video should not be more than three minutes long.

These videos will be analyzed by a panel of experts- Kiran Karnik, a prominent Indian administrator, and Prof.

Anil Gupta.

BB10 launch bash BlackBerry here, BlackBerry there‌BlackBerry everywhere! On February 3, the startups and developers within the ecosystem really blasted with the BB10 Global Live Stream product launch. And wow! what a fantastic evening it was at the new building of Startup Village!

Everybody was cheering Thorsten Heins launching the BB10 live from NY, while we were eating spring rolls and enjoying participation of a great night for BlackBerry, the primary partner of Startup Village.

And it goes without saying that we did have on hell of a party too!

From Startup Village to Silicon Valley SV Square, as the name suggests, means Startup Village to Silicon Valley. It is an initiative taken by Startup Village in collaboration with the Government of Kerala to take five students from Kerala to Silicon Valley. This opportunity provides a chance of a lifetime for students with innovative ideas and eager minds to learn more to win all expense paid trip to Silicon Valley.SV square was announced by Asha Jadeja, angel investor in about 70 tech startups in Silicon Valley, on January 30, 2013. More information can be had from www.svsquare.in.

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snapshot

Official partners of SV Square: Startup Village, Govt. of Kerala, Kerala State IT Mission, KSIDC, Kinfra Hi-Tech Park, Technopark, Infopark, Vodafone, Intel and Amazon Web services.

Creativity gathers @ Media Village Media Village is part of a vision to build a vibrant landscape for art in Kerala by creating an eco-system to identify, expose and celebrate creativity and talent.

Media Village is the latest initiative of Startup Village and is aimed at promoting art, films and music by amateur artists. Media Village aims to become the melting pot of new generation artists and provide them with facilities, opportunities, mentorship and funding. Now you know where to run with your creative ideas or movie scripts. Just visit www. mediavillage.co.in or shout out to talktous@ mediavillage.co.in.

Workshop @ Startup School Startup School conducted a designed workshop from February 10 to 16 with the initiative to get the attendees to group up and brainstorm. Seven days, 20 eager minds to establish a software company and an intensive programme to execute a business idea into reality. The workshop guided the groups to break a large idea into doable parts with sessions and lectures from various experts.

Held on Startup Village premises the workshoppers got the chance to accommodate at the pallet racks of Startup School, the so-called Living Building made out of industrial shelving material.

With a spark like this as a start, the groups will gather together in the following June to show how the process has developed onwards after the workshop.

www.fwdlife.in 2013 MARCH

77

food itty’s

Quick Read

tastes of all regions

itty’s restaurant gets makeover both in terms of food and service after its renovation Text Thabitha Marion Photography Jinson Abraham evisit Itty’s restaurant at Panampilly Nagar, a renowned eatery in Kochi which is back after a short break. Yes, the place with great tastes was temporarily closed for a few months for renovation and now is back after a makeover, both in terms of food and service. Quite close to the Avenue Centre I found this place and walked into an exquisite ambience built on with traditional bamboo architecture, some greens here and there. The restaurant’s sea shell paved floors and bamboo roofings will give you a different feeling. At the entrance, there was a man deeply engrossed in some calculations…that was Itty, the man behind the upbringing of this hot spot. From him, I got to know that the place has got a few additions like; the ‘Gokul

R

Ottupura’, a vegetarian restaurant serving dishes like dahi vadas, dosas and special thaali, having 54 covers in all and its walls beautified with random kitchen art on the ground floor, a chat corner next to it serving the most delectable munchies like pani puri, sev puri and ‘Loafers’ a bake shop selling freshly baked muffins, cakes and hot breads.

Kadher’s Biriyani serving authentic dum chicken and mutton biriyani for lunch, combos for dinner and Chef Girish Mathai’s Favourite Italian restaurant serving the best of salads, pizzas, pastas and yummy desserts on the first floor, are the other tastes Itty’s offer to its clients. FWD’s food pick of the month from Itty’s are Favouirte’s Pasta di Polo, Khader’s chicken biriyani, Ootupura’s rava roast and Loafer’s cheesecakes.

Most of us would have enjoyed a good meal here, but apart from that want to know what this premium property was like, years back. I was told by ‘Ittycheria’, ‘Itty’ in short that it was a barren piece of land with no constructions. A house…. or a business, but to start something unique was always on his mind and so ended up launching Itty’s restaurant. He says, “I am happy that Itty’s have helped to change gears, when it comes to the tastes of Kochiites.”

Kadher’s Biriyani serving authentic dum chicken and mutton biriyani for lunch, combos for dinner

Chicken dum biriyani An authentic preparation cooked with marinated chicken, herbs and spices.

Price

01 78

120

Chef about the dish ‘A medley of tastes, flavour and aroma served together’

Kadher Biriyani :12- 11 PM

Gokul Ottupura, a vegetarian restaurant, is on the ground floor.

MARCH 2013

Rava roast A crispy rava preparation made with maida, rice flour, rava, pepper corn, carrots and cashew nuts

Price

60 /plate

Chef about the dish ‘Meal served with sambar & chutney’

Gokul Oottupura : 8 AM- 10.15 PM

02

walls of Gokul Ottupura is beautified with random kitchen art.

Pasta di Polo Fusilli pasta served with chicken cubes, garnished with olives and spring onions in cocktail dressing.

Price

200

Chef about the dish ‘Creamy sauced pasta with chicken cubes and herbs’

FAVOuRITE : 11.30 AM – 10.15 PM

Chef Girish Mathai’s Italian restaurant serves the best of salads, pizzas, pastas and yummy desserts on the first floor.

03 Cheesecakes Chocolate / Strawberry / Lemon / Vanilla / Apple Butterscotch / Passion fruit cheesecakes made out of cottage cheese and hung curd.

