June 2012 Sanya & Jessica Singh
An ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd. initiative
Isheeka Sinha
Kunal Kashyap
Taruwar Singh
RIDE THE WAVES WATCH THE BIRDS
THE SUMMER SPECIAL
LIVE THE FAIRYTALE SWING AND SMILE RISE WITH THE SUN BOND WITH THE FAMILY
Ishaan Singh
Huraiz Mirza
Anshika Kakkar
Kainaat Mirza
Family Matters 08
Vacations are a time to strengthen your bond with your loved ones
Cuisine 12
Desi curry gets Indians globe-trotting with ease
Lead Story 14
Cafés, designs, musicals & artworks – travel that inspires and transforms
Off The Shelves 20
Avant-garde form of art one comes across while on the move
Lifestyle 24
Smart-apps that will make your trips eventful
Money Spinner 26
Marriage calls for celebrations & responsibilities, a check list to prepare you for the big step
CONTENT
Strength 04
Ice-skate your way to get out of summer blues
32 Bliss
Health resorts that guarantee a fitter you
36 Wanderer
Dhanachuli, a non-descript village in the hills of Uttaranchal
40 Rendezvous
Actor Arunoday Singh on his recent trip to Prague
42 Spotlight
A health insurance plan that caters to all your needs
Forget all your financial worries
46 Haute Couture
Why you should get a vintage trunk for your vacation, pronto
50 Soul
Jet set for a mental holiday and de-stress
52 Wanderer
How to take memorable travel pictures
56 Impressions
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Essentials that’ll get your summer in full swing
Welcome aboard! This issue is dedicated to the lovely summer vacations with family, the impromptu trips with friends and travels that transform us. Come, discover the joy of travelling with us. P.S.: Don’t miss how our little artists have painted their dream vacations for this issue’s cover.
ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited Managing Editor Priya Nayak Editorial Board Daksh Pratap Singh Agnel Dsouza Lopah Mudra Bhattacharrya Maxposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. Unit No. F2B, Second Floor, MIRA Corporate Suits, Plot No. 1&2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110065 Tel: +91.11.43011111, +91.11.47411100 www.maxposure.in Publisher & COO Vikas Johari CEO & Managing Director Prakash Johari CFO Kuldip Singh Associate Editor Purva Grover Cover Courtesy Our little artists: Kunal Kashyap, Isheeka Sinha, Sanya & Jessica Singh, Taruwar Singh, Kainaat Mirza, Huraiz Mirza, Anshika Kakkar and Ishaan Singh Information info@maxposure.in ELITE LIFE is the quarterly magazine printed by Mail Order Solutions India Private Limited and published by MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL) for ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited and published at (MMGIPL), Unit No. F2B, Second Floor, MIRA Corporate Suits, Plot No. 1&2, Ishwar Nagar, Mathura Road, New Delhi - 110065, India. All rights reserved. The writing, artwork and/or photography contained herein may not be used or reproduced without the express written permission of MMGIPL. MMGIPL does not assume responsibility for loss or damage of unsolicited products. The views and opinions expressed or implied in ELITE LIFE are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited or MMGIPL. All advice and suggestions given in the articles are the author’s own and are not the advice of ICICI Prudential Life Insurance. The reader may follow the said advice at his/her own risk. It is suggested that the opinion of an expert be taken before following any advice given in the magazine. ICICI Prudential Life Insurance shall not be liable for any loss/harm caused due to following any advice printed in this magazine. Unsolicited material is sent in at the owner’s risk and material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of MaXposure Media Group India Pvt. Ltd. (MMGIPL) and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company Limited.
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STRENGTH
An icy
workout
GET IN SHAPE • It’s a cardiovascular workout with the aerobic benefits of running/ jogging sans the pounding associated with the two activities.
Ice-skating is a frosty, fresh and fun form of exercise. No wonder, this summer the fitness enthusiasts are choosing ice skates over running shoes. Words: Sara Kapoor
• It helps in increasing endurance. One should try to increase the speed and distance a little each time. • It helps in the toning and strengthening of the muscles, especially the hamstrings and quadriceps. It will also help in the building up of abdominal and lower back muscles. • You would be able to burn approximately 300-760 calories per hour depending on your skating intensity.
L
ove it or hate it but there is absolutely no way you can ignore the Indian summer. For no matter what you do it will still slowly trickle down from your forehead or sneak in from under the big black umbrella. And the bad news is that while the heat will make the world melt it will have no effect on your gym instructor’s heart. After all, his job is to yell at you and make you sweat. And if you love your ice-cream then chances are that you’d be left with no choice but to follow his instructions. Now what if we were to tell you that you could tone the muscles without sweating it out on the treadmill or were to
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ask you to carry a pullover the next time you left your home to exercise. Well, there is a possibilty that you would not believe us. The good news, we’re not joking. Exercising in chilled zones is a reality and has reached nearer home. As the young and old adapt iceskating as a fun form of exercise, we update you on this icy form of fitness. We all have a weakness for ice and snow but when did we open up to the idea of twirling and whirling on the ice to keep ourselves fit? “Most of the people who visit us are not familiar with the health benefits associated with ice-skating. When they come in their idea is to
just have fun and it is only after a few sessions that they get addicted to the sport and begin to experience the health benefits of practicing it,” says Nishant Mittal, owner, Ice Age Skating Café, New Delhi. Ankur Bhatia from iSKATE, Gurgaon, ED Bird Group agrees, “Ice-skating is a relatively new concept in India but with the opening up of indoor ice-skating destinations here, the sport is catching up.” Yes, the sport, which was once limited to winter months and hill stations can now be indulged in all round the year in this tropical land. Other indoor iceskating rinks are at Chennai (Ampa Skywalk Mall), Bhopal (Arch Manor Hotel) and Indore (Malhar Mall). There’s also talk on about
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STRENGHT building up a rink at the Kankaria lakefront in Ahmedabad. Agrees Tarun Varma, a young executive, “Summer in this country lasts for six-seven months, which is why indoor entertainment is a necessity here. Indoor ice-skating is definitely more exciting than bowling, shopping or watching movies.” Experts at iSKATE inform us, “Most of the people realise its benefits within just ten minutes of being on the rink. One feels warm, which indicates an increase in metabolism and heart rate.” “The health benefits of ice-skating are equivalent to that of swimming,” says Nishant, “It serves as a form of cardiovascular workout, helps in weight loss, in increasing endurance and in the toning of muscles.” Ice-skating is easy on the joints because it’s low impact, and it improves balance and coordination. Low impact, but high results is what ice-skating is all about. It provides an
excellent cardiovascular workout, compared to running. In skating one glides over the ice, hence the impact on the joints is relatively low as compared to the relentless pounding the knees, hip and ankles have to endure during a jog. You would notice the difference when your skating skills improve. Interestingly, this summer the rinks are expecting a lot more people to sweat it out here. “The temperature in the rink is between 20 and 22 degrees,” says Ankur. So who all are indulging in this fresh form of fitness? “Ice-skating is for the young and old alike,” says Nishant. Also, the sport is for those willing to explore it as a hobby, fitness form or profession. At Skate Zone, Bengaluru, there are time slots for new comers and regulars. The rink can accommodate 25 skaters at one time. Other options include the Doon Ice Skating Rink, Dehradun where professionals
are trained. To give a boost to ice-skating as a professional sport in India the Ice Skating Association of India was formed in March 2002. “Our skating rink is the biggest in South Asia. Recently, we organised the 2012 IIHF Challenge Cup of Asia, which saw participation from 250 skaters from seven countries,” says Arvind Gupta, secretary, Association of Roller Skating Uttarakhand . Now even though the rules of ice-skating are simple they require attention and need to be adhered to under proper guidance. To begin with one should get hold of proper clothing i.e. make sure the clothes are not heavy and allow easy and free movements. Also, one should avoid denims, as they can get damp during the session. Next of course is procuring a good pair of skates, which should be bought under the guidance of a trainer. You should even learn how to tie your laces
Gliding on the ice can help you burn calories, tone & strengthen muscles and increase endurance
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Managing Managing your your policy policy just just got a whole lot lot simpler simpler with with Single Single Sign-on Single SingleSign-on Sign-onfacility facilityisisavailable availablefor forall allusers users of of ICICI ICICI Bank Bank Internet Internet Banking. 88Simply Simplylink linkyour yourICICI ICICIPrudential PrudentialLife Lifepolicy policytotoyour yourICICI ICICIBank Bank Internet Internet Banking Banking account account 88Click Click‘More ‘Moredetails’ details’totoget getcomplete completeaccess accesstotoyour youronline online policy policy account account
More Moredetails details from the guide. Now once you’re on the ice don’t be under pressure to perform quickly. Take each step slowly. Practice walking, falling, standing up, do squats, etc. And its only when you feel confident about your balancing skills should you try going faster, gliding, etc. Remember that this sport requires a lot of practice, passion and dedication. It is a tough sport so don’t get impatient when you fail to get the moves and jumps right, instead simply glide on. And since it is just like any other form of exercise remember that it will work for you only if you are regular at it. So this summer when you step out to invest in a pair of good running shoes we suggest you buy yourself a pair of skates too, if for not burning the calories, simply to get respite from the rising mercury levels.
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© 2012, ICICI Prudential 2012, ICICI PrudentialLife LifeInsurance InsuranceCo. Co.Ltd. Ltd.Registered RegisteredAddress: Address:ICICI ICICIPrulife PrulifeTowers, Towers,1089 1089Appasaheb AppasahebMarathe MaratheMarg, Marg,Prabhadevi, Prabhadevi, Mumbai Mumbai 400025. 400025. ©© 2012, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Registered Address: ICICI Prulife Towers, 1089 Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai 400025. Reg RegNo: No:105. 105.Insurance Insuranceis thesubject subjectmatter matterof thesolicitation. solicitation.Comp/doc/May/2012/74. Comp/doc/May/2012/74. Reg No: 105. Insurance isisthe the subject matter ofofthe the solicitation. Comp/doc/May/2012/74.
FAMILY MATTERS
The real
family time Build beautiful memories, foster bonds and relax — just a few reasons why you should go on a family vacation this season Words: Sara Kapoor
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P
ack your bags. I am not sure of the importance of these words in your lives but I recall how as a child I looked forward to hearing them. Yes, family vacations were a special part of my growing-up years. And till date I fondly remember the energy and enthusiasm that filled up our days each time we planned, prepared, headed and returned from a break with our parents. Back then, of course, I was happy to have returned home with bags full of goodies and albums full of pictures, little did I know that I was collecting more than that. It was on these breaks that I learnt lessons that I impart to my children today, made memories that I cherish till date and re-discovered the bonds that defined us. And that explains why family vacations continue to be a tradition with us. Talk to your grandparents or consult the sociologists, the consensus would be that family vacations are a must on the to-do-list. We find out why is it important to invest in family vacations.
