July issue 2013

EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

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JULY 2013 || ` 75

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contents JULY 2013

CREATIVE VOLUNTEERING

We give you fun places to volunteer and help make a difference

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS WANT We look closely at the fine line between getting accepted and getting rejected

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STIPEND IN DOLLARS

A complete guide on combining work and travel with an international internship

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5 BUDGET GETAWAYS

No money, no travel?

Not anymore! We give you getaways that are easy on your wallet COVER CREDITS PHOTOGRAPHY: AMIT KHANNA MODELS: TANIA LASSO (FACECRAFT CREATIVES AND MODELS) VAIBHAV KALIA (INSIDE) STYLING: AARTI ASRANI MAKE UP: RISHAB KHANNA

www.youthincmag.com O N L I N E E XC L U S I V E S STAR STRUCK: JULY 2013 Bollywood vedic astrologer, Ajai Rai Madan predicts what,s in the stars for you this month WORDSMITH OF THE MONTH: RAMEEZ SHAIKH A hilarious ‘supernatural encounter’ with the late Steve Jobs NAFSA CONFERENCE 2013 Highlights of NAFSA’s 65th Annual Conference & Expo, where the best minds in the field of education came together

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I am not who you think I am We examine the prejudices the youth of this country harbour – relating to communities, professions, gender roles, personal preferences, relationships, etc – and question their relevance in this day and age

ON THE COVER

(Educate) FOCUS FEATURE 18 PLAN FOR DISASTER

We give you a peek at what goes on backstage at college fests

HOW TO GUIDE 28 MAKE THE BEST OF GOOGLE

Struggling to find something on Google? We show you how it’s done

MY STORY 30 JAILED ON CAMPUS

IITians take their election process seriously. Very seriously

OUT OF THE BOX CAREER 32 WATCH MAKING

Take a walk through the serenity and timelessness of watchmaking

Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

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(Entertain) HOBBY CAREER 36 CONNOISSEURS OF CHOCOLATE

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE 64 URBAN LEGENDS Read into some of the creepiest stories around India and the legends behind them

We show you how to make some money out of your sweet tooth

CAREER WATCH 38 A COMICAL CAREER

If your books are filled with scribbles and doodles, there’s a career for you.

SPECIAL FEATURE 42 MY TEACHER CREEPIEST

PHOTO ESSAY 67 MY MOVIE

COUNSELLOR Q&A…34

TRAVEL 75 WHAT KIND OF TRAVELLER ARE

THE G-SPOT…80

PRODIGY 44 A WALK DOWN CURLEY STREET

RELATIONSHIP 78 10 LIES YOU SHOULD TELL IN A

RELATIONSHIP When a little lie can go a long way in a relationship

FASHION 86 CAN YOU PULL THIS OFF?

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EDITORIAL CONNECT…16 WORD ZONE…62

YOU? Find out what kind of wanderer you are in our latest quiz

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EDITOR’S NOTE…8

Movie frames snapped in real life

Habits of some of the creepiest teachers are finally out in the open

Pavithra Chalam talks about movies, social responsibility and her company Curley Street Media

STAPLEdiet

Are you able to nail this month’s latest trends?

RISING STAR…84 KISS AND TELL…85 HANGOUT…90 IMHO…94 GRAFFITI…98 PAGE

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88 CELEB HAIRSTYLES Celebs with the coolest cuts 89 CUSTOM MADE MONSOON

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©AJAY JAIN/KUNZUM.COM

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NESTOR LACLE, FLICKR

We tell you how to look your best even in the rains

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Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

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Editor's

note Youth Inc turns 2...

We have come a long way from the original seed idea of the magazine, to blowing the candles on our second anniversary cake. With so many accomplishments, events and never-ending college festivals, I would sum it up and say it’s been a year of madness. Right from being invited to Pakistan for the South Asia Media Summit, and attending the Indian Magazine Congress by AIM, to hosting the Top 30 under 30 achievers of the media industry, we have climbed several rungs on the success ladder.

An anniversary is the perfect time to pause and try and understand what our readers want and the direction we should be taking. We thus decided to take stock, carry out surveys, and thanks to all you readers, evolved according to your recommendations. Our motto to educate remains the foundation of our magazine and we have brought on significant improvements to better serve your interests. Also, with running the Junior Editorial Board (JEB) for a second year, we reaffirm that we are of the youth, by the youth and for the youth!

Speaking of taking stock, we also need to stop and do some soul searching from time to time. Our JEB members proposed the cover story I AM NOT WHO YOU THINK I AM. We have all, at some point, either been victims of stereotyping or have stereotyped others. In our own unknowing way we may have classified people based on age, sex, colour, location or religion.

Especially in our country, we have a whole set of national stereotypes.

For example, because I’m Gujarati, my friends always talk about how I travel and work like a “pukka Gujju biznesssman” and how they would like to come over for some sweet food, whereas at home it’s actually the opposite. But on the other hand, if we didn’t have these mental labels about people, how would we know the rituals and customs of certain community’s weddings and who likes what kind of food or what is appropriate at funerals? Where do we draw the line and keep our minds open for new ideas and growth without hurting the sentiments of people? This is exactly the issue we address in this special edition and hope to break several stereotypes and prejudices.

Thank you for your support and love. We look forward to continuing this incredible journey along with you and have a rocking year ahead!

Volume 3 Issue 1 July 2013

Editor-in-Chief NITISH SHAH

Editorial Team

VATSALA CHHIBBER APARNA SUNDARESAN SEAN SEQUEIRA NATHANIEL D’COSTA

Contributors

NEERJA DEODHAR POOJA SALVI PRAVYA PRAVIN

Art & Design

MOULVI ABBAS HASAN GAURAV DODIYA

Ad Sales

ADAM AVIL sales@youthincmag.com HEENA SOPARIWALA sales.mg@youthincmag.com POOJA JAISWAL sales.hd@youthincmag.com NITIN AHIRE sales.sr@youthincmag.com

Marketing

NEHA PRABHU DEEPA SONEJI marketing@youthincmag.com

Circulation

SHANTARAM AMBERKAR NISHANT SHINDE

Administration

SARAH LOKHANDWALA GEETA NAIK For advertising, subscriptions and circulation mail@youthincmag.com +91-22-2351-6622 / 6609 Printed and published by Nitish Shah on behalf of Splash Publication Pvt Ltd Published at: 9 Forjett Hill, British Express Bldg, 2nd floor, Mumbai 400036.

Editor: Nitish Shah

Admin office: F9&10, Commerce Centre, 6th Floor, 78 Tardeo Road, Mumbai 400034.

Printed at: Repro India Ltd Plot No 50/2, TTC MIDC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai 400 710. District Thane

Nitish Shah

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All content in print and online is owned by Splash Publication Pvt Ltd under international copyright laws. No part of the content can be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publishers. Publishers will not be held responsible for the content of the magazine including accuracy and effects. All disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of competant courts in Mumbai only.

25-06-2013 19:48:45

istitutomarangoni.com

ph. Aldo Fallai

_FOCUS FEATURE

m a r a ng o nis c ho o l

we say bravo All over the world talent speaks italian.

That is why every year more than 2.500 students come from all over the world to Istituto Marangoni in Milano, Paris, London or Shanghai to study fashion and design. Together with us, their dreams of today become their brilliant careers of tomorrow.

For further information: Raul D’Souza info.india@istitutomarangoni.com t. 022 26042211 | m.+91 9870427957

89 Marco Youth Incorporated JULYSofi 2011 Grigoli, Yu║Lee, a Castegren, Istituto Marangoni students.

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THE YEAR THAT WAS It’s been a pretty ‘eventful’ year at Youth Inc as we joined in the madness and excitement of leading college festivals such as Mood I, Malhar, Umang, Waves, Festember and Rendezvous. We also partnered with education events such as Times Education Boutique 2013, QS World Grad Tour and Access MBA/ Masters. So the next time, you’re at a youth event, look out for the Youth Inc stall. We always have goodies.

