March Special Edition 2023

AN INSPIRING JOURNEY OF INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP FEATURING EXCEPTIONAL BUSINESSES…

“There is no doubt that creativity is the most important human resource of all. Without creativity, there would be no progress and we would be forever repeating the same patterns.”- Edward De Bono. Creativity facilitates the path to innovation. At present, the business world is witnessing various emerging organizations that have paved their path through innovative and effective product panels. In this exclusive edition, we have summarized the success stories of some of them for our global readers.

Every business operating in the corporate world is chasing the approach and people that possess the capability to contribute to making the organization more innovative and competitive. And Business Connect is back with another brand new edition of our inspiring magazine. The special edition comprises a collection of some extraordinary businesses that are filled with a plethora of enthusiasm and offer some exceptionally innovative products in the market.

Cizo Technology Services is one of the bests and most innovative business ventures out there. Our editorial team had an interesting and joyful session with both leaders of the company, Mr. Siddharth Shukla & Mr. Jignesh Virani in which they shared numerous lesser-known facts about their venture and their entrepreneurial journey so far. We truly hope and desire that this fascinating edition will immensely inspire our global readership panel and will add some extra value to their lives. We will be more than happy if these success tales will boom your motivation and would encourage you to break the barriers and chase your dreams.

Although, our focus point is the same as always- excellent business and their leaders in different industries. But if we talk about the cover page, our team decided to present a platform that encourages and adds value to the tech sector particularly. Lastly, I would like to sign off with one of my favorite quotations by William James, “Success or failure depends more upon your attitude than upon capacity. Successful people act as if they have accomplished or are enjoying something, soon it becomes reality. Act, Look, Feel Successful, Conduct yourself accordingly, and you will be amazed by the positive results.”

Keep Shining!

Kajal Dobhal Kajal@innovativezoneindia.com

Vol - 4 |Issue 4| March 2023

Publisher & Editor : Abhishek Kumar Dubey

Corporate Office

507, DDA - 2, District Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi - 110058

Ph. 011-41065208

Email: corporate@innovativezoneindia.com

Registered Office

RZC 4, A/2, Street No. 21B, Sadh Nagar - II, Palam Colony, New Delhi-110045

Ph. 011-42636209

Email: info@innovativezoneindia.com

Publisher & Editor : Abhishek Kumar Dubey Title Code : DELENG19729

Copyright © 2018 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations, Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the magazine and according no liability is assumed by the publisher.

Kajal Dobhal | Puja Bhardwaj | Gulshan Parveen

Jignesh Virani

CTO

Gulshan|Innovative Zone

Jignesh Virani CTO

COMPANY PREFACE:

“Regularly, we create new apps with cuttingedge functionalities. We must invest in research to properly build these apps. We use our research and back it up with implementation. And that’s how we create excellent apps, in contrast to others.”-Mr.

Siddharth Shukla.

Explaining everything, he elaborates on these points.

• Designing of UI-UX: To create apps that users can quickly adapt to and utilize to stay engaged, our designers must conduct research across a variety of domains to understand the varied user types, literacy levels, lifestyles, geographic locations, and many other factors.

• Development: The development team must create new features and figure out how to do so quickly and with minimal code. As a result, they occasionally engage in research and development efforts to build cutting-edge functionalities with ease and in less time than before.

• Testing & QA: This team must once again expend a lot of effort to ensure that apps have been constructed with the highest care and following standards. The development team can then rebuild the features that need adjustments and improvements after this team distributes the apps to certain test users, gathers their input, and writes an analysis and conclusion report.

• Maintenance: Here, we monitor the performance of the apps that have already been deployed. To gauge performance, we periodically retrieve analytics reports. In addition, if new features and technologies have the potential to enhance the apps of our clients even more, we also recommend them.

THE LEADERSHIP APPROACH

“Jignesh Virani and I are in-charge of the success of the employees who are in charge of the success of our clients and their projects. We are both computer engineers with a passion for building amazingly beautiful and inventive mobile and web applications. We think that our professional achievement determines how fulfilled we are. We ensure that all of our staff members are dedicated, effective, and unafraid of a work-load. We dedicate our physic and souls to the projects we love. We frequently discover that while being honest and fair with one another and, of course, our clients, we are also highly demanding.

I remember starting of this company with one flimsy laptop in a little room on the outskirts of Ahmedabad. Between Jignesh and I, this laptop was the only possession we had. Jignesh would work late into the night and wake me up at five in the morning. I continue working on the same laptop after that. The laptop’s charger must always be plugged in for it to operate. We were surviving and getting by with what we had because we couldn’t afford a new laptop. There was no turning around. I knew deep down that there is so much good and the greatest that will come to assist us to get out of this circumstances. And then the angel appeared one day, lol. Jignesh and I had a client from the United States who was so delighted with us that he offered to buy us brand-new laptops and pay us well to work on his project. I recall that day, as Pakistan was playing India, we both went to a nice restaurant to celebrate the offer we had just gotten. Cizo Technology Service and the Indian cricket team both celebrated triumph on that day. God has been gracious enough to give us the strength to overcome the obstacles in our path ever since. The idea is that Jignesh and I always approach situations from different perspectives. Instead of problems, we continue to concentrate on solutions. This mindset has now become profoundly embedded in us. You can frequently see us laughing and smiling while we patiently solve problems.”

- Mr. Siddharth Shukla.

ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE

The Cizo team enjoys working in a very adaptable work culture. The employees are allowed to work from any location and they are welcome to work from either of the two Ahmedabad offices. The management encourages the person in charge of the programming challenge to put up their best effort to overcome it and create the best features. The team can often be found encouraging and instructing one another.

“When it comes to traits, we make sure people arrive at work cheerfully and energized. So, we assist them in creating their daily schedules and diets. A healthy physique improves mental and emotional capabilities. They, therefore, arrive in front of our clients cheerful and animated. Customers are at ease in this setting. The second and most crucial thing is that we guarantee that the person that interacts with the client has subject-matter expertise. Additionally, employees and programmers must complete rigorous training and workshop programs in order to develop subject matter competence. We occasionally hold these in order to maintain improvement. Thirdly, we require that they communicate any anxiety/worry/problems they feel. We help them work through their issues while also offering advice on how to assist others under the same circumstances. We support staff in becoming demanding, truthful, and fair with one another and, of course, to our clients,” asserts Mr. Jignesh.