Price

60 /plate

Chef about the dish ‘Tangy and sweet, velvety smooth with a hint of crunch’

Loafers : 11.30 AM – 10.15 PM

Loafers, a bake shop, sells freshly baked muffins, cakes and hot breads.

04 2013 MARCH

79

automotive audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro

Dandy ride on end Whichever version you choose, the Audi Q5 provides a reasonably quiet way to travel

FWD RATING 41.24 lac. approx

he Audi Q5, equipped with a new 2.0 litre TFSI engine coupled to Audi’s eight-speed automatic Tiptronic gearbox. Audi flaunts an elegant silhouette with premium design in its new Audi Q5 model. This exclusive crossover redefines the very essence of performance oriented SUVs.

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The Q5 is nicely packaged on most fronts. The cabin is genuinely a nice place to be and on long journeys especially passengers will benefit from the extra space.

The sensual smooth ergonomics is designed and engineered to deliver not only performance but also lifestyle. The distinct and huge single-frame grille at

the front just grabs the attention and comes accompanied with a pair of xenon plus powered headlamps. The hood lines slide seamlessly to merge with the grille and the body-coloured front bumpers. The functional attribute of this Audi Q5 is enhanced with huge air dams and shooting-style fog lamps integrated in the front bum-

pers for better visibility. The intelligent placement of fuel tank makes the car all the more spacious inside, providing huge space both on the front and the rear end.

Drive There’s immense grip and solid body control, so you’ll have more fun driving it than you

SPECS

Audi Q5 can accelerate from 0-100kmph in just 7.6 seconds with a top speed of 222kmph

Engine

Petrol

Seating capacity

5

Length (mm)

4629

Max. Power

221.3bhp@4500-6200rpm

Width (mm)

1898

Max. Torque

350Nm@1500-4500rpm

Height (mm)

1655

Kerb weight (kg)

1830

Wheel base (mm)

2807

Fuel tank capacity (litre)

75

Displacement (cc)

1984

Wheel size

8 J x 17

Ground clearance (mm)

200

Tyre size

235/65 R 17

will most other cars in the class.

The steering is satisfyingly responsive, too. Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI Quattro has been designed in such a way that it offers good visibility to the driver and even with its compact design; it does not intimidate the driver. Only complaint is that the steering is a touch too slow just off-centre.

You can expect the huge door mirrors to make a lot of wind noise at high driving speeds. All in one, this is going to provide a journey full of comfort and sportiness, relaxation and dynamics.

snapshot FWD LIFE’S VERSION If you want an SUV that handles like a hatchback, the Q5 is great. The downside of suspension that controls body movement so well is a firm ride, especially if you go optional S line suspension or the larger alloy wheel options. The 4-spoked multi-functional leather steering wheel is complemented with gear-shift paddles. Audi Q5 2.0 TFSI crossover imbibes radio operated remote control system.

2013 MARCH

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travel packing

Sensibly Planning Your Holiday it’s time for summer vacation. here are a few things you should take care of before you set off hen you start preparations for holidays with family, anxieties are bound to happen. Planning a honeyed holiday can be made equally blood-tingling as the travel lying ahead. By following FWD Life’s travel tips, for a change, let this summer holidays give you a relaxed start for a mind-blowing vacation.

W

House Arrangements Cancel newspapers or milk deliveries.

Trusted friends or neighbours can help you collect post.

Leave important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank. Alternatively lock them in a safe.

Cut the lawns and trim back any plants that thieves could hide behind Empty your fridge by throwing away edibles that would rot and stink, if not insects are going to take a ride on you once you are back home. But on your way back after the holiday, bag some quick buys to manage till the next day of your grocery shopping.

Make sure that you clear up the garbage before leaving, without causing inconvenience to your neighbours.

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If you have a trustworthy house sitter, better ask them to sleep at your place during nights and water your plants.

You have a pet, then either take him with you or if you intend to leave him at a boarding, make the necessary arrangement ahead.

Pick up clothes you had given for dry cleaning.

Vacuum your furniture and cover them up.

Vacuum clean your house and mop it before you leave. It’s easier to live in it once you get back.

For a pleasant smelling house place 500g of bicarb soda into a mixing bowl, add half a teaspoon of lavender oil, half a teaspoon of tea-tree oil, quarter of a teaspoon of oil of cloves, a few drops of rose oil and mix thoroughly. Divide them into saucers and place it around the house.

Put a few hydro bubbles in your plant pots before leaving. It helps them to be moist.

Do’s Make reservations, weeks

Quick read Home safe vacation Ask your close friend (no big mouths) to spy on your house when you are away and entrust them with spare keys.

Have a security alarm and forget not to leave a house key and the code with someone you trust.

Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and set your burglar alarm if you have one.

Turn off electrical and cooking appliances before leaving Purchase a security system with which you can access lights and appliances or set schedules to automate them via smart phones or personal computers.

ahead for your travel and stay.

Documentations and paper works for travel should be done much in advance.

Your home insurance policy should cover you against theft or loss while you’re away, but you should still check the details of your policy to confirm which parts of your building or contents are protected.

the event of an out-of-town emergency.

Make sure your cell phone plan will adequately cover you while you’re away so you don’t return from vacation to a cell phone bill that is significantly higher than normal.

Get necessary vaccinations for you and your children.

Call your bank and credit card company customer service departments. Alert them to the fact that you will be traveling in the coming weeks and give them a list of all of your travel dates and locations.

Check with your medical insurance carrier or read your insurance policy prior to your trip to determine what your medical options are in

Don’t hide valuables in your underwear drawer or under the bed as they are classic hiding places which any thief can suss out.

If you take a taxi to the airport, avoid discussing your holiday plans with the driver unless you know them Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.

Don’ts

What to Pack?

snapshot

Smart Tips Leave the curtains exactly the way you keep them when you’re at home. But at the same time let it not be too open, encouraging people to peep into your home. And do remember to move expensive items or cash from outsiders’ vicinity.