We all need a vacation. Period. It is not a debatable topic but perhaps what requires our attention is the fact that we all need to take a vacation with our families too. Yes, trips with friends, cousins, partner, et al could be more fun, adventurous or romantic than the one with children but then it’s the ties nurtured on the latter that keep families together. John Duffy, clinical psychologist, certified life coach and author of The Available Parent explains the importance of a family vacation by breaking the word. He writes, “First, let’s consider family. Family means people who are related to one another, usually by blood, but other bonds are included. Regardless of what people you want to include in the family, the point is that these are people that you spend a good deal of time with and should want to understand on a deep level. People change over time so understanding your siblings and your parents is a lifelong journey, not just a one-time deal. The second word is vacation. Vacation means freedom from duty or business. So if we have
a time in our busy lives that we set aside to spend time with people related to us when we are free from business and at least some duties, then we have a family vacation.” Building memories, fostering bonds and relaxing times are the top three reasons for going on a family vacation. “Planned activities like swimming, camping, etc. are not the only things people remember of a holiday. Sometimes even the singing while travelling or hurrying up to catch a train can make memories,” says Vandana Shukla, a sociologist. A parent shares, “I think it is important to invest in kids’ memories because when they grow up they would not remember the new couch we got for them or even a game but a trip is something that they remember and cherish.” It is a known fact that vacations help in creating and strengthening bonds between family members but what helps them re-connect better is actually the atmosphere i.e. the ambience where the entire unit relaxes
MAKE A NOTE • Not all vacations require breaking the bank account. One doesn’t have to travel halfway across the world for a summer break. • Let the children participate in the planning process. It would be more fun if the entire family as a unit decides on the vacation type – educational, entertaining, adventurous, etc. • You could opt for a child-friendly place, where you don’t have to look after the children 24 hours. • Don’t feel guilty checking e-mails or attending phone calls when on a break. Similarly, carrying homework on a holiday is fine.
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FAMILY MATTERS together. Shares Sarika Chadha, a mother of two, “The simple logic of taking a vacation is the fact that both parents and children need to be rewarded for their hard work.” However, planning a holiday with children can be stressful complain many adults. Megha Kapoor, a mother of a three-year-old boy questions, “How can running after my child even on a holiday help me relax or bond better with him?” Christine, a mother and author of the Mom Blog — From Dates to Diapers may have an answer. She writes, “As moms, do we take out time to just watch our children laugh and play, jumping in to laugh and play with them? Not at home. There are dishes to wash, phone calls to make, and laundry to do.” Yes, while at home, making the child eat is a chore on a holiday the activity could translate into a fun time. Christine asks, “As wives, do we sit and bask in the silence with our husband, just enjoying his company?” For Christine holidays are opportunities to take a break from the responsibilities and really ‘see’ each other. And does Megha agree? “I haven’t yet gone on a holiday with my husband and son but yes we (my husband and I) definitely feel relaxed when we are at either of our parents’ home and not worried about preparing a meal or cleaning after.” This brings us to another important aspect of a vacation i.e. the destination. A vacation doesn’t have to be a trip to Europe or Ooty it
can simply be a few days or hours off from responsibilities spent at the grandparent’s home, neighbourhood park, etc. Experts count even camping in the backyard as a vacation. A vacation is time spent away from work/school, TV and chores. They say, “Any place that let’s you interact with your partner and children without the daily stress that we all bring home and that exists in the home is a vacation.” It’s the stress-free moments that define a vacation and not the destination. “Slow down and enjoy the little things,” says Manik Sharma, a father of two young boys, “For all of us vacations are real family moments.” Manik recalls on how their last vacation, he for the first time noticed the expression of his boys while playing a game of football, “At home when I play with them my attention is divided between looking at the watch and preparing a mental to-dolist.” Time squeeze is definitely a big threat when it comes to bonding with the family, which in turn make the vacations all the more important in the current scenario. A research paper titled ‘Indicators of Child, Family and Community Connections’ by Lina Guzmen and Susan M Jekielek highlights, “Family time is a critical family and child resource. The regularity of family activities helps to structure family routine and forge family identity. With the rise of women’s employment, changes in family structure,
emergence of the 24-hour economy, and increased commute times, family time has become the focus of considerable public discussion.” And there can be no better family time than a vacation. An international group of researchers led by Xinran Lehto at the Purdue University too states that family time spent together isolated from ordinary everyday activities (school, work, and so on) helps to promote positive ties. I came across an interesting and simple definition of family vacation on the blog, parentingwithducttape. com. The blogger writes, “I am a huge cheerleader of two things: family dinners and family vacations. They bring a family together. Having dinner together makes you touch base once a day. Family dinner can make a family feel more like a team in many ways. A family vacation is a 100 times that. When you take your family out of their everyday setting and everyday distractions, you make the opportunity for everyone to look at each other and the roles we all play in a fresh and new way.” Sociologists suggest that family vacations also contribute positively to family communication and solidarity. Vacations promote what is called the “crescive bond” (in sociological parlance, a “shared experience”) by fostering growing and enduring connections. Also, it is a known fact that children talk more openly about their challenges at school and otherwise when on a holiday. Adds Sarika, “I guess a
dad becomes more accessible when seen without a neck-tie and a mother when not force feeding her child.” Vandana adds, “At times we go about for weeks without even talking to our children or partner. One-liners like ‘Have fun in school’ or ‘How was your day?’ doesn’t really mean talking.” On a vacation, one gets to focus on each other. So while there are many things that you can do on a family vacation from paragliding to watching movies and fishing to cuddling your children; you should remember that the real purpose is not to explore a new destination or a historical site but to appreciate just being together. We are not advocating a global tour but just a few moments spent far away from the routine. Also remember to go on as many vacations as possible when your kids are growing up for later you’ll have a tough time planning a break that suits everybody’s schedule. Last word: This summer invest in ‘travelling with your family’ and watch this family building activity work it’s magic.
Sociologists suggest that family vacations contribute positively to family bonding, communication and solidarity
FAMILY TIME
Get to know your family this season. Pack your bags and head for a family vacation. You will be surprised by how much you learn about each other when away from the routine life.
Technology is a good way to stay connected with your family but it is also important to interact with each other beyond the virtual world. If a family vacation is not a tradition in your home we suggest you invest in one right away. Remember, real time makes for real memories. Escape route: Vacations spell as escape routes for the adults; escape from work, household chores, etc. Sense of togetherness: A family
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holiday will help foster intra-familial relationships. It will also teach your children the importance of being a part of the family . Extended times: Spending time together is the basic thought behind planning a break with the family. However, one should ensure that the environment is conducive to enhance family communication and interaction. Conflicts: A vacation need not always be positive. Be prepared to deal
with fights that may happen between your children or even with a spouse. Reward yourself: While you should make sure that your children are having a good time, you should also ensure that you get to spend some quality time with your partner. Create memories: Memories work like glue in relationships. It would be a good idea to ask your little ones to prepare a scrapbook of these on returning home.
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CUISINE Recognition
Las
Veg a
s, US
A
New
York ,
USA
Lon d Eng on, land
Mou n Swit t Titlis, zerla nd
The world got a taste of the real Indian flavours at the recently held Gourmand World Cookbook Awards in Paris, where Rocky Singh and Mayur Sharma won the ‘Best in the World’ award for their bestselling book Highway On My Plate – The Indian Guide to Roadside Eating. The self-confessed foodies couldn’t believe when they were told that among 160 participating nations, their book was nominated among the top five in the award category.
Beij
ing,
Shalimar Paradise (Akbar)
Chin
a
Hotel Terrace Junoon
Rasoi by Vineet Bhatia & The Quilon Taj Pavillion
Local cuisine, gl obal appeal
Whether it’s the snow-clad mountains or exotic beaches, the savoury smell of Indian curry is the reason Indian travellers aren’t afraid to globe-trot anymore
Arus Tanz ha, ania
Words: Shilpa Pulyani
S
amosas at Mount Titlis or Dal Makhani in Beijing – where ever you go the one thing that will make you feel like home even when away from home is the Indian curry. The unique aromas and flavours of Indian food can melt any foodie’s heart and perhaps that’s the reason it has made its way to the most unknown locales of the world. Of course, it is a blessing in disguise for the Indian travellers as they like to savour the ‘traditional’ cuisine irrespective of which part of the world they are in. After all they can skip the matthis, theplas, achaar and other instant food packets in their luggage and finally make some space for shopping. One of the most unexpected food encounters that’ll not just tickle your nose but also remind you of the family tea-time back home is in Switzerland. As you climb down Mount Titlis, in the Urner Alps of Switzerland, over
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3,000 metre high, the aroma of samosas wafting through the chilly mountain air, is not something you would expect. And it’s not just Indians, Europeans too line up outside the huge, all-white van parked in the middle of the snow-covered slopes. Their faces light up at the sight of Punjab da puttar, Bhairu Singh, frying samosas. Deepa Arora, 56, a bank executive, says, “It’s a different thing when you have a samosa from your nukkad halwai, but indulging in one in the biting cold in Switzerland... you just feel like you are in heaven.” Well that was her experience, as for the foodies, a few yards away, Hyatt Singh’s finger-licking butter chicken is lapped up by most visitors at Hotel Terrace, the only hospitality unit in this part of the Alps. Singh has made the ubiquitous Punjabi recipe a hit among Europeans. His colleague, Jeevan Singh, has gone a step further and converted
the chocolate-making Swiss public salivate for his dal makhani and naan. The three Punjabi chefs, who’ve been wooing Indians and locals for the past few years, work with Gourm India, a 25-year-old company specialising in Indian food. This company is also the sole supplier of Indian food to Terrace. But Gourm India is not the only company proud of its Punjabi chefs. Others from the state of five rivers have also made it big with their recipes and cooking at various places in Switzerland. Two brothers from Rajpura, Mann and Harbinder Singh, have set up Tandoor Haus, a restaurant specialising in Indian and exotic Punjabi dishes in the Swiss capital of Zurich. The kitchen at Tandoor Haus is all too familiar for Indians. Utensils being used to cook delicacies like murg shorba, murg makhani, tandoori murg and macchhi are straight from a Punjabi kitchen. To round up a perfect Punjabi khana, they serve kulfi too.
Travel agents say that Indians are quite unadventurous when it comes to experimenting with international cuisines. “Indian can hardly survive on burgers, pizzas or hotdogs. When they travel abroad, we make it a point to have local food items on our menu, but people demand more Indian food,” says a spokesperson of one of the leading travel agencies. South East Asia, being one of the hotspots for Indian tourists, has a host of Indian restaurants – something they feel is essential to attract Indians. Zhao Quanzhen, country manager of a Chinese airlines remarks that Indians assume that food will be a problem if they visit China, but that’s not the case anymore. “At all big cities like Beijing and Shanghai one can find authentic Indian food. We also have Indian chefs. There are also around 30 Indian restaurants in China,” says he. Tanzania is also not far behind when it comes to luring the Indian
travellers. Destinations like Taiwan and Syria are in queue too. One of the most significant reasons for the popularity of the Indian cuisine is that there are many outstanding chefs cooking great Indian food all over the world. In London alone, Vineet Bhatia and Sriram Aylur have well-deserved Michelin stars and in Bangkok Gagan Anand is cooking up a storm with molecular gastronomy and Indian food. In New York, Vikas Khanna and Floyd Cardoz have introduced quality Indian cuisine to new audiences. Richa Grover, 27, a marketing executive, is a huge fan of chef Vikas Khanna. Says she, “The food at Junoon (where Vikas Khanna is the Executive Chef) is one of the best Indian food I’ve had abroad. Their menu offers everything from traditional Indian dishes like paneer khurchan, dal makhanwali to very innovative ones like the eggplant chaat, sunchoke shorba, etc. Whenever I’m
Amar India Tandoori
in New York I make sure I eat only there.” Chains of Indian food joints like Haldirams, Sagar Ratna, Sarvana Bhawan, et al present in a host of countries also prove as an ideal option for vegetarians. International holiday destinations have certainly learnt to add the tadka to woo Indians tourists who love their sabzi-roti a bit too much. But the great Indian curry never fails to wow us, time after time, meal after meal.