MORE EVENTS

AS WE CELEBRATE OUR SECOND ANNIVERSARY, HERE’S A GLIMPSE OF WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO IN THE PAST YEAR

MORE FAMOUS FACES

This year, we decided to get to know the young entrants of Bollywood and featured two young, talented and rather charming actors. The candid Siddharth Malhotra truly impressed us with his humility while the versatile Vir Das had us laughing for most of the interview.

This year, Youth Inc was also spotted hanging out with some popular faces such as Amrita Arora, Arshad Warsi and Gul Panag.

_COVER STORY

_COVER STORY

CONFESSIONS OF A

BOLLYWOOD FRESHER

Comedy go to The you develop and you Bill Cosby Friday, that’s how funny?

Store every bone. you were you realise your funny When did : writing be challenging a comedy Last week. I’m funny. I’ll I’m What’s more ial, acting in routine or I don’t thinkwith you. I think get on mater up comedy ey? ming a standvery honest l. And I just kinda find people film, perfor with Alien Chutn hing observationa the truth and in tell performingnice when everyt s you, meet me . stage and . If you were to of ointed It’s kind complement – I’m that funny at hugely disapp you and other. Stand-up you’d be I’m a funny guy grounds s each sort of in real life, think where I’m are going up was never complement enough I really don’t behind stand me do this.” a and things fortunate idea ! Let all. The position films, I’m that’s I’m funny a leading comes to a lead really, “Hey, of, “Hey, I think too.” when it films as me kind well. But mer. I have six ever seen It was all I think that’s funnyperson rank newco but nobody has has ever seen funny. And like being the only I started up, . Nobody of coming a ghost. before of dance or It’s kind saw who that sort in that light ce or action or rly, with in the room down and then . matter. Similabrand me do roman stuff for that putting into a comedy career ey, we’re doing anything, Chutn med now Alien blosso , first at my band, rock scene. We’re in college Do you , Pentagram, rd. d acting new on the Indus Creed Dixit. It’s You studie e then at Harva also an art with ts aghu is concer wn in Funk and…R Knox Collegacting, humour Sha’ir and be completely unkno in think, like taught? to it’s one well-known be just nice acting – ries and that can ur] is like ely be certain indust ries. g I think [humo that can definit a certain things certain indust really excitiney. We’re at of those you have to have Chutn What’s really, taught, I is Alien I like the taught, butLess than being that it is immediatelyof the barrel and but up. it. flair for more important go to be the bottom nowhere to is if you want think it I think thatactor, then it’s not idea of having ood studied. six Bollyw and get really good a really, go to drama schoolreally, really you’re doing is You said to they?

It’s h rs. are April-May enoug plays as great teache films. What will release in It’s India’s taught by to go see as many that Goa Gone. d by Raj movies as The first called Go important watch as many Pacino, gonna be e comedy. It’s directein the City. and films with you can first zombi who directed Shor it and Kunal and watch Bachchan or Aamir you can is a great Amitabh producing boys in it.

Nidimoru De Niro, whoever you think e Khan] is just Saif [Ali and me are the two tant to observ it is Khan – more imporstudying part of ng Khemmu movie. called actor. It’s a buddy Reliance large, the teachi I think the It’s with So than film that. is a very Nobody important I have a really done stand up. But if much more Ooper, which .

Same with Sooper se comedy. I’ve never part of it. you how to be funny to a lot listen commercial can teach a lot of comedy, and see you watch read Woody Allen y, of comed

s Vir Da shed abli has est as the himself known best Indian residentn of the comedia ade. He past dec it all, has donestandfrom s and up, film on to televisie shows, corporat and improv talks music. He t his to us abou ness' 'funny busi humour and howgoing is mainstream

MEET SIDHARTH MALHOTRA. SEXY, CANDID AND UNASSUMING, BOLLYWOOD’S NEWEST PRINCE CHARMING TALKS TO YOUTH INC ABOUT HIS STUDENT YEARS, HIS ACTING DEBUT AND YES, EVEN HIS LOVE LIFE 48 Youth Incorporated ║ FEBRUARY 2013

iously sof The Ser sines Funny irBuDas V

FEBRUARY 2013 ║ Youth Incorporated 49

44 Youth Incorporated ║ APRIL 2013

APRIL 2013 ║ Youth Incorporated 45

MORE CONTESTS, MORE PRIZES A contest organised by Youth Inc is anything but ordinary. We asked you to capture the essence of women in your city through photographs, confess your love for Youth Inc on Valentine’s Day and unveil the prankster in you on April Fool’s Day. We have wackier contests and bigger prizes in store for you in the coming months, so brace yourself!

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YOUTH INC

SHO OT

We make ou a hectic bu r T V debut this yea r! After t exciting sh an ad read o y for televis ot, Youth Inc has ion. Look out for it!

YOUTH INC IN THE NEWS

Our Global B-School Rankings 2012 and World’ Best Colleges 2013 gained national and international attention. Our annual rankings will continue to help you make a more informed decision and select the right institute.

ls. idua t or v i d ed in artis alent grapher, earing t , g eh oun oto ith y riter, ph in, we lov ard with w g n a w l Bo ti her g terac aspirin to comp ditorial ut toget y), n i e p ce an rE ov da We l er you’re eds a pla d a Junio hance to ed a holi lso e c a t e h n n e t m a Whe one who also form gave the really w dition, w e your e som you. We ents and ssue (we ds. In ad you to b ience i s r from lege stud iversary your han ch allow ical expe l i n t n o h c i n 15 c cond a hich is gram w me pra e o our s esult of w uddy pro d gain s rketing. n a r B a e m e h th Yout esentativ e field of a e v ha ge repr in th colle

YOUT

SOCIALLY YOURS We’re definitely feeling the digital love from our readers.

Earlier this year, we crossed 100,000 likes on Facebook and the list is growing! For our fans and followers, we have many exciting updates and contests coming your way.

U O DY

A C N HI

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JUNIOR EDITOR IAL BOAR D 2013

Af te r sif ting through hundreds of applica tions we found 15 budd ing wr ite rs to form the Junior Ed itoria l Boar d of 2013. Our enthusiastic te am, who put toge ther our se cond anniversa ry issue , share their ex pe rie nc e of work ing for the ed itoria l te am of a ma gazine

Being a member of Being a the JEB meant a part of JEB lot of responsibility, 2013 was as challenges and also incredible some serious work as it can to be done for a get. This national magazine. was a once Overall a learning in a lifetime experience where opportunity I had a chance to know and to understand experience the inside of a the workings JEB is like a of a magazine dream come true. magazine and learn every bit of what house in The members goes into getting depth. Apart of Youth the magazine from being a Incorporated and on the stands. great learning JEB possess In one word – experience, tremendous UNFORGETTABLE !! being knowledge and associated - Srishti skill. The most with Youth Inc fascinating thing Jain was exciting of JEB was that and fun-filled. it gave us the - Shiuli freedom to shoot our ideas aloud Dutta and our ideas were respected.

It taught me to ‘think’ and write articles in different angles.

- Ronald Rodrigues

Writing for Youth Inc was an eye-opener.

Getting to go through the entire process of interviewing, preparing visuals and writing an article was a rewarding experience.

Learning that real life doesn’t work like a class assignment was a wake-up call, but getting a chance to be published was worth it.

At Youth Inc, I picked up the intricacies of magazine making, right from brainstorming for ideas and penning down articles to getting the final magazine in place, complete with design, I had something new to learn at every step. JEB taught me how different writing for myself was, from writing professionally. I’d like to thank Youth Inc for helping me grow as a writer. I couldn’t have found a better way to spend my summer holidays!

