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Hyatt Centric brand debuts in the Indian capital
Each guestroom provides travellers with a compact desk and lounging area for an easy transition from work to relaxation
Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced the opening of Hyatt Centric Janakpuri New Delhi, the first Hyatt Centric property in the national capital. The hotel has 224 newly renovated rooms with a playful juxtaposition of colours, textures, and handpicked bric-a-brac to reflect the vibrancy of the city. The hotel is located close to the Janakpuri West Metro and the District Center, connecting savvy travellers to the rest of Delhi and the National Capital Region (NCR), serving as a jumping off point for leisure and business guests to explore popular hotspots and easy access to the city's main commercial centre. The hotel is a 30-minute metro ride from business districts such as Connaught Place and Gurgaon, and it has direct metro access to the airport. It offers a variety of local flavours in casual, relaxed settings, as well as an all-day dining restaurant, Kitchen District, that serves delectable, gourmet dishes with a unique twist on Indian subcontinent cuisines. Guests can also unwind with a book, a snack, or a cup of chai in the café. Each guestroom provides travellers with what they need most, including a compact desk and lounging area for an easy transition from work to relaxation. To reflect Delhi's distinct spirit, they collaborated with emerging local artists, food producers, and designers. This includes previously unexplored Delhi experiences, street art in hotel spaces, natural bath amenities, and gender-neutral, fashionable wardrobe options for hotel employees.
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Easter getaway: Blow off some steam
Are you ready to unleash the fun at your kind of place?
There’s only one thing better than a weekend - a long weekend. With Easter falling on a Friday, April 15-17 brings the perfect opportunity to blow off some steam. For the ones who do not enjoy large gatherings or crowds, which are unavoidable in bigger cities, it is the perfect time for getaways to nearby locations. For its members for the upcoming long weekend with exclusive offers, and discounts with an assured 10% cashback as a bonus. Additionally, Axis bank credit cards holders will also get 10x EDGE reward points on their bookings. Below are some of the destinations you can check out:
Trikaya Retreat, Maharashtra:
Trikaya is an ideal holiday destination, nestled in the foothills of the Shirota forests, the last of the mighty hills amidst the Sahyadri ranges, built on a hilltop at an altitude of 2226ft above sea level, deep in the western ghats overlooking the Kundali Dam, we offer you an abode in the clouds. For the ones in Mumbai and Pune, it is just a short drive through the hills of Lonavala, making it an ideal long-weekend pick.
Saj Resort by Club Mahindra,
Mahabaleshwar: In the gorgeous Metgutad Village along the Mahabaleshwar-Panchgani Road is the Saj Resorts & Spa hotel. Witness the beautiful waterfalls in Mahabaleshwar, enjoy a boat ride in Venna lake, relish the juicy strawberries and learn the heroic tales of Pratapgad fort. Sibaya Beach Resort, Goa: Sibaya is the brand new epitome of tropical beach living from the curators of fine hospitality experiences. Spread across 42 spacious rooms & suites, CRED members can enjoy the stunning views of the lush green garden, undulating coastline, food by the cool cabanas, exotic cocktails and more.
SwaSwara-CGH Earth, Gokarna,
Karnataka: Situated on the Om beach, there is little apart from the rhythm of the rolling waves and the meditative hum of birdsong, to disturb your inner explorations. Crafted in the colours of the Earth, and in harmony with the land that nurtures her, SwaSwara is designed for holistic and transformational experiences; a space where the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and Yoga embrace you to rejuvenate body and spirit.
Siri Nature Roost, Chikamagalur:
The carefree paradise at Siri Nature Roost is dotted with dramatic and unique architecture, which harkens back to an age when man and nature cohabitated in a single space. For a relaxing time, members can take a walk through the lush green property, enjoy a private pool and jacuzzi, a relaxing spa hour and more.
Niraamaya Backwaters, Kerala:
Niraamaya Retreats Backwaters & Beyond is one of the most beautiful waterfront retreats in Kumarakom, curled up on the banks of Lake Vembanad. Set amidst 8 acres of lush tropical gardens, the retreat houses ten dedicated Ayurveda Rooms offering holistic treatments, combining the best practices of Ayurveda. Privacy, relaxation, and rejuvenation await CRED members at this retreat.