CONVERTING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES

Explaining more about the tough phases of the business, Mr. Siddharth told us, “Our clients frequently come to us with requests that call for a thorough investigation and feasibility testing. Sometimes people become so enraged by their concept that they want a quick resolution. We acknowledge and respect their emotions. In order to keep them happy, we, therefore, keep them informed so that they feel like they are

a member of the research team that has already started moving in the right direction. This method relieves their strain and helps them to recognize our efforts. Moreover, in our arena of business, most uncertainties are caused by a lack of resources to complete the project on schedule. We always challenge our HR staff to compile a list of elite talent seeking change. We may then start contacting them to join us as soon as it is convenient whenever there is an urgent need. We also have agreements with other agencies to meet our clients’ needs in an emergency.”

FUTURE ENDEAVOR

Before signing off, the leader shared a few words of wisdom for all the budding entrepreneurs out there by quoting, “We are now more inclined toward building advanced apps using Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things. We are breaking our backs to partner with our clients in building apps that will help people become more stress-free, intelligent, productive, and successful. Well, we dream big. In the next 4-5 years, I believe we will have established Cizo Technology Service as an epicenter of innovation and inventions when it comes down to building apps on IoT, BlockChain, and Artificial Intelligence.”

ONE OF OUR EMPLOYEES REVIEW: RESHAM SHAH (JR. BDE)

- how you work

It was something I never imagined because I joined as a Jr.BDE with no prior IT experience and an MBA background. However, I’m delighted I jumped at the chance to join the group. I’ve learned a ton from it, starting with the fundamentals of CSS, HTML, and web/app. I’ve completed projects, attended scheduled meetings, created PowerPoint presentations, and learned how to deal with clients.

- Why it is effective

I discovered something new every day on our lovely journey. To work more effectively, I broke each task into smaller ones. Every task has helped me get befer at what I do and has given me a fresh perspective to think creatively. Because every single customer wants something special in their website or app.

-The most crucial aspect of sales is identifying trustworthy leads or clients who value excellence in work. Since understanding the client’s wants, expectations, and mindset is more important in sales than simply pitching your product or completing deals, doing so will help you win their confidence and trust. Customer satisfaction is the first priority at CIZO.

- What you love the most here

Whether it be professional or personal, the support I have received from the CIZO is unmatched. They’ve never refused anything. They are always there for me, wherever I go and at any moment. I always feel appreciated and cared for by the company as an employee. This inspires me to work hard for my firm.

Success Story of BILL

GATES

A Life Filled with Successes

Bill Gates is the co-founder of Microsoft Corporation and one of the world’s most prominent individuals, who was born in Seattle, Washington, on October 28, 1955. Bill Gates is one of the most inspiring figures in history, he has had a life packed with achievements. Have a look here and you will find everything that you’ve ever wanted to know about Bill Gates’ life and achievements!

Bill Gates is an American programmer, entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist, co-founder of Microsoft: the premier software company in the world. With an estimated $90.6 billion in net worth, Gates is the world’s, second-richest man. But how did he shaped this wealth, and how did he tackle the obstacles to get there?

BILL GATES’ EARLY LIFE

Well, the guy comes from a fairly wealthy background so he doesn’t have a story that rags-to-rich one. Bill Gates had to work hard in order to become what he is today. His father was a prosperous attorney, while his mother was a school teacher who became a member of the First Interstate Bank Board of Directors. Gates was a brilliant student who performed exceptionally well in academics, especially in the subject, Mathematics.

At the early age of 13, a passion for computers and programming was developed by Bill Gates. He also got himself enrolled into a private preparatory school, the Lakeside School at the same age. While at school, seeing Gates’ flare in programming, the school administration decided to buy him a computer from the General Electric Company. The school administration allowed him to pursue his interest by excusing him from classes. Bill Gates, on the GEC machine, built his first ever computer program.

While at school, Bill Gates along with Paul Allen worked together in a system that belonged to Computer Center Corporation, to find bugs in it. Gates and Allen together with two other students wrote a payroll program for Information Sciences in exchange for computer time and royalties. This led the school to become fully aware of Gates’ talent.

In the early age, Gates and Allen continued to build software’s and Bill Gates sold software to optimize traffic for $20,000 in the age of 15. He developed another software, a few years later and earned $30,000 from it. And with this, he started his journey on the way to becoming a successful billionaire.

SETTING UP MICROSOFT CORPORATION

Bill Gates and Paul Allen, in 1975, co-founded a software company that was named as Micro-Soft. In the initial stage, the company was delivering small software products to different firms as they were not able to hire a sales manager. This process was done by Gates’ mother, Mary Maxwell.

Shortly thereafter, the company started to face financial crises that made Gates and Allen realize that Microsoft had dropped to the lowest affordable point. The issue was occurring mainly due to the usage of some pirated software. However, the two owners had the courage not to lose hope and as “Struggling is a Part of the Story”, both of them came up with the launch of MS-BASIC, which helped them in making a profit of $50,000.

In 1979, Microsoft was offered to develop a program by one of the American multinational tech company – IBM who launched (about to launch at that moment) the world’s first personal computer. Unfortunately, at that time, Microsoft didn’t have the resources to develop an Operating Software (OS), so it recommended another company to IBM for its OS.

Soon after a few months, an OS system named ’86-DOS’ was bought by Microsoft and started to enhance it regularly on a wide scale that resulted in the launch of ‘MS-DOS’. Directly after the launch, Microsoft offered IBM to use MS-DOS for their first-ever personal computer that they were about to launch as the key OS. IBM accepted the proposal immediately and Microsoft was able to see-off Digital Research competition-the company Gates and Allen had suggested IBM for developing their OS.

A contract between Microsoft and IBM was signed in 1980 and Microsoft became Microsoft Corporation within a year.

The first-ever personal computer was launched by IBM with MSDOS along with other Microsoft products like MS-BASIC, MSCOBOL, MS-PASCAL, etc. The company founded by Bill Gates started to pour accomplishments which included the creation of the first mouse for personal computer, and development of the Windows Operating System.

The first Windows OS that got launched was Windows NT, then over the next few years, a series of Windows were followed, including the launch of Window 95, Windows 98, Windows 2000, XP, and Vista. Ever since Microsoft has been growing. Microsoft has expanded its product from Window OS, Microsoft Office Suites, Office 365, Xbox, Bing, and Hotmail, it goes on.

CURRENTLY

Everything began with the first idea, Microsoft is keeping on dominating the software market. Bill Gates has been successful in keeping up with the pace of change, which led Microsoft to remain #1 software company in the world.

