SEEMA September 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021

INSIDE

A MAYOR BOOST FOR LOS ALTOS HILLS

PLUS

DAYS AND NIGHTS IN VARANASI

POLITICS, IDENTITY AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

A SURVIVOR’S TALE

PUMPED UP ABOUT PUMPKIN

THE REMARKABLE RISE OF

NIVRUTI RAI INTEL’S INDIA HEAD

Sweta Vikram page 74

Amrita Deora page 20

Pumped Up Aboout Pumpkin page 66

CONTENTS

5

CONTRIBUTORS BEYOND LIMITS

PIONEERS

6

A Mayor Boost for

Los Altos Hills

10 Politics, Identity and

the American Dream

14 ‘Being Born in India,

STYLE

40 Fall Fashion Lookbook

With South Asian Brands

FEATURES

46 Color Me Happy

HOROSCOPE

78 Forecast With Farzana

SEEMA RECOMMENDS

80 The SEEMA Summer

Reads Guide

TRAVEL

ON THE COVER

50 A Multifaceted City 54 Days and Nights in Varanasi

FOOD

The Remarkable Rise of Nivruti Rai

24 The Quartet That Cures

Pumpkin

30

ENTREPRENEUR

BOOKS

It’s in My Blood to Love

Textiles and Colors’

20 Heart for Art

66 Pumped up About

36 The Relationship

70 Living Her Dream

Chemistry

74 A Survivor’s Tale

PHOTO CREDIT: INTEL INDIA

4

MEET OUR

CONTRIBUTORS FOUNDER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

SEEMA KUMAR CREATIVE DIRECTOR

SHARE/ LIKE/ TWEET/ US ON

SAJID MOINUDDIN DESIGN

HB DESIGN EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

ROHINI KAPUR EDITORIAL ASSOCIATE

AHAD SANWARI @seemanetwork

WRITERS

ABHIJIT MASIH LAYA NEELAKANDAN BINDU GOPAL RAO @seemanetworks

RASHMI GOPAL RAO SUGATO MUKHERJEE FARZANA SURI

@seemanetwork

BRAND PARTNERSHIPS, DEVELOPMENT AND STRATEGY

ANJALI MANIAM

SEEMA™ ISSUE 009 | SEPTEMBER 2021 EMPOWERING SOUTH ASIAN WOMEN GLOBALLY SEEMA KUMAR, FOUNDER

COPYRIGHT © 2021 SEEMA, JAYARAM, LLC SEEMA.COM

PUBLISHED AT P.O. BOX 814, PENNINGTON, NJ 08534

ON THE COVER: NIVRUTI RAI (PAGE 30).

PHOTO CREDIT: INTEL INDIA

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EDIT | SEEMA

GOING

BEYOND LIMITS

T

Time for a Reset

he beginning of September often heralds a tough transition for most Americans. It brings summer’s last hurrah and a last chance to let loose over the Labor Day weekend before the long haul of fall and winter. It’s time to head back to school and step it up at work. The pace picks up, and things begin to get serious. It is time for a reset.

But not so quick. While summer brought us respite from the clutches of the coronavirus due to increased vaccinations around the world, we enter into fall with uncertainty about the pandemic. As we race to vaccinate the whole world, and issue mask and vaccination mandates, parents and teachers grapple with worries about going back to work and back to school in a new world order. In it, we must take calculated risks while returning to some semblance of normalcy. The fastspreading delta variant and the rise in COVID cases and hospitalization is a sign that it ain’t over yet. But life goes on in hybrid ways, with small gatherings among vaccinated individuals providing a level of socialization, but the world at large is not ready to return to prepandemic normalcy.

We enter September ready for a subtle change in temperature, and a slight chill in the air to wake us up from the summer doldrums. And we face the reality that we must continue to fight the pandemic without letting down our guard. Life — however surreal — must go on.

For us SEEMA women, pandemic notwithstanding, there are businesses to manage, offices to run, dreams to

pursue, children to get ready for school, dinners to plan and homes to decorate.

We look forward to the fall festivals, and traditions like apple-picking, making pumpkin bread, keeping up with fashion trends, planning destinations for the future, shorter daylight hours, and a relief from the oppressive summer weather.

Our September issue of SEEMA is full of content to get you ready for the change of season, and for new beginnings in general. Speaking of new beginnings, we also are instituting a new change at SEEMA magazine.

We value the content we bring you and hope you do too.

Starting this month, our magazine will be subscriptionbased, and you can subscribe to the magazine by going to Seema.com/subscribe-magazine.

We’re a digital media brand with a focus on South Asian women, bringing you stories of extraordinary women breaking today’s limits and pushing tomorrow’s boundaries.

We also bring the modern South Asian woman content she will appreciate - addressing careers, lifestyles, education, sustainability, and self-empowerment. We are creating the largest global network of women leaders, entrepreneurs, makers, and doers with the skills and confidence to create a new world for themselves. We are investing in the next generation of South Asian women leaders. Our vision for the future also includes SEEMA4GOOD, with a focus on doing good through awards, scholarships, and grants for women and girls to pursue their dreams and empower the next generation.

We hope you subscribe to the magazine and contribute to our overall mission of empowering South Asian women around the world!

SEEMA KUMAR, FOUNDER SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 5

PIONEER | SEEMA

A MAYOR BOOST FOR LOS ALTOS HILLS Kavita Tankha calls the shots in one of the richest towns in the U.S.

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT: KAVITA TANKHA

ABHIJIT MASIH

L

os Altos Hills, California, is a small town in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is a 10-minute drive away from the headquarters of Facebook, Google and Apple, and from Stanford University.

Yet, this small town with just about 8,000 residents, most of them highprofile wealthy tech billionaires, astonishingly retains an old world rural charm with rolling hills and single homes.

6 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

The mayor is Kavita Tankha, an Indian American mother of four who has made this sleepy town her home since 2005, after working and living with her husband and family in various parts of the world.

Armed with a degree in law, Tankha once worked for various companies in Zurich, London, Chicago and Toronto, before finally deciding to settle down in Los Altos Hills, lured by its agrarian beauty.

Kavita Tankha and her husband with President Obama and the first lady at the White House Christmas party SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 7

PIONEER | SEEMA

HERE WAS A MAN WHO WAS AFRICANAMERICAN. AS A WOMAN OF COLOR, I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE AMAZING TO HAVE A MAN OF COLOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE COUNTRY, PARTICULARLY WHEN HE WAS SO SMART, INTELLIGENT AND ARTICULATE. HE REPRESENTED ALL OF US” Kavita Tankha taking the oath of office as mayor

“I really love where I live,” she says. “It is in the heart of Silicon Valley. It is a rural hillside community. If you sit outside your house you can’t see the next house.

It’s a kind of town that is very low key. There are a lot of wealthy people who live here but it is not cool to be flamboyant.”

The mayor grew up in New Delhi and after completing schooling at Loreto Convent, she went first to the College of Jesus and Mary, then Lady Sriram College. She earned her graduate degree in law at the Northwestern Pritzker School of 8 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Law. Tankha then began her career, working first in New York at a top law firm.

Talking about her decision to live around the world, she says, “Around that time my husband and I thought about an idea that how about we could live in different countries and work there – won’t that be fun? My husband is in finance and he could move and get jobs. Since I had a bar membership from New York, I could work anywhere and with any international law firm that did cross-border transactional work.”

After living and working in various countries, the couple with their children came to California around 15 years ago and found they really liked it there.

Tankha reminisces about her decision to make Los Altos Hills her home: “This is the place where I really want to stay. It was also the time when I got the time to think whether I want to continue with law.

For me the attraction of law school was to get finally engaged in political work, community service, and the fabric of the country I live in.”

Tankha’s involvement in public

service and politics is not limited to city hall. She has been actively involved in some high-profile political campaigns, includng the political campaigns of former president Barack Obama and, later, that of Hillary Clinton for president, and current vice president Kamala Harris.

Tankha had realized that federal laws had an impact at a local level and so sought to get involved at a national level. She was drawn first to Obama’s campaign based on hope and change and it was really compelling. Talking about what drew her to the former president’s campaign, she says, “Here was a man who was African-American.

As a woman of color, I thought it would be amazing to have a man of color as president of the country, particularly when he was so smart, intelligent and articulate. He represented all of us.”

Obama had such a great influence on Tankha that she put lot of work into the campaign, becoming one of his top fundraisers.

“Barack Obama was so charismatic and so compelling as a candidate that the money would just pour in,” she says. “I feel pretty fortunate to have been a part of his campaign and to raise kids during his presidency. It taught a lot of young people what humanity and a good human being looked like.”

Tankha worked for Harris’ first campaign for district attorney and for the office of attorney general.

“She is smart, she is eloquent and she has the people’s attention,” Tanka says.

“I remember the first event held for her. I had to tell people who she was to get them to come. In 10 years, there you go, she is the vice president of the United States.”

Asked if ethnicity played a major factor in her support for Harris, Tankha says, “She transcends all of that. I would definitely support someone of Indian origin and I

“SHE TRANSCENDS ALL OF THAT. I WOULD DEFINITELY SUPPORT SOMEONE OF INDIAN ORIGIN AND I WOULD SUPPORT A WOMAN, BUT YOU CANNOT WIN ON A SINGLE DIMENSION OF ETHNICITY” would support a woman, but you cannot win on a single dimension of ethnicity.”

Tankha is vocal about the importance of women holding office to be well represented. She argues that women bring a different perspective and that no one else can best represent their interests. That is also why she ran for mayor and why she is all for putting women in top positions.

“For so many years, we had a Congress that was predominantly male. Why do you think we are lagging when it comes to issues involving women in the workforce?

Because they could not think from a woman’s perspective when it comes to equal pay, maternity leave and all these things that impact women.

That is why we need more women in office – so that they make the rules that best represent their interests.”

As mayor of Los Altos Hills, Tankha has another year in her term. Thereafter, she can run for another four-year term. While not performing her mayoral duties and working to put women in office, she spends time with her husband, three kids and two dogs.

When she isn’t diving into politics, though, Tankha indulges some of her

more sedate interests – golf, travel and visiting art museums.

WINS AND VALUES • Has served on the board of many women’s organizations specially the Feminist Majority Foundation and advocated for their causes at the UN. One of them was a petition for the US to ratify the CEDAW (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women).

• Was on the board of Emerge California, which was the template for Emerge America.

It was formed when the question was raised, why don’t women run for office.

• Worked on a successful recall campaign of a judge who gave a rapist a sentence of just six months after an attack on the Stanford campus in the Silicon Valley.

• Focuses on fire safety, a huge concern in Los Altos Hills, which has narrow, winding hillside roads that make it tough for fire engines to traverse and people to be evacuated. The last fire came within five miles of the town.

• Feels the need for more women in office so that they can make the rules that best represent their interests when it comes to equal pay, maternity leave and all the other things that impact women.

• Believes that both American and Indian values are somewhat similar – to work hard, study hard, do well and enjoy life.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 9

PIONEER | SEEMA

Vignarajah speaking at the World Trade Center Institute’s “Women Spanning The Globe Leadership” conference in Baltimore, Maryland in 2019 10 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Politics, Identity and the American Dream Krish O’Mara Vignarajah, who previously worked for Michelle Obama, and ran for Maryland governor, now inspires as the head of a non-profit helping immigrants and refugees

K

rish O’Mara Vignarajah was just nine months old when she and her family escaped persecution and civil war in Sri Lanka. Now, she is the president and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, having previously served as policy director for former first lady Michelle Obama, and as a senior adviser in the State Department.

“America embraced our family when we were most in need,” Vignarajah said. “The warm welcome gave my parents the opportunity to plant roots, become teachers and open paths for me to get a world class education and become policy director, and now to lead a national organization fighting everyday to ensure stories

like mine are not just part of the past.”

After arriving in the U.S., Vignarajah and her family lived briefly with relatives before settling down in Baltimore County in Maryland. Her parents became public school teachers, and the family began to view Baltimore as their home, she said.

But growing up in the county was not all easy. Being the only brown girl in the room was difficult at the time, Vignarajah said, but she grew to embrace diversity and recognize its strengths. In all, reflecting on her time growing up in Baltimore county, Vignarajah is grateful for the rich education she was able to receive, a privilege she knows not every child or immigrant is afforded.