Renest River Country Resort,
Manali: Located off the bustling Mall Road, the Renest River Country Resort overlooks the river Beas amidst pine and cedar, offering you a tranquil getaway into the lush green valleys of the Himalayas. Members can engage in a number of activities like a meal by the Beas River, visiting the Tibet Monastery, Solang Valley, Rohtang Pass, and Naggar Castle. The resort offers trekking experiences with professionals to give you a subtle taste of adventure on your sun-kissed holidays.
Oh-so Egg-cited! Kandima Maldives brings you the koolest Easter offer ever!
If you’re looking for the perfect stay with your family for this easter break then look no further! Kandima Maldives is the ultimate lifestyle destination for all, offering memorable experiences for a fun-filled vacation of a lifetime. Rated as one of the most experiential Maldivian lifestyle holiday destinations by many, explore this 3-km long lifestyle desi(nation) with the Colour me Egg-cited Easter Family break Package for a truly unforgettable stay.
Kick-off this festive holiday in style at Kandima Maldives with nothing but hits for optimal live entertainment. All three days will feature the uber kids’ entertainer, Mr. Marvel specially invited from the UK performing every day, bringing on our kind of magic to your family! With so many complimentary inclusions from an unforgettable family beach picnic box, a super kool movie night with scrumptious pizzas, a dolphin cruise for all, free kids club and to top it all, complimentary oh-soyummy ice cream for kids every day! We have indeed rolled down the red carpet to make your ultimate family break egg-stra special!
Unlock your adventurous side at the pirate easter egg hunt here and make the most unique Easter hunt memories ever! And on Easter Friday, enjoy fun egg painting and inflate the big bunny with us at Breeze beach with all your friends and family! And the fun doesn’t stop here! Kandima brings you more egg hunting with a KULA run! Want more? Kandima, has you covered! Team up with your friends and family and test your racing skills with the spoon-egg race and then hop right over to the sack race with your family. End the day with the one and only three-legged race happening at Kula Festival!
Want to explore the oh-so vibrant underwater kingdom teeming with marine life or indulge in some adrenaline-packed water sports activities with your family? Then, Aquaholics is just the perfect place for you! Here, you can unlock memorable experiences from snorkelling to parasailing and even a scuba bubble maker starter course for the newbies!
Get your family oh-so entertained! Gather up for an enchanting movie night under the stars, groove to kool DJs or bands all evening or simply enjoy a relaxing wellness session at the esKape Spa while your little ones enjoy a host of complimentary activities at our action-packed kids’ club ‘Kandiland, one of the largest in the Maldives.
Is your belly grumbling for some oh-so-yummy food after all this sun-splashed fun? Choose from 10 dining options, with 3 A La Carte restaurants with exquisite food which will make the pickiest eaters gobble down their plate. From the Mediterranean, grilled to perfections delicacies, Asian fusion, and a huge selection of international cuisine, you will travel around the world of gastronomic flavours with each spoonful! This game-changing resort is definitely an affordable lifestyle destination that reimagines every part of your holiday.