- Palak Kapadia

- Dushyant Shekhawat

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JEB has been one of the best experiences of my life. Apart from being a lot of fun, there was so much to learn! The constant help given by the Youth Inc team helped me grow from a keen writer to someone who could write something that's worth reading.

All in all, this was one of the best things that happened to me.

It’s an experience I’ll always cherish.

I’m one of the youngest members of JEB with no experience of working with a magazine and Youth Inc still gave me a chance to showcase my talent. I’ve had the best time working here, had the most delicious coffee while brain storming over the ideas and the most amazing people to work with. Thank you for providing me with great memories, skills and familiarity with the Youth Inc world!

- Isha Mathur

- Nooriyah Merchant

The opportunity to write for a magazine with nationwide circulation does not come around very often. More often than not interns are used as a walking coffee maker, with the occasional chance to staple a couple of 'important' papers.

However, at Youth Inc, we were actually given the freedom to choose and write about topics, with proper guidance.

- R ameez Shaikh

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- Junisha Dama

A month as a member of the JEB was all that was needed to give me, a fresher in the world of journalism, a taste of what it‘s like to reach out to the masses through print media.

The experience highlighted the fact that work and fun can exist together.

- Shahid Judge

Through JEB I got a chance to work with a bunch of talented individuals from various media schools, some of whom were as young as 16. To have been able to learn and brainstorm over stories with this diverse group was enriching to say the least.

- Nathaniel D’Costa

- Jai Vipra

- Anshika Sethi

JEB 2013 has been a fine learning experience.

Because of JEB, now I can not only say that I know how a magazine goes from thought to print but, I can also quite happily say that I was a part of that process.

Youth Inc makes sure every day in JEB is better than the last. So while the bylines are ego-boosting, the number of interesting friends I have made, the way I've connected with long-lost acquaintances for my articles and the most fun meetings I've ever had have all been memorable. It is both daunting and exciting to create something, and I hope you like this issue!

JEB offered more than the usual boring internships, where at times you have nothing to do.

Planning the articles to be carried, writing them, sharing space with like-minded people and the whole experience of working towards getting the magazine ready to go in print; has been great.

This was my first experience with working in a magazine and it has encouraged me to want to continue in a magazine. R ight from deciding the theme, to brainstorming for story ideas, to selecting the cover story, and finally to writing the article; it has been an extremely enriching journey.

I was surprised and a little intimidated to find out that I was the youngest JEB member! Vatsala, my editor, worked with me very encouragingly and treated me at par with everybody which helped me keep my confidence. She also taught me that though one may not always get the article they want to work on, one must be patient and make the best of it. I’m grateful to Youth Inc for having looked beyond my age and still give me this opportunity.

- Sukriti Jha

- Shruti Nagabhushan

JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 15

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editorial connect the of : t n h E v em o n t e m e X t ra s i o n v n I

Zafrin Shah pulls off a 900 at Extreme Invasions, Malleshwaram Ground, Bangalore

LOOK BEYOND UK AND USA EDUCATE + ENTERTAI JUNE 2013 || ` 50 www.youthincmag.com

Travelling is a humbling experience, and photography is my way of capturing the memorable moments. My blog is a visual archive of a travel bug’s footsteps. I am yet to explore the world. This blog traces my first steps towards realising my dream.

Upcoming study destinations

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COOL PLACES TO WORK

NERVOUS NEWBIE? A guide to the first month of college

How to get the perfect profile picture

Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com

SUNIL CHHETRI: STORY OF INDIA'S FOOTBALL CAPTAIN June_ 2013 final.indd 1

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South African Skateboarder Braxton Haine (top) and Canadian inline skater Richie (bottom) perform at JVPD ground in Mumbai

Jeneet Jain and Krishnendu Menon, students of Khalsa College (Mumbai) enjoying their copy of Youth Inc’s June issue.

BLOGGER OF THE MONTH

Veda Ramaswamy https://thetravellingtoddler.jux.com, http://thetravellingtoddler.wordpress.com

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SOCIALLY YOURS YouthIncMag

PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

 @GRUMPYGOAN

“Wholesome and for the entire family” is how Azon Linhares aka Grumpy Goan describes his sense of humour. Here are some of his funniest tweets: My superpower is getting an ice cube tray in the fridge without spilling any water by the 101828th try

@YouthIncMag

Only love I get is between the sheets – Excel Humour Incorrectly spelling typo to hit a new life low These pigeons have been courting outside my window for the past thirty minutes. Awww. *takes out gun*

USE THE QR SCANNER ON YOUR MOBILE PHONE

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yi

educate VIRGIN COMICS, FLICKR

A comical career For those with an insatiable love for comics and a passion for art...

Page 38

K E E PI N S I D E 

Pg22 Pg26 Pg30 Pg42 CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE WANT TO GIVE BACK TO SOCIETY BUT DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START? WE HAVE SOME IDEAS

17 EDUSEC.indd 17

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS WANT? APPLYING FOR A JOB? FIND OUT HOW TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING HIRED

JAILED ON CAMPUS A STUDENT SHARES HIS EXPERIENCE OF SPENDING A DAY IN ‘IIT JAIL’

MY TEACHER CREEPIEST STUDENTS REVEAL QUIRKY AND OCCASIONALLY CREEPY HABITS OF THEIR TEACHERS

24-06-2013 16:22:07

FOCUS FEATURE

PLAN FOR DISASTER

F

ests are as synonymous to college life as bunking. People say your college life is wasted if you weren’t associated with a fest one way or the other. However, putting one together is no mean feat.

More than 500 organisers put their noses to the grindstone for months on end to bring something new to the table every year.

Despite the most meticulous planning, things can and do go wrong. While tiny, mundane issues are a rule more than an exception, others can be pretty appalling.

HELP! I HAVE A MEETING IN A PLACE I DIDN’T KNOW EXISTS!

Sponsors – love them or hate them, you cannot ignore them. Bringing in the moolah to fuel your festival can be a pretty daunting task.

“We had to travel all around Mumbai to meet with different companies. Many of these like HUL, Mahindra and Starbucks were exciting.

But out of 1000 meetings we went for, 990 were at places one wouldn’t think of visiting in one’s wildest of dreams! From Shivri to Navi Mumbai, we had to travel everywhere. The worst part was carrying a laptop along in the afternoons under the scorching sun. A lot of companies that made us wait for very long. We had to be rejected by at least the first 50 companies before we learnt how to actually run marketing,” laughs Eshita Dharia, marketing head at Detour, Jai Hind College’s BMM (Bachelor of Mass Media) festival.

HELP! MY FESTIVAL IS POSTPONED AND I CAN’T EVEN IMAGINE THE RESCHEDULING!

While most of us rejoiced over the week-long holiday Swine Flu brought in 2009, the atmosphere was quite different at NM College, Mumbai.

Their fest, Umang, was postponed for a week owing to the shutdown.

Raj Desai, Chairperson of Umang 2009 gives us a first-hand account of this logistical nightmare: “I took a General Meet immediately and told my team that such incidents were, in fact, an opportunity to show our mettle. We rescheduled several things from judges to sound guys to exhibits, logistics, etc. That one week my brain was chaotic. I think that incident

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P&D MALHAR ‘12

COLLEGE FESTS HAVE COME A LONG WAY, BUT THE DRAMA AROUND THEM HASN’T CHANGED A BIT. PALAK KAPADIA BRINGS YOU STORIES FROM THE HORSES’ MOUTHS HELP! MY JUDGE NEEDS TO SHUT UP!

Celebrity judges come with their own set of star tantrums.

From their favourite coffee to the brand of pen they use for scoring and the announcement of their arrival – everything must be taken care of. That can be managed, but sometimes judges do things that send you running off in the opposite direction (think Simon Cowell from American Idol).

Aman Jain, an Informals Committee Member at Vaayu, Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) says, “In the question and answer round of our personality-based event, a judge asked one of the contestants ‘What is your favourite part in your body?’.

