January 2017 100 mb by Unique Times

Vol 6 Issue No.63 Jan - Feb 2017

Mr. Jolly Antony

A CHARMER & QUINTESSENTIAL

ENTREPRENEUR

Macro policy and Micro shifts in behaviour Shri V.P. Nandakumar MD & CEO, Manappuram Finance Ltd.

An island of happiness and festivals in Caribbean Sea:

Aruba

BMW i8 Jan - Feb17

Jan - Feb17

Printed by: Ajit Ravi Published by: Ajit Ravi Owned by: Ajit Ravi Printed at: S T Reddiar P.B. No: 3627, Veekshanam Road, Cochin Published at: Pegasus, L5-106 Changampuzha Nagar Kalamassery Ernakulam-682 033 e-mail: editor@uniquetimes.org uniquetimesindia@gmail.com Ph:0484 3242220, 6555533, 4025666 Mob:+91 98460 50283, 94470 50283 Editor Ajit Ravi Sub-Editor Vignesh Associate Editor Ravi Saini Editor-In-charge Jebitha Ajit Legal Advisor Adv. Sreelatha Parameswaran Correspondents Dr. Thomas Nechupadam Vivek Venugopal- Quarter Mile Bejoy George Amrutha V Kumar Karthika S Nair Marketing BAHRAIN PRESTIGE MARKETING Tel: +971 55 2000933 Email: gopal@prestigemarketing.in UAE Tamquest Entertainments LLC P.O. Box 232886, Dubai, United Arab Emirates Mr.Safi Mulankaad Clap PR and Events:++971 508414706 Email: riju@tamquestevents.com Tamil Nadu Andhrapradesh & Karnataka PEGASUS Ph: 09288800999 Kerala Sunilkumar NN, Saneesh Ashok Your wing Director Shwetha Menon Photographer Ashique Hassan Creative Design PEGASUS

Cover Photograph Mr. Jolly Antony Cover Photographer Anson AntonyJan - Feb17

Editorial

Happy New Year and welcome to 2017! Whatever be your resolution - whether it is to lose weight, give up smoking or just to get along with your better half - let us celebrate a New Year of better hope and cheer! New Year’s Day marks more than just another turn of the calendar. In this issue we introduce an amazing entrepreneur who works smart and just succeed on purpose. Mr. Jolly Antony, Founder and CEO of the Al Safina Group, a conglomerate of over 25 companies, is one of the most enduring examples of migrant Keralites who made it big in the Middle-East. Many may have found inspiration in Jolly Antony’s famous quote- “Successful people are not gifted”. In regular column, V.P. Nandakumar, the Chairman and Managing Director of Manappuram Finance, tries to find out the answer for a crucial question: If demonetization are really so bad, if desperation levels are so high, how is it we have not witnessed any law and order problems so far? Meet the new super car-BMW i8, a combination of futuristic design and innovative hybrid technology to make our lives better. In travel, we check out Aruba, an intriguing island located in the southern Caribbean Sea with wonderful nightlife and a culturally diverse population. Regular staples on stock market, gadgets, banking, movie review, and book review are there. I sincerely hope you find as much joy in this issue as it brings me. Happy New Year!

Jan - Feb17

CONTENTS

16 Macro Policy and Micro shifts in behaviour

The most important management competencyability to learn

Mr.Jolly Antony A charmer & quintessential entrepreneur What to expect from equity markets in 2017?

Jan - Feb17

20 34

Gadgets

Recipes

48 50 56

10 Beauty Tips For your New Year Resolution An island of happiness and festivals in Caribbean Sea: Aruba BMW i8

Jan - Feb17

UNIQUE DIARY

PM Modi’s govt to make India developed in one generation

ndian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asserted that his government’s aim is to make our country developed within one generation. He was speaking at a function organised to inaugurate the new campus of the National Institute of Securities Market at Mumbai. Addressing a huge gathering of the respected personalities of financial sector like financial experts, investment bankers and regulates, PM Modi claimed that the financial market could play a vital role in the new economic system. He further reminded them that it is their duty to mobilize savings and channelize the savings towards a productive sector. He added that the financial market could even spoil the system if it is not properly regulated.

Govt launches Aadhaar payment app to strengthen ‘Digital India’

"If you don't sell, it's not the product that's wrong, it's you". Estee Lauder

n a bid to simplify cashless transactions or digital transactions, the central government has launched the Aadhaar payment app. The new app has eliminated the plastic cards and the fee payment for the service providers. It is easy for both merchants and customers to use this app. The merchants only need to download the app and buy a card reader, which is presently available for Rs 2000. The customer needs to give his or her Aadhaar number to the merchant while making a purchase, and can use their biometric details as a password to authorise the transaction. It is expected to help the rural merchants as well as urban merchants.

Jan - Feb17

Govt introduces lucky draw to encourage digital transactions

n order to encourage the digital transactions, the central government has launched lucky draws under the Lucky Grahak Yojana and Digi-Dhan Vyapar Yojana in hundred cities over hundred days. The former program has been introduced by the Niti Aayog and National Payments Corporation of India for the customers and the latter for the merchants. Under the programs, the users of the digital transactions will get a chance to win one thousand to fifteen thousand cashback on daily or weekly basis. The program has been inaugurated by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Minister of Electronics and IT Ravi Shankar Prasad. It seems that the government is very keen to propagate the concept of digital transaction across the country.

FMCG sales plummet considerably post demonetisation

'' Repetition makes reputation and reputation makes customersâ&#x20AC;?. Florence Nightingale Graham

n what could be viewed as an expected after effect of demonetisation, the sales of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods have plummeted considerably following the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s move to withdraw the higher denomination banknotes like 1000 and 500. While speaking to the media personals, a renowned market researcher claims that the sales of the industry have dropped by 1% to 1.5%. It may not sound like a huge drop rate, but actually the impact of this small drop is very high. Even though the government is trying to protect the sector by promoting the digital transaction concepts, it seems that it may not mark a remarkable revival immediately. Compared to October, in November the retailers have purchased less amount of products.

Jan - Feb17

UNIQUE DIARY

ONGC is set to buy GSPC’s KG gas block Oil and Natural Gas Corporation, a state-owned oil conglomerate, is set to buy nearly eighty per cent stake of Gujarat State Petrochemical Corporation’ KG gas block. ONGC is expected to spend over nine hundred million dollars to buy the debt-laden GSPC. It is learned that the conglomerate will also acquire operatorship of a productive block in KG base offshore, which is owned by GSPC. The economic experts opine that it is one of the vital acquisitions happened recently, particularly in the public sector, where the acquisitions and takeovers rarely happen. Anyway, it seems that the move will strengthen the ONGC and also help the GSPC.

Maruti recovers demonetisation

"You don't learn to walk by following rules. You learn by doing, and by falling over." Sir Richard Branson

t seems that the India’s top automaker giant, Maruti Suzuki, has successfully recovered from the demonetisation after effects. This month, the automaker’s sales have positively picked up. As per the report, presently the sales stand at nearly seven per cent high, compared to the same month last year. Meanwhile, it is learned that the automobile manufacturing conglomerate had suffered a serious sales drop last month. Experts claim that traditionally, the sales increases tremendously in the month of November. They add that when we make a comparative study of November 2015 and November 2016 we can clearly see the difference. Anyway, the sales of used car still remain in slow phase.

Jan - Feb17

BUSINESS

Shri V.P.Nandakumar MD & CEO Manappuram Finance Ltd.

In short, our business volumes are now heading back to the levels that prevailed before demonetisation, not because more cash has come into the system, but because more people have taken up on cashless modes.

MACRO POLICY AND MICRO SHIFTS IN BEHAVIOUR

s with all burning questions of the day, the demonetisation (more precisely, the recall) of notes of higher denominations of 500 and 1000 rupees announced by the Prime Minister on November 8 has sparked furious debate in the media and divided public opinion. Critics of the move have focussed on the dislocation in the economy that followed, the evident troubles faced by common people who, besides being forced to stand in queues for prolonged periods, may also have experienced falling incomes (hopefully temporary). After all, with withdrawn notes accounting for 85 percent of the total currency in circulation, the impact was bound to be severe in an economy over-reliant on cash to grease its

Jan - Feb17

wheels. The after effects have been especially harsh on the unorganised sector which accounts for 90 percent of total employment in India. Anecdotal evidence suggests the unorganised sector has seen significant erosion of turnover and now faces questions about the long term viability of a business model based on tax arbitrage. Operating in the cash economy, they could remain competitive as long as they did not pay taxes. In future, this advantage is unlikely to persist. However, amidst the barrage of negative stories in the media, one question that many are asking is, if things are really so bad, if desperation levels are so high, how is it we have not witnessed any law and order problems so far? On the one hand, it suggests that notwithstanding the

hardships, tolerance levels have not been breached, and that people are seeing some light at the end of the tunnel. On the other hand is a factor which I believe the media has missed entirely. This has to do with the inherent ability in humans to adapt to circumstances by using workarounds and by changing ones behaviour according to circumstances. Let me bring in a couple of

examples here. In the week or so after demonetisation, there were alarming reports about how about 70 percent of trucks on our highways had been abandoned by their drivers and ceased to ply. We also read reports about how farmers were hit hard because this was the sowing season and the lack of cash in the system had hindered their ability to buy seeds and meet essential expenses. Close to two months have passed since these alarming

reports came out. On December 30, the press information bureau of the government reported that Rabi crops sowing had crossed 582 lakh hectare as compared to 545.46 lakh hectare this time in 2015. So, despite all the turmoil, our farmers have done better this year compared to last year. As for trucks going off road, the fact that there are no shortages in the markets and that prices have