The glamorous St. Regis Brand will be coming to Goa
The St. Regis Goa Resort is spread across 49 acres and is located on Mobor Beach, a prime beachfront location in South Goa
Marriott International, Inc. announced that it has reached an agreement with Ceres Hotels Private Limited to bring the storied St. Regis brand to Goa. This agreement, which is set to open in October 2022, will bring the brand's avant-garde spirit, signature Butler Service, cherished rituals, and rich legacy to one of Goa's most alluring neighbourhoods. Following a strategic conversion of The Leela Goa, The St. Regis Goa Resort will be the ninth Marriott International hotel in Goa. Beginning in 2022, the resort will undergo a complete transformation in stages. The resort's owner, Ceres Hotels Private Limited, is a subsidiary of Metrod Holdings Berhad, which is traded on the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange. “We are delighted to work with Ceres Hotels Private Limited to introduce the St. Regisbrand to Goa, bringing bespoke experiences curated for the most discerning travellers to one of the most beautiful and fascinating coastal destinations in India,” said Rajeev Menon, President Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International.“The St. Regis Goa Resort will usher in a new benchmark of luxury hospitality in this city and underscores the tremendous trust and confidence our owners have in us and in the power of our luxury brands.” Marriott International, Inc. announced that it has reached an agreement with Ceres Hotels Private Limited to bring the storied St. Regis brand to Goa. This agreement, which is set to open in October 2022, will bring the brand’s avant-garde spirit, signature Butler Service, cherished rituals, and rich legacy to one of Goa’s most alluring neighbourhoods. Following a strategic conversion of The Leela Goa, The St. Regis Goa Resort will be the ninth Marriott International hotel in Goa. Beginning in 2022, the resort will undergo a complete transformation in stages. The resort’s owner, Ceres Hotels Private Limited, is a subsidiary of Metrod Holdings Berhad, which is traded on the Kuala Lumpur stock exchange. “We are delighted to work with Ceres Hotels Private Limited to introduce the St. Regisbrand to Goa, bringing bespoke experiences curated for the most discerning travellers to one of the most beautiful and fascinating coastal destinations in India,” said Rajeev Menon, President Asia Pacific (excluding Greater China), Marriott International.“The St. Regis Goa Resort will usher in a new benchmark of luxury hospitality in this city and underscores the tremendous trust and confidence our owners have in us and in the power of our luxury brands.”
VFS Global reopens BKC visa application centre
Ahead of the peak summer travel season
VFS Global, the world's largest outsourcing and technology services specialist for governments and diplomatic missions worldwide, reopened its visa application centre (VAC) at the Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC) ahead of the peak summer season and anticipated demand. The BKC facility is the second VFS Global VAC in Mumbai in addition to its current operational one at Urmi Axis Building, Near Famous Studio, Opposite Dr E Moses Road in Mahalakshmi. The visa service provider operates a network of 567 VACs across 17 Indian cities. The BKC VAC at Trade Centre, First Floor, ‘G’ Block, would cater to visa customers bound to Austria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Hungary, and Luxembourg, Poland, Norway, Slovakia, and Sweden. It would also cater to customers seeking attestation services. For UK-bound travellers, additional visa application counters would be available at the BKC facility and the visa application centre in Mahalakshmi. The facility will also cater to France visa applications from April-end. Spread across more than 36000 sq. ft, the BKC VAC is a large facility comprising 62 customer counters, air-conditioned waiting areas and optional services such as premium lounges and courier services for discerning customers. “With the reopening of the BKC visa application centre in Mumbai, we want to ensure an enhanced visa experience for our customers. With more countries easing travel restrictions and resumption of regular international flights operations from India, we expect an increase in overseas travel this year, particularly from India. We also have some optional premium services such as Visa at Your Doorstep (VAYD) for customers who prefer personalised assistance such as completing the entire visa application process from a location of their choice.” said Pranav Sinha, Head South Asia, VFS Global.
By Paddy Krishnan
The Mahabharata suggests that Vidura, Dhritarashtra’s half-brother, is the only one who always follows dharma. The Vidura Niti captures the advice Vidura gives Dhritarashtra, after Sanjaya returns from his meeting with the Pandavas. It is part of the Udyoga Parva, where the preparations for war are described. Sanjaya has failed in his attempt to broker peace between the Pandavas and the Kauravas. On his return he gives the news of his failure and scolds Dhritarashtra for being blind to his sons’ mistakes and being blindly attached to them. As it was late at night, Sanjaya says that he will report in full the following morning. Dhritarashtra becomes restless and cannot sleep. He summons Vidura and wants Vidura’s advice on how to get rid of insomnia. Dhritarashtra tells Vidura that Sanjaya had admonished him and will relay Yudhishtra’s message to all in Dhritarashtra’s court the next day. It is this uncertainty that is keeping Dhritarashtra awake. He wants Vidura to teach him about Dharma and how Artha (wealth) and Dharma can co-exist. Vidura, at first, talks about people who normally suffer from insomnia. Such people include those who have stolen something (such as other people’s