Never leave lights on to pretend to passerby’s that the house is occupied. Electricity bills will soar high. But instead smartly purchase a light switch timer that can turn your lights on and off automatically according to a programmed schedule.

Don’t leave extra keys in hiding places where they can be easily found, like under a plant pot or on a window sill Hang some old clothes on the line and leave old shoes outside the front door Better to go in for a home delivery service for the last meal just before the holiday and avoid forgetting to throw away the leftovers.

holidays always provide fun. to make your journeys safe and pleasant, take a look below

Holiday Checklist for Children

Holiday Checklist for Men

Activity books Travel sweets Favourite toys Travel sickness medication Blanket Comfortable clothes Snacks and drinks Toiletries Footwear

Sandals Sneakers Shorts, trousers and tracks Cotton shirts Tshirts Nightwear Toiletries Sunglasses / reading glasses Swimsuits Hair gel Accessories Electronic gadgets Medication Moisturizer Sunscreen lotion Deo Shaving set Books Thermal wear if visiting a cold region

Holiday Checklist for WoMen Moisturizer Toiletries Sun screen Medication Insect repellant Nail cutter Buffer Filer Day and night dress Swimsuits Shorts, skirts, jeans Tees, tops Scarf Sunglasses / reading glasses Cosmetics Lip balm Makeup remover Cotton buds Books Electronic gadgets

Trek Backpack Checklist Tent poles Trekking poles Sleeping pad Compass First aid kit Warm wear Headlamp Rain gear Bug spray Rain jacket Cook kit and stove Water Maps Paper, pencils Whistle Knife Binoculars

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travel destinations

extreme

sporting Wanna pump up your adrenaline with some hardcore adventure

01 Angling in Jammu and Kashmir

Have the guts to shun your ears to some unexpected gunfire’s or terrorism for a few days, if so Kashmir can treat you the best. Kashmir, rightly been called an ‘angler’s paradise’, got its tag for its streams and high altitude lakes. It gives visitors an out of the world experience. And over here, one who would love to have an underwater tug-of-war can go in for it with ‘Mahseer’, the toughest fresh water fighting fish in the world.

Quick read attractions Tough climbs and the excitement of exploring the unexplored can best be experienced in Himachal. For rock climbing, jeep safaris and for some uninterrupted cycling too, Himachal is the apt place.

Tips Shivpuri is the place for white water rafting.

As the rafting camps lies between Rishikesh and Kaudiyala, drive along NH 58 or else board buses connecting Delhi and Badrinath.

getting there

Mountaineering in

03 Himachal Pradesh

Are you game to risk your life at the cost of having some thrilling moments of mountaineering?

If so, the rugged terrains and unending narrow paths of Himachal are all yours. Tough climbs and the excitement of exploring the unexplored can best be experienced in Himachal. For rock climbing, jeep safaris and for some uninterrupted cycling too, Himachal is the apt place.

After the rough trails, for some peace and tranquillity don’t miss out ‘Dharamsala’.

getting there

By Air There are limited flights from Delhi to Shimla or Kangra.

By Rail Rail networks are available to Shimla, the capital. There are also narrow gauge railways from Punjab and Haryana to Shimla.

By Road

By Air

Either drive along the Delhi-Chandigarh- ShimlaKaza stretch or Delhi-Chandigarh – Bilaspur – Mandi– Manali- KeylongLeh route.

Catch a flight to Srinagar from Mumbai, Delhi or Jammu.

By Rail Board trains from Delhi, Pune, Kanyakumari or Ahmedabad that goes to Jammu Tawi, the nearest railhead to Srinagar.

By Road Head towards Delhi and travel north to Jammu via Jalandhar. Take NH 1-A, the road that connects Srinagar and Jammu to reach this adventure destination.

getting there

By Air

02 White water rafting in Uttarakhand

Are you a dainty darling whose head spins while seeing roaring waters rushing aimlessly, then you better stay away from this? But it’s definitely a ‘must go’ for adventure freaks. Shivpuri is the place for white water rafting where you get to experience the thrill of fast flowing mountain streams, dashing against dangerous boulders and dizzy rapids. Once you get on the raft, there is no going back without seeing the child in you, screaming and yelling for the twists and tosses.

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Take a flight from Delhi to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant airport and from there a cab to Shivpuri.

By Rail Haridwar is the nearest railhead which is 41 km away from the destination.

By Road As the rafting camps lies between Rishikesh and Kaudiyala, drive along NH 58 or else board buses connecting Delhi and Badrinath.

summer holiday Destinations in India

Chopta Hill Station

diving and 04 Scuba Snorkelling in

Lakshadweep

Exploring the unexplored adventures is always exciting.

Dive in between the totally unknown flora and fauna of the world under sea and have some fun at India’s water sport capital, Lakshadweep. Its coral reefs beneath, baby sharks and unusual seaweeds are going to keep you engaged for hours.

By WATER MV Bharat Seema, MV Tipu Sultan ad MV Minicoy are the ships operating between Kochi and the islands.

Altitude 2500 meter Activities Skiing and treks along the deodar and the oak forests.

Highlights Asia’s longest - 4 km cable car at Gondola, chair lift and ski-lift, Auli Skiing festival (February/March), hot water fountains, longest and second highest ropeway of Asia.

When to visit November-March

Altitude 2,600 meters Activities Camping, trekking Highlights Trek to Tungnath Mandir and Chandrashila Peak, Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary, Gopeshwar, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Atrimuni falls.

When to visit March-July

Fly to Jolly Grant airport in Uttarakhand and from there cabs are available to Rishikesh, Chopta and Ukhimath.

Fly from Kochi to the airstrip at Agatti.

Chamoli District, Uttarakhand.

Rudraprayag district in Uttarakhand

By Air

By Air

Location

Location

How to reach

getting there

Auli Hill Station

How to reach

By Air Take direct flights from Delhi/Chandigarh to jolly Grant airport, which is 17 km away from Rishikesh.