Jan - Feb17

remained relatively stable hints at something not adding up. It is entirely likely that the journalist who filed the report did see 70 percent trucks lying idle in the immediate aftermath of demonetisation. However, what was ignored is the possibility that truck owners would have later arranged for alternatives to cash to get back to business. The idea that denial of cash has caused pain is logical. But to assume (implicitly) that people put to such inconvenience have no option but to spend their time wailing and bemoaning their fate, and waiting for elusive cash packets to drop into their laps, is a fallacy. Human beings are inherently adaptable and resourceful. When one path on your journey ahead is blocked, naturally, you will look around for alternative routes. Often, it works just as well. Sometimes, it works even better, as I discovered in my own business. At Manappuram Finance Ltd., well before the demonetisation announcement, we had put in place cashless modes for both disbursement as well as repayment of gold loans. We believed that the greater convenience afforded to customers would eventually persuade most of them to switch over. From the company’s perspective, handling cash is costly and by eliminating cash transactions, we would save a lot in operating expenses. However, our real-life experience was that persuading customers to switchover from cash to these cashless modes was not easy. We deal with people who belong mostly to the lower socio-economic strata and who are generally not tech savvy. While most have embraced the mobile phone, many are yet to make the transition to smartphones. They may have bank accounts and debit cards but so far have preferred cash and the comfort of business as usual. When we first offered to train them on how to use the cashless modes, the response was poor. They saw no pressing need to change their ways.

Jan - Feb17

However, now that demonetisation is a reality, we are seeing a dramatic change. These very same people are now coming back to us and asking to be shown how to go cashless with net banking, debit cards, eWallets or simple cheque payments. Earlier, they insisted on gold loans disbursed in cash but now they are fine with the proceeds going into their bank accounts. In short, our business volumes are now heading back to the levels that prevailed before demonetisation, not because more cash has come into the system, but because more people have taken up on cashless modes. In the above example lies the real promise of demonetisation. No, it’s not about getting rid of black money but about effecting a transformation in mindset. It’s about the embrace of a new and superior way of doing things where efficiency gains are passed on to everyone including those at the margins and

the bottommost layers. May 18, 1974, is a red letter day for Indians because it was on this day that we exploded our first atomic bomb at Pokhran to gatecrash into the elite nuclear club. However, it was later reported that the conduct of the explosion was anything but a smooth affair. Telephones malfunctioned and jeeps broke down. Luckily, the actual explosion itself was a success. Today, when we look back, who cares to remember the jeeps and telephones that failed? Likewise, even as we go through the pains of cashlessness, once we are over and done with it, we will all be the better for it

V.P. Nandakumar is MD & CEO of Manappuram Finance Ltd. and Chairman of the Kerala State Council of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Regd. Office : HORNBILL CHRONOTECHNOLOGY PVT. LTD. 914, Corporate Annexe, Sonawala road, Opp. Udyog Bhavan, Goregaon, Mumbai East 400063 Overseas Marketing Office : AL AFNAN TRADING LLC Shop #5V, Bldg G-4, Hamdan Street, Al Karama Dubai, UAE PO Box- 121845 Tel : +971 43705538, Fax : +971 43570760 Corporate Office : O.S 58, 4th Floor, G.C.D.A Shopping Complex, Marine Drive , Kochi, Kerala - 682031 Tel : 0484 4026511 www.dqueglobal.com Jan - Feb17 15

BUSINESS

Rajesh Nair, Director, Ernst & Young LLP Rajesh is also the President of the Kerala Chapter of TiE Global

Right from the demonetisation to the increasing tryst with technology, there is a sense of change and flux everywhere. In this deluge, the most confused are the technocrats of yesterday and the budding engineers of tomorrow.

e live in an interesting era. There is a sense of change and flux everywhere. Right from the demonetisation to the increasing tryst with technology, everything seems to pop out of the page like an unwelcomed guest. Social codes have changed and so have the ethos and of codes of daily work, daily conduct and daily life. In this deluge, the most confused are the technocrats of yesterday and the budding engineers of tomorrow.

Technology mocks at the portals of every institution and the resource centers like libraries resemble Jurassic parks and historical museums. With the language of the most wanted classified columns ushering in the avant-garde, engineering colleges of today look blankly at their mediocre armory and the ‘nownot-exploding’ ammunition. For Four years, in these walls, students grasp bandy words of an extinct civilization and learn a trade, which finds no buyer. At the end, a confused ensemble walks out into an unforgiving world equipped with nothing other than an extra cell of ‘common sense’. After four years of rigor and hardships, he has to pick up another set of skills that are alien to his education. The best at the craft think of when they can do their MBA and pursue the ‘big bucks’. The pragmatic ones have their eyes glued onto the next software company and have ‘When do I get to go abroad’, brooding like a Damocles Sword on their minds. For the once who also tried and failed the only option to get an engineering job in some organization, which even treats them with the disdain

Jan - Feb17

The most important

management competencyability to learn

Jan - Feb17

of a stepmother reminding them each day that they are there because of lack of better options! Of course, the most recent enthral of it all– ‘I will start a company!’ True, the brick and mortar need a set of hands to make concrete jungles and labyrinthe circuitry, but the engineer behind is no more the blue collared layman of today. While he values years of ‘experience’ and working, enter the geek of today half as old as he is and twice as current. Speaking a language foreign to the engineers he even plans to retire by forty with a fortune unheard of to the mind, which turns to the tune of worn out gears and unlubricated grey matter. Calamity dawns even though a little late, and then the beginning of a quest for erasing many a knowledge block, which was bread and butter of a generation long past. Crowding into blocks of new avenues, a sojourn into the unknown embarks. With the curiosity

Jan - Feb17

of Alice and the impetuousness of the Cheshire cat, the fight goes on with the worst nightmare of all – Unemployability! So is there a single competency, one should focus on? Yes, there is, THE ABILITY TO LEARN! Most leadership gurus consider it as the mother competency or capacity. An open mind, which questions and becomes porous to new information, will soak in more, adjust and adapt to any variation around us. The subject of management has evolved through the years to be one of the most sought after as well as craved for academic area. The science or art debate has been one of the prolific debates that provide the fecundity and normative logic characteristic only to the subject. The root of the foundation may not be as fertile a topic as its diverse branching. The interpretations of the subject have itself been the prerogative of the individual himself. Cultural vagrancy, ethical structure, flora and fauna have all

its impact on the way the subject is manifested. As they cliché goes “ Its never Black and White but a shady Grey”. Then why the clamour, the hype and the attention? The answer itself comes from one of management premier gurus, Peter Drucker “Never was a subject so full of common sense”. The repositories of knowledge defy the imagination of pundits let alone students. Looking at the history of civilization can itself engage a perceptive mind for years and years of learning management. The conquests of Alexander, military acumen of Napoleon, and Chinese war strategies (Art of war by Sun Tzu) are still today the favorites of management students. After all its war out there at the market place. The artillery may be different but the scenario is still the same. ”Obliterate the competition”. Old religious scriptures are the best teachers of the quality of life and the moral responsibilities of man (or manager). Life of Emperor Ashoka teaches the concept of

corporate citizenship, federalist governance, and society. But the management lexicon has also changed. Collaboration has become more popular than the competition. With new technological advances, partnerships have become important. This is a whole new ball game. It has become increasingly clear that your charm is to not pave way for selective individualistic growth but the growth of an ecosystem around you. The key is to make the pie bigger than to increase your size of the pie. This means deep learning of not only what you are doing but also what others are doing. And, of course, the habits are changing.

THE ABILITY TO LEARN! Most leadership gurus consider it as the mother competency. An open mind will adjust and adapt to any variation around us.

But there are several facets of 'new habits', which has reconfirmed that the times are changing.  One of my close business friends addressing a public gathering lamented "signing of cheques is fast becoming a rare activity". While the humour in the statement hits you faster than the true meaning- these are the ominous signs of times to come. Stinginess is in. There will be a lot of caution exercised by corporates while spending. The good times are around they say but this habit is here to say. So, the days of doing less with less have gone and now are days of doing more with less.  Methodologies and 'the way we do things' is changing faster than one can fathom. The regular terms like long term strategy and 5-year plan are passé and now the horizon decision making is smaller. So, what does that mean? Getting back to the drawing board much more than often.  The last point also ushers in an allied new competence- ability to unlearn. The changing landscape not only reiterates the point of picking up new skills but also permanently erasing some business practices of the past.  The 'how of doing things' has also changed? Ethics are good business practices are much more

in conversation and for once most senior business heads urge their teams to walk the talk and constantly reinforce the need of following these practices. If one if doing or abetting the wrong things, he/ she can be sure that the Damocles sword is more closer to his/her head than it was couple of years ago. Luckily, a lot of rhetoric in the media speaks this language of straightforward deals. Quoting Sub-

roto Bagchi in Professional- "Ethics is about doing the right things even when no one else is watching", I cannot imagine it be more succinctly putor what Narayana Murthy says- " Integrity is the softest pillow." So are we in for more learning and fun this year? I am sure it isThere will be more roads to cover and alleys to traverse and I touch the feet of Ganesha and walk on 

Jan - Feb17

COVERSTORY

Mr.Jolly Antony

A charmer & quintessential entrepreneur “Don’t be afraid to give up the good to go for the great.”