The girl replied ‘My b***s’ to which the judge asked, ‘What do you like about your b***s?’ It wasn’t something we’d expected but there really wasn’t much we could do as he was the judge and had to be respected. Thankfully, the other judge interceded and requested him to ask questions keeping the decorum in mind. He didn’t cause any trouble for the rest of the event.”

ALLIE MARTIN, FLICKR

gave me hands-on training in dealing with uncertainties and keeping a team of 600+ organisers and 5000+ participants involved and enthused for the fest. The postponed Umang went better than we ever expected it to and proved that nothing can come in the way of a passionate and determined team which was hell bent on successfully executing one of India’s biggest and best college festivals.”

JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 19

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24-06-2013 16:23:37

FOCUS FEATURE

(L to R) Malhar, St. Xavier’s College

HELP! MY COMEMBER JUST DOESN’T WORK!

The workforce has different kinds of people – there’s the workaholic, then there’s the miracle worker who rarely works but manages to complete tasks on time, and then, there’s the lazy one.

“One of the girls in our committee was incredibly lazy. Basically, she did nothing at all. It irritated us but as a team, we had to co-exist. On the D-days, she abandoned an event and completely disappeared. Despite our own crazy workload, we covered for her in shifts. We had to think on our feet and ensure that everything flowed smoothly. Throughout the event I was coordinating on a conference call with my co-members. We somehow managed and I don’t think that the participants even realised that something was amiss,” says Urvashi Jain, a volunteer at O2, the Bhavan’s College fest.

HELP! THE MEDIA HELP! MY FEST JUST GOT MIGHT JUST ABANDON RAINED OVER! MY FESTIVAL! On 26 July 2005, heavens unleashed their Getting a star-studded lineup is a big challenge for all festivals. Living celebrities are known to give grief.

Whoever knew that the sad demise of an iconic actor could be equally panicinducing?

Adith Anande, Public Relations Head at St. Xavier’s, Mumbai’s Malhar festival says, “We were to have our press conference and everything was in place. We were expecting a good turnout in terms of journalists, but sadly, that day in the morning we got news that Mr Rajesh Khanna had expired. It was something we never expected and we thought the conference might turn out to be a big fail. It caused a lot of us to panic to the extent that someone suggested postponing it. But we carried on. Luckily, a decent number of journalists turned up.”

Vaayu, NMIMS

wrath on Mumbai in the form of torrential rainfall. The ground floor of NM College was flooded and about 100 organisers of its annual extravaganza, Umang were trapped inside with no electricity, no phone connectivity and very limited food. Without panicking, the seniors directed all the action while the juniors were only too happy to obey. The night was spent playing music and sharing spooky stories.

The inundations, which were futile against the spirit of the fest, had better luck with the décor and artwork in the ground floor headquarters; they were destroyed completely.

The team rebuilt their festival from scratch, quite literally, in just a fortnight.

“The unexpected floods had been a blessing in disguise. After going through such tremendous emotional as well as physical pressure, I know confidently that there is nothing that we, as a team, cannot withstand,” says Tanya Rawal, Vice-Chairperson, Umang 2005, in their press release.

Umang, NM College

Detour, Jai Hind College

20 Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

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24-06-2013 16:23:58

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24-06-2013 16:28:06

AWARENESS

CREATIVE WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

I

f you think you have the time and drive to make some efforts and channelise your energy in a creative way to help others, here are some methods in which you can volunteer and make a difference.

IMPROVE AND LIFT MANKIND

It can be said that humans are the most precious creation, so helping your fellow kind should be easy. If you are literate you could teach kids who can’t afford tuition classes; you could organise a blood donation or a heath check-up in your community and so on. Other simple initiatives like organising a cooking workshop for the women of your locality is not a bad idea either.  If you stroll along the streets of Mumbai in the early morning you will see individuals on the pavement of Carter Road teaching

STEPPING AWAY FROM THE EATSLEEP-WORK IDEOLOGY, RONALD RODRIQUES FINDS BLISS IN CREATIVE WAYS TO VOLUNTEER AND MAKE A POSITIVE CHANGE

about 50-60 kids from nearby slums and poor families, and providing them breakfast.

This organisation, known as Navjot Foundation, requires more hands and invites anyone to help. You could directly go to Carter Road between 7 and 9 am or contact Mira Mamnani at http://www. facebook.com/mira.mamnani. She has been teaching these kids for the past 10 years.  Similarly, Angel Xpress Foundation conducts evening classes for underprivileged children at public places in Mumbai. If you want to share your knowledge, you can contact them at http://www.facebook.com/ AngelXpressFoundation. Anubha Sharma, the founder of Angel Xpress Foundation, says, “Donate your time – come and teach English, math, art, craft, dance or music at one of our centres. A mere two hours a week can work wonders for a child who has no

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24-06-2013 16:29:33

support, for while knowledge changes hands, overall grooming and widespread exposure is attained.”  You could also help Human Wave Foundation, Kolkata to strengthen the backward classes, women and children by contacting them at tapas.sur@gmail.com.  If you want to put your skills in the creative and performing arts, sports, spoken English or computer training to good use, you can volunteer at Save The Children India by mailing contactus@savethechildrenindia.org.  Another organisation that invites volunteers to teach, feed and bathe the less fortuante is Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata, founded by Mother Teresa. Sr Christobel, who owns a trust for the needy, says, “If I can help somebody as I walk along then my living shall not be in vain.”

left untreated. Gaurav Mardia, the founder of ERPL, says, “E- waste is the most hazardous threat to the environment so E-waste recycling should be made mandatory.” You can volunteer for ERPL to reduce E-waste and understand its recycling and disposal process by contacting them at info@e-incarnation.com.

ALSO VOLUNTEER WITH WEE Recycle Bhumi Nature’s Beckon An activity organised by Animals Matter To Me

ALSO VOLUNTEER WITH Volunteering India Old Age Homes CRY SMILE Plan India Yearoutindia HelpX

IMPROVE AND ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT

You could help protect the environment by setting up a community garden, or organising a cleanliness drive in your vicinity to clean a beach or your own building. You could get your friends involved and organise rain water harvesting campaigns, a plantation drive or a newspaper drive in your community. Learning simple techniques like making paper bags, or how to turn rags into cloth bags can also go a long way. You could also organise awareness drives in your community to teach people to separate wet and dry waste.  On similar lines of waste disposal, a company called E-Incarnation Pvt. Ltd. (ERPL) strives to provide a unique way to recycle and dispose electronic waste which can cause serious harm ERPL’s installment at Kala Ghoda Festival to create awareness to the environment if

CARE FOR YOUR FELLOW BUDDIES Animals could use your attention too. And the simplest way to start would be to form an animal rescue team in your vicinity to help birds caught in wires and escort injured stray dogs and cats to veterinarians. You could even gather up strays from your vicinity for a vaccination drive and help establish dog parks with proper authorities.  An organisation that helps stray animals by providing rescue teams, ambulance services, treatment and other initiatives is Animals Matter to Me (AMTM). Ganesh Nayak, the owner of AMTM, says, “This society has given us so much, it is time to give back and AMTM is run on the pillar – the Youth of today.” Meehnaaz Khan who works for Youth Organisation in Defence of Animals (YODA) expresses her sentiments by saying, “Adopt pets, don’t buy them.”