After reaching Rishikesh, hire a taxi or bus service to Joshimath and then to Auli.

By Rail Board the train to Haridwar which is approximately 289 km for Auli, a 10 to 12 hour journey by cab.

By Road Private and government bus operates from Delhi, Dehradun to Haridwar and then to Joshimath. From there take the cable service that takes you to Auli.

By Rail Nearest railhead is Rishikesh, which is 209 km away from Chopta and from there taxis are available.

By Road Reach Delhi and Rishikesh is just six hours and from there travel to Chopta for the next seven hours. For a smooth drive, travelling route goes like Delhi, Ghaziabad, Meerut, Roorkee, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Rudraprayag, Ukhimath and Chopta.

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travel destinations Kalimpong Hill Station Location West Bengal

Quick read

Altitude 1250 meter Activities Nature walk, sightseeing Highlights Flower market, Buddhist monasteries, golf course, traditional handicrafts, Churpee (yak cheese), pork momos, Neora Valley National Park, 7th mile view point, Relli river When to visit September-November

How to reach

By Air Bagdogra is the nearest airport, linked with major cities like Guwahati, New Delhi and Calcutta.

By Rail Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the nearest stations to reach Kalimpong.

By Road By hiring jeeps or buses one can reach Kalimpong via Siliguri, Gangtok and Darjeeling.

Dharamsala hill station Location Kangra Valley, Himachal Pradesh Altitude 1457 meter Activities Sightseeing, art and culture Highlights Library of Tibetan works and archives, Kangra Art Museum, Namgyal Monastery, Macleodganj, War memorial, Bhagsunag falls, Lord Elgin’s Memorial, Pong Lake Sanctuary, Dharmkot.

When to visit January-June

How to reach

By Air Gaggal airport is the nearest, at a distance of 13 kms.

By Rail The nearest railhead is at Pathankot.

By Road Reach Delhi and travel another 520 kms to reach Dharamsala, an overnight journey from Delhi.

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Attractions Flower market, Buddhist monasteries, golf course, traditional handicrafts, Churpee (yak cheese), pork momos, Neora Valley National Park, 7th mile view point, Relli river are the major attractions at Kalimpong Hill Station.

Tips Siliguri and New Jalpaiguri are the nearest stations to reach Kalimpong. By hiring jeeps or buses one can reach Kalimpong via Siliguri, Gangtok and Darjeeling.

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pets

QUICK READ

skills

Count on our skills

Signs of a healthy pup Alertness Teeth and Bone Development Strong Natural

Isn’t it smart of a cockatoo bird to imitate Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’, one of the biggest hits of 2012, after getting a training of just four days. Training also helps your pets grow healthy

Defenses Healthy Muscle Growth Healthy Digestion

ot a fat pooch at home lethargically walking around eating and sleeping all the time? Even if you have the mind to give your pooch a healthy life, at times circumstances don’t permit due to the lack of facilities.

At home in your courtyard, using benches or wooden boxes can construct hurdles from two feet or more, depending on your pet’s height. Start with smaller hurdles and go on to train them with higher ones. The jumping movements will help their muscles to be active. Or else toss a rope over the tree and attach a dog toy on the end, a squeaky toy that would excite your pet with its perpetual motion.

“Feeding him loads with no exercise is not the way to show affection and love to your pet dog. Instead wouldn’t you be happy to see it jumping around without flaps and bulges after it being trained at a doggie gym,” says Tapan Kumar Ghosh, a vet at Banga-

G

BONUS

Gift of the gab

Macaws, the largest parrots in the world, are described as ‘people’s dream bird.

Conure parrots known as ‘a clown among parrots’ answers your calls.

Green coated Amazon parrot can grasp ad communicate human talks very easily.

Natives of Australia, the ‘budgerigar’ are quick learners and can be your talkative companion.

Parrots good at mimicry are the cockatiels. They imitate short phrases and sounds.

Born with an unusual head crest cockatoos are remarkable birds that do a bit of talking with more of singing.

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Doggy gym is an entertaining, easy and inexpensive way to have your dog hail and healthy lore Pet Clinic.

He adds, “A fitness course for dogs offers exercises like running through tunnels and hoops, walk up and down planes, hop over low jumps, balance on a wobble board or exercise ball, go over and under objects. This activity is a great way to develop your dog’s condition, confidence and concentration; strengthening it both mentally and physically. Doggy gym is an entertaining, easy and inexpensive way to have your dog hail and healthy. Exercise equipment helps increase strength range of motion and also stabilises and strengthens the weak joints in a dog’s body.

Arthritis and dysplasia are very common in dogs. Our way to help and improve the quality of their life is by stabilizing its weak areas and helping them to maintain strength in supporting muscles.”

weirdest animals

Voice of Celebs John Abraham

“No one wants to be caged”

Celina Jaitley

Emperor Tamarin We have long white moustache which looks so similar to that of the German emperor Wilhelm II’s moustache. And that is how we got our name.

Proboscis Monkey

Sucker-footed Bat

We are reddish brown monkeys, inhabitants of the South East Asian islands of Borneo. We have our big fat nose hanging over our mouth.

Also called as ‘Myzopoda Aurita’ we live in Madagascar. Thought we are known as sucker bats, we don’t have suction cups.

“I have been an animal lover all my life... they are the most unconditional givers of love...”

Jiah Khan

“Wild animals belong to the wild and not in the zoos” Shilpa Shetty

“Beaten, lonely and abused…boycott the circus” Sun Bear We are massive and cuddlesome who survives on honey and so we are called ‘honey bears’. Due to lack of space to roll-in our long tongue we have it out and it’s pretty long as 8 to 10 inches.

Aye-aye We Madagascarians are the only primates thought to use echolocation to find its prey.

Natives of Madagascar consider us to be an omen of bad luck.