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LEAD STORY
Travel that
transforms Every journey brings along a discovery of sorts. We bring you four inspirational stories on how travelling changed the life of some people forever. Words: Meghna Sharma
A
journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. And there is a discovery in every step we take. Be it discovering a new place or the soothing breeze of a land far flung that opens up the mind... at the end of every journey we take back numerous experiences. A great many things motivate a person to take a trip. It can be a carefully planned expedition or a spontaneous idea to visit a particular place. Either way, travelling has the power to bring a new perspective along with a sense of rejuvenation into a person’s life. In many cases, travel can be the answer for a person who feels that their day-today routine has become monotonous and unimaginative. Travelling allows a person to experience a change of atmosphere that often reinvigorates their thinking. Simply travelling from a rural town to a large city can change a person’s perspective and renew their spirits. With a packed suitcase and a zest to discover something new, a person is well on their way to an adventure full of fresh sights. Another motivation to travel is the urge to learn about a different place and its customs. For instance, an Indian travelling to Australia for the first time has a chance to experience an entirely new environment, learn new customs, and even hear the English language spoken with an unfamiliar accent. It’s certainly an effective way for a person to gain firsthand knowledge about a place and its inhabitants. As travel and the spirit of vacationing has inspired our current issue, we bring you people whose lives changed dramatically when they came back from a holiday... travelling has the power to compel a person to renew his outlook. We look at four such inspirational tales.
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LEAD STORY
Travel-inspired collection:
Marrakesh by Pria Kataaria Puri
When one talks about nouvelle couture in India, Pria Kataaria Puri is one designer whose name crops up instantly. Committed to creating occidental couture and cruise lines, Pria found her muse in Marrakesh, the exotic red city of Morocco. And everything at the dream summer resort destination for the jet setting fashionistas turned into an inspiration for her. She designed her entire resortwear collection inspired by the architecture of the exotic red city of Morocco. “Down the ages, the world and in particular Europe has looked in awe at the intriguing confluence of cultures in neighbouring Morocco. So close geographically, yet so alien in its diversity with cities like Casablanca, Fez and Marrakesh the capital, each a gem in its own way. Marrakesh is an exotic glam hip luxury resort wear collection that can be worn by women of all ages and size, perfect for cocktails, evening parties, brunches, destination weddings and travelling,” says Pria talking about the collection.
Pria Kataaria Puri (L) with a model wearing her creation from the Marrakesh collection
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An expert at creating holiday wear with exotic prints, Pria’s Moroccan mélange of colours gave that vintage textile feel to the collection. Working around her favourite silhouettes that gracefully moved from kaftans, maxis, tunics, dresses and sarees, Pria added that glamorous touch of glitter with local mirror work and crystals along with large doses of silk tassels and unique Arabesque prints. In this collection Pria has used two colour story – one is a vibrant colour story inspired by spices and fruits in souks of Marrakesh such as spicy greens, oranges, tangerines, turmeric yellows, apple greens and the other is a vintage tone consisting of teal greens, midnight blues, blacks, off-white whites and golden sand. She also used Morocco’s rich textile heritage history for creating unique prints inspired by Marrakesh. Adds Pria, “I loved the city. The architecture there inspired me significantly to create prints, which play a major role in all my collections. The local fabrics with tassels, mirror work, shell and button prints all went into my resort wear line.” The Marrakesh collection is for the travelling exotic diva who wants to look glamorous instantly without any fuss. After all today’s busy multifaceted multitasking women don’t have the time nor do they want a cumbersome wardrobe!
The Kunzum Café and Ajay Jain (inset)
Travel-inspired café:
Kunzum Café by Ajay Jain
Did you ever wish you could take off for a long holiday and never return to the mundane work life? Well Ajay Jain did more than just wish for it. After working for regular jobs for more than a decade, he went for a holiday that changed the course of his life forever. Ajay is the owner of Kunzum Cafe, located at the picturesque Hauz Khas Village, in Delhi. Back in 2004, he quit his job and took to professional blogging and freelanced for various websites. He then needed a medium to document his stories and photographs, and started his blog – kunzum.com – in 2007, which is named after a pass in the Lahaul-Spiti valley in Himachal Pradesh. The blog later expanded to become a website and a pub-
lishing company. Meanwhile, Ajay honed his photography skills and exhibited his art a couple of times, and realised that most buyers were random strangers who had accidentally walked past the exhibition. This got Jain thinking about the need for a permanent place to showcase his photographs and build a more complete brand that catered to all aspects of travelling. In October 2009, Kunzum Travel Café was born. A concept café, a travel forum and a photo gallery, this unique cafe is a place where tourists can swap travel stories, inquire about the best places to stay, get sightseeing tips and so on. All this happens over a cup of coffee and cookies, for which guests can pay as much as they like. “These things make the place very hospitable for visitors, and helps build a strong bond with them. We said let’s make a gallery and have a
café component. But the first thing we told ourselves was that we were not going to be a food and beverage company. So we expanded on the theme and decided that we would make it a space where the travelminded can come and either just chill out or be a part of a community of people with similar interest,” says Ajay adding, “We brainstormed and came up with the idea that we would only serve tea, coffee and cookies, but they would be the finest you would get in town. And the best part there would be no obligation to order anything.” Though guests demand a bigger menu than coffee and cookies, but Ajay sees that route as one detrimental to the original idea of the café. “The minute people start complaining about the mayonnaise in the sandwich, the essence of the café would be lost,” he says.
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LEAD STORY
Touring across the world with Merchants of Bollywood (a musical produced by an Australian company) as an on road choreographer inspired Shruti Merchant to conceptualise Taj Express. During the course of five years she performed in countries like Australia, the UK, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, France, Singapore and the United States to name a few, and it was then that she experienced the global theatre scene first-hand. “I realised that India as a country had a lot more to offer than just Bollywood.
Taj Express marries the new India’s pop and Bollywood culture with deep rooted traditions, and features over 2,000 extravagant costumes, 1,500 accessories, spectacular sets, and magical and toe-tapping music, which will make you jump out your seats. The story has elements of comedy, suspense, laughter, romance, controversy, action and a host of unforgettable characters and promises not only to bring Bollywood to the world – but guarantees to reveal the vividly engaging heart of India as well. As India is fairly new to musicals, Shruti did face a lot of challenges in putting the
Travelling to various countries helped Shruti in analysing what people want to see about India. But she also realised that there a huge difference in the way the two industries function. Says she, “The theatre industry all over the world is a huge market with specific professional designations. According to me, it’s still one of the purest forms of entertainment. The entire system of work creates a great artistic working environment, which includes dancers, actors, singers, musicians, technical crew, promoter, agents, and theatre festivals. That is what I want to carry and get to India.”
ce Espa
Welcome aboard the Taj Express, India’s first ever musical and an exhilarating and vibrant journey from Mumbai – the city of dreams, to Agra – home of the Taj Mahal. The musical serves refreshing snippets from India’s rich and diverse heritage. On the special menu are electrifying dance numbers including rhythmic forms like the Lavani from Maharashtra, the Koothu from South India and the dance of the blue god – Lord Shiva’s mesmerising and powerful tandava.
musical together. She elaborates, “One was getting the entire team, so used to the Indian Cinema, to speak and write in the language of musical theatre, something that I’ve been immersed in.”
y aller
Taj Express by Shruti Merchant
There is culture, various dance forms, music, the history, etc, we can find the most talented people in India coming out of the most remote villages,” says Shruti, who’s the producer and director of Taj Express. By creating a Commercial Indian Theatre production – Quintessence Entertainment Productions – she wants India to be at par with anything one can find on Broadway and West End. With the support of sibling Merchants – Vaibahvi and Pranav – Shruti successfully created India’s first ever musical.
sy: G ur t e ge c o a m I
Travel-inspired musical:
An idea that germinated while discovering the theatre ethics of various countries across the world has now taken the shape of Taj Express. Shruti hopes that the musical crosses over 5,000 shows touring every big and small city around the world and give audiences the true flavour of India.
ss and Taj Expre A still from ant (inset) ch Shruti Mer
Lv, Kutu from Paula’s Lv, Pony exhibition, woodblock printing, serigraphy, hand embroidery and appliqué found on textiles and acrylic (inset) Paula Sengupta
Travel-inspired art:
Lv, Pony by Paula Sengupta An artist, academician and curator, Paula Sengupta is a person of varied interests. Trained as a traditional printmaker, Paula’s repertoire as an artist includes broadsheets, artist’s books, objects, installation-performance work and community art projects. Lv, Pony, a sequel to Paula’s earlier exhibition Rivers of Blood addresses the conflicts, contradictions, and complex politics that both bind and divide the three nations – India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Through the phenomenon of war, seen through narratives gleaned from those who fought on the front and the ones who bear the brunt of these wars till date, the artist weaves a layered and complex collection of memories. This is what Paula has attempted to create through this collection... a museum of memory which she terms “war memorabilia”. Women left behind by war often took sewing and embroidery to bide their time and retain their sanity, as also to contribute to the war effort. Paula tried to similarly position
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herself and narrated smothering stories of bloodshed and bravado in meticulous illustrative embroideries and appliqués. The artist has used colonial cross-stitch textiles, fine muslins and jamdanis from Dhaka using the nakshi kantha (a quilting technique from the districts of Bangladesh from which she hails) juxtaposed with colonial forms of embroidery such as stem-stitch, chain-stitch, and buttonhole-stitch. The material and medium thus emerge as strong signifiers in the building of this narrative. “In the course of producing Rivers Of Blood, the 1971 war kept coming up, and I felt I had to have another set of artworks to address those concerns,” says Paula, whose family was displaced from southwestern Bangladesh during partition. Paula’s father was a military engineer and though he did not go to the front, she remembers the Vijayanta tank that was used extensively in 1971 – and which her father helped design – as dinner-table talk from her childhood. From its subject to its medium, Lv, Pony is an intensely personal exhibition. Sengupta includes documentary footage of her own
travels through present day Bangladesh with archival material. The inclusion of accounts by Sengupta’s mother, family and friends is another important inclusion. In Lv, Pony, the six-part set of embroidered cushions that lends its name to the exhibition title, Paula recounts anecdotes of a now-retired Brigadier Panwar (who was nicknamed ‘Pony’ by his army colleagues; he used to sign off as “Lv, Pony”). Parallel to it runs her mother’s account stating that while posted in a remote location in an army camp, Paula’s father had given his terrified young bride a loaded pistol to pacify her. The texts and audios are drawn from a variety of sources including the reminiscences of Indian army officers who served in the war of 1971 as also of ordinary civilians impacted by the war, and from Rabindranath Tagore’s lyrics from Aamar Shonar Bangla that had emerged as a heroic symbol of the Bengali cultural identity during the struggle for liberation, and was adopted in 1972 as the official national anthem of the newly formed nation of Bangladesh.