ALSO VOLUNTEER WITH Youth Organisation in Defence of Animals Stray Relief and Animal Welfare (STRAW) Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) World For All, Animal care and Adoption (WFA) JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 23

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24-06-2013 16:29:45

AWARENESS

ENHANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

You only better yourself by helping others. Volunteering for Wikipedia can expand your knowledge as well as help others.  Editing Wikipedia pages, adding information to it, eliminating certain irrelevant text and formatting it to give it a new look helps to gain more knowledge and improve vocabulary. Nehta Hussain, a Medical student from Kerala, who does Wikipedia editing says, ”By editing Wikipedia pages you not only gain abundant knowledge but also develop contacts with certain experts all round the globe and get a chance to participate and represent Wikipedia in various conferences. So just look up Wikipedia, edit, add, format and make it richer and richer in knowledge, ultimately if you are interested in it, it is a fun affair.”  You can also voluntarily use your skills to translate Wikipedia pages which help more people have access to information despite facing previous language barriers.

Raziman who translates Wikipedia pages from English and French to Malayalam says, “A lot of Science based articles are written in English or French so it is essential to translate them to Malayalam to spread knowledge. Moreover, the translation is completely manual, I am not paid for this but I like doing this as it helps me and others as well.”

(Clockwise) Dance performance and rehearsal by Sanved; a street play to create awareness

ALL FOR A GOOD CAUSE

Why not help spread awareness and help cause action to eradicate problems? Using your talents, skills and hobbies to better this front is a good idea. With the help of your friends, you can organise a street play or a musical performance to get people’s attention. If you like dancing, a flash mob followed by a donation drive can be quite effective. Even something as small as singing a jingle in a railway station or a beach can draw attention to a cause.  Celebrate Bandra Trust, Mumbai organises various events for causes and a major festival called Celebrate Bandra which promotes rainwater harvesting projects, solar water heating projects, school buses for an orphanage and a school for underprivileged children. If you want to be a part of these events, you can contact them at http:// www.celebratebandra.net/. Parul, who does events with Celebrate Bandra says, “Come out of your homes and volunteer, for volunteering not only gives you joy but also leads you to social interaction.”  Sanved, an organisation situated in Kolkata, aims at empowering the victims of human trafficking to overcome their difficulties and live with dignity through unique dance therapy. You can volunteer for Sanved by visiting http://www.kolkatasanved.org/index.html.  Kranti is an organisation that aims to help young woman who have been forced into the sex trade industry by providing them an education and making them economically independent. You can contribute to Kranti’s efforts by volunteering to be a Big Sister to one of the rehabilitated girls by emailing kranti-mumbai@gmail.com.

ALSO VOLUNTEER WITH Prerana yi 24 Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

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24-06-2013 16:31:15

WORKPLACE HACKS

WHAT DO EMPLOYERS WANT?

I

t’s a question every fresher who has been unceremoniously rejected during interviews asks. And every confused student wants an answer.

What do employers want? What will make “We do not currently have any positions open” change into “You’re hired”?

We’ve broken the answer up into segments.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MY COMMUNICATION SKILLS?

Your communication skills turn out to be very important when hiring is concerned. Vishakha Wadhwani, who interns at DNA, says, “Ultimately it is your personality as a whole along with communication skills that are important.” Generally, your first introduction to the employer is through the written word, either in the form of an email or a resume. Make sure you do not use txtspk; this will jeopardize your chances at interstellar transport speeds.

According to one study, body language comprises 55% of the force of any response. You do not want more than half of your response to be disappointing – use non-verbal cues wisely.

A blood sacrifice? Your firstborn? Jai Vipra sets out on a quest to find the answer and discovers that employers are surprisingly mild, nondemanding creatures.

Non-verbal communication: the dos and don’ts • Smile when you greet the interviewer.

• Sit up straight.

Slouching gives an instant bad impression.

• Make eye contact, but don’t look like you’re staring into their soul.

• Don’t fidget; hold a pen or a file if you must.

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24-06-2013 17:47:01

HOW IMPORTANT ARE MY MARKS/GPA?

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE BRAND NAME OF MY INSTITUTE?

STEFAN LEIJON, FLICKR

Sadly, no matter how much you deride the education system in India and how grading is unfair and so on, employers do care about your marks.

Subodh Nath Jha, a retired IAS officer, says, “GPA or marks are especially important because the student has been evaluated by a plethora of people which gives ample evidence of his or her competence.” And in most industries, employers may well use marks to create preliminary shortlists. A low score may prevent employers from looking at your other brilliant achievements.

So postpone that rebellion and study for your exams.

Before you cry yourself to sleep because you didn’t get into IIT, read what Vikram Shah, founder of LemaLabs, has to say: “For a start-up, the brand name of a college does not mean much. Skill sets are far more important. Also, if you have a great track record with internships and projects, that matters more than your college name.” Shah has hired freshers from not-so-great colleges but with spectacular skills.

Some government internships do prefer premier institutes, but these are few and far between.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THE CREATIVITY OF MY RESUME?

SHOULD I DO THAT INTERNSHIP?

The answer for this, always, is yes.

Internships give you a taste of the real world and much-needed experience of professionalism.

Sonal Jain, who has done a ton of internships and has recruited interns for betweenthelines.in, says, “A lot of people have the potential, but it is good to have some evidence as to 1. Infographic resumes are gaining whether a candidate can use that popularity 2. Philippe Dubost sent recruiters a link for potential. Internships provide just an Amazon product: himself! See phildub.com that evidence.” Karanpreet Singh, Training and Placement representative 3. A marketing professional made a resume that looked like a chocolate bar – complete at IIT Ropar, agrees: “For engineers, with information on ingredients and internships are the only way to get serving size industrial exposure before graduation.

4. Video resumes are all the rage – make one They also help you decide whether a if you plan to get into the media industry certain field is right for you.”

If you’re close to graduating and out of time to develop all these skills, Sarvesh Agrawal has some wise words: “Employers look for students who score high both on skill and will. ‘Skill’ refers to a candidate’s ability to work and ‘will’ refers to their willingness to work. One may still make a minor compromise on skill but compromising on will is a recipe for failure. Skills can be taught, will cannot.”

Be sure to let the employer know you’re willing to work, and while you’re at it, make the best of your skills!

Out-of-the-box resumes

DANI LAW, FLICKR

DEVIANTART USER ABLIPINTIME

Krishna Vamsi, HR at Jaipur Rugs, says, “A unique way of representing the resume attracts the eye of the recruiter.”

A creative resume does help you get a foot in the door, but what really matters is relevance. Sarvesh Agrawal, founder of Internshala and a regular reviewer of resumes, says, “Relevant information shouldn’t be hidden amidst a clutter of nonsense. How do I care that you won a swimming competition when you’re applying for a programming position? A resume should [show] skills you posses which make you a relevant candidate.” yi JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 27

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24-06-2013 16:33:28

Make the best of HOW TO GUIDE

G

oogle is possibly the best thing that has happened to the universe (apart from supernovas and stuff), but it is a wonderful day when you realise Google has even more awesomeness just under the surface.

How many times has Google saved you from walking into a library by providing you with efficient search results? How many times has it helped you from being devoured by the huge Yellow Pages by giving you optimum search results?

While ‘superior Google skills’ is not something you can add to your resume, it will certainly help you save time, get better quality results and generally feel nice about yourself.

Search within a site Example – Relationship advice site: youthincmag. com The “site:” operator allows you to search only within a particular website. You should search for relationship advice on the Youth Inc website, because we give unbelievably good advice.

Be up to date

Find related topics

Example –Car accident location: Lucknow On Google News, you can use the ‘location:’ operator to filter out results from a certain location. A similar operator is ‘source:’, for example, source:Reuters for information only from Reuters.

Example – health benefits of ~sports The ~ sign is used to search for related words as well; it will give you the health benefits of sports, games, playing and/ or aerobics. Another example: searching for ~travelling will return results on backpacking and flight bookings too.

Search for a specific file type

Example – Economic slowdown filetype: pdf You can look for documents by file formats like PDF and Excel. It can be used for nearly any file type, for example, ‘filetype: doc’ for Word documents.

Learn new words Example – define: serendipity This operator will directly return the definition of any word you throw at Google.