For this reason, they often kill us.

Komondor Dog Our corded white coat makes us to be called ‘mop dogs’. We are off-white coloured Hungarian breed who are good as livestock guarding dogs.

Shahid Kapoor

“Chicks love a vegetarian”

Dia Mirza

“Skinning animals alive or beating them to death for a pair of boots or a purse cannot be justified” Kalki koechlin

Star-nosed Mole Our name says it all.

We have a pink fleshy appendage that snout out like antennas as we begin to sense our preys. Its pink fleshy appendages snouts out like ‘antennas’.

As we are virtually blind, it’s our sense of smell that helps us to survive.

Alpaca We are domesticated miniatures of camels found in South America. We are calm, but when annoyed we express our anger spitting food from our stomach. Our light weight and soft fleece that comes in 52 colours are used in the fashion industry.

Frill necked lizard Also known as the Frilled Dragon has a large ruff of skin which it usually folds back against its head and neck. The neck frill is supported by long spines of cartilage, and when frightened; it gapes its mouth.

“I believe in adopting pets. I adopted ‘Dosa’ my pet kitten.

I would say a ‘no’ to breeders; let the deserted ones be looked after first”.

Johny Depp

“The only creatures that are evolved enough to convey pure love are dogs and infants.”

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parenting

Quick Read

child care

Beyond

pampering The goal of parenting is to teach kids to develop self-discipline.

Many parents feel spanking is necessary for effective discipline hen the character of 7-year-old Vishnu appeared to be puerile, his father was worried. Employed in the Gulf, he couldn’t take care of his only son. As a loving mother, his wife had to knuckle under to the demands of her son, who often turned aggressive if his demands were turned down. In short, despite having all facilities, the parents were unable to understand him or build a relationship with him.

According to experts, maintaining a good relationship with your children is as important as showering affection on them. “Demonstrate in detail how you would like them to behave. Have them practise the behaviour. Give them encouragement along with constructive criticism. Encourage them to try to remember what they should do instead to avoid future consequences,” they add.

Parents should make it as clear as possible what the child is to expect if he or she performs the undesirable behaviour. Make it very clear what the undesirable behaviour is. It is not enough to say, “Your room is messy.” Messy should be specified in terms of exactly what is meant: “You’ve left dirty clothes on the floor, dirty plates on your desk, and your bed is not made.” Once you have stated your position and the child attacks that position, do not keep defending yourself. Just restate the position once more and then stop responding to the attacks. Remember that your behaviour serves as a model for your children’s behaviour.

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Authoritarian parents Expect their orders to be obeyed without question and who rely on punishment--or the threat of punishment--to control their kids.

Permissive parents Responsive and warm, but also reluctant to enforce rules.

Uninvolved parents Offer their children little emotional support and fail to enforce standards of conduct.

Effective parenting Firm: Consequences should be clearly stated Fair: The punishment should fit the crime.

Friendly: Use a friendly but firm communication style.

Guidelines to develop relationship Try to find time on a regular basis to do something fun with your child.

Never disagree about discipline in front of the children.

Never give an order, request, or command without being able to enforce it at the time.

Agree on how to respond to undesirable behavior.

Look for gradual changes in behaviour.

Reward desirable behaviour as much as possible by verbal praise, touch or something tangible such as a toy, food or money.

Play games that help kids practise self-control. here are some tips to remember “Parent as a teacher”

each and show them what they should do.

T Use descriptive praise when they do something well.

Help your child learn to express how he feels.

Try to see a situation the way your children do.

Listen carefully to them.

Use a soft, confident tone of voice when they are upset.

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Authoritative parents They encourage kids to be responsible, to think for themselves, and to consider the reasons for rules

Parents should make it as clear as possible what the child is to expect if he or she performs the undesirable behaviour.

Make it very clear what the undesirable behaviour is

Be a good listener, use good eye contact.

Make sure they understand directions.

Look for gradual changes in behaviour.

Praise behaviour that is coming closer to the desired goal.

Develop a gesture that your children will accept as a signal.

Going by the card Always think there are risks on using credit cards. Cards are easy to use and convenient, which expose them to risks redit card is like fire. If you use it casually, you will court trouble. Use it with caution it will help you and avoid getting trapped. We take a lot precautions and due diligence before buying property and marriage. The same level of precautions needs to be put in place if you are using credit for transactions online and offline. Like amoeba, fraudsters are assuming new forms and setting newer traps to lure credit card users. Credit card companies and banks have put in lot of firewalls to stop the cyber criminals, but fraudsters continue to face chinks in the armour.

Credit card users need to give two passwords or CVVs for online transactions. First is the CVV (three digit number on the reverse side of the card) and the second is the secured access password via Verified by Visa and Master secure code, depending on your card service provider. If the website does not ask for authentication, avoid the transaction. Avoid using credit cards online! A virtual credit card is a better alternative. A

C

virtual card is a new 16-digit number, generated on the basis of your physical credit cards with individual CVV2 number, password and expiry date. You will need to specify the amount you want to spend with your virtual card. This ensures your physical credit care is not accessible to criminals.

Use a chip-and-PIN-based card for offline transactions like payment in restaurant. This card has a SIM-card like chip on the front of the card and can be used only with a four digit PIN. Unless you punch the PIN into the card-reading machine, the transaction won’t happen. On such cards, the account information is stored in an encrypted format, which prevents the data from being stolen. If you are using credit card with magnetic stripe, immediately switch to chip-based card.

Ensure that you blacken the CVV number on the card with a permanent ink marker. Note down the number in your diary or your mind. Use card for offline transaction only in reputed places. Avoid using cards in hole-in-the wall shops and low-grade restaurants.

Quick Read Use the card only on websites, which have “https” as starting web address and not http.

Here “s” stands for “secured”.

For eg: https://www. amazon.com. Also look for a lock sign on the left side of the address bar. It will also have a tab saying sign in using our secure server. But trust a site just because it claims to be secure.