For a few years now, there has been no involvement of Gates in the day-to-day operations of Microsoft. Most of the time has been dedicated to philanthropy and community projects. He has co-founded many foundations, one of them is The Giving Pledge, which is a foundation that focuses on encouraging wealthy people to contribute their majority of wealth towards Philanthropic Causes. More than 80 per cent of Bill Gates’ wealth is pledged to the charity upon death.

PHILANTHROPY

• William H. Gates Foundation

• Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation

• Gates centre for Computer Science

• Giving Pledge, and more.

Bill Gates is an inspiration to many, there are numerous things to be learnt from his life and success story, which includes being focused on your goals and to persistently pursue them.

BILL GATES

CUSTOMIZED TALENT ACQUISITION SOLUTIONS

FOR

INDUSTRY

FOR MID TO LEADERSHIP HIRING CONTRIBUTING TO THE GROWTH AND LEADERSHIP POSITION

The corporate world is brimming with talent and potential. Companies strive to acquire leaders who are capable of nurturing young talents, so that they can convert their skill into capital. There is a need to find employees and executives that would be a good fit, and that is where HumaQuest comes in. The company helps corporations hire suitable leading executives, provides HR Consulting & Manpower services, and provides outcome-oriented solutions through thorough and dedicated research.

HumaQuest Consulting India Pvt Ltd, an Executive Search Firm and Mid to Leadership Hiring Company, was founded in 2013 by Mr. Sujoy Ghosh, Founder & Managing Director.

Here’s a glimpse into the company’s workings in Mr. Sujoy’s words.

Q1. What is HumaQuest about?

HumaQuest Consulting India Pvt Ltd is an Executive Search firm & Mid to Leadership Hiring company - focused mainly in Pharmaceuticals, Diagnostics, Life Sciences & Healthcare Industry, pan India.

Q2. How did the company come into existence?

Way back in 2008, when I was working in an MNC Management consulting firm Frost & Sullivan, after spending around twelve years in Pharma & Medical Device industries like Eli Lilly, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson, the thought of entrepreneurship first came to my mind. I wanted to do something for mankind in any form and that’s what the name stands for: HumaQuest - “Quest for Humanity”.

After the name and logo were finalized, I started funneling down many options, and finally crystalized that service business like Management Consulting or HR Consulting and Executive Search and Hiring & Recruitment for Mid to Senior level would be a good idea. By then ,I had been exposed to many corporate leaders across India and abroad in different functions, by virtue of my work. I initially bought a small office space like a commercial shoppe and business area

where we could have all licenses and start working with a few people. Then, we started developing licenses, fulfilled all other requirements, interiors and some basic work and market research before we officially inaugurated it. The incorporation of HumaQuest in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs took place in August 2013, and today, within seven years of our operation, we have come out of that small space and bought our own state-of-the-art registered and cor-

porate office in the Silicon Valley of Kolkata, Salt Lake Area, which is a premium and prominent corporate business hub in the city.

Q3. How do you align your company with your vision and mission? We align our internal and external stakeholders from the very first day of our engagement with them by practicing and pitching our value system which includes:

SUJOY GHOSH | Founder & Managing Director

Renu|Innovative Zone

• Respect for people

• Customer first

• Integrity with ethical business practices

• Transparency

• Team Culture

• Strive for excellence

• Value optimization - do more with less

In addition to that, we strictly follow the “SMART Goal” in everything that we do including every communication: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time bound.

Q4. What was the prime motivation behind this entrepreneurial venture?

After spending around two decades in different industries and holding different leadership positions, I intended to do something on my own, which would help the betterment of people and also contribute to some social responsibility, by first establishing the company and then supporting some endeavor towards the cause of humanity. Of course, the zeal and will to drive a new entity of your own is always exciting and challenging, which was another main motivator. Plus, the freedom with responsibility and accountability, and support to family by being together which was missing during corporate life due to transfer and relocation across different metros, was an important factor.

Q5. What is so unique about HumaQuest? How does it stand out in the industry?

HumaQuest’s client-centric approach aids companies achieve exponential growth in top line and bottom-line revenues, and significantly reduces their Capital and Operating Expenditure. In addition to that, HumaQuest ensures:

• Quality deliverables

• Prompt turnaround time

• More than two decades of industry experience and network in CXO level in Healthcare Industry in India and abroad as well, which gives a level of comfort to HR Leaders /fraternity as well as potential candidates as prospects who are current leaders in different functions.

• Strong technical knowledge and in-depth Industry level experience enables us to quickly understand the role requirement and in many occasions clients HR doesn’t need to explain the JD in detail due to our clarity across different functions in Healthcare Industries.

• Trust, Integrity, commitment, confidentiality & partnership with clients HR.

• Out-of-the-box delivery strategy beyond portal and standard methods for Executive Search and Leadership Hiring.

Q6. How has your company’s work culture impacted its growth?

We have a very vibrant young talented team in our system, most of whom are either from HR Management background or

Life Sciences background or master’s in Psychology /English. We have a flat organogram, and we encourage lateral and peer group learning, imbibe the best practices, share success stories, analyze individual challenges of every team member with the group for finding probable solutions to overcome them. We also party quite often together, organize picnics and get-togethers and do a lot of fun frolic as one HumaQuest family. We also have several variables/incentives earning opportunities every month beyond salary, and many schemes are rolled out during the year in terms of awards and gifts and rewards.

This vibrancy, peer group learning, fun, frolic, awards, recognition, team game, outings, picnics, office parties, all these unite all of us as one HumaQuest family with a focused effort to ensure clients as the priority.

Q7. What are some of the achievements and accolades attained by your company so far?

This year we have received two more Awards and Recognitions from the industry. I am extremely happy to inform you that HumaQuest Consulting India Pvt Ltd has received two consecutive Recognitions and India’s most coveted Award in 2020:

1. “Indian Achievers’ Award 2020-21” For HR Excellence “In Recognition of Outstanding Professional Achievement in Executive Search and Leadership Hiring & Inspiring Social Contributions”

2. “Top 10 Influential Consulting Leader 2020-21” by CEO Insights Magazine for our professional work in this field of HR & Executive Search and Leadership Hiring.

The company is set to grow out its wings in other allied Healthcare verticals and other chosen Non-Healthcare verticals as well. In stride with its ambition to grow and lead in the marketplace, HumaQuest plans to set up its offices in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad & Ahmedabad by 2025 stagewise, though it is already working in all these major markets from its central corporate office today.