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OFF THE SHELVES
art Everyday everywhere
Palaces and museums are not the only home to art. Art resides everywhere and in the everyday. This season pack your bags to observe it on the streets, tables, salons, machines, people and more. Words: Sara Kapoor
Wall of colours
I
f you have ever stared shamelessly at a tattoo on the arm of a young man, thought twice before biting into a rose carved out of a tomato, counted the colours on a graffiti wall on the streets or even simply smiled at the artwork on the body of a truck then you’ve got the soul of an art lover. Now don’t they say that art exists there where you least expect it? In this arty album we don’t want to talk about the art as we know it i.e. the sculptures, paintings, statues and more, but about the art as we don’t know exists. We invite you to admire a few art works that aren’t lying safe in museums, labelled with history notes or require a ticket to view. Take a moment to observe the hues and patterns hidden in the everyday.
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Graffitis on the walls are so common that we often walk pass them without even realising they exist. But if you have ever stopped by to notice these walls of hues, patterns and words, then you’d know they are not just mere works of art but voices of the people. Yes, graffiti is an expression of random thoughts, a platform for rebellious views, a satire on society and more. Look for art on the walls of streets, salons, local schools, et al. Some artists go ahead and paint even the shop shutters. Now, that’s what we call effective utilisation of space.
Highway hues
Truck art is a tradition as old as the building of the first truck way back in 1896. If the highway is your favourite route to a destination then you have got yourself a ticket to explore the ‘unappreciated and ignored’ form of artwork. Humble birds, monuments, Indian gods and goddesses, ‘Horn Ok’ slogans, etc. painted in gaudy colours add a bright touch to the mundane roads. Look closely and you’d be even able to spot the contact details of the artist on the body of the truck.
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OFF THE SHELVES
Towel origami
Cute creatures like elephants, swans, rabbits, monkeys, dogs, et al await to greet you at your next destination. Those practicing towel origami lament that it is dying, however the good news is that the hospitality industry is reviving it once again to up their care quotient. Yes, folded delights are very much a part of the travel culture today. Towel sculptors twist and turn the simple white towels to impress and entertain you. If you are in Kerala then chances are that a ‘coconut tree’ towel art is sitting pretty on your bed. Yes, crafters use it to spell the various aspects of the culture of the destination.
Face of a performer
Animal art
Assuming that no harm is done to the animals in the painting process we’d like to introduce you to the colours on their skin. In India, we often go ahead and paint the elephants, camels and more with traditional motifs as a mark of celebration. Interestingly, festivals like the ‘Elephant Festival’, Jaipur invite one to witness the colours on the animals.
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The best part of Indian art is that it doesn’t limit itself to one form. A Kathakali dancer not just introduces you to a melodrama of expressions but also to the intricate artwork that make the expressions come alive. Did you know that the artists spend around four hours painting the face of a performer? Each colour helps the artiste emote better. For instance, the green colour reveals godliness, white represents spirituality, red reveals violence, black reveals evil, etc. All these colours are made using natural substances and herbs.
Lipsmacking wonders
What happens when chefs transform into artists and raid the kitchen? Well, it just gets tough to consume what is on the platter. Foodscapes carved using the knives work as conversation starters, beautiful artworks and of course, lipsmacking treats. So the next time you order a meal, make sure you spend a moment admiring the edible wonder. Notice it in the salads, breads, pasteries, ice creams, cakes and more. Sit down with a chef and watch him expand your culinary experience.
Skin as a canvas
It’s permanent and serves as an extension of one’s personality. Getting inked is not just a fashion statement but a reflection of who one is. We’ve all noticed the traditional religious symbols inked on the body of pundits or even our grandparents, haven’t we? Now make a note of all the men and women you meet while travelling and listen to their tattoo tales. Yes, there is a story behind every design.
Colour me bright
On your next holiday don’t just look out for artworks in galleries and musuems, instead observe it in the everyday elements
If you look closely you would notice how art resides in simple things like beads, stones, trees, windows, etc. Isn’t it beautiful how each Indian home boasts a rangoli or how the locals paint the rocks on the mountains with powerful messages and images? Even the walls of the local salons are adorned with portraits of Bollywood stars or Indian Gods.
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LIFESTYLE
Travel applications Run through the list of tour guides available for download on your smartphones Words: Santosh Nirala
The restroom hunt
SitorSquat
A life saviour application, it allows you to search, view, rate and add public restrooms to it. Once you’ve experienced a restroom, upload and share your experience and honest opinion to help others while on the go.
One stop shop
Kayak A free city guide
GuidePal
It covers more than 60 destinations across the globe. The content for this application is courtesy the knowledge and research of the locals and travel journalists, respectively. Together, they have handpicked the best the city has to offer. Download it now for an authentic city experience.
Want to find and book the closest hotel to you? Want to compare flight prices, car rental deals and more? Need a handy packing checklist? Get Kayak, a comprehensive application on your phone and let it take care of it all.
Raindrops on my forehead
Umbrella today
It is the simplest weather forecast. It answers one question: Do I need an umbrella today? And even sends push notification in the morning of any day you’re likely to need one. It supports locations all over the world and sends notifications any time of day.
Traffic update
Waze
Want to drive around in a new place? Get Waze on your phone. This free, community-base traffic and navigation application comes with natural text-tospeech capabilities. It provides you with notifications about police traps, speed cams, heavy traffic or hazards on the road.
View from the lens
Wikitude
Currency rates & charts The money manager
Mint
This one pulls in your personal finance accounts into one place and lets you keep track of your money while travelling. Track your budget and cash spending, get notifications about upcoming bills, run through charts and graphs showing your spending activities and more. 24 |
XE Currency
Convert every world currency on-the-go with the universally optimised XE Currency application. It features live currency rates, charts, and even stores the last updated rates; so it works even when you lose Internet connectivity.
Find events, tweets, Wikipedia articles, ATMs, restaurants, user reviews, etc. Experience places near you in augmented reality or show them on a map and list view. Find mobile coupons and discounts for stores near you. Wikitude World Browser is a fun Augmented Reality platform that allows one to discover what’s around by using the camera. Simply hold up the smartphone and explore your surroundings. The application will overlay the camera’s display and the objects you look at with additional interactive content and information.
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MONEY SPINNER
Ready for marriage,
financially? Marriage is not all about celebration, it brings along a great deal of financial responsibility as well. We tell you how to plan your new life to get rid of financial woes. Words: Abhilasha Ojha
W
hen Priyanka Gosain, 29, got married to her childhood sweetheart in a flashy ceremony in New Delhi four months ago, she called it the best day of her life. For Gosain, a doctor by profession, the wedding was a big day and she had personally ensured that everything, from her trousseau to her makeup to the photographer and the floral décor, was perfect. But there was something else that she and her fiancé had been discussing for a few months prior to their big wedding day. No, they didn’t discuss her Tiffany platinum ring or his Roberto Cavalli tuxedo jacket. Instead, the two met on a balmy Sunday morning at a coffee shop in Chicago (where she studied medicine), ordered two lattes, and started discussing if they were healthy, financially. In the course of the next two hours, after she had pulled out a notebook and pen, she and her fiancé started jotting down important financial details; how much money they had in their respective bank accounts, how much premium they were paying for various insurance policies, how healthy were the companies where they’d
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MONEY SPINNER
invested in mutual funds earlier, how much they spent on leisure activities (read - eating out, watching films, buying clothes, etc.). In those two hours while they tracked their monetary health, Gosain made one section: “Ten years down the line” where she and her fiancé thoughtfully penned down their financial requirements as a married couple. Most financial experts will tell you that what Gosain and her husband did was something that most married couples should do soon after they start a new chapter in their lives. While it’s easy to be in the “honeymoon” period, easy to think that as young couples you have time, health and energy on your side, experts recommend that as soon as couples marry, their respective financial portfolios need to be revisited in detail. So, just like the seven vows of marriage, financial experts point out to the seven financial vows that couples should take as soon as they’re married. These include revisiting insurance covers, saving to buy a home, ensuring a retirement plan (yes, you heard that right), ensuring a medical cover, saving for two vehicles instead of one, creating adequate wealth for children, and finally, smiling and enjoying the wealth that’s been created with so much care and attention. Additionally, all couples should avoid a lifestyle fed on
debt. Simply put, avoid having a “credit card lifestyle” at all costs. While it’s important to own a credit card (face it, it does make life easier), it’s not good to keep incurring debt on them. Ideally, even on vehicles one shouldn’t have a loan. “Barring home loan, which you will repay for 15-20 years anyway, you should have a debt-free life,” says Parneet Kaur, an independent financial planner based in New Delhi. “Insurance cover and building your own home should be the immediate priorities for young couples,” says Kaur. However, most young couples ignore such sagely advice and prefer to put investments on the backburner, making a mess of their financial portfolio. Start investing today, is the mantra that most financial experts give newly married couples. Take a typical case of a newly married couple who are in the age group of 25-26, who bring home a decent six-digit income. Experts suggest that at the outset both should have an insurance policy that’s already ten-fifteen times their income. Similarly, the wife should have an adequate insurance cover. “The thumb rule is to plan all investments according to the earning capacity of the couple as soon as they’re married,” says Kaur. Even if the couple has individual security cover before they were married, financial
Having the security of owning a home is something that most young couples dream of
planners suggest that they need to revisit those portfolios, if not immediately after marriage then definitely after they have their baby. One could nominate either the child or the spouse in the insurance policy to ensure that their lifestyle doesn’t get affected in case of any eventuality. While no one likes to prepare for such eventualities, it’s a must, something that needs to be done for all practical purposes. Go for plans that help in protecting your family’s future and ensure that they lead their lives comfortably without any financial worries, even in your absence. Once your life insurance cover has been taken care of, it’s important to take stock of what you’ll need in the next three years of your married life. Having the security of owning a home is something that most young couples dream of. In an ideal scenario, newly married couples should move into a house that is owned by them. But realistically speaking, most young couples, especially those moving from smaller towns and cities to metros, move into rented accommodation and soon get busy trying to balance their professional and personal commitments. Given these harsh realities, it’s suggested that within three years of being married, couples should look at owning their own
house, thus investing in real estate at the right time. Even though one can get home loan, most companies will require you to give a sizeable down payment. While a three-year time frame is ideal for young couples to own a home, adequate investments made in the beginning through a mix of monthly income saving plans, fixed deposits, even stocks and shares, could come in handy for making a down payment for your home. Kaur, for instance, suggests many of her young clients to invest in systematic investment schemes (SIPs) every year, with a time frame of 5-10 years. Her advice: “Every year, invest 10% more in monthly schemes or fixed deposits to ensure healthy returns. This wealth creation can work as down payment for the house that you’ve wanted to build for yourself.” Another tip given by most financial planners is that while taking home loan, it’s only prudent that couples secure the home loan. Many companies have started offering this service and it’s essential just in case of any eventuality. You need to be secure with the knowledge that in case of any untoward event, the burden of a home loan will not be borne by your spouse. Many couples would scoff at the idea of a retirement plan when they’re young. But, a retirement plan chalked out at a time when you’re still in your mid-20s and early 30s gives you the best returns in the long term. Starting early not only lets you invest in smaller more manageable installments,
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MONEY SPINNER
A good marriage can secure you emotionally for life. Your financial goals should do the same.