great business starts with some great ideas. Every entrepreneur who steps boldly out into business adopts new technology and introduces the best of it to the public. We introduce this fascinating and super-driven entrepreneur, Mr. Jolly Antony, also god fearing, dedicated, hardworking, and a philanthropist. He hails from the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur. This town is known for making the best and successful of Kerala’s eminent entrepreneurs. After his graduation he specialized in Travel and tourism. After gaining some experience in Kerala, he travelled to Saudi Arabia and worked there in the Travel and tourism industry for more than a decade. Success is achieved out of hard work and determination, survival of the ﬁttest ultimately boils down to the survival of the best adapted. Mr. Jolly Antony, Founder and CEO of the Al Saﬁna Group, a conglomerate of over 25 companies, is one of the most enduring examples of migrant Keralites who made it big in the Middle-East and are now

Jan - Feb17

investing in their native towns and villages, to transform the same. This very ingenious entrepreneur has mostly invested in travel and tourism sector, logistic sector, automotive sector, online retail sector and retail sector. He believes; “Successful people are not gifted; they just work smart, then they just succeed on purpose.” About the Empire Twelve long years from 1993 when he joined Al Khalaf Travel and Tourism Company, after acquiring much experience, he endeavoured into building the ﬁrst step of his future empire- Al Saﬁna Travel and Tourism, in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. It commenced strategically sound and eventually became one of the top travel companies in Middle East. It provided a one stop service to all travel needs–like airline booking, hotel booking, transfer and sightseeing, medical tourism, travel insurance, holiday packages, UAE tour packages, Holy Land tour packages, world tour packages, car hire, Europe train tickets, Yacht and aircraft charters, and escorted tours. It also catered corporate tour and other corporate

Jan - Feb17

Every malayalee entrepreneur who has made it successful abroad, will relish a secret desire to open up some quality services to the people of their own state.

services. These huge and reliable line of services made the company stand out among other companies competing in the same genre. Unsurprisingly, now, the company is now the top travel company in Middle East with nearly nine branches across UAE. In 2015, Mr. Jolly Antony started RD Logistics. It signed an agreement with one of the biggest logistic companies in Europe, Rhenus Logistics. “If you are not willing to risk the usual, you will have to settle for the ordinary.” Trying his luck on the everdemanding e-commerce industry, the online megastore – Phygicart. com, was started later focusing on the Middle East market. The website offers a wide range of products from home appliances to electronic items. It comes with regulatory approvals from Dubai Municipality, All UAE approval, and 24 Own products, 2 own brands with trademark, DSA registration approval awaiting. As consumers, we read magazines or blogs and we get excited about a product, but then there are so many hurdles in the way of actually ﬁnding the right product. Unlike other online retail stores, it is completely focused on the consumer demand. It works like a product broker. It will make relation with those producers whose products have a high demand among the website’s customers. In the automotive sector, Spider Vehicle Bodies industries

Jan - Feb17

factory have already established a huge reputation. He makes sure that all of his companies do not compromise on the quality of its products ever. Developing a deep, lasting relationships with customers and their supreme satisfaction are given utmost importance. Every malayalee entrepreneur who has made it successful abroad, will relish a secret desire to open up some quality services to the people of their own state. Similarly, Mr. Jolly Antony embarked into God’s Own Country with the best of his experience and investment. Here, he mainly decided to focus on the tourism sector, education sector, healthcare sector, and retail sector. In an effort to promote health tourism, Mr. Jolly Antony, in 2010, unveiled Saﬁna Holidays in Kochi, one of the tourist hubs of the Gods own country. The company extensively helps to promote Ayurveda and health tourism in the Middle East. Two years ago, he established the Fog Resort and Spa, which caters world class luxury experience to the travelers, where its ﬁlled with fun, hospitality and a rare blend of culture, adventure and stunning serenity all together brought to the beautiful western ghat range of mountains. It is located in Munnar, considered as the most beautiful and must-see place in Kerala in terms of its natural beauty and climate. The resort offers premium valley view rooms, 2-4 bedroom villas, convention

centres, travel desk, coffee shop, restaurant and much more. The resort has bagged many esteemed awards in this very short span of time and captured the customer’s hearts in an enthralling manner. He doesn’t negotiate on building a team that is as committed to the business, customer delight and its success. Fog resorts & Spa has achieved several awards in the travel and tourism industry. The best hotel by trip advisor in year 2015, best hotel by Make my trip, Clear trip and Booking.com. As a part of enabling the whole industry, they are coming up with 'Foschia Resorts' - an exclusive and standalone Resort with features and amenities that rival some of the top resorts of the world. Mr. Jolly Antony the Chairman and Mr. Shojan Kokkadan who is the Executive director, have now decided to replicate their success story with their new venture “Foschia Resorts”. To match the expectations and needs of every type of traveller arriving at Foschia Resorts, it will have a ﬁne blend of 75 spacious, regular Rooms and 10 Executive Suites. Apart from these, there will be 9 Pool Villas and 15 Jacuzzi Villas. Like the icing on a cake, there will also be a one-of-its-kind Presidential Suite with all the modern amenities found in top resorts abroad. Additional amenities like Exhibition and Conference Halls (2 of them), Visitors Lounge and Business Centre would complement the ambience of the entire Resort.

Jan - Feb17

A fully-equipped Fitness Centre would cater to the needs of both Fitness Freaks and others. There would be an Ayurvedic Spa, a Fish Spa and separate Spa and Salon for Women, all which cater to the idea of wellness. Muslim guests can look forward to a special Majlis for ladies. The leisurely nature of Foschia Resorts would be augmented by the Infinity Pool. A fishing enthusiast or wannabe angler can utilize the facility at the proposed Fishing Pond. Children will have their own share of entertainment at the Children's Play area. The sporty types can break a sweat at the Badminton Courts and all other Indoor and Outdoor Games Facilities. Great Marina Mall situated in Kochi is also owned by Mr. Jolly Antony. This mall definitely offers good food and great shopping. It has several food courts, shops, and stores. The management is planning to launch a shopping centre, named China town, inside the mall in near future. Jolly is the Director of Explore The Wonders, a B2B Wholesaler with head office in United Arab Emirates and branch offices in Doha, Qatar and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and Colombo– Srilanka provide Wholesale Travel Services to the retail travel agents across the Middle East, Asia, Europe. He is also the Director for Spider Vehicles Bodies industries Factory LLC, which is established in Dubai, Jebel Ali and DIP to promote automotive and allied services. Jolly Antony is the CEO of RD Logistics based in Riyadh and Dammam of Saudi Arabia. The company started in 2015, has signed a contract with Rhenus Logistics, the biggest logistics company in Europe, to represent it in the Middle East. RD logistics will soon expand its operations in Doha and Dubai. Apart from all these, he runs the Good Shepherd Hotel Management College, which was started in 2015, ensures hundred per cent placement assistance. He is also the director of Rani Drug House, which is a sister concern of Kalan Ayurvedic House. It is an Ayurvedic Pharmaceutical company situated in Nellayi, Kerala. The esteemed company manufactures Shakunthala Herbal Oil, Gastro, Rani Malt, Rani Tone, Fair Herbal Massage Oil and Neelibhringadi Hair

Jan - Feb17

Oil. Like the tip of an iceberg, what we saw above are just a bird’s eye view into this captivating man’s business life. There are expansion plans on each project which Jolly is confident to grow successfully just the way he strode through already. Like his disarming views and winning attitude, he is determined to succeed on purpose, with more extraordinary feats to follow. Jolly holds the position of Managing Director in Al Safina Alzarqaa Apparels, Al Safina Air Conditioners, Albaroon Sweets- an authentic Arabic sweets’ production-house, Al Douri Bakery and Sweets, Al Safina Trading Henna- a wholesaler for Henna Products, Al Miqnaas- an Arabic gents fashion house and Johns Furniture and Interiors LLC. He is the director of Al Miqnaas- an Arabic gents fashion house. All of these companies are established in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE

As a genuine Philanthropist Mr Jolly Antony is best known for his humanitarian and voluntary organisation that provides aid and assistance to the vulnerable without any discrimination on the lines of nationality, race, gender, colour, religion and political or ideological beliefs. Access to education is not only a basic human right, but also a key factor in reducing poverty and child labour. Al Saﬁna Travel and Tourism focuses on providing basic education to those who need it most. Mr Jolly Antony has reserved ten percent of his charity funds for providing education in Trichur. Jolly has introduced death pension at Al Saﬁna to ensure social welfare payments can continue after death, in case an employee dies while still in service. This ensures well-being of the deceased’s family. Further, his/her spouse or civil partner will receive some social welfare payments while education

of his/her children will be sponsored up to graduation level. Family A dedicated family man with values, Jolly was born to Mr. Antony Thandiakkal and Mrs. Threesa Antony in Anandapuram, a small agricultural village near Thirssur in the Indian state of Kerala. Jolly is blessed with two brothers Mr. Biju Antony and Joshy Antony, both are into business and settled in different parts of GCC. He completed his schooling from Sreekrishna High School in Anandapuram, graduated in specialization of economics from St. Thomas College Thrissur. He got married in 1999, wife Viji Iype Kariyatty a PostGraduate, and blessed with three children Juvana, Jovan, and Antonio. Mr. Jolly Antony believes that opportunities don’t happen, but you create them. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavors 

Jan - Feb17

Effect on Housing Sector post Demonetization and future of Housing Sector business An article by Confident Group M D, Mr. T A Joseph.

s a large Housing Brand in South India, I am very optimistic that the Housing sector will recover from the slight dip in demand or sale due to the demonetization. Please go through my findings:  Considering the facts, it is proven that either in India or in any part of the world, the Housing related investment will be the top priority and major share in the GDP. The Housing, Commercial & Infrastructure sector has contribution in Indian economy which is between 15 to 18% of the GDP.  Considering our culture and taste, good amount of wealth are converted or safeguarded in the form of gold. I reckon this will be the second highest investment being done by middle class and below that.  The 3rd highest is investment in stock market which may be less than 5% of the GDP.  Another common practice to safeguard the hard-earned money, retirement benefit etc., and to get a regular income for the family the middle and low income groups opt for Fixed Deposits schemes