Run a strict search Example – allintitle: We Will Rock You ‘allintitle:’ is for when you want to search for web pages that have all your search terms in their title. Say you want to read about the Queen song We Will Rock You, but Google keeps giving you articles about rocks and minerals.

Use allintitle to sift through the clutter. Similar operators are ‘allintext:’ and ‘allinurl:’.

USING COLONS  If your operator isn’t working, try adding a space af ter the colon, or if there is a space, try remov ing it.  Some operators cannot be combined. For example, using two or more ‘allin’ operators will not work.

Discover similarity Example – related: coursera.org If you want to find websites that are related or similar to a particular website, use this operator. For example, the above query will return links to other free online courses.

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24-06-2013 16:38:52

Google Quote your search Example – “college students on strike” Typing your query in “quotation marks” tells Google to search for that exact phrase and not break it up.

Think Google search is easy? It’s easier! Jai Vipra and Shiuli Dutta take you through Google tricks and tips that will solve problems you didn’t even know you had

Find the missing word Example – In the jungle, the * jungle Use the wildcard symbol (*) when you have forgotten a word from a phrase, for example, when you have a song stuck in your head and can’t recollect a word in the lyrics.

The wildcard symbol can fill most blanks, from the right preposition to the right word in sentences.

Find choices Example – “Dance classes” in Delhi|Mumbai, or “Dance classes” in Delhi OR Mumbai If you’re searching for a class in Delhi or Mumbai or both, using OR between the terms or using the pipe symbol ‘|’ will yield better results.

EGGS LITTLE EASTER rel bar a ‘do Everyone knows about roll’ now. There are other hidden ck out: Google features you should che

Find a range Example – Horrible car accidents 2010..2012 So you’re not satisfied with reading about car accidents in Lucknow and want to read about car accidents that specifically happened between 2010 and 2012. Use this trick to search. Notice that there are two full stops between the two years.

Shire as  In Google Maps, type Thetin ation des as r the start and Mordo s ion ect dir ng and choose walki ‘define  Search for ‘anagram’ antdres ponse firs anagram’. Look at the d click on  Search for ‘recursion’ an rning: Wa Google’s first suggestion. ilo sophy to ph on you may need a class s comprehend thi not  Go to google.com/pacman.d Do ste wa e blame us for the tim

Locate what you love Example – Movies: politics This particular operator combines two searches. The above search will give you a list of movies based on politics.

the  Ty pe ‘find Chuck Norris’k in ‘I’m on Google search bar and clic feeling lucky’ universe  Ty pe ‘answer to life, theyou r breath d and everything’ and hol

Calculate Example – 4+9/3*5 Google’s calculator is far more efficient than the one in your computer. Typing a maths problem directly in the search box will give you an answer.

Note: This does not work for problems such as ‘If Ram has 23 watermelons and Sita has 11, how many watermelons do they plan on eating anyway?’ You will have to give numerical values.

Exclude information Example – sonnets -Shakespeare If you want to look for sonnets but not sonnets by Shakespeare, use the minus sign (-) before Shakespeare. On a related note, did you know other people wrote sonnets too?

JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 29

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24-06-2013 16:39:24

Jailed on

ca m p u s H ooting of horns and chanting of slogans, loudspeakers renting the air, lots of fuss and chaos around, wondering whom to vote and support... this is an over view of the setting on the eve of elections at IIT Bombay, where the students are to cast their vote the next day. The Election Day is an important day in ever y IITian’s life where some of the third year students and fourth year students are to be elected for several significant and influential posts like the General Secretar y for Academic Affairs, Hostel Affairs, Cultural Affairs and Sports Affairs, Overall Coordinator for Mood Indigo, etc. The excitement, however, reaches its highest pitch on the day of the elections. And the best part of elections comes, when, in case of impersonation, the guilty

30 My Story.indd 30

ones are actually taken into custody. Yes, if at all you are caught doing any sort of illegal act during the election period you shall actually be taken to a jail specially meant for the students. During elections, the Student Activity Centre, an area meant for extra-curricular activities, is made into a temporary jail where anyone found guilty is taken into custody and detained. Indeed, the most prestigious institute in India has a way to make sure the elections are fair and not in the influence of any polarising factor.

We caught up with Saif Rahaman, a first year BTech student who was one of the first ones to be put into the jail. He shares with us some of the wrong-doings which can put you in IIT jail and the consequences that follow.

IITians sure take their election process seriously.

One of the first IIT prisoners, Saif Rahaman, talks to Srishti Jain about being sent to IIT prison on account of ‘illegal campaigning’

NO CAMPA IGNING ON THE DAY OF E LECTIONS

Just like the General electi ons, we too are not allowed to cam paign on the day of elections. Bu t determined to make my de sired candidate win, I campaign ed in three hostels. The election s started at 2 pm. I was caught in th e mess of one of the hostels campa igning and was put into the jail at 2:30 pm itself. I was one the first few ones to be put into jail.

27-06-2013 13:25:48

MY STORY

BROUGHT TO THE JA IL

BY BUS

Once I was arrested, I was brought to the jail in a ‘tum-tum’, a regular mode of transport in IIT.

TI ME PASS I NSI DE THE JA I L

A lthough it’s jail, the atmos phere inside is quite light. We we re given food every hour. Pizzas, pa stries, patties were served in suffi cient quantity. Enough water wa s also provided to us. We had no thing to do inside the jail, all we co uld do is discuss and predict who would win. I was doing all sorts of random stuff inside the jail. It was a nice opportunity for us to inter act with our seniors. Surprisingly, we were provided beds to rest and I did take it in the evening.

R E LE ASE D

Having stayed for more th an six hours in the jail, I was finall y let out at 8:30 pm. I was not hung ry but was exhausted and simply wanted to go and rest in my room. Th e voting ended at 11 pm. As I didn’t get a chance to vote while I was in the jail I had to go and vote once I was out.

30 My Story.indd 31

PHONE CONFE STICATE D On entering the jail I had to surrender my phone. This was done to all the students wh o were taken into custody so as to cut off their communication with the outside world.

E SCAPING FROM THE JA IL

Many students did try to escape from the rear side of the jail.

Some students tried to escape using the pipes that run down the building wall. In an attempt to escape from the bathroom window one of my friends broke his leg.

I actually witnessed people doing all sorts of weird things to escape from the jail.

I preferred staying inside and hence made no attempts to escape.

JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 31

24-06-2013 16:41:14

E M I T G GIVIN A FACE OUT OF THE BOX CAREERS

eva From its birth in Gen16th in the middle of the century to today, thehas art of watchmaking uili come a long way. Sh Dutta tells you moreess about the timelessn of this profession

T 32 Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

32 Out of the box careers.indd 32

tch in the making of a wa he process involved er one. The watchmak is a rather interesting the 200 parts of at all has to make sure th y smoothly without an ns tio nc the watch fu n io at am alg am ing is therefore the eation glitches. Watchmak responsible for the cr is d an n sig de d an of science ieces. intricate of spectacular timep nd a watch involve an wever, The mechanics behi ho s, he tc s. The world of wa mplicated and laborious proces co to ! From basic ed de in e ac pl g in at ing on a is a fascin of a watch is like go es sid in e th ng wi vie ght that watches, ho would have thou W y. ne ur jo g lin gg g? Some mind-bo are driven by a sprin at th rts pa 0 20 s ha a watch ing design ll known watchmak of the examples of we t. ue eg ppe, Rolex and Br houses are Patel Phili

24-06-2013 16:42:46

Watches can be divided into roughly 5 parts:  Simple mechanical watch  Self-winding mechanical watch  Complicated watch  Quartz electronic watch with digital display  Quartz electronic watch with analogue display

WHAT’S THE SCOPE TODAY?