Do your homework on the individual or company to ensure that they are legitimate.

Avoid using credit cards on websites dealing with pornography and movie clips. Most of them are dubious. They may be asking for measly and tempting sums like $1.

Use a chip-andPIN-based card for offline transactions like payment in restaurant.

This card has a SIM-card like chip on the front of the card and can be used only with a four digit PIN Skimmers, the devices to for stealing card data, are cheap and easy to be put in place.

Most often, fraudsters steal card details by persuading web users to give them away voluntarily. No matter how secure the site is, be careful before you swipe.

If you are regular visitor to such sites, make sure you delete the web page history and cookies.

“We’re not going to give people a free pass, and we expect consumers to live within their means and pay what they owe.”

Barack Obama 2013 MARCH

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QUICK READ

yoga & wellness

Stress is Inevitable

Strain is Optional Stress is a good thing. Strain however is not. Read more to figure how to negotiate the difficult scenarios life throws at you e live in an exciting, challenging and therefore a highly stressful period.

This means our successes will be larger than ever before and likewise the strain we experience is unprecedented. Rather than wishing away challenges what is needed is to increase the resources that can calm us down. Thankfully that resource is available in plenty within you.

Calming down, relaxation, resting are all related to the Parasympathetic Nervous System.

So in order to reduce stress it is important to make friends with your PNS. Yoga is universally known to activate your PNS. The yogic breathing or the full abdominal breathing is the simplest and fastest way to release tension.

The practice involves slow long inhalations where your abdomen expands.

The exhalations take double the time of inhalations and the abdomen falls. 10 long yogic breaths is the typical prescription to deal with stressful situation.

Principally Yoga postures that offer the forward bending of the spine or inversion have a

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calming effect. The best is the Headstand or Shirshasan. 8 minutes is said to be equivalent to an hour’s deep rest.

However, it requires assistance from a trained instructor to learn. Downward facing dog or the Adho Mukha Svanasan, Childs Pose or Balsana, Seated Forward or Bend Paschimottasan are simple yet effective poses to deal with stress.

Wind up with simple spinal twists to neutralize the spine and follow with Corpse Pose or Shavasan.

Three techniques that utilize the mind are known to have calming effects. Pratyahara or withdrawal from the senses; mindfulness where you become impartially aware of the totality of the moment and meditation where you increasingly move to a state of lesser and lesser uncontrolled thoughts. Mindfulness is ideal and simple for those in the daily grind.

Mindfulness is an invitation to live in the moment. This is done by becoming aware of the air around you and how it touches your skin, the various sounds you can hear, the scents and odors that are present, the fall and play of light etc. By doing

this we are no longer giving undue emphasis only to the things that are stressing us but embracing the complete experience. Observing the moment non judgmentally.

If stress makes you angry opt for breathing and meditation practices.

If stress makes you depressed opt for slow paced Hatha Yoga sequences or Restorative Yoga practices.

If stress reduces your competence and makes your restless internally then opt for fast paced Yoga styles.

The author Nuthan Manohar is a wellness consultant and researcher based in Cochin : nuthansm@gmail.com.

DownwardFacing Dog or Adho Mukha Svanasan Contraindications High Blood Pressure, Spinal Injuries, Carpel Tunnel, Hamstring tear etc.

Get down on your fours.

Hands are shoulder distance and knees are hip width distance apart. Palms are spread wide with middle fingers of each palm placed parallel to each other. Toes are tucked under.

As you exhale lift your knees away from the mat and

lengthen the tail bone, lifting your hips up. Try to straighten the legs till you look like an inverted V. Do not put the entire weight on your hands, ground from your feet well.

Hold from five breaths to three minutes. End in childs pose.

* Check with a medical practioner or a trained therapist prior to starting any physical practice

health

QUICK READ

PRONE FOrWARD

A Swiss Ball stimulates all those essential muscles that help maintain a healthy posture. This is because they are constantly working to maintain your centre of gravity so that you don’t fall off the ball..

TUCK ROLL

Swiss balls allow a full range of motion; the exerciser can easily roll forward during crunches to take any strain off the lower back Swiss Ball Training is also a great complement to more specific forms of sports training - not a replacement. Just about every sportsperson will be able to gain some advantage from Swill Ball training.

Generally, Swiss Ball exercises are done slowly and with great muscular control. Most of the exercises also require a ‘hold’

01

03

position at the limits in the range of motion. Performing ball exercises can be a little tricky. So you should take safety precautions. Here is a quick breakdown: • Using the Correct Ball Size and • Air Pressure • Workout Area and Clothing • Ball Storage • Fitness Health

Swiss Balls provide an enriched training environment which challenges the nervous system and improves your ability to react to a changing base of support.

As is true for any type of intense physical activity you should consult with your medical doctor beforehand, especially if you are new to ball exercises or if you haven’t used them in a while.

And remember, whenever you feel pain you should disengage from the exercises as soon as it is safe to do so.

There is no end to how you can apply Swiss Ball training

(Location and instruction courtesy: Gold’s Gym, Vytilla, Kochi)

02

Swiss Ball training is an excellent way to build ‘core body strength’ and have some fun at the same time.

Starting position: “Push-up” position, bodyweight resting on hands and instep of the feet.

Action: Bend at the hip and roll feet across the Ball

to draw it toward the body (hold), return to start.

Advanced: Exercise done with one foot in contact with the Ball

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leisure

pick of the month

GADGETs Disclaimer: Price and features are subject to change. Buyers are advised to act on data after cross-checking

Lenovo Ideapad Yoga 13 What we liked Great design

FWD RATING

Screen capable of a full 360 swing 13 inch IPS display with good viewing angles

85,500/-

8GB RAM and Intel Core i5 processor

approx

3.5mm audio jack An ultrabook at first glance, but can pull off a circus trick to transform itself into a very usable tablet.