Jan - Feb17

But due to the demonetization, I am very sure that genuine Builders especially Residential & Commercial sector will start flourishing within a few months’ time.

as 4th investment method which is also very popular. Therefore, considering these 4 options, my opinion on this demonetization is that the fundamental effect it has on the economy, even though for short term of next 5 years, (or else government has to gradually regulate the paper currency and switch over to plastic money and to abolish fake currencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Government has to strictly implement currency counting machine (that detects the fake currency) in all licensed shops / small time traders and big vendors who cannot ignore the cash transactions) is the effective control on black money as well as benami transactions which brings about an unhealthy hype in the market of Housing Sector and Gold price. But due to the demonetization, I am very sure that genuine Builders especially Residential & Commercial sector will start flourishing within a few monthsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; time. The negative impact on Gold investment: As we experienced with demonetization, the Government is sure to implement further regulatory measures with Gold transactions

and investments as well. For at least another 2 years, the price of Gold will be taking a downturn and all those who depended on this investment will rethink about it. The Gold price always depends on the global market also. In case of any crisis or disaster or upheaval, will have a negative impact on Gold price. This is because Gold is an investment but not a basic necessity like housing. The negative impact on Share market: The stock or mutual funds, etc., in the Indian economy is less than 6% of the GDP. In this investment there are lot of risks involved and there is no guarantee of safeguarding even the principle invested itself. This is just like gambling so the middle and lower income groups will not easily think of making this choice. We can easily make out the preference towards investment in this when compared to Housing Sector investment is a puny little 6%. The share and mutual fund investment also depends on world market and even very small unrest in India or in any part of the world or even oil price variation will impact the future of the share value. This is constantly

volatile as the common man will have to wait for a long time to get his return. The negative impact on Fixed Deposits: In this front, I am very sure that we all are aware that after this demonetization, deposits in Banks have gone up few times than ever before. Even the black money are being deposited in this manner. These mammoth deposits will have to be diversified as the Banks will have no other choice. Even though the Government may take funding for infrastructure development on controlled interest rate, but Banking sector, for its survival will have to give a huge chunk as housing loans, commercial loans, Loan against property, etc., etc. Housing loan is the highest consumer in the loans sector. As a result of this piling up of money and attract the home buyers the interest rates has to come down and subsequently the Fixed Deposits as well as savings account interest rates will come down drastically. Banks have already started reducing the interest rates from 1st Jan 2017. This rate reduction is not the end of it, and I believe the rates will come

Jan - Feb17

down and hit at 6%. Consumers who opt for fixed interest rates will be able to take the advantage of this as the rate revision will continue for the next year and it will start climbing thereafter. The common man will then realize the futility of investing in the Fixed Deposits and turn their minds towards investment of greater returns like housing which keeps appreciating and they can even get rentals too. In conclusion, considering the above mentioned four points, the housing sector is going to boom very soon because of more returns through the income as well as appreciation of their money. Due to the RERA and other rules and disappearance of Black money, only genuine builders will flourish. Investors will focus on putting their money only in housing and com-

Jan - Feb17

mercial sector and this benefit goes to genuine Builders. Apart from this, there are positive indications of shooting up of the oil prices across the world which will be have a positive impact on apartment sales in Kerala. On one hand oil price surges as OPEC members and countries like Russia agree deal to cut oil supply. Donald Trump has already announced his ire against Iran through the media. It seems a very likely action that after he assumes charge as the new President of the United States, he may take a tough stance on Iran and this will be another major push to oil price hike. I reckon that all these factors will result in increase in Government’s Dollar purchase which will depreciate the value of the Rupee and this will be an indirect benefit for the

NRIs which directly reflect on the housing sector business growth.

In cities like Kochi, Thiruvanthapuram and Calicut the Techno parks are shaping up for aggressive growth and there ten thousands of new jobs are created each year in this sector and Keralites working in other tech cites in India as well as abroad will be re-locating to native state. With this analyzes I have strong feeling that in Kerala production and demand ratio of housing sector will not match. In this scenario I would like to emphasize that whoever wants to invest their hard earned money or wants to buy dream home this is the best time to do it. In the coming days I have a strong feeling

that the prices will go up and we should not act up on the loose talk of the market predictions that “the housing sector price will go down” which is not at all correct. I do not think any genuine home providers will sell the product in below normal sale price. Since the construction material cost, land price, labor wages and overheads being the main factor are on the rise, hence the price will not come down. But I am really worried about the current scenario in Kerala. It is a general perception that there may be about 2% land banks with benami players and they can do nothing about that now and they may not be in urgent need to dispose off their property. But the real huge percent of small parcel lands between 50 Cents to 2 acres, which is the prime requirement

of the housing sector players like Confident, are in the possession of people either inherited as family property or NRIs or middle or above middle class people. These land lords even if they are in urgent need of money will sell only small portion that will suffice their need because of the land price in Kerala being too high. The balance they will hold to themselves as investment as they know that the value will keep appreciating. The present scenario is that after this demonetization, the trend I am experiencing while I am doing these land deals is that the land lords are demanding the same price that is existing in the market plus on top of that they are asking for the capital gain tax money which is 20% more. This will disrupt the entire land valuation practice in Kerala. Apart from this, the availability of land in Kerala is very less. Out of the total 38863 (km)2 more than half of the portion is occupied by Western Ghats, plantations, paddy fields, roads, railways, canals, ponds, rivers etc. People prefer Housing projects in the coastal belts of cities like Cochin, Trivandrum etc. and the land availability in these cities are now limited to a greater extent. More overdue the implementation of Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wetland Act the paddy lands can’t be used for Construction purpose. Hence, due to the shortage of land area the prices are definitely not going to come down. I am assuming that as far as the Gold control is concerned, I am predicting that India is going to face another unimaginably frightening trend in that earlier people used to smuggle or bring in gold from other countries like South East Asia and Middle East. But in future if any control is imposed on

Gold, may result in a reverse drain of people trying to smuggle the gold outside and sell it in International market and convert. Since there is no trade restrictions in certain gulf countries and Pakistan, etc., they can sell it in the open market easily. As taking it out of the country to places like gulf is not very tough for hawala or smuggling gangs. If this wealth is not repatriated as foreign currency, it will be a loss to the Nation. The passion for gold has started around 700 BC and Indians are great lovers of gold, they have accumulated this yellow metal for years and no Govt has any records of it. Imagine the quantity of Gold available with India currently. The latest example being the discovery of temple Gold in Kerala. The Non – Resident Indian also bring a huge amount of gold during their various visits to India, which is also not been recorded anywhere. The government or any statutory body may not be having the idea of the exact data of this wealth accumulation as on date. Whereas in the case of currency the Government is having quite good data but not about gold. Let me assume some minimum figures for our calculation, say each Indian (including new born) is in possession of a minimum of 10 grams of gold. Considering the population, the quantity of this wealth will be 130 Crores X 10gm = 13 million Kg of Gold .You may calculate the quantity of stock being kept by Jewelers, Gold Loan Companies, Banks, individual Investors, households and various religious worship places. I reckon it will definitely be much more than thousands of tonnes. This wealth of the nation should be saved at any cost. The government should take measures to save this drain that I think may be pretty imminent 

Jan - Feb17

FEATURE

Home is where you can reveal to the others, who that you really are. Home is where, that you know, your transparency will not be unfairly exploited. Vinod Kumar

here people recognize that you are one of them. If all at home, look to you with suspicion, then it is not home any more. Can you trust the people who are talking to you? At home, this must be a possibility. May be at home, you are not under severe survelliance. Home is where you can reveal to the others, who that you really are. Home is where, that you know, your transparency will not be unfairly exploited. Where else can you go to for safety and security? A home is where you can courageously communicate. Even though the other is offended, yet they do not hold it against you. And also a place where you yourself can forgive and forget, the injustice. You freely express yourself to people who accept you. They are not a threat to you, because of their assessments. Because you are oriented towards home, you are able to comprehend the events at this place. If not, you may even experience a sense of being lost. But every home, that is a sense of sentiment to you will also lose its lustre. Every home, the intimacy of a home is vulnerable to be compromised. At times the home is like the blank screen, after the cinema show is finished. It is all about getting used to the new environment. An ambience called nothing.