The scope of watchmaking in today’s industry is wide with the option of working as either a watchmaker for a renowned company, servicing or restoring old timepieces or at the retail level. Opportunities for watchmakers are abundant throughout the world. The Swiss watches hold a stance of their own in the world of watchmaking and boast of an impressive clientele from celebrities to businessmen. Swiss watches are the most sought after timepieces owing to the exceptional quality and designs and demand a high value.

WHAT KIND OF EDUCATION IS REQUIRED?

A watchmaker is required to have knowledge in the fields of micromechanics. Apart from that, one would need to train in institutes that offer hands-on training on watchmaking. Unfortunately, in India, there aren’t any such institutes except Rolex training centre in Mumbai that offers a course on watchmaking. However, the course requires one to have minimum five years of experience as a watchmaker.

The individual is then further trained and their skills polished to make them capable of handling the servicing of luxury watches. There are however a number of watchmaking schools in Switzerland, UK, America, Hong Kong and China, etc where one could opt to study watchmaking.

Being a WOSTEP (Watchmakers of Switzerland Training and Education Program) alumnus is crucial to one’s watchmaking career. This certificate enables you to find a job in any

country in the world.

WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES THAT COME WITH THE JOB?

Birendra Bajracharya, a watchmaker with almost 20 years of experience says, “One of the main challenges that a young professional may face is the understanding of the new technologies that are introduced at regular intervals in the industry.”

However, according to Khaja Moideen, a watchmaker employed with Rolex and currently working in Bahrain, thanks to the excellent training provided at regular intervals both at the company headquarters in Geneva and at its training institutes in various countries, the challenges that a young professional may face have lessened considerably over the years. He says, “All the institutes now provide the required technical information and appropriate training for the understanding of new calibres.”

What’s a calibre, you ask? Calibres are types of movements/mechanisms which embody a great number of miniature and delicate moving parts including a balance wheel in a mechanical watch that vibrates at the rate of 28,800 vibrations per hour. yi

CAREER FACTS: WATCHMAKING

JOB PROFILE: Watchmaking is the art of designing and servicing a watch. A watchmaker is also required to service watches that deteriorate with time.

INCOME: The kind of remuneration you receive will obviously depend on the company as well as the country you work in.

In India, a young watchmaking professional can earn an upper limit of `20-30k whereas in countries like Bahrain, Dubai, etc, the salary is slightly higher than this figure.

SKIL LS SET: Patience, dexterity, analytical abilities, exceptional creativity, good memory, basic mathematical skills/trigonometry, good vision, passion for mechanical dexterity, a curious mind and precision STU DY: Rolex Training Centre (Mumbai), Lititz Watch Technicum, Nicolas G. Hayek Watchmaking School (Switzerland), Gem City College School of Horology (USA), CFPT – Ecole d’horlogerie (France).

TRIVIA

1. The wristwatch was introduced at the end of WW1 2. The Calibre ’89 is the most complicated mechanical watch in the world 3. Rolex invented the waterproof wristwatch 5. Omega was the first watch on the moon as it was selected

by NASA for its astronauts 6. Hublot’s most expensive watch is made up of 1,282 diamonds JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 33

32 Out of the box careers.indd 33

24-06-2013 16:42:58

COUNSELLOR CONNECT

JAYANTI GHOSE

ANSWER ANSWER

ANSWER ANSWER

You have to assess your priorities and review the selection procedure for the above choices so as to make up your mind about the best option among those you mention. Integrated MBA-PhD options aren’t usually offered. Admission to Fellow Programmes in management (FPM) or PhD need not require work experience, but you would need to apply on the basis of either UGC-CSIR JRF NET, or a management entrance test such as CAT. You would require related work experience for success in applying for MBA/PhD abroad in prominent universities.

Entry into MBA in Germany presupposes a bachelor’s degree followed by at least two years of work experience after the undergraduate degree. Visit https://www. study-in.de/en/ to get information on the various master’s programmes in business administration at universities in Germany to review the areas of focus, fees, admission criteria and schedule of applications.

You will need good knowledge of English (GMAT and/or TOEFL and/or a special English test) for entry into an English medium MBA. However, knowing German and a successful performance in an assessment interview would also be required. Specific requirements vary between universities.

ANSWER ANSWER

WHAT NEXT? Q: I am pursuing a five-year integrated MSc course in Biotechnology which will be completed in June this year. What’s the best option after getting the degree – MBA, PhD or civil services?

Please name some universities which accept students for MBA/PhD in Management/FPM courses without work experience (in India and other countries).

Ajay Kishore

If you want to do your master’s degree in engineering/science then decide upon the branch before you start your search for suitable universities.

If you want to apply for MBA or a master’s degree in marketing, journalism, finance, etc., you would need a few years of work experience after your graduation.

Your choice of university and time of application would be dependent upon the above mentioned factors. You can schedule the required tests such as TOEFL, GMAT/ GRE, etc. in tune with admission deadlines once your study and career plans are clear.

Ensure you schedule the tests well before you apply.

MBA IN GERMANY Q: What would be the basic requirements if I wish to study MBA in Germany?

Preeti

TEACHING Q: I am 28 years old. I have done BSc (Fashion Designing) from INIFD in collaboration with Annamalai University. Although I attended the college full time, the degree I was awarded has “Distance Learning” written on it. I wish to pursue a career in teaching and training.

Accordingly, I am pursuing MA English from INGOU 2013 to 2015 and will follow that with NET. What will be my prospects?

Komal Even after you complete MA in English and clear NET, getting a regular teaching position/lectureship in a recognised university would be challenging since your bachelor’s and master’s degrees would be in different fields (your background in fashion design would not be relevant for teaching English at the undergraduate level). Doing a full time MBA or master’s degree in fashion management/apparel marketing/retail management and qualifying NET for teaching positions may be more useful. Otherwise, look for jobs in teaching and training in fashion in polytechnics and fashion schools based on your BSc degree.

ANSWER ANSWER

STUDY ABROAD

FURTHER STUDIES ABROAD Q: I am an engineering student. I wish to pursue further studies in the US. How do I decide on a university? When do I start applying?

Ayesha

STUDY IN INDIA

Jayanti Ghose is a career and education consultant. She holds an honours degree in economics and a degree in education. Her research in career counselling and guidance spans more than 25 years. She pioneered the concept of career counselling and career writing in the print media. She is actively involved in personal and group counselling.

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HOBBY CAREER

Connoisseurs

Chocolate of

Each one of us, has at least once in our lives, wanted to visit that chocolate factory and see what it is like to be in the shoes of Willy Wonka. For many youngsters today, this dream has taken the shape of a career – that of a chocolatier – finds Anshika Sethi

Chocolates are dear friends in moments of celebration and even depression. But chocolates don’t just add inches to your waist; they can also add money to your bank account if you take on the role of a chocolatier. A chocolatier is someone who makes confectionery from chocolate. Chocolatiers are distinct from chocolate makers, who create chocolate from cacao beans and other ingredients.

NO SPECIFIC WORK TIMINGS

Most chocolatiers work from home. A typical day in the life of a chocolatier is extremely fascinating. Suman Tripathy, a chocolatier from the past 15 years says that there is no fixed schedule, as work depends on the kind and number of orders each day. Most days begin at nine in the morning after a hearty breakfast with preparing the chocolate.

Earlier chocolate was made the traditional way with cocoa powder, milk

5

BEST THINGS ABOUT BEING A CHOCOLATIER

1. CHOCOLATE all day long!

2. In touch with the latest trends 3. Fulfilling wishes; everything after all IS custom made!

4. Feasible for those who want alternate careers.

5. Make money out of something that is your passion

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CASEY FLESER, FLICKR

powder and cocoa butter, but now chocolate slabs are readily available in the market for chocolatiers to work with. Based on the kind of orders, the centres for the chocolates are prepared and then put into moulds to set.

Many a times these moulds have to be custom-made as in the case of orders that ask for names of the bride and groom or even a company logo on the confectionery.