but the longer term of the investment lets you benefit from the immense power of compounding. Further, a longer investment horizon allows you to comfortably invest in high yielding equity assets without worrying about short term volatility. If burnout happens and you find that you want to have an offbeat career choice, retirement plans come in very handy. It’s better to start young and invest wisely in a retirement plan that can give you the returns required for a retirement fund. This fund can be invested in an annuity plan at the time of retirement to give you an assured income to run your household even when you don’t have a high-paying job. Planners suggest that by opting for a suitable annuity options (there are immediate and deferred annuity plans offered by financial companies) you can be assured of a regular income stream that you continue receiving regularly during your lifetime. Unlike the traditional retirement accounts, where you can typically withdraw only when you’re in your 60s or 70s, annuity plan options offer the flexibility of receiving regular income at a much earlier age. With an increasing number of people choosing alternate career paths in their 40s, these plans come in handy, giving people the flexibility to continue earning and fulfilling their personal responsibilities
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(looking after their home, providing for their children’s education, for instance), while also opting for a different career path that they’ve always desired. Similarly, it’s only natural to think that no health issues can strike us when we’re young. Most young couples think that energy levels are far from sapping and that old age is something for others, not for them. If only they understood that having a medical cover for themselves at a young age could be done at a lesser premium than at an older age, when the premium one pays for medical cover is more. Have an adequate medical cover; go for the maximum cover, planners will tell you. Additionally, once your child is born, have an insurance cover that will cover not just you but also your spouse and your child. So, even if the company you work in offers medical cover, it is important for you to have a separate one for yourself. Simply put, one shouldn’t undermine the importance of health plans that are offered by various companies. Of course, you need to sift through the numerous health schemes that are offered by so many companies. Remember, you need to make investments and choose those instruments of investments wisely. While an adequate life insurance cover and investment in home can leave one feeling secure, given the day-to-day expenses, a lifestyle complete with holidays, several trips to restaurants, multiplexes and parties, means that there should be enough “liquid capital” for young couples. One also needs to take into account the possibility of the couple starting a family within twothree years of their marriage. Anupama Das, a 28-year-old freelance writer based in Gurgaon, was a fulltime journalist till she had her first baby, one year ago. Her husband, an HR consultant with a corporate firm, brings home a salary of `10 lakh per annum. With her salary as a fulltime journalist of `50,000 per month, the couple was spending anywhere between `60,000 per month and enjoying themselves. “Once the baby came along, and I quit my fulltime job, we realised that our expenses had multiplied. We haven’t been too prudent about savings, we were too busy enjoying our married life, but my mutual funds, which I’d saved six years ago, have come in handy at this juncture,” she says. So, even as you embark on the journey as a young couple, it’s wise to remember that you will soon have a child whose future you’ll need to secure for a lifetime. This will not just mean saving up for the child’s day
to day needs but also investing in his/her education, medical and other needs. The right age for having an insurance plan for your child? Experts suggest that you should make such investments as soon as your baby is born. You could opt for a recurring deposit for short tenures and receive regular payouts (ICICI offers various education plans specifically tailor-made for parents who have young children).While Das wishes she had saved more, planners suggest that ideally couples should create wealth continuously. So, even if you have a life cover, security of a home, adequate medical cover, compromising on one’s lifestyle defeats the very purpose of financial planning. So, there are tools to build a wealth portfolio. The first best thing to do is to open up your mind and not look at just conservative saving schemes. Remember, creating a wealth portfolio means creating multiple income routes from different tools offered by financial companies. So, while having money in the savings account and the fixed deposits schemes is good, it’s not sufficient and there needs to be emphasis on creating other avenues for such wealth creation. For young couples, financial planners suggest a combination of term policy and ULIPs to aid in wealth creation. ULIPs, in particular, offer wide choice of funds and transparency of charges and should be looked from a long-term point of view. Typically, for a couple that brings home a double income, a contingency fund (putting away six months expenses) in mutual funds can be worked out. Part of the money can also be used to purchase life insurance cover. Once the basic requirements in insurance is achieved, frills such as a luxury holiday, buying vehicles (remember financial planners suggest a no-loan policy even on cars), providing for retirement in next 30 years, can be done through systematic investment plans, which are a mix of equity and debt funds, or, the recurring deposit accounts that couples can open. They can also invest in bank fixed deposits, gold and saving accounts (for the purpose of liquidity). Like most goals, financial goals too change with time. Instead of shying away and postponing investments, couples should start investing when they’re young. A good marriage can secure you emotionally for life. It spells love, hope and happiness. Your financial goals should do the same. So, when you take that vow as a life-partner with your loved one, make sure you take a similar vow to take care of your finances too. Secure your finances, so your finances can secure you.
MAKE A NOTE • Revisit your financial documents after you get married • Work out financial goals together as a couple • Ensure that you have adequate life insurance cover. It should be 15 times the annual income that you bring home • Every year, your investments should increase by 5% at the very least • Once you have your first child, nominate your spouse or your child in your life insurance policy • Have a separate medical cover even if your company offers you one • Work towards a retirement plan while you’re still young and newly married • Within three years of your marriage, you should invest in your own house • Start a joint account with your spouse if you haven’t done so already. This account can take care of your day-to-day expenses while your separate savings accounts can have liquidity too. • Ensure you have saved in fixed deposits, systematic monthly schemes with a time frame of 5 years, at the very least. Investment here needs to increase by 5-10% per annum. • Do indulge in entertainment exercises once you’ve saved carefully; be it holidays, shopping, films, etc. You’ve earned this money, you’ve saved it. Now enjoy it.
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BLISS
A
n unhealthy lifestyle, stress and may-be-tomorrow attitude is what rules us today. So, when ‘how much you bring back from a vacation’ becomes a bigger question than ‘what you actually did there’; it’s time to reconsider the retreat/resort you choose to live in. However, a health resort may not necessarily mean a dreaded cottage with mud floor where you are supposed to perform some neck-breaking yogic asanas while a teacher with all the grudge in the world against you is supervising. The health resorts in India have upped their popularity quotient in recent times with their balancing act between health and comfort. Specialising in forms such as yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, naturopathy, weight-loss programmes and more, these resorts help one recharge their system. Here’s a lowdown.
SwaSwara, Gokarna
USP: The remote location with a combination of lush hills cradling the unspoiled beach — an ideal place to focus on oneself through yoga and meditation.
The experience: Yoga is certainly a way of life at SwaSwara. For those who already revel in yoga, it is a perfect place to experience the familiar with daily classes. As for the beginners, classes are supervised to help them grow in their own personal practice. There is the bonus of two private sessions during the stay to be availed of. The classes are open for all, from a beginner to an experienced yoga enthusiast, ranging from gentle or meditative to the vigorous vinyasa style taught by resident yoga instructors. Every teacher at SwaSwara has his own distinct style and expertise, and the class levels are molded to fit the participating guests’ needs. The morning yoga sessions are held outdoors amidst scenic view of the Arabian Sea. And the evening sessions are held in well-ventilated and spacious yoga shalas. The concept of wellness is backed by organic food cooked in a healthy manner without meat and alcohol. Must try: Try the tratak or candle light meditation in the blue dome along with laughter and nidra yoga. The Lifestyle Package is open only to a minimum stay of
five nights that includes accommodation, healthy meals, daily yoga and meditation, a private yoga session, nature walks, art classes and Ayurveda therapies. Where: SwaSwara, Doni Bhail, Om Beach, Gokarna, Karnataka, Contact: +91 (08386) 257131/32/33 Nearest Airport: Dabolim Airport
Sohum Spa, Madhubhan Resort & Spa
USP: This resort is 22-acre of sheer luxury (the largest in the state), which also offers facilities for the physically challenged. The experience: The therapists offer the signature bodywork for a regular spa and fitness enthusiast. This bodywork has an integration of sports massage and Thai acupressure techniques that are very
A holiday for
health
The idea of having a typical guilt-free binging vacation is passé. The future lies in the retreats that promise to help you reassess your life and emerge healthier. Reconnect with yourself at the health resorts across India. Words: Nidhi Raj Singh
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BLISS effective on deep tissue and facial muscles. It is recommended only for those who require deep bodywork to treat muscle knots and dissolve fibrous tissues. Must try: The Sohum Signature Treatment Where: Madhubhan Resort & Spa, AnandSojitra Raod, Vallabh Vidhyanagar, Gujarat, Contact: +91(2692) 239268-76 Nearest airport: Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport
Ista Spa at Ista Hyderabad
USP: They offer customised therapies,
which are a fusion of Ayurveda and contemporary techniques, designed to suit every individual’s needs. The experience: Ista Fusion is a combination of Ayurveda and contemporary therapies. After a thorough, one-on-one consultation with the Ayurveda experts, the therapy is customised after understanding an individual’s needs. Since the therapies chosen are unique for each guest, no two treatments are similar. Therapists use unique combination of therapies and techniques resulting in instant relief just after one
session. Some of the techniques used are Thai, Reflexology, Aromatherapy, Deep Tissue, Tibetan and Swedish massage. They also blend essential oils in the therapy selected according to each person’s doshas. Must try: Ista Fusion – Signature Treatment Where: Ista Hyderabad, Road No 2, IT Park, Nanakramguda, Gachi Bowli, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Contact: +910 4450-8888 Nearest Airport: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad
Reconnect with yourself and rejuvenate your body and mind at specialised heath resorts across the country
Other health resorts Somatheeram Ayurveda Beach Resort, Kovalam
USP: This is world’s first ever Ayurveda Resort. The experience: The resort offers time-tested herbal remedies for curing innumerable diseases like asthma and migraine, allergies and problems related to heart, lungs, stomach and liver. The therapies are also designed to slow down the decaying process in the body by securing a timely additional supply of energy. It aims at maintaining the balance of life energies within, rather than focussing on individual symptoms. The special treatments and packages include the rejuvenation therapy,
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body purification, weight-loss solutions, stress management, various clinical treatments and beauty care. The resort boasts of a highly qualified team of doctors who study the client’s needs and suggest therapies best suited for them. The resort also houses a restaurant that serves Ayurvedic specialties with dishes prepared according to age old traditional cooking methods. Must try: The body purification therapy Where: Somatheeram Ayurveda Resort, Chowara, South of Kovalam, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, Contact: +91 471 2268101, 2266111 Nearest airport: Trivandrum International Airport
• Ananda In the Himalayas for lifestyle corrections Where: The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Tehri–Garhwal, Uttaranchal Contact: +91-1378-227500 • Soukya, Dr Mathai’s International Holistic Health Centre for naturopathy Where: Soukya Road, Samethanahalli, Whitefield, Bengaluru, Karnataka Contact: +91 80 2801 7000-08 • IVAC, Mysore for Panchkarma or Ayurveda Detox Where: Lalithadripura, Ittigegud, Mysore, Karnataka Contact: 91 821 247-3437/3263/3266
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WANDERER
The village
of heaven The unhurried pace of life, the clean fresh air of the hills and a summer sanctuary transformed into a boutique resort are just some of the things that make Dhanachuli, a village in Uttaranchal, the perfect place to let go off the city clamour and find inner peace Words: Meghna Sharma
(Facing page) View of the valley from the Te Aroha resort; (above & below) Dhanachuli is a year-round destination with a splendid view of the Himalayas
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s summer beckons we all look for options on the hilly terrains. So when Delhi’s searing heat started to take its toll on me, I too looked for weekend getaways. Shimla, Mussoori, Nainital, Kulu-Manali seemed too crowded and commercialised. It was then that I chanced upon Dhanachuli on the Internet. Not one to experiment when it comes to travelling, reading up about Dhanachuli made me feel that the tranquil village in the hills was calling me. So I pack my bags and took the morning Shatabdi to Kathgodam, the nearest railway station to the village. A five-and-a-half hour long train journey and then the two-hour drive from there on, I reach the village of heaven. While on my way to the resort, I realised that this hill station is every bit unique when compared to others. Blessed with a pleasant weather all-year-round, what sets Dhanachuli apart is its exclusivity, the raw appeal of the village. As I reach Te Aroha, a summer house converted into a boutique resort on the hills, the breathtaking view of the Himalayas instantly seduces me. I settle down in the spacious lawn of the resort after a hearty lunch to soak in the warmth of the April sun, I realise that this place is a surefire recipe for turning my mood from anxious to calm. Sipping my cuppa I relish the view of the valley, which is dressed in various shades of green. The entire picture before my eyes fascinates me. Even the shrill croaks of ravens (jungle crows) don’t seem to bother me anymore. At one level are the hills and the little stone houses in the adjacent villages interposing the heavy greenness.