Jan - Feb17

HOME Home may appear to you at times which is loaded with stillness and silence. What if the only movement and sound is that of your breathing? Can such a day be an experience of home? What if it has no colours or freshness or form? Only an imagination called home. The relatives whom. you thought as your own, are really distant and dim. They are disconnected. Then how can that be home? This is the essential discovery. And harmony and innovation is embedded in this relation of you, with yourself. Yes home can be a relationship of you with yourself. Ability to agree to the loss of emotion is home. Home is not a place that is devoid of losses. But a loss that happens at home, is cushioned by other people. There is experience of gain and of loss, at every home. If you are willing to take the position of an experiencer of either gain or loss, then you are the initiater of cordiality. The real leader constructs a sense of homeliness, to people near home. Home may not be of brick and mortar. But, a sense of being nurtured. Where injuries are healed. Wounds are comforted. And the weakness demolished. Wisdom is nourished, so that it transforms to health. All answers may not be available. But there is no compulsion. No demand of care, to your curiousity. At home you have

freedom to enquire without fear. Make your words sweet, so it is like medicine to the listener. You have duties, that you make your surroundings into a home. But reject your temptation to accuse or allege. You can manufacture homeliness when you refuse to complain and blame. When everybody who connects with you, elminates any sense of deprivation towards them, then you are the creator of home. Others rejoice in your leadership. When all others, get some actual relief by inclusions into your analysis and verdicts, then some trust can develop and grow. You have heard this â&#x20AC;&#x153;home is where the heart isâ&#x20AC;?. But heart must be exalted beyond the position of arguments. If heart is limited to a rigid and stubborn stance, then the homeliness is subordinated. Friendliness is an art. The skill is needed to attain and retain the sense of friendliness at cost of other aspects. Friendliness is the engine that drives the sense of welcome to the home. Sometimes the results are pleasant. But there are times when consequences come to you. These are when you face obstructions and obstacles. But then if this is your home, then you must own up to all your environment. May be this is your time and opportunity to build your own home. This world has multiple deceptions. Therefore, your

home could have some decieving opinions. But your talent must be to get insights. Analyse the data of conversations. Evidently, it is foolish to base your happiness on expected results and rewards. The very premise is that this world has never seen a time which is totally devoid of sorrows. Complete eradication of chances of grief is impossible. So, your contentment and enthusiasm must have a platform of wisdom. Your energy is your own. Your idea of perfection is erroneous. For any achievement or functionality, then an idea of perfection, merely exists, as an imagination. But in a very large scale of operations, many imperfections must be accepted. If you are adamently, focussed on perfections then your aim is deflected. Your goal is set, but your actions and arrows must have visibility of your target. This needs a clear and clean mind. So, do not compromise your darting towards the goal. Some imperfections can be tolerated. Smart home, is where the people transact easily. The solution is to work towards opening up to smart living. Some wrongs are only contextual. Mistakes are only a natural phenomenon. Waite for the complete story. Then some wrongs will appear as agreeable. Because the intentions are towards progress.Work to make a home, wherever that you are living ď Ź

Jan - Feb17

The levy of ‘GST compensation cess’ on specified goods and services would go against the very root of providing a free flow of credit. I would also fear that all what is sought to be achieved by GST can be lost through such cess and its non-vatable nature. Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen is a practising lawyer at High Court of Kerala who specialises in tax and Corporate Laws. Presently he heads the tax and corporate law practice of Nash Capital Partners. Apart from being a qualified lawyer, he is also a chartered accountant, cost accountant and a company secretary. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate Degree and is reachable at sherryoommen@nashcp.com.

he model law on Goods and Services Tax (GST) was released for the first time in June 2016. Quite recently, the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC) after considering the suggestions from various quarters including some of my end, has released the revised version of the draft GST Law. The board has also released the draft law for compensating the states. It is proposed that the central government would compensate various stategovernments for the loss in revenue during the first five year of the implementation of GST. The compensation payable is determined on the basis of the actual revenue earned and the projected revenue earned. To fund this compensation, there would be a levy of ‘GST compensation cess’ on specified goods and services. As

Jan - Feb17

Goods and Service Tax

A few aspects of the revised GST Law it stands, such cess would not be creditable. I fear that the inability to claim credit would go against the very root of providing a free flow of credit. I would also fear that all what is sought to be achieved by GST can be lost through such cess and its non-vatable nature. Anti-profiteering measures Another interesting aspect of the revised GST Law is that companies may be forced to pass on the benefits to the consumers under GST in the form of reduced prices. For this purpose, an authority would be constituted and empowered under the GST Law. The said authority would be entrusted with functions and powers as appropriate. In my view, such a measure would cause undue hardship to taxpayers since it would be quite difficult to prove that such benefits have been passed on the customer

through reduced prices. It would only be fair to assume that the bigger players would through economies of scale have a larger elbow room to manage prices than the smaller players. In my view, companies should cautiously revisit their costing strategies so that unwanted disputes can be prevented. Transitional provisions relating to stock with traders as on 31 March 2017 Based on the law released in June 2016, there was confusion about the eligibility to claim input tax credit of stock with dealers and service providers. This meant that if dealers were unable to claim credit of the excise duty paid by them on the stock with them on 31 March 2017, they would try to reduce their inventory as on 31 March 2017. If this happened, there would be a reduction in the

production by manufacturing units during the first quarter of 2017, which would have negatively impacted the GDP growth. Now, under the revised GST law, it is now quite clear that such dealers can claim input tax credit in respect of goods in stock with them as on 31 March 2017 on which VAT or excise duty has been paid and for which they have duty paying documents which are less

than 12 months old. Interestingly, in respect of Central GST, there is a provision for “deemed credit” even where the dealer does not have the duty paying document. Such a parallel benefit is missing in respect of state GST. The need to plan The adage goes “Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now”. With the likelihood of

the law being passed largely in its current form, it is imperative that businesses plan well in advance. For instance, the need to review one’s pricing policies and the related promotional schemes does become imperative considering the various tax consequences. I shall in the next articles share my thoughts on being GST ready 

Jan - Feb17

What to expect from equity markets in 2017?

he year gone by was an eventful year for the Indian equity markets. Global as well as domestic issues unfolded such that the markets remained volatile and uncertain throughout the year. While we started the year on a cautious note and had hit a low of 6825 (Nifty) on Budget day, there was a sharp bounce back seen after that. Rather after that there was consistent move witnessed on Benchmark indices with Nifty touching a high of 8968 in Month of September 2016. Eventually, however, the domestic and global events unfolded such that benchmark Indices closed on almost flattish note.

Automobile and Auto ancillary units would also have a positive 2017 backed by increased volumes (yes despite the de-monetisation impact).

Jan - Feb17

While it was the domestic consumption story and many macroeconomic factors helped the Indices move northwards, the sudden de-monetisation

move by Government resulted in indices losing most of their gains. What added as a pressure was uncertainty on global front and expectation of rate hike in US. Just to put the numbers in perspective, while Sensex close with gains of just 1.94 percent Nifty witnessed gains of 3.01 percent. However, noticeable factor is that it was in the last three trading sessions of 2016 the gains were seen. Else, the benchmark indices would have closed on a negative note. The table shows how the other indices have moved in 2016. It was midcap index that witnessed a highest gain amongst the broader indices. Rest of the indices remained in the range of 3-4 percent yearly gain. This clearly indicates that it was the midcap companies that provided opportunities in 2016.

As for the sectoral indices, we have analysed a few of the leading sectors and it shows it was year when mental index witnessed a highest gain of 45.20 percent. However, we need to understand that metals had a very lower base and hence a nominal bounce resulted in strong performance for 2016. After metals, it was Auto index that was up 10.75 percent showcasing lower double digit growth. Rest of the positive indices remained in single digit gians. Surprisingly, pharma index was the one that witnessed a highest decline for the year 2016. It was

Jan - Feb17

mainly on acocunt of USFDA observations being raised on leading pharma companies as well. Going ahead we have discussed in detail about what to expect from different sectors in 2017. However, ahead of that we want to put some other data points that investor fraternity would like to read about. We have provided a top five gainers and losers from different groups.

Top 5 Gainers

Jan - Feb17

Top 5 Losers

One of the important parameter to analyse in the equity markets is the performance of primary markets. Performance of primary markets indicates how are the sentiments in secondary markets? It shows whether the markets are ready to accept more supply of equity. Following table shows the performance of IPOs in 2016. With most of the companies remained in positive zone, it was a good year for primary offering.

Jan - Feb17

We have a long list of IPOs for 2017, and National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) are also featuring in those list. Hence, as far as primary markets are concerned, positive sentiments are likely to remain constant.

FII and DII Data

Another important data point would be how the FIIs have behaved. In last two months, Indian equity markets witnessesed a good chunk of selling from FIIs. However, most of that was compensated by DII and MFs. Simple reason for markets witnessing some amount of selling was de-monetisation. As this is first time that the demonetisation has been announced, volatility was anyway expected. What made the matter worse was consistent flip flop by government. Though the step was good, execution would have been better. FIIs usually shy away from the investment destinations having political instability. And hence as expected the FIIs sold. However most of it was compensated by DII and Mf buying. After demonetisation, we had expected MF assets to increase and more money coming to equities. Hence, we would not be surprised to see more amount of MF buying happening in 2017. As regards the macro data factors, we have seen all positive data points in 2016. And, we expect the data points to be positive in 2017 as well. Inflation has remained under the RBI tolerance levels, and we expect it to remain so in 2017 as well. Food prices are expected to remain low and even the pulses prices.