EVERY INNOVATIVE STORY & EVERY STORY OF INNOVATION DESERVES AN EXCLUSIVE COLUMN

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YOGA

A PROCESS THAT CULTIVATES A COMPOSED MIND IN THE CORPORATE WORLD

Yoga is an art of education that leads you to inner strength, inner discipline and inner clarity. Keeping up your career, maintaining your position in the best possible way and coping with the daily pressures that arise from it in the business world is no easy feat. Start your daily routine with the practice of yoga, it will relax your nerves and calm your senses.

Yoga is known as the ancient science of life that teaches us the fine art of how to live a healthy lifestyle. In order to strive for our personal goals and to achieve them, it is necessary to do yoga, as it is a disciplinary instrument through which we acquire an insight to govern our own lives.

As a part of our everyday routine, the practice of doing different types of yoga gives us a composed mind, a capable body and a sound spirit. These are the secrets of achieving an inexhaustible sense of energy, liberty, power, and drive to pursue our ambitions.

If we talk about being in a corporate world, our mind is continuously busy at work. There are times when our work life becomes all-consuming that we rarely get time for healthoriented or recreational activities. It is common that often, our busy work schedule leads to exhaustion of mind and body that people are unable to spare time for fitness and health. Such a situation brings us to the option of implementing wellness into the office cabin by practising yoga asanas at your workplace.

The long and continuous working hours can lead to the following issues:

• Straining of eyes, spine and mind

• Increasing Stress level

• Harmful to the health of body

• Developing poor eating habits

• Depression etc.

The only way you can get out of these issues and maintain a healthy lifestyle is through a regular practice of yoga. It is beneficial for attaining a stable mind, healthy body, balancing blood pressure levels & stress, helps in boosting up self-confidence & morale, along with that it helps in boosting up your creativity of thoughts and increases the overall effectiveness of an individual in their workforce.

Doing basic yoga asanas at your workplace will help in the following way – Benefit of Yoga:

• Releases built-up tension

• Posture correction

• Helps in strengthening and straightening your spine

• Gives clarity to your mind

• Reduces stress level etc.

Yoga is so beneficial for an individual’s body and mind that it is considered as a one-stop solution to all the problems. Cure yourself with the most authentic and pure healing science.

Consider doing these two types of yoga - Desk Yogasan that would be highly beneficial for those who works in the corporate world.

1. BHASTRIKA PRANAYAM

This is a simple breathing method that is intended to balance your mind and body along with bringing you to a neutral space. The soothing sensation it generates helps in rejuvenating and provides with a necessary break to refocus on the task at hand instantly.

How to do:

• For the duration of six counts, deeply inhale and fill your lungs with air.

• Hold your breath.

• At last, exhale breath and empty your lungs. (KEEP REPEATING THIS PROCESS FOR FIVE MINUTES)

In the body’s internal organ, the vibration of this sound produces positive calming waves. It is best for relieving stress, tension or depression from the mind.

HOW TO DO:

• For the duration of six counts, deeply inhale through the nostrils and fill your lungs with air.

• Hold and maintain the breath within the lungs for the same duration.

• While pronouncing the sound ‘ohm’, exhale the breath through mouth. (KEEP REPEATING THIS PROCESS FOR FIVE MINUTES)

These two types of yoga asanas are the simplest one that you can do at your workplace when you feel exhausted. In between your work take a short break and try doing this simple but beneficial exercise in order to calm yourself down. After doing this, you will feel more relaxed and refreshed.

CONCLUSION

People nowadays are facing a lot of stress at their workplace with a hectic schedule and working environment, which leads to a negative impact on their work lives. In order to maintain a balance between your personal as well as professional lives, the best solution is to adapt yoga to your daily routine.

Spare a few minutes from your daily schedule to do yoga, it helps you in giving peace of mind, reduces blood pressure and stress, slows down ageing and improves your work performance.

2. UDGEETH PRANAYAM

Puja|Innovative Zone

Know These VIETNAMESE DISHES Once, Have Cravings Till Eternity

Well, you all have heard about Vietnamese Cuisine; it is one of the top reasons why Vietnam is consider by many travellers’ wish list. Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are the two busiest streets in the city. The culinary delights of Vietnam are abundant and yet relatively uncomplicated in flavours.

Without a doubt, Vietnamese Cuisine is probably one of my treasured delicacies food ever. Vietnamese Cuisine is characterized by its balancing of flavour’s sweet & salt, hot & cold, fresh & cooked. The city of ‘Hanoi’ creates harmony within contracting elements ‘old to new’, ‘east to west’. The same harmony can be found in Vietnamese Cuisine. Vietnamese Cuisine it’s all based on the ‘yin’ and ‘yang’ theory. The biggest bowl of amazing ‘fuh’ is their signature soup.

Get ready to take a crazy ride into Vietnamese Cooking territory.

Here are Some Vietnamese Dishes you must try

In Hanoi’s pokey eatery, Barack Obama and Celebrity Chef Antony Bourdain met over a bowl of Bun Cha. Bun Cha Huong Lien- has become a must-stop for gourmands and tourists alike. It’s Hanoi dish is flavoured with grilled pork, rice noodles (bun) eaten with a dipping sauce.

Banh Xeo is also known as Vietnamese Sizzling cake. This dish is named from the sizzling sound of the batter when poured on the skillet. This dish was first introduced at a local eatery in Southern Vietnam’s Ninh Thuan province. It is made with rice flour, water and topped with squid or Shrimp, slivers of sliced pork and spices. It may look like an omelette, but there’s no egg in the entire dish.

Vietnamese dishes are not just refreshingly simple, but also approved by a dietician. This southern-style beef salad is both healthy and delicious- rice noodles, lean marinated beef, thinly sliced fresh vegetables and roasted peanuts. Nuoc cham Vietnam’s favourite dipping sauce that combines with fish sauce, lime juice, sugar and water, sometimes is decorated with garlic or bird’s eye chilli and is sweet, sour and spicy.

• Bun Cha

• Banh Xeo

• Bun Bo Nam Bo

• Grilled Fish (Cha Ca Thang Long)

Vietnam’s seafood is one of the most popular dishes. The fish is marinated in turmeric, ginger, garlic and fish sauce. It served till it becomes flaky and served with fresh herbs, often dill, crushed peanuts, rice noodles and dipping sauces, sometimes it includes ‘mam mem’(fermented anchovy dipping sauce).