PHOTO CREDIT: : LUTHERAN IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE SERVICE

LAYA NEELAKANDAN

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 11

PIONEER | SEEMA

Vignarajah and first lady Michelle Obama speak at a roundtable of young women leaders in 2016

Vignarajah serving warm meals to newly arrived asylum-seeking families at one of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s welcome centers in New Mexico in 2019

Vignarajah delivers remarks as part of Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service’s “World Refugee Day” briefing for Congressional staffers 12 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

After graduating from high school, Vignarajah went to Yale College, and was a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University before returning to Yale Law School. She has also practiced law, worked as a clerk and taught at Georgetown University as an adjunct professor. For four years, Vignarajah worked at the State Department as senior adviser under then secretaries of state Hillary Clinton and John Kerry.

It was while she was working there that she received an email in her spam folder for the job of policy director for Michelle Obama.

“I ignored it, but I mentioned it to my husband.

He [said], maybe take a closer look at it. So I responded and ended up going through interviews and getting the job,” Vignarajah said. “[Michelle Obama] was incredible and inspiring.

She’s one of the best communicators of our generation and taught me a lot about not just how to hone your message, but also how to make sure your messages get to the audiences that need it.”

At the White House, Vignarajah led the first lady’s Let Girls Learn initiative, which aimed to empower adolescent girls around the world through helping them get a quality education. She said the experience was “uplifting” and she enjoyed getting to know the girls in the program.

Reflecting on her time leading the initiative, Vignarajah said one of the most powerful conversations she had with the girls was “trying to push them to think ambitiously.”

“We were about to introduce them to different women serving in executive roles, and my point was: see it, be it,” she said. “You’re about to meet these incredible women who have pioneered in science

“IT’S DEEPLY TROUBLING, BUT IT MAKES ME EVEN MORE FOCUSED ON EMPOWERING WOMEN. BECAUSE WHETHER IT’S NONPROFITS OR POLITICS, YOU JUST LOOK AT THE STATISTICS, AND THEY SHOW HOW FAR WE STILL HAVE TO GO”

and human rights and development and politics, and they’re just like you — they had humble beginnings, yet they never took a no [for an answer}.

They dreamed big dreams for themselves, and that’s what it takes.”

And that’s what Vignarajah did as well. Just three months after giving birth to her daughter, she launched her campaign to become the first woman of color to be governor of Maryland.

Although people told her to stay at home and take care of her baby, Vignarajah decided to “throw [her] hat in the ring.” Instead of viewing her daughter as the reason she should not run, Vignarajah concluded that was the reason she should run.

“Representation matters so much.

Whether it’s politics or policy, our elected need to look more like our electors,” she said. “I loved sharing my unique perspectives… it was an incredible experience.”

Although Vignarajah did not win, her campaign was powerful. In a sea of Maryland’s 62 past governors, all male and white, Vignarajah was a symbol of hope, something she says she is proud of.

Now, Vignarajah is the president and CEO of the Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service, the largest faith-based nonprofit organization helping to resettle and support refugees.

“Our work really boils down to three key pillars: resettle refugees, reunite families and rekindle dreams. We welcome refugees not because they are American, but because we are American,” she explained. “Through this work of welcome, we’ve seen that just a little support and compassion can help Americans become vital members of their community — it’s really an inspiring and beautiful circle of welcome we see time and again.”

While the organization has seen immense success, especially during

the recent Afghani refugee crisis, Vignarajah acknowledges that there have been challenges. She said that when she first started, it felt like “a war on immigrants and immigration,” but that changed with a new administration in place this year. Still, there is a long way to go, she said.

Vignarajah said she chooses to view the challenges ahead of her as a silver lining, saying that this “makes us stronger” and “reminds us of who we are as a nation” — that is, a nation of immigrants, aside from Native Americans and those forced through slavery to come to the U.S. Another defining characteristic of Vignarajah’s role is that she is the only woman of color leading a refugee resettlement organization.

The White House Project Report Benchmarking Women’s Leadership reported that 73% of all nonprofit employees are women, but Vignarajah said it’s disappointing to her to see how few of those women get to be CEOs. “It’s deeply troubling, but it makes me even more focused on empowering women,” she said.

“Because whether it’s nonprofits or politics, you just look at the statistics, and they show how far we still have to go.”

Ultimately, Vignarajah said she has been shaped by her identity as a Sri Lankan immigrant woman, something she is immensely proud of. She said her experience coming to America and the opportunities her family got here are what motivate her to continue her career in public service.

“Because I’m a woman of color, because I’m a South Asian, it’s made me sensitive to representing the underrepresented and opening up opportunities for all,” Vignarajah said. “My career will always center around public service — that I can say with 100% complete confidence.”

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 13

STYLE | SEEMA

Creative designer and entrepreneur Kaviya Ravi 14 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

‘BEING BORN IN INDIA, IT’S IN MY BLOOD TO LOVE TEXTILES AND COLORS’ Artist Kaviya Ravi discusses her journey to being a contestant on NBC’s “Making It”

A

s a young girl growing up in Coimbatore, India, Kaviya Ravi aspired to be a creative designer, but her traditional Indian upbringing pushed her into pursuing a degree in biochemistry. Today as a creative designer and

entrepreneur in Louisville, Kentucky and a star contestant on the third season of the NBC reality show, “Making It,” Ravi has taken the creative world by storm, a living example, she says, of “…women taking charge of their own lives and pursuing their true passion as a path to success.”

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT : : KAVIYA RAVI

SEEMA KUMAR

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 15

from across the country compete to make a variety of handmade, DIY projects. They are judged by an expert panel on their imagination, craftsmanship, and ability to tie personal stories about their craftiness and creativity.

As a contestant Ravi’s crafts showcased her Indian culture and her love for bright and bold colors, regaling judges and fellow contestants with stories, also colorful, of her upbringing, her arranged marriage and coming to America. Today, Ravi has an online shop on Etsy called Khromophilia with the motto to always stay “Unapologetically Colorful.” Her shop carries a wide range of products for people and their homes. Everything is handmade at her home studio. She works for Anthropologie as a display coordinator. During the lockdown, she transformed her entire home into a colorful happy space. We sat down with Ravi recently to talk about her journey from India and science to the United States and the world of arts and crafts.

Accessories designed by Kaviya Ravi

16 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

“Making It” is a competition featuring contestants from the arts and crafts industry, and is produced and hosted by actress and self-proclaimed craft novice Amy Poehler and woodworking guru Nick Offerman. On the show, an arts and crafts version of food or fashion competitions such as “Top Chef” or “Project Runway,” craft “makers”

Kaviya, take us back to your childhood. Where were you born and what values did you learn growing up?

I was born in Tamil Nadu in Coimbatore and my childhood was happy. It was simple, and I felt very loved by my parents. But then again, I come from a very traditional family.

Being a girl, there were a lot of rules and restrictions for me growing up.

I was still a very spirited child — or spoiled, as my mom would say — because I was questioning everything.

How did you get into arts and crafts?

Growing up, I was always inclined towards the creative side of things.

I was interested in a creative career, but resources were not available to me in India like they are here and

my parents didn’t want me to go that way. The most I would do is color with crayons or take a painting class.

I did apply to design school, but the acceptance never arrived. I was so disappointed. I thought I was just not creative enough for design school.

Years later, after I moved to the US, my mom told me that I did in fact get accepted. But she just tore the letter up before I could see it because she wanted me to go into biochemistry, the traditional route. And at that point, it was too late to be mad at her.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 17

How did you get from biochemistry to arts, architecture and interior design?

I never thought that changing careers mid-life was possible.

Because I never saw anybody in my community doing it, I never saw it as an option for me. After I got married, I moved to the United States and enrolled for my masters and was just miserable. I love science even today. But I was always drawn to color and doing things with my hands. That’s what brought so much joy to me and my husband, who is my best friend and my biggest cheerleader. He encouraged me to explore and discover myself. I took the plunge, dropped out of my masters and enrolled for a bachelor’s degree in art school. That day, I felt freedom, like this burden was lifted off my shoulders. It felt amazing.

And that’s when I knew this was the right path for me.

That was a lot of change. You move to Kentucky with your husband, drop out of a master’s degree in biochemistry and start over in art school. What was life like at that time?

Being in art school was not easy. I 18 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

had to work twice as hard because everything was new to me, I had to learn many new skills. But I had some amazing professors who encouraged me to dig deep, to become an artist and to dream big. And I was part of the artists community and interacting with other artists, makers and designers.

I started off with weavings. I think, being born in India, it’s in my blood to love textiles and colors. So I taught myself how to weave. And I made all these tapestries that I was selling in local stores, and thought, “You know what, let’s try to sell a couple on Etsy.” Now I’m always learning because there’s so much to learn. And I hope, even when I’m like a hundred years old, in a wheelchair, I’m still learning.

And now I’m into wearable art.

That’s what I call my earrings and baskets. I want art to be available for everybody, because sometimes it can get expensive. So I want to make something small that everybody can be proud of owning and sporting.

How did you hear about the NBC show “Making It,” and why did you decide to apply for it?

Okay, so I’m not a person that’s big on faith, but this was a crazy story. One day, when I was working as a display coordinator for Anthropologie, a co-worker of mine told me to apply for a show called “Making It.” I was thinking about it and the next day, my husband sends me one of my favorite podcasts on NPR with Simon Doonan (I’m a big fan) talking about auditioning to be cast as a judge on “Making It.” I decided, I’m just going to give it a shot. It was a very long, intense casting process, and when they finally invited me to LA to shoot for the show, I was so excited. I never thought I would

be part of something like this. It was such a wonderful production, with the friendliest people ever.

What was it like to watch yourself on TV? Oh my god, I was such a nervous mess. I thought that I would be so boring that they would edit me right off. And it was an awful feeling. But I had some friends over and watched it with them. And it was beautiful. I was reliving every moment because it had been almost eight months after taping. I made the cut, and they didn’t take me out and I don’t think I was boring either.

Not only were you not boring, you were exciting. What is your American dream and America has really been a land of opportunities for you?

I think there is no one, single definition of an American dream.

But I’m trying to live mine. And absolutely, the US has been a land of opportunities in so many ways.

It has led me to flourish, get my wings and fly and taught me that I don’t have to be behind any man just because I’m a woman. I can do whatever I want. I can be whoever I want. I can go however high I want.

What’s your message to other women, especially those coming from India, and trying to live the American dream? What are the lessons that they can take from you?

I want women to know that they are the only ones in charge of their lives. Not anybody else, just you. Do whatever makes you happy. There is just one life, and never ever compare yourself to anybody else. We are all on different paths in our lives. Our journeys are different. So it’s not fair to compare ourselves to one another.

Just be supportive of one another and lead your life the way you want to.

“I THINK THERE IS NO ONE, SINGLE DEFINITION OF AN AMERICAN DREAM. BUT I’M TRYING TO LIVE MINE. AND ABSOLUTELY, THE US HAS BEEN A LAND OF OPPORTUNITIES IN SO MANY WAYS” SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 19

PIONEER | SEEMA

HEART FOR ART

Amrita Deora of The Designera reveals what art means to her, and how her passion is also her profession BINDU GOPAL RAO

H

aving launched her passion project during the pandemic, Amrita Deora admits that following one’s heart can bring up challenges that need to be overcome.

DESIGN DETAILS Deora admits that her love for art took her across the globe from Venice’s Bienalle to Basel’s Art Basel to New York’s Museum of Modern Art. “I sought out every place and traveled to where I could find art,” she says. “My world travels became synonymous with my journey of art. But The Designera was ignited with an epiphany when I went to see the Durga Puja in Kolkata and was left mesmerized with the craftsmanship within India. It was a moment where one realizes how severely undervalued Indian art is.

Seeing all these places on an international canvas, and then seeing the mismatch of Indian talent and platform, I committed myself to be a flag-bearer of Indian art.”

Deora says she is lucky to wake up every day and do what she loves and motivates her.

“The vision and mission for The Designera is something that I will work tirelessly to accomplish.

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT: THE DESIGNERA

FLASHBACK Deora’s father is a first-generation entrepreneur, and that entrepreneurial spirit permeated her home. “From a very young age, our dinner table conversations equipped me with all the soft skills I needed for my entrepreneurial quest,” she says.