riches or kingdom), or have plans to steal something, those who are weak and have been overpowered by someone who is stronger, and those who have lost what they value (be it a person or a thing). Vidura also mentions self-discipline, in general, (e.g., humility) enables one to sleep well. One needs to control one’s senses (indriyanigraha) especially one’s speech (vaksamyama). Vidura emphasises the need to keep one’s emotion under control. He states the definition of a Sthithapragya (which is revisited in the Bhagavad Gita). One should not be too happy when one is honoured, and should not feel sad when one is dishonoured. Ideally, one is not affected by emotion even in difficult times. Vidura agrees that making a profit is one of the most important goals of any business. He clarifies this by saying that a wise leader will give as much weightage to virtue and ethics as to profits. Thus a wise leader is one who always chooses ethical conduct over material gains. A business leader who can wisely manage the balance between virtue (ethics) and profits will always be happy. This shows that Dharma and Artha can co-exist. Overall, Vidura describes a wise leader as one who has knowledge about their own qualities and capacity, is productive, and is intrinsically motivated to exert efforts to the best of their ability. A wise leader should observe and pay attention to all the details and should not disregard anything as irrelevant or insignificant. Vidura says that a wise leader always endeavours to learn from other wise people. Vidura makes many other observations including the following. > Dhritarashtra’s intellect has been muddled as he did not see right from wrong and ignored the Kauravas’ actions. When it comes to recognising wrong actions, family ties are not important. He specifically points to the disrobing of Draupadi, that was not stopped by Dhritarashtra, despite Vidura’s counsel to step in. > Dishonesty cannot lead to prosperity. In this case Dhritarashtra cannot benefit from the dishonest actions of Shakuni and Duryodhana during the game of dice. > A ruler has to exercise danda (i.e., the power given to the ruler) properly. > Fire is hidden in the trees. If this hidden fire is released it can burn the entire forest. Duryodhana and his supporters are the forest. Anger and greed are the elements that can set the forest alight. > Past actions will come to affect everyone, even in this life. > A foolish leader is one who, being guilty, always tries to cast the blame on others and who vents their anger on their subordinates. > One is not born wise. One needs to develop habits so that one can make wise decisions. While personality plays an important role, one should focus on the path of Dharma. > One should always be in the company of good and wise persons. > One who is merciful to all living beings and does not harm the creations of the god, is said to be wise. > A wise person will ask the divine for the prosperity of all the living beings (Lokasamgraha) in the world. > A wise person should treat all females as if they are their own sisters and mothers. Therefore, they must be given due respect. > A wise man should be able to speak boldly in all situations and be good at debate on various topics. They should also have the ability to explain their point in a concise fashion. > Kama (desires) and Krodha (anger) are the root causes of issues in life and need to be controlled properly. Vidura states that a king should allow a minister to give advice that may be unpleasant for the king. He then praises the Pandavas and criticises the Kauravas. Vidura suggests that Yudhishtra must be crowned king. Dhritarashtra confesses to Vidura that he cannot support Yudhishtra being crowned king. So it is clear that Dhritarashtra does not want to act on Vidura’s advice. Dhritarashtra is actually looking for some justification for his past actions. When Dhritarashtra asks Vidura about the ultimate good and Moksha, Vidura suggests that the sage Sanatsujata will instruct Dhritarashtra. Dhritarashtra wonders why Vidura is not keen to teach about Moksha. Vidura explains that as he was born to a servant woman and in keeping with social customs he will not talk about Moksha. Dhritarashtra has great faith in Vidura’s authority and would rather listen to Vidura than Sanatsujata. Dhritarashtra also states that lack of social standing does not negate one’s wisdom. Dhritarashtra also notes that Vyasa was Vidura’s father and hence Vidura’s ancestors are all wise sages. But Vidura is not moved as he feels his dharma requires him to not teach the path to Moksha. Sanatsujata explains that ignorance leads to pain and knowledge of Brahman leads to Moksha. Ignorance is the result of telling lies, acting with anger, malice, in a deceitful way, lust, obsession with wealth, over-focussing on grief, getting joy from others’ misery, etc. Ignorance can be overcome by renunciation which is not the same as abandonment. The Mahabharata states that Vidura is none other than Yama, the god of death or Dharma itself. Just because Vidura does not have social standing does not mean he cannot be knowledgeable and understand Dharma. Vidura could have advised Dhritarashtra but chose not to do so. Also Vidura’s mother followed her duties and this is the reason Vidura had no physical defects. While both Dhritarashtra’s and Pandu’s mothers did not follow their duties resulting in Dhritarashtra being blind and Pandu being pale. The Mahabharata also states that just because one has high social status (e.g., Dhritarashtra who was king) does not mean they follow Dharma. I conclude this article with Vidura’s advice to Dhritarashtra to not give up on Dharma in the face of attachments, including the desire to keep living. Dharma is eternal; so the pain of upholding is felt only in this life while the pain of not upholding it can be felt for many lives.