Banh Mi

The French left Vietnam with their culinary imprint. A French baguette has been turned into a formidable meal by the Vietnamese with an assortment of fillings that normally resolved around pork. Pork belly, fried pork or pork liver pate, and it came together with fresh vegetables such as cucumber slices, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and cheese are included sometimes. It makes the ideal meal for ‘grab and go’.

• Vietnamese Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover then definitely you’ll be going to love this Vietnamese Coffee. Vietnamese’s coffee style is natural. The brewing style is similar- drip style, in tiny coffee percolators. In the end, the result couldn’t be more different. Vietnam is among the world’s leading coffee producers. Most of the Vietnamese people like to serve cold coffee. Making Vietnamese coffee is simple even though you can try at home.

•

LEAD College of Management

World-Class Leadership & Entrepreneurship Through Business Education

overall development of the students with entrepreneurs and industry experts.

THE INCEPTION OF THE INSTITUTE AND THE JOURNEY…

The concept of starting a business school in Kerala was conceived by Dr. Thomas George, a professional life-skill trainer for various engineering and MBA students in and around Kerala. Further, the idea was executed, and it became a reality in 2011. Interestingly, the name ‘LEAD’ is derived from “Leadership & Entrepreneurship Academy, Dhoni”.

LEAD is a participatory and egalitarian Institute which is spread under the lap of the Western Ghats. The green and the ecofriendly campus is packed with cuttingedge technology and amenities. Besides, the after-class recreational activities provide a room for introspection and overall growth of students and faculty members.

It has been empirically established that an MBA degree offer a wealth of advantages like salary after graduation, landing a management position, developing a strong professional network, or even becoming your own boss to name the few.

Here, LEAD College of Management, an emerging leader in the business education sector, provides students with unparalleled effectiveness in accomplishing the endeavor for which it was created namely crafting potential LEADERS encompassing leadership qualities and spirit of entrepreneurial adventure. Let us get a deeper insight into how they build potential leaders.

An avant-garde and futuristic MBA institution, approved by AICTE and affiliated with University of Calicut and accredited by NAAC, LEAD College of Management was founded in 2011. Here, the Institute offers a two-year, full-time residential MBA course with an enrollment capacity of 225 including provisions for international students. The world-class institution envisages the development of an academic atmosphere in which the highest academic and professional standards are met.

With a vision to become one of India’s leading management institutions, LEAD provides a carefully crafted mix of intensive international academic learning,

Under ‘LEAD talks’, the college posts videos on different subjects for the benefit of students, and it is an inter-mentor community competition on the various management games held for 12 days. Further, activities like business quiz, debates, JAM, Mock Press, Communication and Online Games are also conducted.

The team consists of business-oriented experts who have contributed significantly to the industry and community. LEAD, backed by an effective management team, is armed with qualified and skilled faculty members and academic facility members. Furthermore, the Institute continues to improve the quality of teaching, curriculum, and co-curricular activities to play an essential role for the students to grow as humble-beings.

FIGHTING PANDEMIC – The LEAD Way

The LEAD and team have taken a lesson

DR. THOMAS GEORGE K Director

Kajal|Innovative Zone

from the global pandemic to find creative ways to ensure continuity and development. The Institution is the leader in management studies and has set a benchmark in online training and classes.

As it is an educational institution that focuses on the core principle of enlightening students to their full extent, during the lockdown time, LEAD worked on NAAC and NBA documentation. For students of the 2nd semester and 4th Sem MBA, online classes and exams were conducted. Besides, Onam was celebrated online. In a highly stimulating learning environment, the members of the faculty and students have attended SWAYAM online courses.

Online systems for Written Ability Test and Online VC for Personal Interview have been introduced by LEAD

PRACTICAL BUSINESS EXPOSURE THROUGH THE DIVERSIFIED INDUSTRY RICH FACULTIES

LEAD believes that the spirit of doing business cannot be acquired from classrooms alone. The practical blending of theoretical concepts is possible only in real business environments reinforcing what is learnt in the classroom. With well-designed programmes, the course intends to take the students through live business environments and provide them with the real taste of business. This is largely accomplished through a battery of dedicated faculties of reputation and commitment besides meeting international standards in all domains. Around 40% of the faculties are Ph.D., holders with enviable research appetite and publication credentials.

INTERNSHIP

The Institute has experienced a highly sought-after pool of first-time recruiters like Amul, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail (Pantaloons), Bajaj Allianz General and Life Insurance and DSM Group are noteworthy mentions. Here, the highest stipend was INR 60,000 per annum and an average remuneration of batch’s top quartile remained INR 72,000 per annum.

PLACEMENT

This year, the influx of recruiters has increased by more than 40 per cent, offering opportunities in several domains, such as advertisement, clothing, automobile, analyst, BFSI, chemicals, consultancy, consumer goods & services, e-commerce, Edu-tech, financial services, FMCG, insurance, IT/ITES, pharmaceuticals, and retail. The complete batch’s average and median compensation stood at INR 355,432 per annum and INR 3,50,000 per annum respectively. However, the top quartile of the batch income stands at INR 421,000 per annum.

THE LEADING TEAM

Behind the success of an organization are the teams who work hard with a strong focus on team building. At LEAD, they offer total freedom to put forward the ideas and suggestions and follows an open culture with participatory work practices followed by rewards and incentives.

The core values of LEAD consist of exposure to innovation, intellectual freedom, high moral and ethical values, and compassion. Furthermore, the Institute is highly student-driven where they have authority and responsibility equivalent to that of the faculties and management. Further, there are off-campus activities that add to the experience of the students.

LEADing towards technological innovation, the Institute follows a model of blended online and conventional education. To record and design the video lectures, they have a dedicated

videography centre. Further, the Institute has syndicated with a host of 10 other management institutions and acts as an anchor to the entire admission and related teaching and learning process till placement. All these initiatives have contributed to the reputation building of the Institution. In a short time, the school has become an accredited member of AACBS (international accrediting agency), and working for the NBA accreditation too.

AWARDS & ACCOLADES

From inception to till date, LEAD has come a long way and have won awards for its outstanding performance. The list of awards and accolades is never-ending since 2014, and in the last three years it has touched the sky, some of them are:

• Institute was nominated as “10th Best Institute for Finance Studies in India” by Knowledge Review.

• They are ranked as the “Management Institute of the Year” by Business India.

• Further, LEAD was ranked 3rd in Kerala by NIRF B-School Ranking 2018.

• Silicon India nominated the Institute in “Top Emerging B schools in India”.

• Besides, LEAD was acclaimed as “B-School of the Year” for the southern region by EduTech Review Summit.