“Although being an entrepreneur at age 17 was unconventional, it felt like a natural step in my journey because of the way I grew up. At age 17, my blooming love of design coupled with my real estate background led me to set up Camelot CoWorks, an uber-cool coworking space. With the luxury of hindsight, I know that this venture allowed me to grow my love of design while finetuning my leadership and entrepreneurial skills.

Soon after, my passion for the fine arts led me to set up The Designera, which I can confidently say is my true calling.”

“FROM A VERY YOUNG AGE, OUR DINNER TABLE CONVERSATIONS EQUIPPED ME WITH ALL THE SOFT SKILLS I NEEDED FOR MY ENTREPRENEURIAL QUEST” SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 21

That is, honestly, motivation enough,” Deora says.

“MY WORLD TRAVELS BECAME SYNONYMOUS WITH MY JOURNEY OF ART. BUT THE DESIGNERA WAS IGNITED WITH AN EPIPHANY WHEN I WENT TO SEE THE DURGA PUJA IN KOLKATA AND WAS LEFT MESMERIZED WITH THE CRAFTSMANSHIP WITHIN INDIA”

ART DYNAMICS As the vision for The Designera began to evolve, she realized that the disruption in the art industry was yet to happen, and she knew she had to be at the forefront of the art revolution.

“We pivoted our vision to add an art layer to the everyday, and revolutionize the way in which we interact with art,” she says.

While launching The Designera during the pandemic, Deora used the opportunity to onboard exquisite artists and give them a steady flow of income, which they wouldn’t have otherwise got in the current market.

The Designera is a platform for emerging artists and an incubator for creators. Through an extremely selective curation process and an under 5% acceptance rate, The Designera selects artists and artworks spanning all verticals: sculptures, paintings, photography, illustrations and more.

“We are also the only artist platform to purchase every single art piece that we represent, allowing the artist to have financial freedom right off the bat,” Deora says. “Our mission is truly nationalistic at heart; we hope to empower our artists and create a global name for Indian art.”

WOW WOMAN With the launch of The Designera, Deora’s long-cherished dream has been realized. Like any young entrepreneur, the route to success was filled with several ups and downs.

“Over time, I have come to realize that roadblocks are a

part of any journey, and it is just a matter of crossing over,” she says. “However, for a woman entrepreneur, the resistance may be slightly elevated due to preconceived societal norms.

Nevertheless, I have learned to be fierce and to believe in my goals despite these roadblocks. Success generally comes after repeated trial and error. Taking risks and pushing boundaries is second nature to me. Being a woman, in fact, contributed to nurturing my business goals, and it reflects through my decision-making skills.”

Deora’s success also owes much to her family – her rock and support system.

“Being able to talk through every issue, however momentous or minuscule, is something that gives me incredible strength,” she says.

Deora also likes to travel and playing the piano to unwind.

“I also study our epics – currently the Bhagavad Gita – which have been a guiding force for me,” she says. “My study of Indian mythology also inspired a series of art pieces in The Designera collection.”

Today, more young women than ever before are, like Deora, embarking on entrepreneurial journeys, launching incredible ventures and paving their path to living their dream life on their own terms. The key is to innovate, evolve and learn along the way.

“Women entrepreneurs need to harness their talent with an unwavering will to succeed in any industry,” Deora says. “Don’t be afraid to make errors; instead, view them as opportunities to grow.

While it might be challenging, embrace your entrepreneurial journey and have faith in your ability to achieve success.”

VARIOUS ART WORKS ON THE DESIGNERA PLATFORM

Amrita Deora, founder & CEO, The Designera

THE QUARTET

PIONEER | SEEMA

That Cures These women physicians are breaking into historically male-dominated specialties and shining on ABHIJIT MASIH

T

hese female doctors have broken into historically male dominated specialties of medicine, specialized fields such as hematology, oncology, pelvic medicine and reconstruction surgery, child psychiatry, and nephrology.

The Fab Four is a bunch of extraordinary women who have dared to pursue unusual streams of medicine and owning them, making a mark in fields of medicine that have

24 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

traditionally been considered male bastions. Even though they treat diverse diseases, the common thread that binds them is that they are serious and talented physicians, women of color, and definitely people who know how to let their hair down when the scrubs are off.

Dr. Natasha Dave, Dr. Vini Chopra, Dr. Swati Divakarla, and Dr. Shruti Murali talk about their inspirations, challenges they faced, and reveal to us their interests outside medicine.

DR . N ATASH A DAV E , M . D. SPECIALTY: Nephrolog y ( Nephrolog y is the subspecialty of inter nal medicine that focuse s on the diag nosis and t reat ment of disease s of the k idney) WHERE: St rive Health , Miami , F lorida that. Later, my father developed colon cancer when I was in high school, which got me thinking about pursuing medicine. Furthermore, my elder sister, who like me also went to the American University of Antigua, went into medicine. She is someone who inspires me a lot.

WHY AN UNUSUAL SPECIALTY? Because of the patients! The patients are significantly older and the problems incredibly complex. In most cases you are dealing with multiple organs and balancing not just the kidneys, but in certain cases the heart, and it’s just a very complex field.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY? It is a lot of fun. Nephrologists are a nerdy group of individuals who like numbers and equations. It is a fascinating field for innovation and a highly complex stream, which makes my job a lot of fun.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE MEDICINE? WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DOCTOR? I grew up in a town in California, where a majority of my parents’ friends were physicians, and I was enamored with

DID YOU FACE GENDER BARRIERS AND DISPARITIES? COULD YOU DISCUSS YOUR EXPERIENCES? In the last decade, we are doing somewhat better. Earlier, just getting into medical school or even getting into certain fields, there were big disparities. There is disparity in the workforce for surgeries. You see more men practicing in these positions than women. The selection criteria have become better, but there are not just disparities based on gender, but also racial disparities.

DOCTORS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE FUN. HOW DO YOU REACT TO THAT STEREOTYPE? I think it’s silly. Everyone is allowed to have some fun.

Humor and having fun is a good outlet.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I like to spend time with friends and family. I am also involved in a lot of social media activities. I also contribute to two nephrology blogs. Travel, meditation, and running are some other activities that I enjoy.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 25

PIONEER | SEEMA

WHY AN UNUSUAL SPECIALTY: I chose this field because I feel extremely passionate about improving the healthcare and well-being of women. We definitely have a tendency to put ourselves second after everything else: work, family, life. It’s great to be in a specialty that not only promotes the well-being of women, but also improves their quality of life.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY? Most of the patients suffering are women who are over 60 years old, and it is nice that we can provide the care and treatment to them. Even during my residency in OB GYN I was very much interested in this field of medicine and I always wanted to be a surgeon.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE MEDICINE? I always knew I wanted to be a physician. I also wanted to be the person that individuals came to and trusted, in their time of vulnerability while being sick, and to give them the best care possible.

To extend my healing hands for them. It’s been a lifelong dream to be a doctor, and I feel grateful every day that I am in this role.

DR . V I N I CHOPR A , M . D.

DID YOU FACE GENDER BARRIERS AND DISPARITIES? COULD YOU DISCUSS YOUR EXPERIENCES? I wouldn’t say that there have been any challenges that are any different those my male counterparts face. There is a lot of diversity in medicine, and you find doctors from all backgrounds.

SPECIALTY: Female pelvic medicine and recon st r uctive medicine (Deals with pelvic f loor disorders , including urinar y incontinence , lower urinar y t ract disorders , pelvic organ prolapse , and childbir th-related injurie s .)

DOCTORS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE FUN. HOW DO YOU REACT TO THAT STEREOTYPE? I would not necessarily agree to that. I, for one, am not overly consumed by medicine. But there has to be a balance.

WHERE: Nor thwell Health , New York

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I do a lot of fun things and hang out with friends, go on trips and let my hair down. I love to travel.

26 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

PIONEER | SEEMA DR. SWATI DIVAKARLA, M.D. SPECIALTY: Child , adole scent , and adult psychiat r y (Branch of medicine focused on the diag nosis , t reat ment , and prevention of ment al , emotional and behavioral disorders) WHERE: C apit al Family Psychiat r y, Washing ton , D.C .

WHY AN UNUSUAL SPECIALTY? In college, I had done work with kids of autism and teaching underprivileged children. I think the interest kind of stirred from there. During rotations at medical school, I found that the psychiatry rotations were the ones that I liked most. I enjoyed the teaching experience that I had, and I got to work with both kids and adults.

I thought it came a lot more naturally to me.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY? Each patient is different, and I have to come up with a creative and individualized plan for each patient.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE MEDICINE? WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DOCTOR? Interestingly, nobody told me to do it. I just had an interest in science, anatomy, and physiology.

In learning how the body works and learning the different mechanics was fascinating. Also, the time that I spent with the autistic kids while I was younger, I think gravitated me towards becoming a Doctor.

DID YOU FACE GENDER BARRIERS AND DISPARITIES? COULD YOU DISCUSS YOUR EXPERIENCES? I would say it happens all the time, unfortunately.

It also depends on the work environment you are in. Sometimes people or the staff in the hospital might talk you to a little differently when you are a female versus the male. It’s not overt, but it’s the subtle things that people do and the way they respond.

DOCTORS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE FUN. HOW DO YOU REACT TO THAT STEREOTYPE?

I don’t know who said that. I think we all have our way of enjoying ourselves. I don’t know who made up that saying; it’s certainly not something that I live with.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? I really enjoy hiking, which sometime involves camping as well. More recently, I have started enjoying gardening.

I also do yoga and work out and, though it sounds a bit lame, I do enjoy it. Most of the time it’s time spent with family and friends.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 27

DR. SHRUTI MURALI, M.D. SPECIALTY: Hematolog y/ oncolog y (Hematolog y-oncolog y refers to the combined medic al practice of hematolog y – the st udy of the blood’s physiolog y and oncolog y – and the st udy of cancer) WHERE: St . Joseph’s Medic al Center, Town send , Mar yland .

WHY AN UNUSUAL SPECIALTY? Disorders of the blood and their cure is an emerging field. It may not be a field that many people know about, but it is definitely a field that is most rewarding in the scheme of things.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT YOUR SPECIALTY? In India, a lot of people suffer from anemia. I was really inspired because there is a lot of hope and there are a lot of treatments that a lot of people don’t know about.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE MEDICINE? WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A DOCTOR? My dad, who is an ENT surgeon and had a clinic in India, always had me involved in his practice. I was very fascinated by the field of medicine. I guess he was the inspiration right there at home.

DID YOU FACE GENDER BARRIERS AND DISPARITIES? COULD YOU DISCUSS YOUR EXPERIENCES? 28 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Probably not so much now, but while I was studying and doing my training, there was definitely a sort of gender preference for men. This may also be because most senior positions were held by them rather than women. But I think that it is changing over time, which is nice.

DOCTORS ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO HAVE FUN. HOW DO YOU REACT TO THAT STEREOTYPE? Well, you have to make time for yourself. It depends also on the field that you are in and what you do and what you consider fun. I make time. I have a child and I look forward to coming home to her and spending time with my family. Our generation, I think, subscribes to working smart and having that work-life balance.

WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER INTERESTS? Hanging together with friends and spending time with them. I love traveling, but COVID has put a damper on that. I also like cooking. I really like decorating my house and arranging the furniture.

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COVER STORY | SEEMA

Nivruti Rai, country head of Intel in India and vice president of Intel Foundry Services 30 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

THE

Remarkable

Rise

OF

NIVRUTI RAI

The chief of Intel India candidly describes her vulnerabilities – and her many sources of strength

D

riving a car in the streets of Troy, New York, Nivruti Rai was overcome with a feeling of accomplishment, of having shattered a barrier. It was not because she was driving back from a successful job interview or after having launched another pathbreaking product for Intel; it was the simple act that she was driving a car.

Rai is the country head of Intel in India and vice president of Intel Foundry Services.

After a long stint at Intel in the U.S., she is now based in Bengaluru, India, though she spends most of her time traveling between Intel offices in India and the U.S. A LOVE FOR LUCKNOW The simple feat of driving a car was unimaginable for a girl born in Gorakhpur and raised in Lucknow, both relatively small towns in India. In the past, only men drove cars. For her, this simple activity was like stepping into a male domain, which

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT : INTEL INDIA

ABHIJIT MASIH

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 31

COVER STORY | SEEMA conjured a triumphant sentiment in the heart of the young girl, far away from her native place.