What we disliked Just 2 USB ports Poor graphics card

Sony HDR-TD20V

Olympus DM 620 Voice Recorder What we liked

FWD RATING

Excellent recording quality Adjustable microphone

4,200/-

sensitivity

approx

Supports WAV, MP3 and WMA formats

What we liked

Can support audiobooks too

What we disliked

Wireless Unconventional but functional aesthetic design

Settings are not very accessible

Built-in rechargeable batteries with level indicator

Poor playback quality

What we disliked Form factor needs getting used to A bit too expensive for a mouse!

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FWD RATING 8,000/approx

A well-designed device with 3 microphones to record quality audio, be it voice, music or ambient sounds.

Soloshot Automatic Cameraman What we liked Track and pan to moving objects Can track objects upto 500 metres Excellent battery life Comes with its own tripod

What we disliked Needs an external transmitter Build quality and looks could have been better Super expensive!

FWD RATING 25,000/approx

Hike

Kobo

Free messenger to replace SMSes. Tailor made for India, it even gives you 100 free SMSes every month to communicate to user who don’t have Hike installed yet.

Millions of free and affordable ebooks on offer. Makes it super easy to discover and read books on your phone or tablet.

Qrcode Android

Qrcode iOS

Qrcode Android

Qrcode iOS

Bridge Constructor Top selling puzzle game. Construct a bridge with different materials, put it to the test using cars and trucks, and unlock the next brain-teasing level.

Qrcode Android

Qrcode iOS

2013 2013 FEBRUARY MARCH

apps

Short of an extra cameraman to take pics while you are doing your thrills? Automatic cameraman to the rescue!

Did you know?

According to Google, 5,50,000 new Android phones are activated every single day, Over 100 million Android phones are in use today.

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entertainment preview

NEW Releases Movies Hollywood

Upcoming movies in march

Bollywood

Mollywood

21 and over Genre: Comedy Cast: Justin Chon, Miles Teller, Skylar Astin, Sarah Wright

I, Me, aur Main Genre: Drama Cast: John Abraham, Prachi Desai, Chitrangda Singh

Madha Gaja Raja (MGR) Genre: Comedy Cast: Vishal, Anjali, Varalaxmi Sarathkumar

Nadodi Mannan Genre: Comedy Cast: Dileep, Ananya

Oz the Great and Powerful Genre: Fantasy Adventure Cast: James Franco, Mila Kunis

The Attacks of 26/11 Genre: CrimeThriller Cast: Nana Patekar, Sanjeev

Settai Genre: Comedy Cast: Arya, Anjali, Santhanam

Ithano Valiya Karyam Genre: Rom-com Cast: Dileep, Kavya Madhavan

The Last Exorcism Part II Genre: Horror Cast: Ashley Bell, Andrew Sensenig

Himmatwala Genre: Comedy Cast: Ajay Devgan, Tamannaah

Naan Than Bala Genre: Drama Cast: Nassar, Vivek, Saranya

Kili Poyi Genre: Action-Drama Cast: Asif Ali, Aju Varghese

Primetime STAR WORLD

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kollywood

primetime shows on tv channels

AXN

DISCOVERY

TLC

Two And a Half Men A comedy about men, women, sex, dating, divorce, single parenthood, sibling relations etc.

Totally Insane Guinness World Records It presents mix of the most crazy record attempts.

A Haunting True stories of supernatural activity that reveal a world in which tragedies have left psychic impressions.

Around The World in 80 Plates Contestants travel to different international cities to learn local cuisines.

Home Improvement It’s about how a modern man tackles his duties as a loving husband, father and as a host.

The Amazing Race Teams compete in a series of mental and physical tasks. The first team wins $1 million.

Man vs Wild Feel the trepidation as you watch Bear Grylls use sheer grit and well-learnt survival tips.

Get Out Join Lindsay Clubine, Camille Anderson and Misty Rice take you to top VIP tourist spots.

MARCH 2013

NEW Releases BOOKS

new books to hit the stands soon

‘A Thousand Pardons’ by Jonathan Dee The book is about a woman whose husband makes a public mistake that destroys their family and everything they have worked for. The protagonist moves her daughter to New York and takes a job in PR, but she must still face the fallout from her past and work through what it means to forgive.

Price: `1,378 approx.

‘The Burgess Boys’ by Elizabeth Strout The Burgess Boys are two brothers whose father gets killed in a freak accident when they are young.

They flee their small Maine town for New York as soon as they are and deal with their past and the dynamics of family relationships.

Price: `1,644 approx.

‘Telling the Bees’ by Peggy Hesketh It’s a debut novel that tells the story of an eighty year old beekeeper, Albert, who has spent his life as a bachelor, but has a deep and complicated relationship with a friend, Claire. The book is about how Albert works through his memories and their past, on the murder of Claire after a burglary.

‘Middle C’ by William H. Gass The book begins with days in Austria in 1938 and moves over to England and then Ohio. It’s about a man who takes his family to London to escape impending Nazi occupation of his country, but over the pages, mysteriously disappears.

Price: `1,484 approx.

Price: `636 approx.

On Air

Radio Shows

93.5 Red FM Morning Number 1

by Rj Akhil (Monday to Saturday 7 AM- 10 AM) It’s a show that prepares you for the day with current news, business updates and water/ power failures. This show also makes room for on-air debates and advice by renowned personalities.

Red Carpet

by RJ Mathukutty (Saturday 3 PM – 5 PM, Sundays 10 AM-12 noon) A weekend show interviewing superstars, celebrities and the who’s who from the entertainment industry. It’s a platform where celebs open up about their personal and professional life.

@ Web

Viral Videos

Amulya Ragam

by RJ Ajeesh (Monday to Friday 10 PM-12 midnight) The most popular retro show in the city packed with remarkable evergreen melodies. It’s a show which takes its listeners to the films of yesteryears, discussing classics by singers, actors and directors.