• The Times of India Ranked Lead College of Management as the 9th position in South India among Management Institutions in 2019

With a vision to cater the students from across the globe, LEAD Business School intends to be accredited in India in the next five years by recognized credit rating agencies. The goal is to establish a college environment that fosters academic rigor and fruitful collaboration. Also, the Institute aims to expand 50 per cent of student/faculty towards exchange programmes by 2022 along with prestigious institutions and reputed international universities. Further, they are aiming towards including foreign faculty members along with twinning programmes in India and abroad with international universities by 2025.

WAY FORWARD

LEAD contemplates to initiate a private incubation centre for the larger benefit of the students studying and graduating from LEAD shortly in association with industries and professional associations to augment the potential emerging scenario in the business landscape where ‘startups’ initiatives create what is called a “Gig Economy”.

WAYS LIFESTYLE SPORTS

CAN REDEFINE LEADERSHIP AND BUILD BETTERTRAJECTORIES IN BUSINESS

Among the general population, a constructive vibe is being made in business enterprises and startups. In order to raise a new business, one should be focused on the amount of determination, skills and knowledge. But often, aspiring entrepreneurs lack in this, therefore faces a downfall in their business.

If you are owning a startup or planning to start one, you need to have proper motivation and approach that would take your company off the ground. Lifestyle sports are a set of enthusiastic activities that can empower those skills.

When it comes to learning new things, as an entrepreneur you must give a try to lifestyle sports.

ACQUIRE NEW SKILLS

Many organizations encourage their employees to take an active part in sports. Engaging yourself in lifestyle sports would get you out of your comfort zone. In order to start or achieve something, an entrepreneur can relate to the struggle that comes in between while taking a step out of one’s comfort zone. Opting for some lifestyle sports would help you to come up with some out of the box ideas.

AUGMENT THE LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE

Give yourself some quality time for taking part in lifestyle or adventure sports as it is considered as a wonderful way that helps to boost confidence in an individual. With a boosted level of confidence, a positive and assertive attitude helps to shape leadership quality in oneself. Unlike some mainstream sports, lifestyle sports help you with an instant boost to your confidence as there is no one winning or losing here in this game. If you complete the task, then you are a winner!

DEVELOPS COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The significance of good communication skills for leadership is something we have heard often. Lifestyle sports such as rappelling, rock climbing, etc. stimulates good communication skills and teamwork amongst the participants. Such sports are made for developing interactions between the participants in order to work together for the fulfilment of a common goal. It naturally helps you with the development of communication skills.

THE PATH TOWARDS A FIT LIFE

In order to pursue your dreams, an entrepreneur needs to stay fit. You can opt for a fun and enjoyable way to stay fit by doing lifestyle sports. Enhance your long term planning skills by going for running marathons or ultramarathons. You can learn endurance by cycling. Rappelling is a lifestyle sport that helps you to understand that no adversity is unbeatable. Trekking ensures the enjoyment of the journey to reach the top.

Get yourself into lifestyle sports as it teaches you the necessity of working hard. To run a business successfully, you need to work smart but also should be teamed up with working hard.

CONCLUSION

It is not easy to launch a startup, a lot of determination is needed if your business idea is worth turning into a business. Try to make a positive change in the world by creating your smart world of business. Try going for lifestyle sports now, and you won’t regret being a part of this adventure.

ADDITYA KASHYAP

A REVERED LEADER & MENTOR CREATING LEADERS OF TOMORROW

Gulshan|Innovative Zone

Additya Kashyap is one of the august leaders in the business fraternity carrying more than 25 years of experience in Aviation, Banking & Financial Services, Healthcare & Insurance and Information Technology. Starting out as a trainee in 1995, he has grown in ranks managing operations of many Fortune 100 clients for companies like Daksh eServices, Epicentre Technologies, Genpact and AEGIS. He has also led global operations for healthcare, banking and finance and had a venture that provided Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) services to healthcare practitioners and imaging Centres in New Jersey, USA. He has mentored and created specialists in Healthcare, Banking & Finance, Telecom, Solar and Information Technology. His specialization encompasses Six Sigma, COPC, Business Development, Performance Management, Client Relations, Project Delivery, Profit & Loss, Gross & Net Margin Improvement (EBIT).

After a significant experience in the international market, he joined Majorel as CEO India in 2019. Majorel provides a unique blend of solutions that differs from other BPM players and ITES Companies. Majorel encircles an array of end-to-end solutions right from product launch to customer retention. Mr Kashyap says, “We lead on customer experience, we design, deliver and differentiate on behalf of some of the world’s most respected brands in IT, E-Commerce, Travel & Tourism, Automotive and BFSI sector”. The Company’s vision is to become the best BPM brand across the globe. Treading on that it has grown to a progressive revenue figure of € 1.3 B with 53000+ passionate people, working out of 100+ centres in 29 Countries.

MAJOREL’S FOCAL POINT

The term ‘Majorel’ is a combination of two words MajorRelationships, which is their core philosophy of customer life cycle. In India, Majorel shows its forte through tiered approaches, ensuring customer experience at every touch point, whether its service, sales or loyalty programs. The Company empowers on customized customer communications and digital solutions like social media and online communications, automated interaction and AI, analytics, self-service and other customer lifecycle and marketing solutions. Majorel’s prime

focus resides in client satisfaction, helping them build real and progressive relationships. These relations are built upon trust and the ability to overcome gaps in expectations. Working as collaborative partner creates an understanding of mutual investments, finding and pursuing common goals, eventually empowering the Customer Lifecycle Value at Majorel.

Mr Kashyap’s arrival at Majorel gave the Indian counter part a significant boost. With a mindset on “employee-centricity”, he has been deliberately working on his Majorel India’s mission to create an ecosystem of 7000 employees. Within a year of arrival, he has marshalled 2000 like-minded employees placing a crucial landmark for their growth. He is a passionate leader with a motivation to retain employees and upskill them into top talents through proper training. Along with his team, he has spearheaded and launched the L&D department, where employees are coached through various customized training modules to enhance their skills, for their growth and that of the organization.

STAYING AHEAD IN COMPETITION

‘Respect’, ‘Excellence’ and ‘Creativity’, these are the three pillars of Majorel that gives it an edge over peers. In CEO’s words- transparency on all levels ensure a holistic ambience and proper functioning of operations. At Majorel India, be it the security guard, front line executive or the leadership panel, everyone shares an equal amount of respect, empowering a unified culture. Mr Kashyap’s efforts have placed Majorel India at the forefront of BPM segment. Their excellence in operations is powered by emerging innovations.