While in the U.S., oceans away from the life of small-town India, Rai was – and still is – absolutely passionate about Lucknow, the city of nawabs where she grew up and earned her university degree. She remembers the city fondly, saying, “It is such a special city for me. Every nook and corner has a story with me in it.”

“I DECIDED TO MOVE TO INTEL BECAUSE MY HUSBAND WAS ALREADY THERE. I HAD STARS AND LOVE IN MY EYES, THINKING THAT IF I JOINED INTEL, I COULD SPEND EVEN MY LUNCH AND CHAI BREAKS WITH MY HUSBAND. I WILL GET THOSE ADDITIONAL MOMENTS WITH HIM”

32 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

PENCHANT FOR POETRY During the interview, Rai switches between a technologist and a poet with ease to explain how she forged her own path in technology.

Using a line from the famous poet, Jigar Muradabadi, she compares her challenges and struggles as a woman in the industry: “Apna zamana hum aap banatey hain aye ahle dil; hum woh kahan jissey zamana bana gaya.” (Resolute hearts forge their own destiny; I am not of those forged by destiny.)

FINDING INSPIRATION AT HOME TO FORGE A STEM CAREER How did a woman who by her own admission has an equally creative brain become interested in STEM? Rai credits her father as being a big influence in her academic and professional choices. She got her love of technology from her father, who possessed strong mathematical skills and was a rank-holder in the engineering entrance exam in his time. To prove to him that a daughter can do the same things as a son, she pursued a career in technology.

“To make my father happy and to fulfill some of his dreams, I continued studying mathematics and chose to be a technologist and an engineer,” she says.

THE QUEST FOR SOLUTIONS Finding solutions to complex issues at work is a major part of Rai’s job profile. She talks about her mother as the one who inculcated in her the habit for finding solutions to all problems. A major influence in Rai’s career, she encouraged her to see the positive side in everything.

“My mom always lived on the solution side,” says Rai. “If something was not working, she would always think of ways to make it work. She always had a solution to any adversity that fell on me, or us as a family.”

A LAND OF LEARNING AND LOVE Rai, who was studying in New York, moved to Oregon for love. The move was a result of her marriage to Sunit Tyagi, who worked for Intel at that time. A casual visit to her husband’s office was sufficient for her to decide that she would only work for Intel, even if there were more lucrative job offers on hand.

Getting into Intel is a dream for any engineer, but for Rai it served a dual purpose. It was while visiting her husband at Intel, walking the corridor with him wearing a visitor’s badge, that she closed her eyes and prayed for her visitor’s badge to turn into an employee’s badge.

She recalls, “I decided to move to Intel because my husband was already there. I had stars and love in my eyes, thinking that if I joined Intel, I could spend even my lunch and chai breaks with my husband. I will get those additional moments with him.”

Nivruti at Intel India’s 20th year anniversary event SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 33

COVER STORY | SEEMA Even after decades of marriage and two teenage children later, the love still endures. Rai took this interview in a hotel room while traveling with her husband. Tyagi was helping Rai to fix the lighting and set up the background, and the discomfort that he had to turn technician was evident on Rai’s face. At one point, she got up and moved a cushion that needed to be moved rather than ask him to do it for her.

A MISTAKE THAT CATALYZED SUCCESS After a career spanning continents and decades, Rai has had her fair share of challenges while moving up the corporate ladder within Intel. She shares one such incident.

“I failed brilliantly once,” she says. “While making a product, we made a mistake while making a chip. It was not such a big mistake, because functionally, nothing was wrong. Perhaps in a million of those chips, one would not work. But ... anybody who was a somebody at Intel was blaming us for that mistake.” Keeping her mother’s counsel in mind, Rai spent five months fixing the problem. Finally, she and her team succeeded.

The product went on to make more money than even the Intel’s initial projection, and Rai was singled out for her hard work before thousands of employees at an internal conference. That was the beginning of Rai’s rise in the world of technology.

“That feeling – I still have in my heart. Even now, I can feel the exhilaration that I felt. It was almost as pleasurable as the first time I saw the face of my children,” she says, beaming with pride. Taking a leaf from the experience, she came up with her own mantra which she still lives by even today: “Come what may, I will never fail.”

A RETURN TO INDIA Moving from the U.S. to India was a life-changing moment for Rai and her family. In America, life had provided all that one could ask for, but Rai decided to move back home and pay it forward. She summarizes the experience: “From the lap of luxury, where there are no differences between wants and needs, to India, where I could clearly see what the needs of humanity were.”

In India, Rai is part of a very exclusive band of women leaders in the tech industry, and has now been at Intel for more than 27 years. She joined Intel in 1994 as a design engineer and moved to India as the Country Head in 2016.

Her most notable contributions have been in artificial intelligence and machine learning.

PAVING THE WAY FOR WOMEN AT WORK As a woman in a leadership role, Rai is conscious of her responsibilities towards empowering her gender. She takes the role very seriously, even though the percentage of women in technology in India has risen by 10% in the last decade. She implores women not to consider their gender as 34 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

an impediment. Rai says she often forgets her own gender at work and during meetings.

She explains, “Now, nothing matters to me. I don’t know which gender I am when I am working.” Her advice for women in the corporate world is to “take charge of their career, continue to create value and to be themselves.”

Rai’s rise at Intel and the journey to the C-Suite level is a beacon of hope and inspiration for countless women. Her journey conveys a message to them that a career should not be sacrificed at the altar of family responsibilities. She shattered the glass ceiling, balancing her role as a leader at work and a caregiver at home. Using her own experience, she recommends women pursuing leadership roles to be confident in their skin. She suggests, “They should not be swayed by people who talk. Let the noisemakers make noises. Remember, you don’t have to wear gray to show that gray matters. I do not have to dress up in a certain way to show that I matter.”

MANTRA FOR WOMEN The dynamic world of technology demands an everevolving requirement to improve skill sets and to upgrade knowledge. Learning becomes a constant for a person to grow in this fast-paced career. Rai wants women to harness their power, like Moses who parted the sea. She feels women can accomplish whatever they set out to do, and that the key to success at work is to make learning a part of your commitment.

She says, “Women can be the powerful force of water that can make its way through the mountain. Be yourself. Do not give up. Continue to sharpen your edge so that you can improve and be the value-creator. Align yourself to the job that you are responsible for, and work for a purpose.”

FINDING A WORK-LIFE BALANCE Technology and travel may consume Rai’s days and nights, but she does not consider work an energy-drainer. Asked how she recharges her batteries, she promptly responds that she does not really strive to do that.

Using the McKinsey quote that “Work-life balance is a myth,”, she says, “What matters is managing your energy.

Finding what you absolutely love to do and is most important to you, everything else is a distraction.”

PASSIONS BEYOND CODING Rai is not all about processors and microchips. She does have a couple of stressbusters she absolutely relies on. Falling back on the creative side of her brain, Rao finds time to do the little things in life that matter and energize her the most. An hour spent on embroidery or designing jewelry with a friend is all it takes for her to revitalize herself. Another quality she has inherited from her mother is the love for embroidery. The

designs are examples of meticulous work in an area other than coding.

The chief of Intel India also has another love – cooking.

Like embroidery and designing, she finds it another source of rejuvenation and also somewhat therapeutic. Not an image you would ordinarily link to the top boss of a tech company. However, it is in character, as a chat with her will reveal. Rai does not come across as an authoritarian figure, but is warm and polite.

ALL ABOUT THE KIDS Besides her passion for coding and embroidery, her children are absolutely vital to Rai. Even with her busy calendar, she makes sure to find time for her now grown-up and working children. The older of the two, Rohan, is an alum of the University of California, while Sachi is a Stanford University graduate in computer science.

Rai’s maternal instincts do not have boundaries, and she also showers it on her team at Intel as well. She takes pride in her ability to transform the Indian office from a bunch of employees full of talent but low on confidence to a team going toe-to-toe with the best across the world. The very same confidence that she acquired, driving a car in America.

While the U.S. gave her the space to study and grow and become the person she is now, Rai now finds herself home – in India. She continues to be a stellar example of a woman on top of the pyramid, promoting economic growth and social change.

A woman who doesn’t need to wear gray, Rai demonstrates she has enough gray matter, even if she is dressed in an embroidered outfit.

Clockwise: Nivruti and Sunit with their children Rohan and Sachi; Nivruti with her husband, Sunit; Nivruti in her younger days SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 35

ENTREPRENEUR | SEEMA

Priyanka Ghura Kuka (left) and Tanisha Ghura Kanani (right), co-founders of Not So Arranged 36 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

THE RELATIONSHIP

Chemistry BINDU GOPAL RAO

D

ating is changing in India and across the world, and the pandemic has also fueled a lot of this change. Sister duo Tanisha Ghura Kanani, co-founder and business head, and Priyanka Ghura Kuka, co-founder & creative head, of Not So Arranged are addressing the psychological angle, too.

LOOKING BACK Kanani, a marketing executive and co-founder of Bombay Marketing Group (a marketing advisory firm) has, over 15 years,

worked in Mumbai, New York City and Washington D.C., in various marketing roles in different companies, and thus pushed her to grow personally, learn to be adaptable, dynamic and be a people’s person.

“I am a firm believer in ‘going after what you believe in and working towards your dreams and goals,’” she says. “I grew up in Dubai and moved to Mumbai when I was 16. I have also lived and worked in the US for six and a half years as a marketer before moving back to Mumbai in 2019 and starting Bombay Marketing Group with my husband.”

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT : : NOT SO ARRANGED

Not So Arranged is a New Age dating platform that is taking dating offline to match like-minded singles scientifically

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 37

ENTREPRENEUR | SEEMA Kuka has a background in digital content spanning over nine years as well as a degree in psychology, which is great for better understanding dating behavior in the 21st century.

“I have worked with three startups in editorial roles, the most prominent being with POPxo for six years,” she says. “I joined them before they launched and was a part of the founding team. I was fortunate to help, establish and grow the editorial team from scratch. I was also the beauty editor for two years before becoming assistant rditor at POPxo. After POPxo, I worked with another beauty start-up with focus on content and e-commerce.”

This was also around the time that the concept of Not So Arranged was born.

In March 2020, Kuka quit her job to focus on Not So Arranged full time.

Glimpses of Not So Arranged’s research of dating experiences

MAKING A DIFFERENCE The sisters had personal experience with the arranged marriage set up that did not work out for one of them.

They observed how their close friends and cousins were struggling to have meaningful dates and wanted to change this.

People were trying hard to find a meaningful connection with terrible experiences via the common dating apps, they say, arguing that dating shouldn’t be this difficult; it should be fun and lighthearted.

COMPATIBILITY CUES The USP of the site is taking dating offline to match like-minded singles – scientifically – through their compatibility quiz. The approach focuses on quality over quantity, blending psychology with dating behavior.

“We are about personality over profile,” says Kuka. “Our aim is to find you a meaningful match who will actually compliment your personality and lifestyle. Our compatibility quotient won’t tell you whether you will fall in love with the person, but it can tell you

38 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

GLIMPSES OF RESEARCH INTO THE DATING EXPERIENCE BY NOT SO ARRANGED

“THE COMPATIBILITY QUIZ HELPS YOU TO KNOW SOMEONE BEFORE MAKING A COMMITMENT. THIS QUIZ HAS TWO PARTS THAT ASSESS BOTH COMPATIBILITY AND PERSONALITY” Tanisha Ghura Kanani Co-founder, Creative Head whether it is a good idea if you did.”

The team’s chief psychologist

(who specializes in relationship therapy, behavioral research and premarital assessment) has spent months creating a customized quiz to help measure the compatibility of individuals to each other. The quiz deep dives into an ‘About You’ session, gathering information to help find great potential matches.

The compatibility quotient does the rest.

“The Compatibility Quiz helps you to know someone before making a commitment. This quiz has two parts that assess both compatibility and personality,” adds Kanani.

DATE DEAL With 85% of their matches taking the conversation beyond the first date and 95% of members providing post-date feedback that the conversation was extremely easy-flowing and not forced or awkward, the young team is

certainly on track to make dates matter.