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WANDERER Then come the cedar and oak trees, and not to forget the many varieties I don’t know the names of, that add to the pleasant sight. Later I indulge myself in the tour of Te Aroha, my home for the weekend. As most tourist maps of Uttaranchal don’t show this destination, people generally go down the beaten path and drive up till Bhimtal or Mukteshwar, Dhanachuli’s friendly neighbours. For the adventurous ones, Dhanachuli is a discovery of sorts. It was one such adventure or detour that led to the birth of Te Aroha, which literally means a ‘place of love’ in the Maori language. Sumant Batra, a corporate lawyer by profession, built Te Aroha more than a decade ago as his summer house but later decided to convert it into a resort. As one climbs the wooden stairs, one instantly falls in love with the cheery yellow sloping roof. The first thing that one comes across is the reception, a wood-and-glass structure. The little birdhouses, well manicured grass, bright flowers make for a delightful sight. As we head inside the colonial style lobby makes an appearance. A vintage piano, a beautifully carved mirror in wood next to the fireplace, a
GETTING THERE The most convenient way to get to Dhanachuli from New Delhi is to take a train to Kathgodam, 90 minutes from the village. By road, Dhanachuli is 7-8 hours from the capital. When to go: Dhanachuli is a year-round destination. The mountain view, however, can be best enjoyed in winters. Stay at: Te Aroha, Dhanachuli Bend, District Nainital; contact: (05942) 214 377, (0) 87550 80735; tearoha.in Shop: Rhododendron juice and orange marmalade from NGO-run shops. See: Head to Mukteshwar, about 12 km from Dhanachuli, which is famous for its Shiva Temple. Set on the highest point in town, the view is breathtaking and there’s also an interesting path at the base of the temple’s steps. It leads you to a rocky outcrop with some beautiful rock formations. Or, spend a day at Bhimtal, 30 km from below Dhanachuli.
Dhanachuli is a delight to be in winters, especially when it snows
The Dhanachuli village is an undiscovered jewel, which makes one never want to go back to the droning city life rare map of Uttaranchal and beautiful furniture, everything tells a story of the era gone by. As the temperature drops, I retire a little early to my room, anticipating the next morning to unveil some new shades of the village.
(Above) A view of the lawn at Te Aroha, (From top to bottom) A villager in the marketplace, a cluster of bells at the Mukteshwar temple, the Dhanachuli Post Office in a heritage building & a colonial-style bungalow in the village
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And as expected I’m greeted with a pleasant view of the Himalayas, standing tall just behind the hills, still covered with snow. The sun spreads across the valley like butter melts on a hot toast. I couldn’t have imagined having breakfast with a better view than this. I then head to Mukteshwar, which is famous
for its Shiva temple and the breathtaking view of the valley. One can also explore other tourist locales like Nainital, Almora, Bhimtal, which are located very close by. Before returning to the resort I head out for a walk in the actual village of Dhanachuli, which comprises of about 223 households, spread over many hills. As I walk down the solitary roads, I come across various stone bungalows, which surprisingly are owned by many of the VVIPs in the country. Because of the hilly topography, the area is also abundant with potato fields and fruit orchards, placed
strategically on terraces cut into the hillsides. I walk further down the kachcha road that leads me to the village only to discover the village school at the most amazing location – a 360 degree view of the valley. Though it’s a Sunday, I find some workers that helped me quench my thirst after walking so much. I sit down for a while to experience the quiet, feel the breeze, cease the moment and take back as much as I can. The people of Dhanachuli live a simple life which can be seen on their ever smiling faces. The warmth with which they greet you makes you never want to back to the droning city life. I had my share of a tete-a-tete with the natives as I sip adrak waali chai and dig in their version of noodles indulging in a game of carom. Yes, the day was most fulfilling. As I head back to resort I wonder if I could stay just one more day but duty calls. But I’m not done with little undiscovered jewel yet... quoting the famous words of Terminator – ‘I’ll be back!’
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RENDEZVOUS
The existential Last seen on the streets of Prague, Czech Republic, Arunoday Singh shares his experience Words: Shilpa Pulyani
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e might be just four films old in the industry but has compelled the critics and industry people to sit up and take notice. Be it the alpha male in Aisha or the rowdy Kuldeep in Yeh Saali Zindagi, Arunoday Singh plays the two opposites with élan. Coming from a political family (he’s the grandson of late politician Arjun Singh) Arunoday had brushed aside the thoughts of a career in the world’s largest democracy while he was pretty young. A lonely traveller, Arunoday’s recent visit to Prague was “fulfilling”.
Excerpts: Where did you go recently for a holiday? Prague. Why did you choose the place? I had never been there. The history, the culture, the fact my favourite painter, Alphonse Mucha was from there, as was Milan Kundera, as was Franz Kafka. Was it worth the time? It was a wonderful, wonderful vacation. Prague is definitely one of the world’s most attractive cities. In addition to the
Quick singles Bollywood to you is Overwhelmingly impressed with itself If not an actor you’d be A writer or a musician
unique number of monuments there are also a number of cultural events that keep happening in the city throughout the year. I could live in Prague! Who did you go with? I am a lonely traveller. I usually use such vacations to explore the place that I am visiting. When you travel with a person or say friends, it’s about the company, then the place really doesn’t matter. You stayed at? I stayed in a hotel that was a converted monastery at the top of the hill near the castle, in a quarter called Hradcany. Hradcany or the Castle District, is one of several parts of the historical centre of Prague. It is best known for the Prague Castle, which is the largest and one of the most famous castle complexes in the world. The site also includes many interesting buildings and places – Saint Vitus Cathedral, Basilica of Saint George, Old Royal Palace, Golden Lane, Dalibor Tower, Black Tower and others. What did you like/didn’t like about it? It was a nice hotel but too touristy. There are also many residential houses and other attractions for visitors, such as romantic nooks and beautiful look-outs. But I prefer places with more local flavour and closer to the action. What kind of shopping did you do? I bought a lot of Mucha prints. Mucha’s work has continued to experience periodic revivals of interest for illustrators and artists. His distinctive style is what makes him stand apart. That is one thing I wouldn’t mind blowing all my money on. Along with that I also bought some wonderful pottery and sculptures.
Shop/shopping street one must visit there Na Prikope Street is the main shopping boulevard. It’s more about high street and designer brands, flashy cafes, et al. But there are many hidden gems in the city. As I went about discovering the city, I found wonderful little places to grab a bite at, local shopping for art and sculptures, etc. Prague is a great city to explore on foot. What about food? Food was excellent with a wide variety of cuisines readily available. It’s a very popular tourist destination so there’re a lot of choices. Holiday highpoint? The whole holiday was very fulfilling. Prague is like the historical pearl of Europe. There’s no doubt that it is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Textbook of architectural styles with its wealth of monuments, a city filled with music, romance and nostalgia... it’s got everything. It is a modern city full of life! Low point/misadventure? There was this one time that I got lost. It was really late at night and I took the trams to the hotel but somehow got off at the wrong station. I found myself in a place where no one spoke English and apparently I was completely mispronouncing the area my hotel was in. Wouldn’t really call it a low point, it was fun in a scary and adventurous kind of way. Would you like to go again? Absolutely... This time hopefully with a lover or a group of friends. The next destination you are off to? I’d like to explore South America this time as I like heading to destinations that aren’t too touristy. So hopefully that would happen soon.
Fashion to you is Slightly perplexing What makes you look hot I am hot. The clothes are just window dressing. Although I don’t think I could pull of a saree or a mini skirt.
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SPOTLIGHT
Freedom from financial worries
• Insurance cover at affordable premiums. • Tax benefits on the premiums paid (T&C3).
maturity, paid-up value or survival benefit available under this product.
Surrender
At a glance Minimum / Maximum age at Entry
18 / 65 years (age last birthday)
Minimum Policy term
5 years
Maximum Policy term
Regular Pay: 30 years One Pay: 10 years Policy term will be in multiples of 5 years
Maximum age at policy expiry
75 years (age last birthday)
Minimum premium
` 3,000 (excluding service tax and education cess)
Accidental Death Benefit (Only with iCare Option II)
Equal to Sum Assured, subject to a maximum of ` 50 lakhs
Minimum Sum Assured
` 10 lakhs subject to a minimum premium of ` 3,000 (excluding service tax and cesses, as applicable.)
Maximum Sum Assured
• In case of Regular Pay, surrenders are not allowed. • In case of One Pay, surrenders are not allowed during the first policy year. For surrenders happening after the first year, the Surrender Value will be calculated as given below: • Surrender Value = 70% x Single Premium x (Number of Complete Policy Years Outstanding/ Policy Term in Years) Terms & Conditions 1. Accidental Death Benefit: For the purpose of Accidental Death Benefit payable on accident the following conditions shall apply:
a. Death due to accident should not be caused by the following: i. Attempted suicide or self inflicted injuries while sane or insane, or whilst the Life Assured is under the influence 18-50 1.5 crore of any narcotic substance or drug or intoxicating liquor; 51-65 70 lakhs or ii. Engaging in aerial flights (including parachuting and Premium payment option Regular Pay. Company may offer One Pay option skydiving) other than as a fare paying passenger on a licensed passenger-carrying commercial aircraft (being a for 5 and 10 year policy terms. multi-engined aircraft) operating on a regular scheduled Mode of premium payment Regular Pay. Yearly, One Pay: Single route; or iii. The Life Assured committing any breach of law; or Tax benefits Premium paid towards the policy will be eligible iv. Due to war, whether declared or not or civil for tax benefits u/s 80C of the Income Tax Act, commotion; or 1961 T&C 4 v. Engaging in hazardous sports or pastimes, e.g. taking part in (or practising for) boxing, caving, climbing, horse racing, jet skiing, martial arts, mountaineering, off piste skiing, pot How to apply online holing, power boat racing, underwater diving, yacht racing or any • Choose between two options available under ICICI Pru race, trial or timed motor sport. Age band (last birthday)
Maximum Sum Assured
iCare, based on your protection needs. • Fill in your personal details and answer some simple questions related to your health. • Pay the premium through your internet banking account or through your credit/debit card. You will have to pay the premium as per the premium payment option chosen. • Life insurance cover on your policy begins immediately on acceptance of proposal (T&C2).