The world is ushering towards a digitized era with people gunning for the lowest price. With that in mind, Majorel India strictly monitors its process and introduces plug-in automation, IVR solutions or process augmentation, to make the operations team more efficient and to handle additional volumes. Constant development in operations showcases the creativity and an ability to think out-of-the-box. This experimental attitude helps the Company inculcate competitive measures which eventually attribute to Customer Experience and Enhancement without any increase in cost and of value addition to the client.

UNBROKEN TO THE PANDEMIC

Majorel India’s meticulous approach and flexible mindset significantly gave it an upper hand amid the pandemic. Mr Kashyap has a demonstrated history of devising calculative solutions during unprecedented challenges. As the pandemic cases were rising in India, he along with his team started IT and BPM pretesting along with connectivity at employees residence remotely. This quick and innovative approach created a free wheeling framework to work during the lockdown. Every employee was equipped with proper amenities like PC’s, Head sets etc. and were working seamlessly from home. On top of that Majorel India made zero cut-offs in employment or salary and hired more than 500 employees between Gurgaon and Mumbai. The leadership panel also contributed a part of their remuneration to safeguard the employees.

On the business front the company didn’t see any significant loss rather a steady growth. Majority of their employees are working from home and serving customers of their clients, which has led to an increase in demand and the actual revenue been more than the initial projection. These times have been efficiently utilized by adding array of services to their portfolio, launching their own virtual events platform ‘Centrestage’. Since physical events were restricted Majorel India has successfully used this platform and executed more than 50 virtual events with another 100 going ahead. The other digital platforms are -Spotlight (Social listening and Response tool), DinoData (Database platform for B2B segment) and Digital Owl (One–Stop digital campaign and analytics tool). Now since lockdown is eased, Majorel India resumed its operations from office with 25-30% of its workforce maintaining all safety precautions like temperature monitoring, social distancing etc. During the lockdown the entire Company made sure to stay connected as ‘One Team’. They have launched several wellness campaigns for employees focusing on mental wellbeing, engagement, training to name a few through this global pandemic.

‘KNOWLEDGE IS THE FOUNDATION OF LEADERSHIP’

Mr Kashyap’s learning attitude and vigilance are the turnkeys to his revered stage. He is an avid reader and follows notable leaders like Richard Branson, Jim Rohn, Jack Canfield, Stevan Covey. He is a firm believer of “CANI – Continous and Never-Ending Improvement” and keeps learning to empower his leadership skills and endorses motivational videos and contents of authors like Simon Sinek or Tony Robbins as knowledge banks. He finds time to attend events, conferences and shows which gives him an opportunity to meet and work with great people, eventually enhancing his knowledge and leadership skills. Along with this, he writes blogs on topics that can be resourceful for his team and society. As a life coach, he believes this is a small way to contribute to the betterment of people around him and also helps in self-enhancement. He is a leader, who leads by example, adding value and confidence amongst his teammates and in their growth and learning.

BRIGHT PROSPECTS LIES AHEAD

With substantial years of business in the bank, Mr Kashyap foresees a bright future for Majorel India. Presently the company is based out of Gurgaon, Mumbai, Bangalore and is opening a fourth base in a tier-2 location. As they delve into smaller cities, his prime objective is to turn the young talent into great leaders; by finding aspiring right talent and to give them a better tomorrow by educating them to handle customer service. With this clear focus, Mr Kashyap eventually sees his vision - to grow from 700 to 7000+ employees into fruition.

ADDITYA KASHYAP CEO, Majorel India Pvt. Ltd.

SEO TECH EXPERTS

Allowing SMEs to Expand their Presence Across the World with Exclusive Digital Marketing Solutions

Renu|Innovative Zone

The business world is surging with numerous start-ups now a days. But, multiple challenges are commonly hampering their growth in the relevant domain. To this respect, Digital Marketing has become a one-stop solution to combat all those challenges. Many enterprises have come up with some effective and affordable digital marketing solutions to help the start-ups deal with various difficulties. SEO Tech Experts is one such name that is changing the scenario for budding businesses with its exemplary offerings.

AN OVERLAY OF THE COMPANY

Headquartered at Gurgaon, SEO Tech Experts has become a wellacclaimed Digital Marketing Agency that offers premium & highquality Web Services in Digital Marketing domain. They have emerged out as most creative & promising digital marketing company in India, owing to their innovative marketing techniques and international service standards. With their client’s friendly and result-oriented approach, they are scaling the heights of success gradually. Their prime motive is to enhance the ROI via digital services. The wide array of services included by them in their service portfolio are Search Engine Optimization (SEO), Social Media Optimization (SMO), Pay Per Click (PPC), Online Reputation Management (ORM), Website Designing & Development, E-Commerce Solutions etc.

The Managing Director, Sachin Gupta is allowing this business venture to flourish- well with its significant SEO Consultancy offerings. The exemplary enterprise allows to shape a brand, derive online sales, increase customer engagement, generate leads, and enhance online visibility to ensure a profitable business. Where as, the CEO, Shilpi Gupta offers Live Projects Digital Marketing Training Services to big brands.

Both the dignitaries envision to help the budding start-ups grow their businesses digitally. Their primary motive is to implement this vision at the global level. They strive to help budding enterprises to invest in various digital resources and generate more employment across the nation.

Sharing what makes SEO Tech Experts stand out of the crowd, the MD reveals that Team’s interaction with the clients is the key differentiator. Keeping pace with the client’s requirements, they

SACHIN GUPTA Managing Director

try to resolve each query from the clients’ end. Their result-driven commitments, quality services, and affordable service costs contribute to this segment significantly. The core values with which they define themselves are teamwork, respect, passion, creativity, research, timemanagement, delivery of outcomes and communications.

INSPIRATION THAT LED TO INCEPTION

Sachin reveals that since from a young age he was fond of social media. Facebook, Google and all the other similar platforms allured him to explore the scopes of digital marketing. Hence, he opted for apaid internship program and pursued this domain with utmost dedication. After attaining the requisite knowledge about the domain, he incorporated his training centre in Sector-14 Gurgaon with the motive to create his team. He states that marketing has always been his passion and he inclined all his skills towards it. And, this is what motivated him to incept SEO Tech Experts.

Hailing from a small town, he never wanted to restrict himself to any kind of limitations. He wanted to ensure a global reach via his business. As he belongs to a business class family, his business acumen was an inherited gift. His ability to accept challenges with the dream to prove himself in the relevant domain motivated him to commence this entrepreneurial venture.