They say their service is more personal since the team is accessible to members, and that they consider each person’s preferences when finding a match. They say the aim is to find someone who makes their customers happy, while ensuring the process is fun.

PSYCHOLOGY TO FIND A SUITABLE MATCH Panna Kamaljit, their in-house psychologist and therapist, with a decade of experience, lives and breathes psychology. As a couple’s therapist, she has had an inside view of relationships that makes her believe that love comes in all forms. The process helps people find someone they are actually on the same wavelength, matches as they are on personality, thoughts, values and dating behavior.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 39

FALL FASHION

STYLE | SEEMA

LOOKBOOK

WITH SOUTH ASIAN BRANDS LAYA NEELAKANDAN

A

s fashion trends change and we enter the fall season, you may be wondering what the latest trends are, so that you can hop on the bandwagon while showing off your cultural heritage. Lucky for you, some South Asian fashion brands have provided their input on what styles, colors and fabrics are in this season.

Here’s a Fall 2021 Fashion Lookbook, with input and pieces from South Asian brands to spice up your wardrobe.

40 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

PHOTO CREDIT: ANCY JOHN

This fall, hop on the latest fashion trends with inspiration from these great outlets

Ruffles on pre-stitched sarees bring about a fresh change this fall. Outfit by Sanya Gulati from Indiaspopup.com SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 41

STYLE | SEEMA

PHOTO CREDIT: RADHIKA SARIPELLA

IKA POPUP STUDIO IKA is a U.S.-based business that showcases brands from India, bringing attention to handlooms and handmade products, especially made from natural dyes and fibers.

They also emphasize sustainable and conscious fashion, promoting small businesses.

“To put it in simple words, [it’s] Indian brands under one roof; from luxury to everyday wear, we showcase them all,” said founder Radhika Saripella.

At IKA, Saripella knows that earthy tones, like beiges and blushes, monochromes and stripes are going to be all the rage in the fall. But, to add a little extra something, IKA also has lots of sequins and metallics in their fall fashion.

EMBROIDERED SILK KURTA SET | $215 This monochrome silk pink kurta set encapsulates IKA’s monochrome yet elegant looks for fall fashion. The simplicity of the kurta is juxtaposed with the intricate heavy embroidery. Blush is a color that is in this fall, so this kurta falls in perfectly with the trend.

MEERA SEPARATES | $70 IKA is focusing on monochromatic stripes for this fall. This ivory with gold set brings a simple elegance with a little extra character through the stripes. Pulling in the beige and ivory is another fall fashion trend for IKA. IKA Popup Studio’s fall fashion fits right in with the trends of earthy tones, monochromaticity, stripes and sequins, providing classy and elegant pieces for your fall wardrobe.

42 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

ree is a classy lo IKA’s gold dust sa

g event ok for an evenin

GOLD DUST SAREE | $125 IKA’s Gold Dust Saree is a perfect example of using sequins to add dimension, a piece Saripella said is perfect for a timeless, classy look at a night event. Sequins are popular for Fall 2021 fashion, and this stunning saree fits right in.

BISOUNYC “our multifaceted identities to create a blended wardrobe.” Fusion fashion has been gaining popularity in recent years, and bisouNYC has the perfect pieces for this trend.

SOHA | $285 This dress is the definition of chic and classy. Perfect for “dinner in NYC or brunch in Tulum,” this dress is the

epitome of fusion fashion and could be perfect for a fall event.

MIRA | $450 September being fashion month, new experimental styles are bound to emerge. This set is the perfect Indo-Western combination and can be paired with “boots and stockings to make it truly streetwear style.” The option of skirt or shorts provides two different but equally chic looks.

With the rising popularity of fusion fashion, bisouNYC brings all the class and elegance with these pieces. Try one of them out, and you’re bound to get lots of compliments!

ASHA AND MOORNI $300 AND $500 These two pieces are perfect for festival season with their pops of color and elegant styles. They also prioritize comfort, so you can have a “fuss-free and stylish Diwali.”

BisouNYC’s Ash

a is an elegant st

yle for fall

orni i C’s Mo on Y N u o s Bi seas festive e h t r fo

fect p s a per

olor

op of c

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 43

PHOTOS CREDIT: PUJA SAGIR

bisouNYC focuses its energies on fusion fashion for this fall.

Founder and designer Puja Sagir says that bisouNYC is “a multi-designer store, and we also produce our own exclusive collections under the bisouNYC brand.”

Sagir said that their inspiration for fall fashion trends was embracing

STYLE | SEEMA

WESTxEAST creates custom-designed South Asian pieces to fulfill your vision and needs. Each customer is paired with a design consultant, who works through the process of designing and choosing fabrics. The final product ultimately is shipped to your door.

“WESTxEAST specializes in bringing to life the Deep jewel to nes a vision of our clients,” co-founder Liya Thachil said.

Ensembles from re popular colors this sea son.

WESTxE AST “They come to us with their dreams and Pinterest boards, and we create a digital design book, complete with sketches and fabric swatches, where they select what it is that they would love to see their bridal party in.”

WESTxEAST is following the RUFFLES trends of deeper colors, less Another trend WESTxEAST’s embellishments and jewel tones fall brides have been interested in monotone looks for this fall. in is lehengas with ruffles on the skirt. This detail adds a little extra JEWEL TONES dimension without being too Reflecting on WESTxEAST’s fall much. brides, Thachil said they have opted for deeper colors “from jewel tones to earth tones.” Specifically, deep purple and teal have been particularly popular colors, reflecting the trend of deeper colors for Fall 2021 fashion.

SATIN AND MONOTONE SAREES Between South Asian fashion and western fashion, one color seems to be undeniably in: lavender.

Also classified as a jewel tone, this lavender saree shows the simple yet elegant feel of the color in a monotone look.

In all, Thachil said WESTxEAST’s brides are going for more minimal, upscale looks, reflecting an overall trend in this fall’s South Asian fashion, and WESTxEAST has “been loving seeing that shift.”

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E AST

om WESTx

h ruffles fr Lehenga wit

PHOTOS CREDIT: LIYA THACHIL

WESTXEAST

INDIASPOPUP.COM

ABHINAV MISHRA PINK MIRROR EMBELLISHED LEHENGA SET | $2,489 Another trend Indiaspopup.com is seeing is mirror work, a traditional aspect of South Asian fabric that they say is coming back in style.

But specifically, they pinpoint the combination of mirror work and shades of pink as something that “has always been a top contender in the trendsetter charts.”

SANYA GULATI ROSE GOLD EMBROIDERED PRESTITCHED SAREE SET | $625 A common trend for Fall 2021 fashion seems to be ruffles on sarees. These ruffles add a dimension and flair to an otherwise simple look, a touch Indiaspopup.com says “brings about a fresh change in an otherwise typical draping style.”

Pink mir ore this season. pl ex to d en tr a hues of pink– Indiaspopup.com Mirror work with av Mishra from in bh A by t se a ng embellished lehe

ITRH GOLD SHARARA SET | $1,458 The last trend Indiaspopup.com is seeing for Fall 2021 is the traditional lampi fabric. This fabric features unique weaving and originates in India.

According to Indiaspopup.com, Lampi fabric is “most certainly a festive favorite” for holidays this fall. These pieces are just some of the many trends for fall fashion this season. Try out one of these pieces – or trends – and you’ll be just as stylish as the world’s top designers!

ror

PHOTO CREDIT: ANCY JOHN

Indiaspopup.com, founded

by Archana Yenna, is a global platform for South Asian fashion. The brand focuses on luxury wear and is headquartered in Dallas, TX. According to a description on the website, “The platform features inclusive, embracive, and conscious curation.”

According to the team, “Indiaspopup.com has a reputed presence in the industry for sourcing authentic luxury wear from India.”

Looking at trends for this fall, Indiaspopup.com identified ruffled sarees, mirror work and lampi fabric.

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FEATURES | SEEMA

Colors add life to any space 46 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Color

ME HAPPY A judicious use of tint, shade and hue can change how your home feels

PHOTO CREDIT: RSDA

RASHMI GOPAL RAO

here’s a reason we don’t see the world in black and white – Celerie Kemble It is often said that color is a power which directly influences the soul and a key factor that affects people’s moods and emotions.

The right colors and color pairings can work wonders at the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual level.

In fact, the science of color therapy or chromotherapy believes that color and colored light can help treat physical and mental health. It is believed that the different colors of the spectrum have different wavelengths and each color has its own energy. Given that colors are so significant, it is little wonder that color therapy is so important in homes and home décor.

“Our surroundings always play a crucial role in reflecting our moods and behavior.” says Rakhee Bedi Kumar, founding principal, RSDA. “If one is enveloped in light and pleasant colors, one feels relaxed and at ease. Similarly, if the ambiance is too bright and aggressive, one may feel unmotivated and disturbed.

A conscious color choice for your spaces can result in enabling better control over your feelings and emotions at home”.

COLORS FOR POSITIVE VIBES IN HOMES Given that colors have a powerful impact in instilling a sense of harmony and wellness in homes, there is a lot of importance given to the choice of colors and color combinations. It is key to note that colors do not just mean paint on the walls, but also textures, patterns and even SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 47

PHOTO CREDIT: BETA MAKERS LAB PHOTO CREDIT: P MAKERS LAB

PHOTO CREDIT: BETA MAKERS LAB

Neutral shades best suit the bedroom

Fresh plants introduce a pop of green to the study

PHOTO CREDIT: BETA MAKERS LAB

Neutral shades invoke relaxation in the bedroom

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PHOTO CREDIT: RSDA

mood boards for a space. Feng Shui and Vaastu experts also believe that when colors are used as per the right prescription and proportion, it has a therapeutic effect and can enhance healing and calming vibes.

PHOTO CREDIT: THE WORKS INTERIORS

Pastel tones enhance the sense of calm in the children’s room

Wooden tones and light hues exude a sense of warmth in any space

artifacts. While certain colors calm our minds, others can stimulate our mental activity; hence, it is important that we use colors in our interior spaces wisely. “In home décor, color therapy is a holistic approach to healing,” says Devika Khosla, creative director, The Works Interiors.

“Hence, an understanding of colors and their energies is important while designing a space, as this could steer the vibe of the room in a certain way and nurture the inhabitants.

Besides using color on main walls, flooring or furniture, they can also be incorporated through textures like rugs, cushions, curtains, throws.”

To be sure of where one is heading, it is often recommended that one create

IDEAL COLORS FOR DIFFERENT SPACES While colors are a very personal choice and depends on an individual’s taste, personality and requirement, here are some general pointers that can go a long way in maintaining an ambience that is pleasant and relaxing. While red and orange are warm colors and represent fire elements, yellow represents positive energy. Green is a symbol of balance and harmony, while blue indicates positivity and calm.

White and gray denote positivity, while purple is a symbol of luxury.

“Ideally, the ceilings should be white or of a lighter shade as compared to other walls, as they reflect light,” Mayank Bhandari and Reetu Jain, co-founders of Beta Makers Lab. “The entrance, or foyer area. should be well lit and bright to exude warmth and positivity. It can be accompanied by natural elements like plants, fresh flowers or even sculptures. The living area is the ‘heart’ of the entire house.

Natural and light tones are best suited for living areas as it makes the entire area look spacious. It can be paired with other elements like swings, bursts of colors and reflective surfaces for an aesthetic appeal.”

The living room is one of the most used spaces of the house, and so neutral and wooden tones also help create an atmosphere of comfort and security.

“Ideally, bedrooms should have lighter tints to invoke restfulness and peace,” adds Khosla. “Pleasant and dreamy tints of blue, purple or even candy are suitable.

Avoid dark hues as that might make the room gloomy and sometimes interrupt a good night’s sleep. When it comes to the kitchen, it is recommended to use tones like gray and beige to maintain hygiene.

A color pop of yellow, ochre or even burnt sienna through backsplash or tiles can bring energy and freshness into the kitchen.”

Dining is one place where the family bonds over conversations and food.

Since green promotes balance, renewal and refreshment, it is an ideal hue for the dining area.

“Studies show that the color red can accelerate our pulse and respiratory rate and also increases our appetite,” says Kumar. “Thus, designers often offer the color red and its variations for kitchen decor.