Death benefit: In the unfortunate event of death of the Life Assured during the term of the policy, the nominee shall receive the following benefits:
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Key benefits
• Flexibility to choose protection cover based on your needs from: Option I: Death benefit equal to Sum Assured (T&C1). Option II: An additional death benefit equal to Sum Assured or 50 lakhs, whichever is lower, payable only in case of death due to accident. • Instant life insurance cover (T&C2) through a simple online application process.
c. The accident shall result in bodily injury or injuries to the Life Assured independently of any other means. Such injury or injuries shall, within 180 days of the occurrence of the accident, directly and independently of any other means cause the death of the Life Assured. In the event of the death of the Life Assured after 180 days of the occurrence of the accident, the Company shall not be liable to pay this benefit. d. The policy must be in-force as at the time of accident.
Benefit in detail
ou strive to provide comfort, happiness and security to your family. Even if something unfortunate were to happen to you, you would want your family’s future to be secured at all times. With ICICI Pru iCare, protect your family’s future and ensure that they lead their lives comfortably without any financial worries, even in your absence. Also, get the advantage of instant life insurance cover at the click of a button.
b. Death due to accident must be caused by violent, external and visible means.
iCare Option I
Sum Assured
iCare Option II
Sum Assured
PLUS Accidental Death Benefit#
#Accidental Death Benefit– An amount equal to the Sum Assured (subject to a maximum of 50 lakhs) will be paid only in the unfortunate event of death of the Life Assured due to an accident (T&C1). The above benefits will be payable, only if all due premiums have been paid and the policy is in force. Instant life insurance cover: Life insurance cover begins immediately on acceptance of proposal (T&C2). Maturity or paid-up or survival benefit: There is no
e. The Company shall not be liable to pay this benefit in case the death of the Life Assured occurs after the date of termination of the policy 2. Instant life insurance cover: The life insurance cover will commence on the date of acceptance of proposal. After submission of the application form, if it is found that the customer has existing policies which have not been disclosed and due to which, there is a change in the underwriting decision of the Company, the Company will withdraw the cover subject to Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1938. 3. Tax benefits: Tax benefits under the policy are subject to conditions u/s 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Service tax and education cess will be charged extra, as per applicable rates. The tax laws are subject to amendments from time to time.
© 2012, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Registered Address: - ICICI Pru Life Towers, 1089 Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400025. Reg No: - 105. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on the risk factors, term and conditions please read sales brochure carefully before concluding the sale. Product UIN: 105N122V01. Advt.No. L/II/110/2012-13
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SPOTLIGHT
Claims can be made once in a policy year on producing actual bills or proof of expenses. The minimum amount that can be claimed is `1,000. To create the health fund part of the premium paid by you is invested in unit linked funds. You also have the option to choose from two unique portfolio strategies: a) LifeCycle-based Portfolio Strategy b) Fixed Portfolio Strategy
Additional Benefits
Cover Continuance Option: This option ensures that your policy continues subject to foreclosure in case you are unable to pay premiums, any time after payment of the first five years premium. All applicable charges will be automatically deducted from the units available in your fund. You will need to opt for cover continuance, if you wish to avail of this benefit. Death Benefit: In the unfortunate event of death of the primary insured member during the term of the policy, the nominee shall
H
Save & invest while guarding your health
ealth insurance is something that many Indians are wary of investing in. As a result two out of every five* individuals hospitalised end up borrowing money or selling assets to cover expenses due to hospitalisation. The ever-increasing health expenses further aggravate the problem. Increasing lifestyle illnesses and growing customer awareness about health has led to a demand for a plan that covers not only hospitalisation expenses but also provides for other medical expenses like expenses for managing conditions like diabetes, dental care, pregnancy and even preventive diagnostic screening. There is also an increasing need for a health plan that offers us flexibility in premium amount. Keeping this in mind, ICICI Prudential presents, ICICI Pru Health Saver, a whole of life comprehensive health insurance policy which: a) Provides comprehensive hospitalisation cover for you and your family. b) Reimburses all other medical expenses
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not covered in the hospitalisation benefit by building a health fund for you and your family.
Key Benefits of ICICI Pru Health Saver
• Guaranteed coverage up to age 75 (Condition Apply*) for you and your family** against medical expenses incurred due to hospitalisation. • Coverage against pre-existing illnesses and conditions after 2 years subject to acceptance by the company. • Provides comprehensive cover by allowing reimbursement for health expenses not covered by the hospitalisation benefit after 3 years. • A free health check-up once every 2 years after the first year. • No claim bonus of 5% of the annual limit for every claim free year up to a maximum of 25%. • Option to continue cover post 5 years even after stopping premiums. • Avail tax benefits under section 80D on premiums paid under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Guaranteed benefits are available only if all premiums are paid as per the premium paying term and the policy is in-force till the completion of entire policy term opted.
Coverage under the policy
Hospitalisation Insurance Benefit: This benefit in your policy provides you cover against medical expenses that require a minimum of 24 hours hospitalisation. In addition, over 125 day-care procedures are also covered. The following expenses incurred during hospitalisation are covered, subject to your annual limit: a) Room, boarding and nursing expenses as charged by the hospital. You are entitled to a single A/C room (room rent capped at 1% of annual limit per day). However for twin share A/C room there is no such cap applicable. b) Intensive Care Unit (ICU) charges. c) Fees for doctor, surgeon, anesthetist, medical practitioner, consultant and specialist. d) Anesthesia, blood, oxygen, operation theatre charges, surgical appliances,
receive the total fund value and the policy shall be terminated. The fund value paid out on death of the primary insured may be taxable in the hands of the nominee as per the prevailing tax regulations at that time. In the unfortunate event of death of any other insured members the policy would continue for remaining insured members with the appropriate reduction in health insurance charges.
*Source: According to NSS-2004, Report No.507, 60 round, New Delhi: NSSO, Govt. of India; 2006. Terms and Conditions *Hospitalisation cover is guaranteed up to the age of 75 years, subject to policy being in force. **The eldest member of the family would be the primary insured. Family includes the primary insured, his or her spouse and upto the first 3 dependent children. Proof of dependency for the child above 21years must be provided. ***Payout for artificial limbs would be limited to lower of `25,000 or 10% of the annual limit.
ICICI Pru Health Saver at-a-glance
medicines and drugs, diagnostic materials and x-ray, dialysis, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, cost of pacemaker, cost of 3 artificial limbs. (T&C***)
Health Savings Benefit: This benefit entitles you to claim reimbursement for health care expenses incurred by any of the insured members from your health fund. Some of the benefits covered under the health savings benefit are: • Medicines and drugs. • Diagnostic expenses. • Dental expenses. • Co-pays or deductibles as part of the medical insurance cover. • Other miscellaneous medical expenses not covered under medical insurance. The benefit can be claimed after 3 completed years of the policy and is subject to the existing fund value as given below: 4th Year & 5th Year
6th Year to 10th Year
11th year onwards
20% of Health Fund
50% of Health Fund
100% of Health Fund
Coverage
• Hospitalisation Insurance Benefit • Health Savings Benefit
Min / Max Age at Entry
• 25 years to 55 years for individual plans • 90 days to 55 years for family floater (Maximum cover ceasing age for children is 25 years under the family-floater cover)
Max Age at Maturity
Hospitalisation Insurance Benefit ceases at 75 years of age
Min / Max Annual Limit
Annual limits available under the plan are ` 2 lacs, ` 3 lacs, ` 5 lacs, ` 7 lacs and ` 10 lacs Premiums would be subject to the minimum premium grid given below based on the age and number of members selected Age (Yrs)
Min / Max Premium
All Annual Limits
Annual Limits up to ` 5 lacs
Individual
Annual Limits greater than ` 5 lacs
Family-Floater
Less than 40
10,000
15,000
20,000
40-55
15,000
25,000
30,000
Available Premium Paying frequency
Monthly, Half Yearly, Yearly
Waiting Period
30 days from policy commencement date*
Please check exclusion section for waiting period with pre-existing conditions and specific listed conditions
*
IN ULIPs, THE INVESTMENT RISK IN THE INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO IS BORNE BY THE POLICY HOLDER © 2012, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Co. Ltd. Registered Address: - ICICI Pru Life Towers, 1089 Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi, Mumbai-400025. Reg No: - 105. Insurance is the subject matter of the solicitation. For more details on the risk factors, term and conditions please read sales brochure carefully before concluding the sale. Unlike traditional products, Unit linked insurance products are subject to market risk, which affect the Net Asset Values and the customer shall be responsible for his/her decision. The names of the Company, Product names or fund options do not indicate their quality or future guidance on returns. Funds do not offer guaranteed or assured returns. Investments are subject to market risk. Tax benefits under the policy are as per the prevailing Income Tax laws. Service tax and education-cess will be charged extra, as per applicable rates. The tax laws are subject to amendments from time to time. Product UIN: 105L087V01. L/II/109/2012-13
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HAUTE COUTURE
Vintage in v ogue Vintage is in vogue yet again and this time the buzzword among the fash-consious is classic leather suitcases & trunks. But will they be able to replace the hassle-free wheelies, let’s find out. Words: Meghna Sharma
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family of four – the husband and wife and two little daughters – leave the aircraft after a long flight from Milan. Though a happy pack of four isn’t a rare sighting at the airport, something that’s particularly remarkable is what they carry: in place of the predictable wheelie case, all have perfectly battered vintage suitcases – hers in brown, his in blue. As holidaymakers flock to luggage carousels worldwide, it’s becoming more common to see travellers eschewing the traditional hallmarks of the frequent flyer – synthetic nylon and go-faster wheels – for something neo-vintage. The allure of vintage luggage is catching everyone’s eye – the glamour and decadence of a bygone era when journeying to a foreign land involved adventure, romance and style.
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Vintage baggage not only helps one to express one’s style in a subtle way but also it is easy to locate your suitcases in the luggage carousel. Travelling in style has become de rigueur and vintage suitcases and handbags are just the accessory you need to elevate your look by several notches. And some of the biggest brands in the world have amassed numerous styles and shapes to satiate every traveller’s needs.
style. When the luggage finally makes its way on to the carousel it often has the appearance of so many black plastic rubbish bags.” Another fan of vintage luggage Shaurya Sahu, 34, businessman, says, “I had always used the convenient wheeled suitcases whenever I went out until I discovered the massive trunks at Louis Vuitton. Although they are steeply priced but then someone very wise had said that luxury doesn’t come with a price tag.”