He always strived to be the part of IT Company or Digital World but never found Coding quite resonating with him. Knowing this, his teacher asked himto learn SEO. As it was a fresh concept to him, he aligned all his energies towards this domain. He elucidates that GOOGLE was his mentor and his indomitable spirit was his inspiration. He gradually improved his performance and created his website after thorough research.

Sachin’s entrepreneurial journey has been inspiring so far, and he aspires to explore the relevant domain for more opportunities.

COMBATING THE COVID-19 CRISIS

The whole world bore the brunt of the COVID-19 crisis. Fighting with this fatal viral outbreak was not a piece of the cake. Sachin reveals that to curtail the spread of the Virus, they strictly followed the precautionary measures such as to implement work from home practices, proper sanitization of the work station, regular temperature check, usage of Sensor Cards to prevent the usage of finger printbased entry, periodic health check-ups, etc.

The dynamo reveals that the global pandemic stirred the wave of chaos in his business causing disruption at so many levels. Keeping the scenario in consideration, they reduced their service fees to make the solutions affordable. They had to put the training session at a halt due to irregular revenue generation. But, they never let their employees face the brunt of this crisis. Altogether, the team navigated through the crisis with great patience. They ensured exclusive discounts, enhanced marketing plans, and improved service quality to benefit the business in numerous ways. Owing to their teamwork and righteous efforts, they navigated through the adversities of the pandemic effectively.

INSIGHTS ON INNOVATION

Sachin and Shilpi believe innovation is the result of necessity. The team ensures result-driven efforts to find the loop holes and create a platform for the success of their clients’ business. To come up with the innovative ideas, the Team brain storms altogether by discussing the ideas regularly. Before the implementation of an idea, they ensure to evaluate the outcome and then, proceed ahead with full determination to improve that idea. They believe in learning from failures while equally celebrating the successes. This insightful approach has led them to scale the heights of success in a short span only.

THE WORK CULTURE AT A GLANCE

An employee’s growth is dependant on the company’s growth and that, in turn, is dependant on teamwork, states Shilpi. The CEO has ensured to maintain a very healthy work culture in the organisation. None of the staff members is ever treated as an employee. Everyone equally participates in the Company’s growth by contributing their part in inventions, ideas, expertise, etc. Rather than hiring experienced people, Management ensures to hire people with the potential to prove themselves in the relevant domain. To them, self-learned people are self-disciplined people that can make any company a roaring success! To maintain a healthy work ecosystem in the organisation, they ensure timely pay checks, appraisals, incentives, appreciation token, etc. All these efforts have paved the way for the success of the SEO Tech Solutions.

A firm leadership is key to the howling success of any business venture. As a leader, Sachin believes in accepting the challenges and learning from them. He constantly tries to go beyond his comfort zone and aligns all the efforts put forth by his team towards the fulfilment of their exclusive mission. He states that for being a successful leader, one must keep oneself up to date with the latest market trends.

ATTAINMENTS SO FAR

Commencing this enterprise single-handedly, Sachin and Shilpi are taking this venture to greater heights gradually. Headquartered at JMD Megapolis, Sohna Road, Gurgaon, they have established a prestigious business centre there. So far, they have been awarded “Best Digital Marketing Agency in Delhi/NCR” and “The Most promising Digital Marketing company in Asia” by renowned institutions. But, to them, a satisfied client base is a greater achievement than any award or certificate.

So far, SEO Tech Experts has ensured its presence in Delhi/ NCR, India. Soon, this exemplary Enterprise foresees to expand its reach all across the globe. To them, their success is determined by their client’s success and they resonate with the same notion to help their clients grow across the world in leaps and bounds.

THE NORTHERN LIGHTS

A spectacular choice in a traveller’s wish list

Imagine standing somewhere north of the Arctic Circle on a frozen lake. The icy cold breeze is blowing your hair back, as you rub your hands together to build up some heat. You can see a vast distance in front of you, but all you can hear is that gentle wind playing with pine trees in the forest behind you.

You stare at the miles of snow-covered ice stretching away into the distance until it discovered the dark haphazard barrier that is more forest on the opposite. The lines raising your eyes to the sky you focus on the ink-black sky dotted with billions of stars more than you could ever imagine even in your dreams.

Suddenly, you see a green smudge of light begin to materialize in the northern sky and slowly manifests itself into waving, shimmering, in green lights changing into purplish-red passing through the night sky. What have you just seen the ‘Northern Lights’ nature’s beautiful light show this natural light displaying in the sky is called an ‘Aurora’ though they can occur anywhere Aurora’s can be seen most often near the North pole, we called it “Aurora Borealis” or “Northern Lights” and near the south pole we called it “Aurora Australis”.

It’s not a surprise to find out the “Aurora Borealis” is the root of many myths and legend of indigenous people living in countries situated within the auroral oval from Iceland to as far apart as Greece and China and the legends of the aurora borealis varied just as much the Northern Lights have inspired the old folk with dramatic tales in Norse Mythology.

1. ICELAND

The winter is the Northern Lights’ season in Iceland, as the sky at night is darker and easier to see. Whilst they can be as early as August, the best time to see the Northern lights in Iceland is from October to March. Some of the best sites for viewing are in western Iceland, including Akranes, Borgarnes, and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula.

2. SWEDEN

The Lapland province of Sweden, with its arctic plains, mountains, and glaciers make it a prime destination for viewing the northern lights. With September to March being the optional months to view the Northern lights all over Swedish Lapland. Aurora Sky Station, located in ‘Abisko’ (Swedish Lapland), is considered one of the best places on earth to experience the Northern Lights.

3. FINLAND

Finnish Lapland is the sparsely populated northernmost region of the country, bordering Sweden, Norway, Russia, and the Baltic sea. From this vast wilderness, home to the indigenous people, the northern lights are visible for over 200 days per year. Whilst some camp out in Lapland to see the dancing lights, other options include luxury ‘Igloos’ made with thermal glass. Regardless of where you choose to stay, Finland puts on a beautiful nighttime display from September to March.

4. NORWAY

Norway is home of the northern lights. Northern Norway, like Alta, Tromso, Harstad, and the Lofoten Islands. Alta is home of the ‘World’s First Northern Lights’ observatory, thus earning the name tag, “The Town of the Northern Lights”. Your best chance to see the celestial show on dim, clear nights in between September and late March from 6 pm to 1 pm.