However, the color emotionally ‘charges up’ the atmosphere, and when used in confined spaces, it can be overwhelming. Thus, it needs to be carefully implemented in any space.”

Since colors have the ability to inspire, excite, soothe and even agitate, they need to be explored in the children’s room with extra sensitivity. Again, pastels as the overall tone and using color pops of orange, bright pink, blue and even purple through accessories and wall paper is a good idea.

DOS AND DON’TS When designing a home, it is better to choose an overall color, i.e. your dominant shade, preferably a neutral one that runs across the entire house. Then, go room by room and layer colors through accessories and decor. For common areas, you can experiment with bold colors on one wall or highlight a particular spot.

Avoid dark shades on every wall, as that will make the space look smaller and gloomy. Colors like dark gray and black should be used as a contrast and with care. Always take a holistic approach and bear in mind the likes and dislikes of everyone in the house.

According to Bhandari and Jain, of the Beta Makers Lab team. the colors in the overall scheme should complement each other and should be chosen after understanding the space as a whole.

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The exterior view of Saint Pierre’s Cathedral in Geneva 50 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

A Multifaceted City Geneva, a hub for international organizations and banks, is also rich with history, natural beauty and culture TEXT AND PHOTOS BY RASHMI GOPAL RAO

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osmopolitan yet culture rich, contemporary but with slices of the old-world charm, Geneva offers a kaleidoscope of experiences.

A global hub of finance and diplomacy, Geneva is located on the southern tip of its eponymous lake. It is surrounded by the picturesque Alps and Jura mountains and is the second most populous city after Zurich in Switzerland. While it is known as a center for international organizations, such as the United Nations and Red Cross, it also offers sights spanning history, culture, art, architecture and natural beauty.

A gateway to the mighty Alps, it is located

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 51

FEATURES | SEEMA The UN building in Geneva

Lake Geneva

The Reformation Wall in Geneva

in the French-speaking western part of the country and lies close to France. Nestled between mountains and a lake, Geneva is a wonderful place to visit, irrespective of season.

HOME TO INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS Geneva for me was always synonymous with the United Nations, whose office here is the second most important after the headquarters in New York.

I opted for a guided tour of the place and it definitely proved to be a memorable experience. The 52 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Palais des Nations, as it is known, was built between 1929 and 1936 in Ariana Park, in the center of Geneva. Ariana Park is one of the most prestigious parks in the city, boasting a plethora of indigenous floral species and a stunning view of Lake Geneva.

The splendid Palais des Nations is an ode to twentieth-century architecture. The tour gives one some insight into the history, objectives and function of the United Nations, its member countries, official languages. It also goes into conference rooms to give

Inside the Maison Tavel museum

Inside Saint Pierre Cathedral

visitors a feel of how high-level diplomatic meetings are conducted.

The UN in Geneva is one of the main centers for international cooperation and multilateral negotiations in the world. Apart from the UN, Geneva is home to several other international organizations, such asthe World Trade Organization, World Health Organization, International Committee of the Red Cross and the World Bank.

OLD TOWN Also called Vieille Ville in French, Geneva’s old town is an eclectic quarter and the largest historic center in the country. Best explored on foot, the cobbled streets lead to a maze of alleys and passageways that host quaint cafes, boutiques and shops galore. Perched at a height, the old town calls for a bit of a climb but the trudge is well worth it! At the center of the old town is the renowned St. Pierre’s Cathedral, the symbolic location of the Reformation.

Rebuilt several times, the cathedral dates back to the 6th century and has a majestic 210-foot tower. The interiors are largely plain, a lot having been destroyed around the 16th century when the city accepted Reformation.

The Place du Bourg-de-Four, which is a must-visit square in the old town, is one of the oldest places in the city and dates back to Roman times, when goods were exchanged and traded here. Replete with fountains and a medieval vibe, it is a great place to hang around while enjoying a cup of coffee.

MUSEUM HOPPING If you are a fan of museums, Geneva does not disappoint. The International Museum of the Red Cross is dedicated to the work of Swiss humanitarian, businessman and social activist, Henry Dunant.

The Museum of Art and History is one of the largest, and houses about 650 pieces of art, including applied and fine art. The natural history

museums comprehensively cover the world of flora and fauna.

Switzerland has always been known for its watches, and one of the finest horology museums is the Patek Philippe Museum. The museum is an ode to five centuries of watchmaking, and includes the antique collections going as far back as the 16th to 19th centuries, and the Patek Philippe collection, which has watches from 1839 to the present.

Maison Tavel, which also means travel house, is yet another unique museum in the old town. It is housed within the oldest house in Geneva, built in the 12th century. Belonging to the Maison family, this house was rebuilt in 1334 AD after it was destroyed by fire. The museum gives visitors a view of Geneva’s history, evolution and development including the city’s way of life, architecture and has several significant displays including a model of Geneva of the yesteryear.

ACTIVITIES Lake Geneva offers a whole lot of activities, especially during summer. This includes swimming, cruising, boating on the lake as well as cycling and hiking along the shore.

The “Jet d’eau,” a water fountain in the lake that spurts water as high as 460 feet is a perfect spot to take a selfie. The public baths and spas at Bains des Pâquis on the lake worth visiting, too. Reasonably priced, these are extremely popular with locals and tourists alike. If you are in the city on a Saturday morning, there is nothing like scouring for antiques and collectibles at Plainpalais, which hosts one of Switzerland’s biggest flea markets.

Soaking in the greenery Bastions Park and experiencing a slice of Italy in Carouge, a few minutes from Geneva, are other fun things to do in the city.

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DAYS AND NIGHTS IN

VARANASI The ghats of this ancient holy city are testimony to its ageless rhythms TEXT AND PHOTOS BY SUGATO MUKHERJEE

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ark Twain famously said that Varanasi is older than history, older than tradition and even older than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.

More than 125 years later, nowhere is this more evident than on the uninterrupted corridor of the ghats of Varanasi, from where this ancient, yet vibrant city just spills onto the River Ganga. The holy mother river is the lifeline of the city and the extensive and continuous stretch of the riverfront with 84 ghats is where you can feel the rhythm and rhyme of Varanasi,

54 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

replete with daily chores, rituals and religious ceremonies.

The intricate network of streets that meander from the riverfront steps into the deep recesses of the old city is a time-warp with its impossibly narrow alleyways flanked by centuries-old mansions. It is difficult not to feel a little lost while exploring the maze of twisting lanes slicing through the ancient neighborhoods, and often the best option could be to plant yourself in one of the streetside joints with a glass of famed Benaras lassi and feel the timeless appeal of this city, which is chaotic and serene, vibrant and soulful, all at once.

T HE SPECTACU L A R G A N G A AA RT I I S A Y E A R-RO U ND A F FA IR ON T HE M A IN D A S A S W A M E D H G H AT. T R AV E L E R S F L O C K T H E R E I N T H E E V E N I N G S F O R A G L I M P S E O F T H I S V I S U A L E X T R AV A G A N Z A

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A Y O U N G W O M A N O F F E R I N G P R AY E R S T O T H E H O LY R I V E R G A N G A W I T H A L I G H T E D L A M P I N T H E P R E - D AW N H O U R S

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L I F E S T A R T S AT 4 A . M O N T H E R O A D S L E A D I N G T O T H E R I V E R , A N D T H I S Y O UNG F LOW E R SE LLE R C AN SE LL HE R ME RC H ANDI SE EV E N IN T HO SE WEE HOURS

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S E A G U L L S H O V E R A B O V E T H E R I V E R W AT E R S I N T H E W I N T E R M O N T H S

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A S L O W B O AT R I D E O N T H E G A N G A I N T H E M E L L O W M O R N I N G L I G H T I S A G R E AT W A Y T O S O A K I N T H E V I B E O F T H I S A N C I E N T C I T Y

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R I V E R G A N G A I S T HE PR I M A L L IF E F ORC E OF VA R A N ASI, A N D T HE C I T Y ’ S A N C I E N T R H Y T H M R E M A I N S AT T U N E D W I T H T H E G R E AT R I V E R T H AT H A S S H A P E D I T S C U LT U R A L A N D R E L I G I O U S I D E N T I T Y

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A GROUP OF Y OUNG BOY S LE ARNING V EDIC CH AN T S ON T HE RIV ER B ANK. ST U DE N T S F RO M AC RO S S IN DI A ST U DY IN VA R A N ASI’ S R E SIDE N T I A L SC H O OL S T H AT S P E C I A L I Z E I N A N C I E N T R E L I G I O U S T E X T S A N D S C R I P T U R E S

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T HE L ABY R IN T HINE L ANE S OF T E N T HROW UP A D ASH OF COLOR , A N D I N T I M AT E , F L E E T I N G M O M E N T S

T H E G H AT S C O M E A L I V E W I T H C H A O S A N D C O L O R S D U R I N G T H E O F M Y R I A D A C T I V I T I E S H E L D T H E R E R O U N D T H E C L O C K . I T I S D R Y I N G T I M E F O R T H E E L D E R LY W A S H E RW O M A N , A N D H E R G R A N D S O N H E L P S H E R W I T H T H E D A I LY C H O R E

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T HE M AJE ST IC M AN SION S OV E R LO OK ING R IV E R G ANG A AR E AS INTERESTING FROM THE INSIDE AS FROM THE OUT SIDE , AND OFTEN ARE FILLED W IT H A STORIED PAST

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T H E A G E - W O R N C O V E R E D P A S S A G E W A Y S T H AT W A N D E R AW A Y F R O M T H E G H AT S C A N O F T E N L E A D Y O U T O A W O R L D T H AT H A S R E M A I N E D UNC H ANGE D OV E R T HE C E N TURIE S

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A S O L O R E C I T A L O F I N D I A N C L A S S I C A L M U S I C O N T H E R I V E R F R O N T. VA R A N ASI H AS BE E N ON E OF T HE PR I ME C E N T E R S OF IN DI A N C L AS SI C A L MUSIC FOR CENTURIES

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FOOD & DRINK | SEEMA

PUMPED UP ABOUT PUMPKIN 00 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Making bread using pumpkin, which has found favor among chefs and nutritionists alike, is a delight in more ways than one BINDU GOPAL RAO

B

aking bread has caught on during the coronavirus-induced lockdown, becoming a big trend on Instagram as well. More importantly, experimenting with bread became key, and pumpkin found its own place, the two trends meeting in a popular and easy pumpkin bread recipe that uses flour and pumpkin with

spices. To make the best pumpkin bread, follow these instructions carefully. An original pumpkin bread recipe will always use cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, all making for a distinct flavor.

We teach you three versions of how to make pumpkin bread, including a few simple pumpkin bread recipes as well as a traditional pumpkin bread recipe.

P U M P K I N B R E A D R E C I P E 1 (courtesy Ranjan Samal, corporate chef, Paul John Resorts & Hotels) INGREDIENTS • 500 grams all-purpose flour • 3 tbsp sugar • 2/3rd tbsp salt • 2/3 tbsp dry yeast • 3 tbsp sunflower oil

• 2/3 lb pumpkin • 3.5 tbsp water • A pinch of nutmeg powder METHOD 1. Peel and chop pumpkin into

small cubes after removing the pith and the seeds. Put the cubes in a pan, adding enough water to just cover them.

2. Let it simmer with the lid on until the pumpkin cubes have

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FOOD & DRINK | SEEMA softened and cooked well. Drain and cool the pumpkin at room temperature. Once cool add to the blender for a smooth puree.

3. Put all the ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, pumpkin puree, water, yeast, nutmeg powder) in a mixer, running it for two minutes on slow speed until everything is incoporated.

4. Knead the mixture for three minutes or until the dough comes together. Add oil and continue kneading for five

minutes.

5. Put the dough in a big bowl and let it rest for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep it covered or wrap it with clingfilm.

6. Transfer the dough to a clean, floured surface, then divide into two equal portions. Make each portion into a ball.

Flatten using your hand. Fold right to center and fold left to overlap it. Roll out and place all dough in the bread loaf pan.

7. Let it proof in a warm place for 30 to 35 minutes or until the dough

reaches the rim of the bread pan.

8. Bake in a preheated oven at 375° F (top & bottom heat) for 30 to 35 minutes, or until golden brown.

9. Remove bread from the oven and let them cool on the rack completely before slicing. Gently muddle the berries in a pitcher.