Jan - Feb17

As for the growth rate, many leading research firms have reduced the growth rate below 6 percent. However we opine that the growth rate would remain close to 7 percent even after the demonetisation impact. And, with more and more white money getting into the system, there is expected to be sustainable growth witnessed going ahead. One needs to understand that India has been a consumption story and would remain so with 130 crore of population (that too with favourable demographics). We expect the Q1FY18 or Q2FY18 to be the quarter when the earnings would also be seen recovering. Hence, though the FY17 may not end on a good note, but FY18 would have a strong opening on earnings front. As for the expectations of sectoral performance, we feel Indian consumption story still remains intact; and hence consumer goods companies can accumulated with a perspective of 24-36 months. Even Banks and NBFCs are likely to witness traction in 2017. We also like IT sector despite the fact that its growth remains directly correlated to INR movement and Trump policy making. However, investors can accumulate leaders from IT sector. Cement and Infra would be in positive zone backed by public spending and many large infra projects being made financially viable. In Pharma sector, we have to be selective and stick to leaders with consistent financials and strong track records on USFDA parameters. Automobile and Auto ancillary units would also have a positive 2017 backed by increased volumes (yes despite the de-monetisation impact). Government has been doing every bit for helping the economic growth. Recent speech of providing sops to common man may be seen as a negative in short term but lead to consumption to increase. Considering all the factors, we expect 2017 to start on a positive note. Investors have got enough opportunities to enter markets in 2016 and may get few opportunities in first month of 2017 as well. Sticking to large cap stocks and few quality mid cap stocks would help investors outperform the broader indices in 2017 ď Ź

Jan - Feb17

MOTIVATION

Dolly Neena Dolly Neena is founder of Your Wing, a training company born out of a noble cause and spirit. She holds a decade long experience being a passionate mentor and entrepreneur.

oday, we are about to remind ourselves about something each and every human being on Earth goes through– setbacks or failures. Some days are good, some days are not. Nothing is permanent on the surface of this planet. Even nature illustrates this eloquently so that we may accept the inevitable– for a night, there is a day; for an uphill, there is a downhill; for life, there is death. If you have tried at something, please be sure, thus, that you will definitely see a challenge/failure/setback or a struggle. Failure is a natural part of that never-ending learning process. There is absolutely not one person who wouldn’t have hit the rock-bottom, at least had struggles in life. Even though this is a very common phase in everyone’s lives and that we see it happening across our family members, area or country, when it falls on ourselves, we tend to forget some learning that we should have implemented by ourselves in order to have sailed safely through the storm. Instead, we sink and incessantly ruminate about each and every smallest thing that caused the setback and hold guilty of someone or ourselves. The key is to

Jan - Feb17

Nothing is permanent on the surface of this planet. Even nature illustrates this eloquently so that we may accept the inevitable-for a night, there is a day; for an uphill, there is a downhill; for life, there is death.

reframe failures.

‘failure’.

One thing I would like to re-iterate here today is that we learn and read a lot these days– and most of the times, what’s fed into our brains on a majority basis is consumed with much belief and grit, without investigation. For example, some of the speakers persuade us to blindly follow our intuition. However, the truth is that we are not always aware of how we feel or why we feel happy or sad, frustrated, lonely, guilty, or just overly sensitive. So, when we get to read that we should always follow our ‘gut feeling’, without much thought one goes ahead and does things that might not take you to the anticipated destination. In another instance, there are some people who are absolutely blind to feedbacks, which in turn might take them to a very wrong direction of maybe even never-finding why they are in the wrong territory at all. Again, not accepting or not admitting we are wrong can take us even farther from our desired or deserving destinations. Sometimes, we just follow the majority opinion to get to a wrong abode. So, there could be several instances where one find themselves in a place we call

What do we do when we find ourselves in that unfortunate situation? Admit it or not– we all have this fear of failure. We don’t want the world to see that we had a setback. With more social networking prowling in this era, people have been pushed into an unrealistic denial mode, more than ever. No matter whose fault it is, each and every one of us has the power to change things around for better. We just have to accept, admit and take action. The most important and primary thing is that you just have to forgive yourself, and understand there is probably nothing wrong with you at all except you are a normal human being. Human beings make errors and mistakes. Take heed and just scrutinize the situation and make necessary re-routing. Do you have a goal that’s personally meaningful to you? Is there a purpose in life which gives an ethereal satisfaction if attained? Understand this little fact– you cannot succeed unless you are willing to fail. Which means again, if you need to fail, then you need to try. If Einstein had stopped trying at his 25th

WE ONLY SEE WHAT WE WANT TO SEE!

Jan - Feb17

attempt than at the 10,000th, humanity would have still been in the dark. Every master starts out as a beginner. You simply can’t start at the top. You simply can’t know-it-all in your entire lifetime. Not even if you live for another 500 years. So, why can’t we fail? Why shouldn’t we fail? Each failure will take you close to perfecting that thing you’re trying to achieve. Let it be running to that finishing line in a recordbreaking time or to overcome your short temper or to make that beautifully delicious chicken curry or to make your relationship work or to make some money to take that trip you always wanted to. Sometimes you may go through embarrassments, insults, rejections or heartbreaks. It could be demoralizing or extremely upsetting. The goal might seem less attainable after a setback. It’s just a fog. It’s just a state of mind. Admit that you were wrong. The idea is just to learn from each situation. Winners just create a lifetime self-coaching system for themselves. Bounce back with more vigor and might. Apply what you have learned from each setback to the next trial. We realize that the power comes from within. We, at times, cannot control the external environments. Try to solely focus on yourself. People who stare at you from outside do not matter. Afterall, their focus will

Jan - Feb17

shift to something else in no time. You are designed to transform and adapt yourself to achieve your purpose. In the run, you may need to shed some habits, some people, some likings, a job or a place you wanted to be in. Each experience is going to make you stronger in your pursuit of excellence. Willpower is a muscle– you strengthen it everytime you use it. You make it perform better everytime you feed it with the right protein. The first thing that is going to conquer you, right after a setback, is your emotions. Your mind is going to be a whirlpool. How would you think straight in a boiling heat? Emotions are not consciously controlled. It’s strongly linked to memory and experience. Infact, the fun part is that your subconscious mind believes everything to be true, what you make it believe it is. Hence, your mind is definitely going to take your cognizance on a rollercoaster ride. Amidst the turmoil, how do you manage your emotions? If you are a believer, ask for divine guidance– sit in prayer or meditation. Analyse what went wrong, and note down what you could do better to overcome the situation. Exercise and give your physique its due attention. Deliberately keep aside negative talks that’s flooding your head. Identify the emotion you’re in and do positive self-talks that

could uplift your mood. Spend time with people who believes in you. Believe that you are a winner. Do not focus on the obstacles at handLook at the bigger picture. Look at what you can be tomorrow. Once you are over with your preparation time, then get ready to confidently launch yourself into the next pedestal. Watch out for those non-productive behaviors which led you to this stage. Identify and change your current behavior or action that led to an impediment. Moving forward, take adequate help. We grow through pain. Have a map in hand to your destination. Identify a winning team to hangout with. Avoid detours. Be in sense of the stumbling blocks that may lie ahead. Be bold to try things differently. Most importantly, start all over again! Find the setbacks as an opportunity to grow, to find ourselves in a better terrain in future. Some of the most successful and influential people in history have cemented their legacy through many failures by overcoming it with poise. Do not forget to take personal responsibility through each phase of life. Anyone who has ever succeeded had the courage to confront the situation, and try again. Like Socrates aptly puts across, “The unexamined life is not worth living”. Remember, it all starts with your thought! 

Jan - Feb17

GADGETS

Samsung Galaxy S8

MRP: `57,591 (approximately)

       

Android v6.0.1 Marshmallow OS 28 MP Primary Camera 8 MP Secondary Camera 5.3 inches Display 6/7/8 GB RAM 64/128 GB Internal Memory 1 TB Expandable Memory 3.2 GHz Octa Core Processor

iPhone 8

MRP: `50,876 (approximately)

      

Jan - Feb17

iOS 10.02 upgradable to 11.0 OS 16 MP Primary Camera 8 MP Secondary Camera 4 GB RAM 32/64/128 GB Internal Memory A-11 Processor 3000 mAh Battery Capacity

HTC 11

MRP: ` 57,999 (approximately)

       

Android v7.0 OS 5.2 inches Display 12 MP-dual UltraPixel Camera 8 GB RAM 32/ 64 GB Internal Memory 256 GB Expandable Memory Snapdragon 835 processor 3000 mAh Battery Capacity

Nokia C1

MRP: ` 12,999 (approximately)        

Android v6.0 Marshmallow OS 5.5 inches Display 13 MP Primary Camera 5 MP Secondary Camera 2 GB RAM 32 GB Internal Memory 128 GB Expandable Memory 2800 mAh Battery Capacity

Jan - Feb17

COOKERY

Toshma Biju

AVALANCHE COOKIES

Ingredients

• • • •

Rice krispies................. 2 cups White Chocolate........... 453 gm Peanut butter............... 1/2 cup Mini marshmallows...... 1 1/2 cups

Method In a bowl, melt together the white chocolate and peanut butter. In a large mixing bowl, combine rice krispies and marshmallows. Pour white chocolate and -peanut butter mixture, and stir to combine.Drop by large spoonful on to baking sheet, and place in fridge to set up.

Jan - Feb17

CINNAMON FRENCH TOAST BITES

Ingredients

Method

• • • • • • • •

Cut the crust off the bread, then cut each piece into 9 equal cubes. Whisk the eggs, milk and salt in a bowl. Combine sugar and cinnamon in another bowl. Melt 1½ tablespoon of butter in a fry pan over medium high heat. Quickly toss the bread cubes in the egg mixture and use your hands to shake off excess egg mixture. Place the bread cubes in the fry pan and use a wooden spoon to "sauté" them until browned on all sides. Remove the bread cubes from the fry pan straight into the sugar mixture. Serve with honey for dipping.

Bread............................ 4 Eggs.............................. 2 Milk.............................. ¼ cup Pinch of salt Sugar............................ ¼ cup Cinnamon powder........ ½ teaspoon Butter........................... 3 tablespoons Honey........................... to serve

SNOWBALLS

Ingredients

Method

• • • • • • •

Place 1 cup of shredded coconut in a jar, along with the coconut oil. Process it on high speed, until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Add the honey, coconut milk, vanilla, cinnamon powder, and salt and process until it combined well. Shape the mixture into small balls and coat with the remaining shredded coconut. Refrigerate for at least an hour and up to 5 days.