References:
> K. M. Ganguli: The Mahabharata of Vyasa, (scanned copy 2003) > S. Kanamarlapudi: Vidura Speaks: A Study of the Viduraniti and its Reception History, 2019
Mumbai, April 26 (IANS) Actor Pracheen Chauhan, who was seen in the show 'Shaadi Mubarak', says he's exploring spirituality that will help him to enjoy peace of mind. He shares: "I'm finding interest in spirituality with time. It is perfect for our mental health and is also very encouraging. It truly is the perfect way. I love gathering knowledge as it can be extremely relaxing." The actor is also known for featuring in shows 'Kyun Hota Hai Pyarrr', 'Kasautii Zindagii Kay', 'Kutumb' among others prefers to go for swimming and playing sports to be fit. He adds: "Fitness for me is not all about spending my time in the gym. No doubt gym plays a key role to stay fit and in shape. But apart from that I'm very much active in sports like cricket, football etc and I also enjoy swimming. Such fun activities help me to stay fit and feel relaxed too."
Quest for the Soul
By Dr Devashish Chakraborty
As a child I often shuddered at the thought of death. I remember once I witnessed a body wrapped in a shroud being carried for the last rites. It had left me shaken for several days even as my father tried his best to convey the universal message of life and death being an inseparable part of the world we inhabit. I, therefore, avoided any conversation that would remind me of my own mortality and that of my near and dear ones. Religion and spirituality deal with not only gods and lofty human values, but they also talk at length about dharma, which is the way one should live one’s life. I distinctly remember my own experiences in life which led me to ponder over matters I hardly comprehended. After my mother’s demise, within a few years my father’s condition began to go downhill. His brain, I was told, had begun to deteriorate, leading first to constant bouts of memory loss, followed by a condition of the body which rendered him bedridden till his last days. Following my grandmother’s demise due to old-age, my father’s condition reached a point of no return. He slipped into coma and had to be shifted to a hospital. After two years of intense struggle, my father breathed his last. By then, a desire had gripped me to renounce the world and run away to the Himalayas. However, something led me to Dehradun, a beautiful city in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. I read a book on the science of consciousness, which explored the sphere of soul and immortality. The book was not a mundane one, just as the author was not an ordinary human being. He was a scientist who had later elevated himself to reach the state of enlightenment or what he called the brahm state of existence. When I met him, I found him to be very simple, loving, caring, and affectionate, just like my parent. His mere words brought peace to my ruffled spirit. He served me food and taught me what I had never read anywhere. “Death is inevitable”, he said, “but it is not the end of being. The soul is a complex subject and it is experiential, rather than a subject of intellectual gymnasium. Our Upanishads contain all the knowledge dealing with the truth of human existence. But the Upanishads can only be understood by elevating the soul and not by intellectual exercise.” He continued, “A person who leads a pure life in thought and deed, and who performs sadhana (meditation) for a long time goes through various stages of evolution at the level of consciousness. First she/he becomes a yogi. After many years of sadhana, she/he may advance to become a brahm, which is a higher state than that of a yogi. If she/he is lucky enough to survive that long and her/his evolution of consciousness continues, then she/he reaches the stage of buddh or moksha. Moksha is the terminal stage of human evolution in the realm of consciousness,” he told me. He assured me that these are experiential states of human existence. “The paradigm of science is still to grow enough to understand and include the study of the soul,” he told me. “One need not renounce the world to become a yogi; renunciation must be within while one mingles with the world outside,” he counseled.