Vintage style cases act as a symbol of luxury and class even among other contemporary collections. Sejal Jhunjhunwala, 28, entrepreneur, says: “I still use an old brown-coloured Globe-Trotter suitcase that my mother bought some 22-years-ago. They are reasonably lightweight and I find that my clothes keep their shape better. I understand that wheeled trolleys are comfy but they lack any sense of
Not everyone is a fan, however. Sameer Kapoor, 56, businessman, prefers the modern convenience of wheelies. “Old-school luggage has its own charm but I recently completed a trip to Europe where the locks of my suitcase were damaged in transit. Not only was the hotel able to repair it, it did so in a matter of hours. But that would have been impossible if I had an old or vintage case.” Still, fans of
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HAUTE COUTURE
TAKE CARE OF YOUR VINTAGE LUGGAGE 1) Vacuum out the interior of the luggage by using a hose attachment. This will get out any dust and gunk that has been accumulating over time. 2) Dip a small area of the cloth into leather cleaner and apply the cloth to a small corner of the luggage. It’s important to begin in a corner so that you can test the leather cleaner and make sure that it doesn’t alter the colour of the leather. 3) Buff the leather clean working in one small section at a time while using a circular motion. 4) Finally, dry the luggage completely by using a soft towel over the entire area.
traditional luggage are unlikely to be lured away by the promise of on-the-spot repairs. At the heart of the vintage case’s renewed popularity is the concept of provenance. Kim Jones, creative director at luxury goods group Dunhill, had remarked that there are other advantages to having luggage that evokes the golden age of travel, “Not only does vintagestyle luggage allow you to express your style in the very generic airport environment but it is also easier to spot on the luggage carousel.” Last year, after trawling the brand’s 100-yearold archives, Jones reintroduced a Dunhill aluminium case from the 1940s. “The 1940s were an iconic time for the glamour of travel and the Dunhill cases pay homage to that,” says Jones. It remains the province of the older luxury houses to offer access to classic individualism. Gucci’s famous GG logo was devised in the late 1960s and this year the Italian fashion
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house decided to reintroduce a pattern that predates it. Originally created in the 1930s, the distinctive criss-cross Diamante design has been reinterpreted for a more modern appeal. “The Diamante canvas collection evokes the balance between Gucci’s luxury tradition and the contemporary approach to design,” says a spokesperson from Gucci. For those seeking a personal touch, Louis Vuitton’s Special Orders division will tackle even the most extreme of luggage requests. Fifth generation family member Patrick Louis Vuitton, who runs its bespoke luggage division had remarked, “The way in which we fabricate special orders has not much changed since 1854. However, the clients’ needs have, of course, changed over the course of 150 years. While years ago we made record player trunks, we have [now] made an iPod Louis Vuitton trunk for Karl Lagerfeld, who always travels with his collection of iPods.”
Last year Hermès brought back an ‘overnighter’ in canvas and calfskin known as the UL53 (the ‘UL’ stands for ultra light). Apart from being available in a range of popsicle colours, the new edition comes with a few nods to the conveniences required of modern travellers, including a detachable strap and a passport holder. Otherwise, it is identical to the case carried by Jean-Louis Dumas, greatgrandson of the company’s founder Thierry Hermès and the creator of the Birkin bag. If you thought this was delish, then Bottega Veneta‘s latest collection of luggage sets is worth drooling over. You can feast your eyes on the label’s six-piece luggage set made from alligator skin. The set includes three suitcases (small, medium and large), a beauty case and a duffle bag and the pieces are also available individually. As for the boys turning into men, congratulations! You’re no longer a student travelling with a pillowcase stuffed with dirty
laundry and a backpack. You’ve reached the stage where you appreciate a freshly pressed shirt. So it’s time to invest in some serious luggage – your only defense against the epidemic of airport sloppiness. The right suitcase will last for a lifetime. Drawing inspiration from vintage trunks used on ships, British designer Paul Smith’s hard-shell luggage suitcases are sure to tantalise one’s vintage tastebuds. These luggages feature multi-stripe leather trim side detailing, black leather trim carry handle, extendable pull-along handle, two adjustable clothing restraints, combination lock, a handful of zip fastening and netted pockets, and Paul Smith signature engraved hardware. The key to any luxury luggage is quality. If you are investing in luxury brand luggage, the luggage will be constructed to withstand the rigours of overseas travel, whether by ship, plane or train. Bon voyage!
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SOUL
If your mind and heart can imagine and dream then you can go for an impromptu mental holiday I always try to keep up a healthy sense of daydreaming -- to keep sane.”
A mental holiday A healthy dose of daydreaming could be your escape from the mundane and hectic. A mental holiday is the buzzword in the travel industry of the mind. Go ahead, imagine & relax. Words: Amrita Sharma
When Florence Welch wrote this line she had no idea how relevant it would be in the times to come. All of us in our childhood enjoyed daydreaming and found solace in it too. Time passed by and we grew up, and somewhere along the way we lost the art and joy of daydreaming. As children we were masters of the imaginative world and could be virtually present anywhere we wished to be. Also, back then we didn’t have to worry about leaves, finances and more to visit a new place. No wonder we often took long joyrides on our imaginative “magic carpets” and came back satisfied. Today with so much stress creeping into our lives there seems to be no outlet anymore for what used to be our favourite indulgence, dreaming. As for real holidays they are shadowed by deadlines, targets and EMIs and we never seem to find the time, energy or resources to go around and take a “break”. Also, while some of us manage to be physically on leave we do take with us the professional baggage and hence are not completely relaxed. The solution lies in taking ‘mental holidays’ say the professionals. For the uninitiated, mental holidays are escape routes from the real world. The basic thought behind a mental holiday is the fact that a relaxed mind leads to a relaxed body. So if the demanding world is getting on to you, we suggest you run off on an impromptu mental holiday. The catchword, imagine. Look around and you will notice how people are opening up to the idea of imagining to destress. Ruchi Kalra, a programming head, says “For years I wasted my time and energy in arranging for leaves from work, maintaining a budget, making ‘in-my-absence’ arrangements and more. The result was that I was exhausted even before the holiday had begun. So one day I decided to take a mental holiday where in I could stay in my room or even at my desk and imagine strolling at a beach in Goa.” Lest you think she’s joking, she adds,“ If you think hard you can actually experience what you have been imagining. I could actually feel the waves on my feet, lovely sea breeze on my face and within no time I felt my tense muscles relax.” Anirudh, a journalist, constantly battles deadline pressures. He shares, “I was
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not familiar with the term mental holiday. I remember how I was looking at the pictures of a few heavenly places for long and observed how the act made me feel relaxed. Soon, I began to shut myself from the outside world every now and then to look at the pictures of the Lost City of Petra, the Dead Sea, the Great Wall of China, etc. I would read about the places I was looking at and imagine a guide narrating me the tales. It felt good and cost me absolutely nothing.” The concept of “mental holiday” is more ubiquitous than one is aware of. A yoga teacher, Dr Shyama Sharma, who is much into meditation, recommends daydreaming not just for “travelling” purposes but purely for relaxation as well. “When I feel depressed or tired I get into an imagination mode. It’s a technique where I imagine doing something I really love. I close my eyes and imagine myself in the garden. I go step-bystep looking at the plants, watering them, painting the pots, etc. By the time I finish, I feel relaxed by the break,” she says. So does that mean mental holidays can make a real difference to our stress levels without effecting our bank balance or chores chart? Anand Chaturvedi, who conducts training courses for sales management trainees, says, “It’s all about visualisation. You have to keep visualising what and where you want to be.” According to him creating images and visions in one’s mind about what or where one aspires to be is not only a great motivating factor but also a great de-stresser. “You must close your eyes and imagine what you want to be doing. If you want to be an expert in your field you must visualise standing among a crowd of people who are shaking hands with you or you addressing a large crowd from a podium. You can actually create your expressions, speech and mannerism the way you would like it to be in real life. By the end of this act you will find yourself not only smiling but feeling far more confident and relaxed. It’s also very cathartic in the sense that it helps vent out frustration and has a positive effect on the psyche.” Psychologists also opine that mental holidays are an effective and productive way of relieving stress. “Mental breaks serve as a great way to escape from the daily stress that erodes the mind, body and soul,” says Shruti
GET, SET, GO Take out a few minutes of your busy schedule for a mental break. • Look for a special place in your home/office/garden. Turn off the television, mobile phone, etc. • Sit down on a comfortable couch or lie down on a cosy bed. • Close your eyes and imagine of a getaway on your wish list. • Slowly, visualise all the activities you would want to undertake on this vacation. Imagine lying on a hammock, having a conversation with your partner, etc. • Let the imagery stay with you and help you relax. Verma, who teaches behavioural science in a college, “You can think about a place you loved being at or recount a meeting with someone you really enjoyed being with or go through old pictures of happy times you had or just lie down and think about something that is really close to your heart like a family member, pet, song, etc. The only thing you need to pack for a mental break is a personal collection of things you cherish or aspire.” Guess one can safely assume that mental holidays are the need of the hour. As we find ourselves being sucked more and more into a world of stress, anxiety and depression, its imperative that we create an alternate world of mental breaks. In fact, at this stage one can’t help but wonder if Marcel Proust was actually talking about mental holidays when he wrote, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” And it is this with this thought that we should plan a mental holiday. After all, don’t they say it’s all in the mind So go ahead and train your mind to take you away to exotic places or allow you to sky dive. The experts say that your holiday will begin the moment your muscles will relax. Stop stressing over shortage of funds, unapproved leave from work, lack of company or time; instead work towards indulging in relaxations that come free. After all, not everything comes with a price tag, right?
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WANDERER
Use your heart A camera has the power to capture the soul of a travel experience. Just like they say you eat with your eyes first, it’s also said that you capture with your heart foremost. Save the moments that make your heart smile, cry, dream... These may not make for postcard pictures but will hold a special place in your album. A simple act of quenching the thirst after a long trek
Meet the locals Some of the best pictures of a place happen to be the ones that include the people who make the place. Chat with the locals, observe their ways of living. et al. Respect their customs and privacy.
The locals know the place better than a search engine, see the place through their eyes
Up close & personal Get close to the objects and not just people. Years later, when you will flip through your album you would notice how a close up of a an object narrated the history of a place better than the frame that had captured the entire cityscape.
Be it a humble bottle or the gorgeous moon — all deserve to be zoomed in
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My holiday
album
Want your lens to capture people, emotions, objects, et al beyond the obvious and popular? Then, stop thinking like a tourist. For sometimes the over-visited tourist spots may not capture the spirit of the destination the way a smile of a local would. So, the next time you travel make sure your heart does all the thinking & clicking. Images: Vishal Khullar
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hink with your heart, let the eyes follow. Overlook the landmarks, focus on the details in the background. Forget the famous, involve the locals. The steps towards becoming a great photographer doesn’t always lie in getting hold of a SLR, suggest some great pictures. Yes, while it is important you own one and also learn how to compose nice shots, use the polarising filter, approach the subject in different angles and more; it is not just the technical aspects that help in creating memorable frames. This season, click pictures our way by following a simple rule — Don’t think like a tourist.
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WANDERER
Observe
Off the centre The subject is obviously the most important element of a picture but that doesn’t mean you place it right in the centre of the frame. Don’t be afraid to break the rules. Focus on the background and watch the subject come alive.
The sky lends life to the subject, the church
Look for the little details. Maybe it’s the way the light plays across cobbled streets. Or handicrafts that the locals sell in the markets. Maybe it’s food presentation in a restaurant, or an architectural feature.
The temple building will narrate its history but little elements around it will spell stories of faith A saint prepares for the day unperturbed by the noise of tourists around him
Set the mood Red, orange and yellow are known to be the warm colours, while blue, purple and green cool. Place them all in one frame. Shooting in colour can be overwhelming and can set the mood of a picture.
A splash of colours is not just for the canvas
Don’t be afraid to explore Everyone knows the popular places. Everybody goes to these. Don’t stick to the well-trodden tourist path. Explore the places that lie nearby. It will not only help improve your photography but also give you a chance to learn of things, people, etc, which lie beyond the ‘must-see’.
Walk away from the touristy destination and watch the sky change its colours
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