Shredded coconut........ 1 + 3/4 cups Coconut oil................... 2 teaspoons Honey........................... 2 tablespoons Coconut milk................ 2 tablespoons Vanilla extract............... 1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon powder........ 1/2 teaspoon Salt............................... a pinch

Jan - Feb17

BEAUTY

10 Beauty Tips For your New Year Resolution

ike it happened yesterday, 2016 went by swiftly and feels as if we just closed our eyes back in January 2016. New Years are always memorable because that's when we actually start planning to make betterment in your stereotyped lifestyle. Life will become more and more interesting when there is a big difference. Maintenance of your appearance and health is a major task and not everyone can invest a lot of time for one's beauty and style. However, habits will ensure proper motivation and steadfastness. Here are 10 changes in your daily routine that will surely help you and it require little to less effort but a lot of patience and willpower. Avoid oily food items This is literally difficult but not impossible. Even if you are making snacks, use olive oil or virgin coconut oil. Oily food is problem-

atic for your skin and is reportedly carcinogenic when reheated. Avoid any chance of unwanted cell's activation. Don't pluck out your pimples Some have this tendency to poke at their faces and pull out the pimples. Don't do that. Leave it there as such and wash your face at regular intervals with facewash. Pimples will disappear on its own. Otherwise, black coloured residues will leave in its place; and it is even more difficult to deal with. Early to bed and early to rise Unless you have urgent pending work, go to bed at 10 pm and try to finish off everything early next day. Start every morning as early as 5pm. It will do wonders for your brain. Reduce refined carbohydrates Recent studies have identified

refined carbohydrates, including "maida" and "sugar", are the most destructive forces. Reduce the sugar intake in your coffee and tea to one or half a spoon. Use wheat bread instead of white bread and avoid "paratha" items. It might have some effect on your taste sense but will do great in terms of health. Eat fruits and vegetables in high quantities Some people hardly have fruits and vegetables in their daily diet. Don't let this happen. Vitamins and minerals are essential and these food items are tasty as well as enriching. Don't skip breakfast Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your brain and heart, along with the other organs, work very hard in an interconnected system to ensure healthy and active life for you. So, you should feed it with nutrients and supplies needed for that day. Skipping morning breakfast is the worst thing you could do as you spend over 8 hours in an empty stomach. Have a cup of coffee, a banana, and an egg, even if you find it difficult to prepare proper breakfast. Have more protein in your diet Proteins will increase your body's metabolism and help in the fat burning process. It is also an

Jan - Feb17

essential body building molecule. Eat pulses, fish, eggs, chicken, and grains in your diet. Avoid deep friend non-veg items as the adverse effects of excess oil are prominent. Daily workout Use 15-30 minutes of your time every day to help a better circulation of blood and nervous system. Little things you could do like park the car away from your workplace and walk, climb the stairs, do push-

ups or pull-ups, cycling etc. Expose yourself to uplifting mood Watch good films, listen to soothing and pleasant music, read good books, avoid newspapers which present negative news in bold letters, encourage people to talk the "best" case scenarios and do gratitude gestures. It will make a lot of difference. You will have a pleasant psychological life.

Step out of comfort zone One of the major reasons behind the lack of productivity is due to the fact that people are not stepping out of the comfort zone. As you give your best work, the result will be overwhelming. This new year take a vow to make a difference in your life ď Ź

Excelsior!

Jan - Feb17

The country offers ample nightlife opportunities. There are lots of bars, casinos, clubs, entertainment shows and much more in the country. Fun is not limited anywhere.

n this busy life, we often forget to enjoy the happiness. It needs a powerful shake to pull out your frustrations. Sometimes, for some people, a vibrant and cheerful crowd can do miracles. It is not always good to practice solitude and depend on calm and quiet atmosphere to eliminate the negative elements. Now, we invite you to a land where you can actually enjoy the happiness of celebrations. Stop living an introverted life. Check in into this loud life and let your soul roam freely. You may find a new way to rejuvenate the soul, which is exactly opposite to the working pattern of a calm and quite meditation.

Aruba is one of the four constituent countries of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. This island located in the southern Caribbean Sea is situated

Jan - Feb17

An island of happiness and festivals in Caribbean Sea:

Aruba

Jan - Feb17

in the north of cost of Venezuela. Interestingly, the citizens of this country possess Dutch passports. The present Aruba culture is a fine blend of different cultures. Now, Aruban population includes South Americans, Chinese, and Netherlands. The influence of all these cultures makes this land a land of happiness. Arubans wholeheartedly welcomes all kinds of traditions and celebrations. So, this peaceful country is now blessed with numerous festivals and celebrations. Out of all these festivals, the Aruban carnival is the most renowned celebration. This country, which experiences a pleasant climate

Jan - Feb17

throughout the year due to the presence of moderate temperature and constant trade wind, is famous for its magnificent beaches, historical ruins, colourful festivals, mindblowing music and much more. Alto Vista Chapel, Bushiribana Ruins, California Lighthouse, Fort Zoutman and King Willem III Tower, Antilla, Oranjestad, San Nicolas, Plaza Daniel Leo, Grot Di Lourdes, The Old Mill, and Seroe Colorado are the main attractions of the country. Besides these spots, there are several places like museums, beaches, and natural attractions. One vacation is not enough

to explore this land fully. It is better to choose your spot after making a small background research. You can find all kind of accommodation facilities here: budget accommodation, luxury and much more. Arubans are very friendly people and most of them are multi-lingual. They encourage interactions and may even offer you a drink. In terms of safety, it is one of the safest countries in Caribbean land. It is better to buy a rental car or motor bike if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to try a public transport system. More importantly, you may not appoint a guide. You can find several tourist help desk across the country; and

Are you looking for a land where you can actually enjoy the happiness of celebrations? Check in into this loud life and let your soul roam freely.

they are very down-to-earth people. Arashi, Grapefield, Blackstone, Malmok, Baby, Boca Catalina, Fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Huts, Palm, Eagle, Manchebo, Andicuri, Rodgers, Bachelors, Boca Grandi, Santo Largo, Mangel Halto, De Palm Island, Renaissance Island, Surfside, Druif are the famous beaches located in the country. When you visit these beaches, make sure that you follow the instructions of the coast guards carefully. Some of them are not fit for swimming and other sea adventures. Meanwhile, some beaches like Palm, Rodgers, Malmok are excellent places for

Jan - Feb17

swimming, snorkelling and other water adventures. The white powder sand and warm water are the peculiarity of the beaches located in this country. In some places, you can find natural pools made by the rocks adjacent to the sea. It gives you a different experience. It is advised to listen to the beach manger’s suggestions and beach guard’s instructions carefully. The places where you cannot find such

guidance use your common sense. When we speak about Aruba, the first thing that comes into our mind is the Aruban carnival. This two-month-long festival is considered as the festival of music, colours and happiness. During this period, the county will be in a festive mood and you can see glory parades, light works, mini parties in every nook and corner. The festival finally culminates with a grand parade, in which several decorated floats, musical groups, beautifully dressed celebrants take part. The 63rd edition of Aruba Carnival will begin on November 11, 2017, and end on February 27, 2018. Oranjestand is the capital city

Jan - Feb17

of Aruba. The preponderance of the government buildings is located in the city. It is the perfect palace to see some traditional Dutch architecture, and to do your shopping. The Antilla is the largest wreck located in the Southern Caribbean Sea. Yearly, tens of thousands of visitors flow to the country to visit this renowned dive spot.

San Nicolas is the second largest city of the country. Charlies Bar is the famous hangout-spot in the region. Another attraction of this region is the renowned ‘Carubbian Festival’, which happens every Thursday from 6 pm to 10 pm. The country offers ample nightlife opportunities. There are lots of bars, casinos, clubs, entertainment shows and much more in the country. Fun is not limited anywhere. Under the bars category, there are piano bars, dance bars, sports bars, party bars, karaoke bars and et al. You can also try bar hopping in order to meet new persons and experience new services and entertainments. Christmas Day, Aruba Danda Celebration, New Year Celebra-

tions, New Year Plunge, Betico Day, Betico Croes Memorial Run, Aruba Carnival Season, Flip Flop Beach Festival, Aruba International Half Marathon, King’s Day Celebrations, Aruba Soul Beach Music Festival, Aruba Hi-Winds Kitesurfing Windsurfing Tournament, International Bike Week, PPC Aruba Poker World Championship, Sinterklaas Arrival and Parade are some of the upcoming celebrations. The list is very

big and it continues like an endless dosser. Aruba loves to make you happy. It is the place where you can enjoy at your fullest. It will teach you how to embrace happiness through a loud jolt. The advantage of this city is it can turn each and every moment eventful. The country teaches us the importance of celebrating our life. It may be an expensive journey. But, you will not regret it. The white sand beaches, loud music, vibrant parties and beautiful parades will stay in your mind as a sweet memory for ever. Wherever you live, whatever you do, try to find your actual happiness. It is somewhere around you 

Jan - Feb17

AUTO REVIEW

ď&#x20AC;źVIVEK VENUGOPAL

Meet the BMW i8 - a combination of futuristic design and innovative carbon fibre construction wrapped around electric propulsion and some old fashioned internal combustion.

Jan - Feb17

BMWi8 Jan - Feb17

ar enthusiasts have always lived in fear that the future of motoring will be quite gloomy and un-entertaining, with slow hybrids and electric cars becoming common place. They feared supercars are a dying breed and that performance motoring will soon become a thing of the past. Over the last decade, car manufacturers have been downsizing their engines to meet emission levels and lower fuel consumption. But fear not, because some of them have been taking hybrid technology to make our lives better.