Hello My Dear Wrong Number (9 AM, 11 AM, 4PM, 5 PM, 7 PM daily) A prank call segment in which RJs turn mischief mongers, playing pranks on people. A very popular segment on RED FM 93.5, it will be repeated five times a day due to listeners demand.

CCL Exclusive video FWD Life has released an exclusive video of the CCL Season 3 matches of Kerala Strikers. The riveting video contains all actions on ground.

Harlem Shake Doing the Harlem Shake is pretty simple. Just shake your hands and body like crazy.

There’s nothing else to it, really.

Youtube Print your own medicine 3D printing is tipped to take off in 2013. Chemist Lee Cronin believes we could be able to print medicine using machines.

‘Puttu Pattu Unplugged Live’ This remixed version of band Thakara’s ‘puttu pattu’ by Springr is a must watch for creative artists.

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Justice should be prevailed in this case. Irrespective of gender, the culprits should be punished. I reckon, the government should make it mandatory for girls to practise Karate until Class 8.

Jaseem Entrepreneur

It doesn’t matter if you are a male or a female.

Everyone has the right to have respect and dignity as a human being. If someone deprives that to you, you have the right to resist. Unfortunately, in our society, this equality is not seen. I am happy to see there are girls like Amrita taking their stand to protect their dignity! Let this be an inspiration to all the girls to gain the respect they deserve as a human being.

Chachu Jacob Ad filmmaker

WHAT

Kudos to what she did! If these guys could make lewd comments on her even when her parents were around, then it’s absolute horror to think how women can be safe when they are alone.

Meera Radhakrishnan Intern at SV

F***K ?

FWD Life readers’ response on college student Amrita’s “action” against eve teasers

In my opinion, what Amrita did was right. Girls should have the guts to respond to such lewd comments. If Soumya (The girl who was brutally killed while travelling in train) had the temerity like Amrita’s, the rapist would have been killed at the train itself.

Sivaprasad Engineer Every woman should stand up and fight for her own protection rather than crying over spilt milk. Here, the victim has become the accused for rescuing herself from the hooligans. In every sense Amrita’s act is justifiable and a lesson for everyone who thinks it is easy to harm a woman verbally or physically and get away scot-free.

Sruthi Karthikeyan Journalist 98

MARCH 2013

I think this would be the best thing a woman can do to protect themselves from such situations in the society and to give motivation about the same to other girls as well.

Ralu Rajan Madathil Entrepreneur

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event

Quick Read

ragam’13

Confluence

of talents Over 13,000 students from all over the country will attend Ragam ‘13, the three-day cultural extravaganza to be held at NIT, Kozhikode in March t all started in the summer, more than two decades ago, when the Simpsons, a sitcom, made its debut and Gavaskar achieved what few cricketers could do - 10,000 run in Test Cricket. But for NITians, the year 1987 is synonymous with the inception of the cultural extravaganza, Ragam. The fest is a three-day fete being held in March and is attended by over 13,000 students from all over the country.

Ragam offers a plethora of over 40 events- literary, dramatics, musical and more. The Choreo Nite is a perfect chance to kick off those shoes and just dance.

Couture Boulevard, glitz, glamour and the ramp, ropes in fashion enthusiasts from all over the country. Mime, street play, monoact and drama offer plenty of opportunities for the dramatically inclined.

Amplified, Swararaaga and a number of group and solo events form the major chunk of musical events.

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Prize galore The lucrative cash prizes and the ever rolling Ragam Trophy lure the best talents in the country. This edition of Ragam introduces Take One, a short film competition judged by an eminent panel of jurists, including Anjali Menon, Bobby-Sanjay and Rajesh Pillai. The winning entry will be telecast on Asianet. A multitude of online events like 360 Degrees, the online photography competition; Mish Mash, a quiz contest; Bits and Pieces, a story writing contest and more are in progress and have received immense participation.

The winners of 360 Degrees will be given the opportunity to cover a celebrity photo shoot for FWD Life.

When we said Ragam has something for everyone, we mean EVERYONE. The workshops are organised with the aim of helping students to refine their skills in dance, drama and music among others. The previous editions of the cultural event have offered workshops on journalism, short film making, jive, tango, mock tail mixing and

This edition of Ragam introduces Take One, a short film competition.

The jury for the short film contest comprises Anjali Menon, Bobby-Sanjay and Rajesh Pillai.

360 Degrees, the online photography competition; Mish Mash, a quiz contest and Bits and Pieces, a story writing contest are other events.

The winners of 360 Degrees will be given the opportunity to cover a celebrity photo shoot for FWD Life.

A live-in concert by Shankar Mahadevan will be held on March 17. Popular playback singer Haricharan and Grammy Award winner Tanvi Shah will also perform at the fest.

Ragam offers a plethora of over 40 eventsliterary, dramatics, musical and more.

so on.

The pro-shows have always been a major highlight of the fest and have witnessed phenomenal crowds in the Open Air Theatre. Ragam ’13 is proud to present Shankar Mahadevan live-in concert on March 17.

Popular playback singer Haricharan and Grammy Award winner Tanvi Shah will also perform at the fest. This edition introduces the ‘Pepper Fest’, a nite of pure rock by upcoming bands.

Ragam is not just about singing, dancing, acting and painting.

The social initiatives of Ragam ’13 include the blood donation camp, which was conducted on the January 16 in association with Hindustan Lifecare Limited.

Sneharagam, a special day dedicated for differently abled children to showcase their talents, was held on February 23.

This year, we bring you an all-new experience like never before from March 15 to 17 at NIT, Kozhikode. Don’t miss it!

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RNI Reg. No. KERENG /2012 /42759 RNI Reg. No. KERENG /2012 /42759

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Postal Reg No. EKM/728/2012-14 Postal Reg No. EKM/728/2012-14