Fill the pitcher with a bottle of chilled sparkling apple or grape juice. Stir, pour over ice if desired, then garnish with a lemon peel.

INGREDIENTS • 1/2 lb pumpkin puree • 1 lb sugar • 1 lb butter • 2/3 tbsp baking powder • 10 No Egg (egg replacer) • 1 lb refined flour • 5 tbsp vegetable oil • 1/3 tbsp cinnamon powder • 1/3 tbsp vanilla extract

METHOD 1. Preheat the oven to 325° F. In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together with a whisk.

2. Add the pumpkin purée, vanilla extract and salt, and whisk to blend. Add flour and whisk well.

3. Switch to a big spoon and stir in the flour, just until combined. Gently fold them in now.

4. Pour the batter into your

P U M P K I N B R E A D R E C I P E 2 (courtesy Kapil Dubey, executive chef, The Den Bengaluru)

PIONEER | SEEMA greased loaf pan and sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.

5. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes,

or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean 6. Let the bread cool in the loaf

pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer it to a cooling rack, leaving it there for 20 minutes before slicing.

NUTRITION FACTS Serving Size: 1 slice 140 Kcal 39g carbs 5g fat 3g protein

FAQS

P U M P K I N A N D W A L N U T B R E A D R E C I P E (courtesy Ranjan Samal, corporate chef, Paul John Resorts & Hotels) INGREDIENTS • 0.9 lb pumpkin • 1 lb caster sugar (called superfine sugar in the U.S.) • 1.7 cups sunflower oil • ¾ lb all-purpose flour • 1.75 oz corn flour • 5 Nos Eggs (egg replacer) • 0.7 tbsp cinnamon powder • 0.7 tbsp baking soda • ½ cup chopped walnut • 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds METHOD 1. Peel and chop pumpkin into small cubes, removing the pith and the seeds.

2. Put the cubes in a pan, adding enough enough water to just cover them. Heat till the water is simmering with the lid on until the cubes have softened and cooked well.

3. Drain and cool the pumpkin at room temperature. Once cool, blend to a smooth puree.

4. In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda and spices. In a separate bowl, add sugar and egg, stirring continually.

5. Stir pumpkin puree until well blended. Stir pumpkin mixture into the flour mixture. Stir to moisten. Add the oil to the mixture, thereafter mixing in chopped walnut.

6. Transfer the mixture to a baking pan and sprinkle the pumpkin seeds on top. Bake in a preheated oven at 355 ° F (top and bottom heat) for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

7. Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes.

8. Cut into slices and serve.

How do you keep pumpkin bread moist?

After removing the pumpkin bread from the oven, wrap it in foil. That is the secret to keeping it moist.

What can you substitute for eggs in pumpkin bread?

Mashed bananas, pumpkin puree, mashed avocado and fresh fruit sweet purees are good ways to substitute for egg in the pumpkin bread recipe.

Why is my pumpkin bread dense?

Pumpkin bread is dense in nature and it is important not to overcook the bread and follow the recipe.

Is canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree the same thing?

Canned pumpkin and pumpkin puree are used interchangeably in recipes and mean the same which is steamed and pureed pumpkin.

Is pumpkin healthy to eat?

Being nutrient-rich, high in fiber and low in calories, they make you feel full, and hence are a great option for weight watchers.

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BOOKS | SEEMA

Author Monica Bhide 70 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

Living

HER DREAM Monica Bhide uses nonlinear narrative to weave a complex tale of magic realism

S

SEEMA KUMAR

toryteller and globe-trotter, Monica Bhide is an award-winning author, literary coach, and educator whose specialty is crossing boundaries — chronological, geographical, religious, and economical — to take her readers on a journey of magical realism.

Her latest book, “The Soul Catcher,” releases on September 1, and is a fascinating and captivating tale of magical realism, exploring fate, faith, loss and love.

It is a story about Yamini Goins, a woman who has the ability to capture someone’s dying soul and keep it alive. The woman is faced with a dilemma, when she sees her betrayed lover who desperately needs her help. Will she help him or not? The story is told in 12 parts, put together like a mosaic puzzle, compelling you to read all the stories to

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BOOKS | SEEMA

Monica Bhide’s latest book, available from September 1 on Amazon.

“I WAS ALWAYS DREAMING UP THINGS, DREAMING UP SCENARIOS, DREAMING UP STORIES, TRYING DIFFERENT RECIPES PLAYING AROUND WITH SPICES. I MEAN, THAT WAS ALWAYS MY HOME, IT WAS VERY MUCH AT HOME IN THE KITCHEN”

discover what happened in the beginning.

“It’s a very different type of challenge. It’s a different way of telling the story, and the magic of Yamini is a story of all that makes us human,” says Bhide. The desire to live, the fear of death, the longing for love, and the release that comes with the acceptance of fate, are all interwoven in this story.”

Bhide is no stranger to the magical realism genre. She is best known for her debut work, “Karma and the Art of Butter Chicken,” which explores the healing power of food.

That book tells the story of a young man named Ishaan from a poor family who loses his mother to preventable starvation. Ishaan’s goal is to feed the world. So he decides to start a little eatery called Karma Kitchen, where people can eat for free.

Ishaan serves delectable meals to people but he’s actually aiming for a higher purpose, which is to solve world hunger. What sounds like a great idea turns into a challenge when Ishaan realizes that he needs to fund it, and things take a turn. How does an orphan who has no money, no background, no education, no family, create something for himself? The book is a hero’s journey about a young man who wants to change the world.

The novel, which combines cookbook and storytelling, received rave reviews. The book led to NPR’s Café in Washington, D.C., to serve up creations inspired by Bhide’s protagonist chef.

“I think the most frequently used word to describe me was a dreamer,” says Bhide. “I was always dreaming up things, dreaming up scenarios, dreaming up stories, trying different recipes playing around with spices. I mean, that was always my home, it was very much at home in the kitchen.”

Bhide has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, Bon Appétit, Food & Wine, and Town & Country, among others, focusing on culture-driven articles that approach the world food first. Her books, all infused with a signature lyricism, consist of acclaimed cooking compendiums, like 2009’s “Modern Spice,” brimming with contemporary versions of traditional Indian recipes. Her debut short story collection, “The Devil in Us,” a clutch of spellbinding tales centered on fate and fortune, earned a spot on Amazon’s bestseller list in 2015, while her more recent novel, Born in New Delhi, raised in the Middle East, and now residing outside Washington, D.C., Bhide serves

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT: KN VINOD

as a corporate storyteller for one of the world’s leading professional services companies. Her prolific portfolio, enriched by the many places she calls home, channels a distinctly cosmopolitan worldview.

When she first put “The Soul Catcher” together, everyone who knew her as a novelist and food writer, expected a book focused on food combined with fiction and mysticism.

“And I’m like, there we go. There’s the box again. Nope, not doing it,” says Bhide. “I’m going to tell the story I want to tell. We’ll see if it fails.

I learned something. If it succeeds, I will learn something, you know what I mean?”

“The Soul Catcher” will be a breakout surprise, says Bhide. The book releases on September 1 and can be found on Amazon.

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A SURVIVOR’S TALE

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT: SWETA VIKRAM

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Author and wellness coach Sweta Vikram 74 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

BOOKS | SEEMA

Author, wellness coach and Renaissance woman Sweta Vikram discusses her latest book, ‘A Piece of Peace’ ABHIJIT MASIH

A

s a young girl growing up in Rourkela, India, Sweta Vikram loved signing autographs on her school books, then covering them with standard brown paper.

Vikram continues to sign books, albeit as autographs on published books sporting her name.

“A Piece of Peace” is Vikram’s new book, which will be launched September 21. Her latest effort comes after 12 earlier books that have covered topics including poetry, yoga, multi-culturism and wellness. While the themes may be diverse, there is a common thread that runs through them all – women empowerment. Vikram’s books focus on teaching a more holistic approach to creativity, productivity, health, and nutrition.

“A Piece of Peace” is about Vikram’s personal struggle with a near-fatal disease. It is an autobiographical account of her fight for survival and her subsequent victory. The book is about her journey back to wellness, through mindfulness and Ayurvedic healing. It exemplifies the true resilience of the human spirit. In the book, she shares her vulnerabilities, recommendations, interviews experts, and reminds us, that our response to a situation, determines our path in life.

Vikram credits her dad for encouraging her to a path of writing. He possessed the dual and somewhat differing qualities of

being an engineer and a poet. His idea of gifts – were and has been – books. Vikram slowly began to appreciate these gifts, even if they were not toys or dresses.

She recalls, “He got me into reading and introduced me to the world of stories. I didn’t realize at that time what a gift that was for a child. He reminded me of the importance of stories and words.”

After a few years of living in Libya, Vikram’s parents realized the potential of their young daughter and so sent her to Oak Grove, a boarding school in Mussoorie, back in India. There, Vikram discovered her artistic inclinations, and soon became the chief editor of the school magazine. The school also played its part in molding her into a successful writer.

“The number of people that have graduated from my school and have gone on to join films, television, production, and other creative fields are innumerable,” she says. “There are hardly any doctors or lawyers from my batch.

So school also had something to do with it.”

After completing the first of many post-graduate courses in sports nutrition, Vikram started working for Kellogg’s in Mumbai, India. The writing bug followed her to the U.S., where she moved in 1999, and where she continued writing, while either studying or working.

“I have three master’s degrees SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 75

PIONEER | SEEMA

A young Sweta with her mother, Nimmi Srivastava

Sweta Vikram with her father, B.C. Srivastava

and have never stopped studying,” she says. “My creative journey was going on at one side and my wellness story was percolating on the other.”

While working on her degrees, Vikram also spent time improving herself as a writer. This involved attending writing classes, speaking to other authors and joining communities to hone her skills. She found time to do all this at the end of her day job.

“My husband was very supportive in all of this, ‘cause obviously this did not leave me anytime for dal, chawal and tadka,” she says.

“He encouraged me to focus on writing.”

Vikram is not only an accomplished author, but also an international speaker, a trained yogi and a certified Ayurveda health coach committed to helping people thrive on their own terms.

She credits her mental strength and her ability to wear numerous hats to the yoga and meditation she practices.

Vikram explains, “I realized that yoga and meditation was not slowing me down, but were channeling my energies in such a specific way that it made it possible for me to juggle my studies, my work, and my writing, all at the same time.”

The yogi, through her books and talks, promotes the importance of wellness and how essential it is for everyone in today’s highpressure world.

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Sweta Vikram and her husband Anudit

“IF I AM GOING THROUGH SOMETHING, I WRITE. IT IS LIKE MY SELF-INDUCED THERAPY OR HEALING”

BOOKS | SEEMA Vikram realized that anxiety, diet, and lifestyle are essential parts of anyone’s success. That’s when she began employing her knowledge of yoga and Ayurveda, to design routines for entrepreneurs, corporate professionals and creative personalities.

In 2016, she launched NimmiLife – named after her mother, who passed away six years ago.

Vikram remembers her mother saying, “We try to save the world, but we cannot save the people we love the most. My mother was known for literally bringing people back to life and back from hospitals, through just her cooking. Now that I know Ayurveda, I realize that the kitchen is the easiest access to the apothecary.”

Vikram implores women to pay attention to their health and well-being. Her definition of women empowerment calls for prioritizing yourself and putting your wellness above all else. Her message to all women is “Your empowerment does not exist, unless you are taking care of yourself. When you take care of yourself, you heal your family, your home, and your community.”

As a best-selling author, Vikram’s nugget of wisdom to all the budding writers is First ask yourself why you want to write and then take out the time to write on a daily basis. Write, not when you have a muse, but be consistent and show up every day.”

Asked what motivates her to write each day, she says, “If I am going through something, I write. It is like my self-induced therapy or healing. My writing is very much centered around wellness, creativity and giving women a voice.”

Vikram’s books have interesting and intriguing titles: “Wet Silence,” “Louisiana Catch,” “Saris and a Single Malt,” and “Beyond the Scent of Sorrow.” She explains the thought process behind the selection of each title.

“Anything that I write depends upon what I am feeling at that moment. Mostly, the stories pick me.

A lot of my poetry books have been about women who didn’t have a voice, so I shared their stories. It is also about my experiences, like in the case of ‘A Piece of Peace.’”