Meet the BMW i8 – a combination of futuristic design and innovative carbon fibre construction wrapped around electric propulsion and some old fashioned internal combustion. The design is what a futuristic take on the legendary M1 supercar from the late seventies, could look like. On the face of it, it has all the drama a supercar needs and then some. Pull up at your nearest town centre, swing open the butterfly door and you feel like you are stepping out of a Batmobile– especially when your car is wearing a stealthy grey paint like the one we tested. The rear with its floating blades and aero winglets channelling air around them are form and function, at their very best. Getting in and out isn’t easy with the wide sill, low roofline and dashboard positioning; but once inside, you get more comfortable than in most supercars. Visibility is good and the seats aren’t as low as you’d expect. The dashboard is made of quality materials and the layout is angled towards the driver. Blue trims, similar to those found on the exterior, are added to the cabin signifying the manufacturer’s chosen colour for its eco credentials. The rear seats are best for placing luggage, but it is surprising how BMW has managed to find space of two small seats despite thing being mid-engined. There is a small boot at the rear, but at 154 litres it is 9 litres more than the Porsche 911’s.

Jan - Feb17

The car has a centrally mounted carbon fibre reinforced plastic shell to which they bolt on the front and rear sub-assemblies. The carbon fibre they have used has a different weave to the one used by other supercar manufacturers and is said to just as strong while being less expensive. BMW claims they have saved about 200kg with the structure, which is about the same weight as the 7.1Kwh battery pack mounted along the spine of the car. The i8 uses an electric motor at the front which develops 131bhp and 250Nm torque. Mated to a two-speed gearbox, this is the unit that powers you at speeds up to 60kmph in Eco mode or upto 120kmph in fully electric mode. You can charge the car with a wall socket and have an electric range of a claimed 37km. For when you want to use it like a normal car, there is a 1.5 litre three-cylinder petrol engine borrowed from a Mini but fitted with a rather big turbo to develop 231bhp and 320Nm torque. It is mated to a six-speed Aisin gearbox that is made specifically for transverse applications. The engine also has an electric motor connected to it, which acts like a starter motor and generator. It is quite clever when you think about it, because where the engine is lacking power at low revs and the turbo is struggling to spool up, the electric motor helps fill in some torque. When you are committed to the throttle, the electric boost will supplement the engine and the car feels as energetic and quite as fast as it looks. The car feels as fast as a base Porsche 911 thanks to the combined torque of the petrol engine and electric motor. We managed 0-100kmph in 4.53 seconds while the top speed is a claimed 250kmph. Throttle response is instant and it has terrific low end and midrange making it a great cruiser. Switch it into sports mode and it will hold gears for longer and feel even faster. This time, all the battery power will be channelled towards performance. Power regeneration is also more in Sports

Jan - Feb17

The brakes feel well calibrated, unlike most units which feel abrupt when there is electricity regeneration to deal with.

mode and the car sounds best thanks to valves that open in the exhaust. Weirdly the engine note inside the cabin is tuned, similar to a V8 note. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t intrusive, but you wish there was some way to control its loudness since it is generated from the speakers. There are other futuristic noises too when it switches from one powertrain to another, but those only add to the tech appeal. With this being their first midengined car in a long time, the i8 boasts of 50:50 weight distribution. In the corners, it feels inherently neutral with good grip from the chassis and the all-wheel drive system. The steering is on the light side but feels accurate. It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t a car for the race track but is very good on a windy bit of road. There is a delicate balance with the front tyres being moderately wide- thus

Jan - Feb17

losing grip first- and more power channelled towards the rear, that most drivers will appreciate. That said, it is next to impossible to drift the i8 on a grippy surface with the front electric motor pulling the car straight on full throttle. The version we tested had the optional 215 and 245 section tyres at the front and rear and these are only moderate from a grip point of view but they work well in the corners. The brakes feel well calibrated, unlike most units which feel abrupt when there is electricity regeneration to deal with. The i8 rides okay for a supercar on our roads, but you do feel the occasional rut and manhole cover, thanks to rather low-profile tyres on 20-inch wheels. The ground clearance, however, is an issue, as you have just 119mm coupled to a rather long 2800mm wheel base.

But roads permitting, you can use it every day if you want to. And I was astonished to find out it was delivering close to 17kmpl without even trying too hard. Driven mad, it was still delivering close to 8.5kmpl. Now these are figures that are unheard of in a supercar before and proof of hybrid technology done right. The BMW i8 costs Rs.2.29crores (ex-showroom rate) and you can get faster cars for that money these days. But nothing comes close to embracing technology and boasting its green credentials like this. Driving it makes you feel like you are driving the future, today. And thanks to the technology, cars like these ensure that the future of motoring is indeed bright and prosperous ď Ź

Jan - Feb17

MOVIE REVIEW

Dangal

t is a sports thriller directed by Nitesh Tiwari. The film discusses the story of Mahavir Singh Phogat and his daughters- Geeta and Babita. It narrates how a former wrestler, Mahavir, trains his daughters to become world-class wrestlers. The film is produced by Amir Khan Productions, Walt Disney Pictures, and UTV Motion Pictures. Along with the legendary action, Amir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Sanya Malhotra and SakshiTanwar appear in the lead roles. The movie, which was released last week, has been receiving good review from the film critics as well as common audience. Incidentally, the film wins lots of hearts at a time when former champions Geeta and Babita prepare to come back to the world stage after a brief break.

Wajah Tum Ho

t is a crime thriller directed by Vishal Pandya. The film narrates the interesting realities of an unusual murder. It revolves around a live murder committed on television. Even though the film has been rated below average it has some mesmerising songs. Mithoon, Meet Bros and Abhijit Vaghani are the music directors of the film. It is produced by T-Series. Sana Khan, Sherlyn Chopra, Gurmeet Choudhary, Rajneesh Duggal and Prarthana Behere appear in the lead roles. Interestingly, this film, which gives huge importance to its songs, has borrowed its title song from Hate Story 3, which is the latest film of Hate Story series.

Jan - Feb17

Assassinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creed

t is a fantasy thriller directed by Justin Kurzel. The film revolves around Callum Lynch who unlocks his genetic memories using a revolutionary technology. The hero identifies that his is a member of a secret society and possesses some special talents and skills. The central character decides to fight against an oppressive organisation. The movie is an action thriller, which utilises the graphic technology creatively. It is the adaptation of renowned video game Assassinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creed created by Ubisoft. Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons, Brendan Gleeson, and Michael K Williams appear in the lead roles. The film has been rated above average, and has been receiving good review.

Collateral Beauty

t is an emotional drama directed by David Frankel. The film discusses the story of a successful advertising executive who purposefully retreats from life following a great tragedy. The hero tries to seek answers of some complicated questions. In his hard journey, he realises some realities that how even the deepest loss can bring moments of meaning. The screenplay written by Allan Loeb is worth appreciable. Will Smith, Kate Winslet, Keira Knightley, Helen Mirren and Edward Norton appear in the lead roles. The film has been receiving positive reviews. It is one of the most beautiful emotional dramas of the year 2016. The fabulous cast is the strength of this sentimental drama.

Jan - Feb17

BOOK REVIEW

Talking as Fast as I Can Author : Lauren Graham Price : `1085 (approximately)

hrough this book, the writer narrates about life and love, and working as a woman in the Hollywood industry. The writer, Lauren Graham, is an American actress-cum-novelist. Like a non-stop speaker who loves to share all her experience to her beloved friends, the writer extensively shares crazy stories to us. It is actually a collection of personal essays. She has tactically used comic elements in the story in order to fill happiness and enthusiasm in the readers. Most of the write-ups are the backstage stories of her renowned TV shows: Gilmore Girls and Parenthood. She also explains about the challenges of being a single woman in the film industry.

Jump Take the Leap of Faith to Achieve Your Life of Abundance Author : Steve Harvey Price : `1176 (approximately)

he book explains how the author’s concept- ‘JUMP’- helps him to overcome the mishaps. Here, he opens up about the importance of the concept and backs it with his own life experiences. The writer, who is an American comedian, actor, producer, singer and author, is a three-time Daytime Emmy Award winner and thirteen-time NAACP Image Award winner. The book can be categorised under the motivation books category. In this book, the narrator reminds the audience that the life is an incredible journey. The concept ‘JUMP’ means ‘to take a leap of faith’. It is worthy enough to read as we all need a ‘JUMP’ in our life whenever we confront an unexpected hindrance.

Jan - Feb17

BOOK REVIEW

Prince Lestat and the Realms of Atlantis: The Vampire Chronicles Author : Anne Rice Price : `1178 (approximately)

t is the latest of the vampire chronicles written by the talented author, who uses magnificent terms to narrate the story. The book takes you to the fictional world of vampires and other imaginative creatures. The story revolves around vampire Lestat de Lioncourt, who is the leader and inspirer possessing an irrepressible spirit and irresistible force. Even though the characters and situations are fictional and imaginative, there is a realistic element in the story, which makes it different from other fictional vampire stories. Truly, the latest book of Anne Rice is a mesmerising work of words. The writer extensively demonstrates his or her skill in writing. If you are looking for an imaginative story, pick this book.

The Undoing Project: A Friendship That Changed Our Minds Author : Michael Lewis Price : `1178 (approximately)

n this book, the writer talks about a productive collaboration between two human brains or two individuals. Those two brains are entirely different personalities: one is an extroverted persona and the other is an introverted person. Both of them share different tastes and interests. But, these two individuals- Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky- develop some exceptional concepts deleting all assumptions about the decision-making process. The writer, through the book, explains about the unfamiliar collaboration of two different human minds to an extent in which even they could not identify who contribute more in creating a certain concept. It is a physiological book.

Jan - Feb17

Printed On 01/ 01/ 2017

RNI Reg No. KERENG/2011/42633

Jan - Feb17