Vikram lives in New York City with her husband, and works with clients across the globe. When she is not busy penning down her thoughts on paper, she finds time to teach yoga, meditation, and mindfulness to survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence as well as to incarcerated men and women.

SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 77

HOROSCOPE | SEEMA

FORECAST WITH FARZANA Mar 21 - Apr 19

It is a month of discovery and unraveling of secrets. Trust your intuition no matter how out of this world it may seem.

Speak your truth.

However avoid unnecessary confrontations. Steer clear of any family or office gossip and ignore what others think. Focus on what you know instead of overthinking, worrying and procrastinating. A good time to upgrade and evolve into your higher self. Your victory begins when you fall in love with patience, have the courage to manifest and learn to collaborate instead of competing. Open communication and balance enhance trust in the love area. Slow down your pace, appreciate the little things, and do more with less.

Apr 20 - May 20

You may find yourself bursting with creative energy and more attuned to your inner feelings. Act with compassion and emotional maturity to attain balance between the heart and mind. Your actions have the power to affect those around you. In financial dealings, use your wisdom to guide you, and keep your cards close to your chest. In the love area, expect a more responsible, loving and supportive relationship. While your goals are 78 | SEEMA.COM | SEPTEMBER 2021

important, do not forget to build in rest.

Take time off to unwind with a book, listen to music, meditate or write – whatever helps you to heal. A short family getaway or meetup is a possibility.

May 21 - Jun 20

You find yourself in a position where you are required to mediate a conflict, or caught in the middle of a dilemma with no clear outcome. It is a difficult decision, if you are emotionally invested or there is an information overload. Bite the bullet, shrug those emotions and take a firm decision. If you are overwhelmed balancing any drama and conflict then communicate and focus on the facts. The sooner you resolve this, the more likely you will be at peace. Ignoring a problem, may not help your cause especially in matters related to your career, health, money or relationship.

Jun 21 - Jul 22

IYou may feel let down or disappointed due to some recent event but don’t allow that sadness take over your life. You have the strength to overcome what comes your way and move on from situations that cloud your peace. The setbacks are temporary so get over it, think clearly and focus on the larger

goal. If you are having a problem at work, take the initiative to clear things up. Some relationships and friendships may end, to create space for new ones. Take some time off to heal and get back into the dating game. Maintaining a positive outlook will be instrumental in your recovery and victory, so remain optimistic.

Jul 23 - Aug 22

You may find yourself going through an internal transformation of soul-searching and self-healing.

Whatever it is that no longer feeds your soul, needs a refresh - your outlook, behavior and priorities. Release the brakes and go with the flow. A good time to declutter, detox and drop the past behind. Wherever you are on your path, remember to live in gratitude. Exercise prudence in all money matters. Light your own path by upskilling or hire a mentor to help you achieve your personal and professional victories. In the love arena, accept some kind of distance either by choice or enforced through work. It will help to take time - out for check-in conversations.

Aug 23 - Sept 22 Reflect and tune into your feelings and intuition. If you have been holding back, then now is the time to open yourself to love and the warmth of romance.

Allow the uninterrupted flow of creativity to

flow and build on those ideas. Your feelings of guilt and stress around money can derail your financial goals. Steer clear of getting involved in any adventurous financial investments.

Issues related to women, children or pets close to you may turn you into the proverbial ‘agony aunt’. Shield your energy and invest in self-care. Create a sacred space in your home where you can unplug and recalibrate from the daily stressors and unwind.

Sept 23 - Oct 22

You are able to improve your life because you understand that it is up to you to make the necessary changes.

This month, you may find yourself building your financial independence and working to secure your future. Juggling ‘work from home’ and ‘work for home’ responsibilities may seem, a tad impossible. However identify your time wasters and free up time to follow your own pursuits and interests. Be rational and resourceful and know that opportunity lies in seizing the moment. Ask, ‘what small shifts can I make every day to bring more joy and harmony?’ Victory is yours if you accept that you have all it takes to manifest your vision.

Oct 23 - Nov 21

Some things that had been weighing on your mind or heart may be more or less resolved.

Prepare to leave old baggage, old stories, old comfort zones, and move forward to embrace a new way of life.

This has come after some reflection and without any fear, only the resolve to see things through. Yes, there could be some regret, but chin up for new opportunities await you. You may feel the need for space and alone-time to clear any intense emotions. Therefore,

relationships need to be handled with more care. Money-wise, it may bode well to tread cautiously. A good time to travel or even make a literal move to heal and retrospect.

Nov 22 - Dec 21

Ah, choice will place you in a moral dilemma this month and you need to consider all consequences before deciding, as both options may be too hard to resist. If you feel torn between two decisions, go with the one that intuitively feels right and vibes with your values. A decision based on guilt, worry or fear may take you away from your path. Opportunities for collaborations and partnerships are a possibility in your personal and professional life. Not the right time to mix business with pleasure and perhaps not in financial dealings.

Your current relationships may go through some domestic friction so be gentle. Those who are single may seek more commitment.

Dec 22 - Jan 19

It is time to kick procrastination to the curb and make things happen now, so get the ball rolling and strike while the iron is hot. Get strategic about it. If rewards are your jam, go for it. If lists work for you, use them to achieve your goal. Step up and ask yourself, ‘What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?’ and give it all you have got to watch your dream unfold. Big change, possibly long-awaited, is on the horizon in your relationship or at work and this shift may require some bravery. Press forward with determination. Impulsive behavior can dilute your efforts and victory so be smart.

Jan 20 – Feb 20

You are called to reinvent an aspect of your

life that needs attention. As you are “figuring things out,” make sure you focus on what you have control over – your choices and behavior rather than changing other people. If you have been working hard, your efforts are likely to be acknowledged. There is a possibility of new contracts being signed or some positive cash flow. Watch any impulsive spends or being unappreciative and judgmental in your love relationship. Rely on your judgment and intuition instead of people’s opinions. You have the capability to control the outcome of a situation that you are in right now.

Feb 21 – Mar 20

For victory to be achieved, sometimes being still is a smart move. Invest your time and energy into what can release you from habits and attitudes that have been keeping you stuck. Stop pleasing others at your own expense. Reassess your relationships, workplace situations and your financial status. Don’t force anything, stay focused and be flexible. In case, things seem out of your control, try surrendering to the universe when you have given your all. Sometimes, destiny steps in and makes its own adjustments so have a little faith that everything will work out, the way it is meant to. Wherever you are on your journey, remember to look up at the sky full of stars.

Farzana Suri is a Victory Coach who coaches people through their life’s challenges to take the leap to victory, using the science of numerology.

For a personalised forecast, you may contact Farzana at surifarzana@gmail.com or visit her website, www.farzanasuri.com SEPTEMBER 2021 | SEEMA.COM | 79

BOOKS | SEEMA

THE SEEMA Summer

Reads Guide

S

ummer of 2021 has been quite the mixed bag for many people. On the one hand, it’s given us the chance to get out and explore more of the world as we take cautious steps outdoors again. On the other, we’ve all grown accustomed to a certain sedentary lifestyle that we’re hard-pressed to go cold turkey on.

One thing that’s kept a lot of us on Team SEEMA sane is the chance to do some reading, catch up on books we’ve been meaning to for years or discovering new works by authors unheard of. As September calls for a return to learning, here’s a guide of the SEEMA team’s summer reads that we highly recommend and really believe would be worth your while!

MOONWALKING WITH EINSTEIN: THE ART AND SCIENCE OF REMEMBERING BY JOSH FOER: A journalist dived so deep into his story about memory that he became an expert himself. In fact, he was the 2006 U.S.A. Memory Champion. And yet, instead of getting wholly enmired in his own personal journey, Foer sticks to his remit: providing history, context and, most importantly, evidence, about human memory to help the newbie along. The book may have benefited from some tightening but, overall, “Moonwalking with Einstein,” by being both story and manual, is informative, instructive, and interesting. Worth a read. (Find it here)

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KEEPERS OF THE FAITH BY SHAUKAT AJMERI: Ajmeri takes the traditional Romeo and Juliet story and places it in the center of the two (almost) warring sects of the Bohra Muslim community. As a fictional tale, it spans the decades to provide a sweeping narrative of love with all its complexities and moral quandaries. But as a commentary on a very real rift between two groups, Ajmeri weaves an intriguing tale of drama and gives you an insight into one of recent history’s lesser-known feuds. (Find it here)

THE WHITE TIGER BY ARAVIND ADIGA: Anyone who grew up or spent time in India can recognize Balram Halwai, the protagonist of this extraordinary novel by Adiga, the second-youngest writer to win the Man Booker Prize. He attempts to capture the voice of the colossal underclass as he takes you along on a journey with Halwai, a village boy who first arrives in Delhi to work as a chauffeur to a rich landlord. From there, we follow Halwai’s quest to climb the ladder as he attempts to break free from the shackles of the caste system (the “darkness”) to find freedom and triumph.

To be the White Tiger, that rare species, able to escape the “darkness,” and find his way into the “light.” (Find it here)

GOLD DIGGERS BY SANJENA SATHIAN: A magical and simultaneously realistic comingof-age story, “Gold Diggers” skewers the model minority myth to tell a hilarious and moving story about immigrant identity, community, and the underside of ambition. It’s a work of social satire and magical realism by Sathian, who draws on her experience of being raised in the U.S. by Indian immigrant parents, and is built around ambition, alchemy, and the American dream. (Find it here)

AWAY WITH THE PENGUINS BY HAZEL PRIOR: Eighty-six-year-old Veronica decides to visit Antarctica to see the penguins. As her past unfolds before us, we discover a young woman quite unlike the Veronica we see now. A feelgood read that had me smiling throughout! It’s a definite pickme-up for someone looking for a little dose of hope (and aren’t we all right now?). (Find it here)

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THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA BY TJ KLUNE: This is a delightful contemporary fantasy that shows how love and kindness can make a real difference.

Arthur’s story will resonate with everyone who has ever struggled to fit in. The characters in the book, with all their quirks, felt like family. I absolutely loved this book, and you’ll love it too if you’ve ever looked for someone to identify with. (Find it here)

10

THE UNINVITED GUESTS BY SADIE JONES: Sadie Jones has a knack for creating stories that feel as tightly bound as they do insanely random, which is what this book achieves. It tells of a family celebrating a birthday, when they’re interrupted by a drove of derailed train passengers. There are horses in children’s bedrooms, ghosts of lovers past, grand destroyed feasts, love triangles, you name it! Just when you think there’s something missing, it appears in the most hilarious fashion.

It’s as satisfying as it is head-scratching, and that’s a unique achievement! (Find it here)

STORIES I MUST TELL THE EMOTIONAL LIFE OF AN ACTOR BY KABIR BEDI: Unlike autobiographies of actors that only mention things that are known and skip stories that people would want to know, Bedi’s memoir tells the raw, real story. “Stories I Must Tell” is a journey of an actor that provides a ringside view into Bedi’s extraordinary life.

The book offers entertaining vignettes about his early days, including the time he hustled his way into interviewing The Beatles for All India Radio. But it also touches upon real things you may remember him for, like his rocky relationships with first wife Protima and the late superstar Parveen Babi. (Find it here)

WALK OF SHAME BY LAUREN LAYNE: An NYC socialite and an uptight lawyer clash over well... everything! This book was the perfect light romance for the summer, a yummy mix of chemistry, drama and of course, love. For all those missing the delight of catching a light rom-com in theaters in the summer, this book is the perfect reprieve.

(Find it here)

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9

COMING OUT AS DALIT BY YASHICA DUTT: In this memoir, the author narrates her struggles with her identity and poverty, while her mother works to the bone to get her the best education possible.

Interspersed with insights into caste realities and B.R. Ambedkar’s influence on their people, this book was a heartwrenching, eye-opening read that speaks of ills that are all too true.

(Find it here)

THE HEADSTART GIRLS NEED FOR SUCCESS 30+ role models 40+ sessions 60 hours guaranteed internship mapping

one digital fellowship

We are accepting 50 fellows from Grade 8 to Grade 12.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE: SEPTEMBER 5, 2021 PROGRAM DATES: OCTOBER 11, 2021 - DECEMBER 19, 2021 Apply here: wondergirls.academy

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