FESTIVAL DRAMA: TIME FOR BUSINESS

Come festivals and the busiest time in the life of a chocolatier is here.

Be it the Diwali specific orders like a chocolate Ganpati or Christmas specific ones like chocolate Santa Claus, festivals bring out the best in a chocolatier. “We mostly get corporate orders during festivals such as Christmas and Diwali,” says Tripathy. On such days a fixed routine is followed. Preparations begin 1520 days in advance. Though most chocolatiers work alone, at times like this extra help is hired, though only for wrapping and packing chocolates.

The final touches are always made by the chocolatier. “It’s the quality and extra touches you put in that help you win customers,” is what Tripathy has to say. At times like this, work goes on till the wee hours of the morning. But then again, time spent with chocolate is never time wasted.

CUSTOM-MADE CHOCOLATES

Rachna, a newlywed, wanted the guests at her wedding to get something special. So she got her and her husband’s names carved out of chocolate for each guest.

Tripathy recalls creating a bouquet of 25 silver chocolate tulips for a silver jubilee wedding celebration.

Fancy a twist on Ganesh Chaturthi? A custom-made chocolate modak thali is ready for you! But nothing beats the chocolate ring box carved entirely out of chocolate, including the edible chocolate ring that Tripathy created as a Valentine’s Day order for one of her clients.

INNOVATION: A CHOCOLATIER’S MANTRA

The main point which Tripathy emphasises on to make a successful career out of chocolate is INNOVATION. With so many chocolatiers entering the market every day, the only thing that can set you apart is your creativity. She would know; her most famous creation is chocolate with a green chilly infused centre. Be it a custom made chocolate modak thali, chocolate shaped like a company logo or a chocolates with a centre that suits your taste and specifications; innovation is integral. yi

ER C A R E S: FACT TIER OLA CHOC

JOB PROFILE: A chocolatier is someone who makes confectionery from chocolate.

Chocolatiers are distinct from chocolate makers, who create chocolate from cacao beans and other ingredients.

INCOME: With the most basic chocolates selling at `800 per kg, monthly income is around `40,000-50,000.

SKILL SET: Artistic ability, Knowledge of chocolate flavours and textures, and most importantly, innovation.

STUDY:  Chocolate Academy, Mumbai  Barry Callebaut India Private Limited, Mumbai  Craft and Social Development Organization (CSDO), New Delhi

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A COMICAL C VIRGIN COMICS, FLICKR

CAREER WATCH

CAREER FACTS: COMIC ARTIST

All those doodles in your notebooks can indeed amount to something.

Dushyant Shekhawat tells you how you can satisfy your creative needs by working as a comic artist

JOB PROFILE: A comic artist is someone who draws comics in two capacities: either with a writer where their job is just to illustrate, or by themselves where they both write and draw comic strips and books.

INCOME: Depends on portfolio and experience. Artists are usually paid by the page.

SKILLS SET: Drawing skills that can create human figures, animals, objects, landscapes, locations, etc; a vivid imagination; writing skills (if you’d like to create your own strips or books).

Maintain a portfolio of your work.

STUDY:  Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art, Mumbai  National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad  Rhode Island School of Design, USA

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L CAREER people and share your portfolio.

Another important skill is a knack for storytelling.

Comics are visual, so being able to picture the panels in your head and narrate the story are pivotal.

Always look for inspiration. Stay up-to-date with current events as you never know when an idea for a comic or a cartoon may strike.

POP CULTURE GEEK, FLICKR

D

oodling in textbooks is a practise almost as old the system of formal education. It’s something most people have done at least once in their lives. Some people enjoy it so much that they make it a hobby. A smaller number goes beyond and begins to doodle professionally.

And that is how a comic illustrator is born.

ready to make some money? Now is the time for patience. As Kini says, “there is a lot to accomplish before a comic artist can become a millionaire”.

That said, good output and good clientele are necessary to earn money.

As the quality and quantity of your work rise, so will the figures on your paycheques. The creative nature of the job means there will never be an end to your growth as an artist. For a fun, creative hobby that can be a profession, what more can you ask? yi

Life of an artist

Abhijeet Kini is one such person.

The creator of Angry Maushi, an original comic, has been working as an illustrator since 1999, with publications like Tinkle Comics and Mid-Day. He sheds light on the workings of the job with respect to his experience in the field.

First steps Kini began his career with no formal background in art. However, he recommends you carry these things in good quantity: talent, flair, interest and guts. As a beginner, freelancing is a viable option. But you must ensure your portfolio is constantly updated.

A good body of work is key to your chances of catching a break.

You gotta know…

Networking is equally important for success. Kini’s advice is to attend comic cons and meet like-minded

Back in the day Kini would draw on high quality drawing paper with finenib markers. But in the 21st century comic illustrators have moved with the times. Today he uses a WACOM tablet, a graphics tablet with which one can hand draw images directly onto a computer. This helps save paper and speed up work as corrections and scanning the artwork are made easier.

DUSHYANT SHEKHAWAT

You gotta have…

Smiles & frowns As a veteran of over a decade in the field, Kini uses his talent to step out of the rat race. He can work from home on his own terms. This boon can also be a bane as he has to shoulder the workload alone and even work on holidays at times. Physical and mental burnout is another danger.

What now?

You’ve got your equipment, put together some work and think you’re JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 39

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P E I N T D S

FOREIGN SHORES

O IN D LLA

RS Shruti Nagbhushan explores the pros and cons of pursuing an internship in a foreign land

F

or all those students who have a long vacation ahead and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what to do, an internship abroad is a great way of combining work and travel this summer. With a learning experience, you can also make your CV sizzle with an internship in your dream company.

MICHAEL CANNON, FLICKR

HOW DO YOU APPLY?

For those of you who are lost about how to apply and how to get hold of such opportunities, there are a lot of online avenues that make applications for internships a simple two step process. There are websites like www.letsintern.

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com, www.goabroad.com, www. studyabroad.com and www. intershaala.com that enable you to choose the destination and field of your choice for an internship. You can register on these websites, and for a minimal membership fee they arrange for internships in companies that they have tied up with abroad. However, the travel cost, accommodation cost, and living cost have to be borne by the students unless negotiated otherwise.

out to anyone, and you can go beyond the usual clerical work.”

IS THE MONEY SPENT WORTH IT?

JUST FOR THE EXPOSURE

FOR THE SELFRELIANT

If you’re the independent kind who likes to explore the realms of opportunities on your own, then these websites would be superfluous for you. You can directly get in touch with the company of your choice, or any university professor, if you’re applying for a research assistantship, and make your own arrangements.

In this process however, you have to be patient and prepare for a long wait till they respond and confirm your appointment. Also, managing all the documents and applying for the visa are entirely your responsibilities.

PROS

Compared to internships in India, internships abroad are a more enriching experience. Not only do you learn more about your field of interest on the job, but living away teaches you independence; the high cost of living and meagre income teach you responsible money management; and you’re equipped to break the cultural and language barriers that you encounter. According to Pranay Puranik, who interned in India as well as Singapore, Singapore exposed him to a better environment. “The internship programme is very structured in Singapore. They hire you as an intern to empower you with skills that you wouldn’t otherwise develop. Work ethics are very different.

Given the flat structure in organisations, you are able to reach

Ashish Kumar Budhiraja who did an internship in Spain recounts, “I did an internship in robotics at a company in Spain for €800 a month. I found a broker online who gave me a fully furnished flat on rent for around €250. My cost of travelling, living, eating all came up to `1.25 lakh, which was all that I earned during my internship there. But the experience was totally worth the money spent. I met people from 10-12 countries. And I realised that everyone works there because they’re interested and there’s no hierarchy.”

I think the biggest reason to do a foreign internship should be the exposure it provides to a student – not only to the most advanced technologies and academic infrastructure which is great for a student to build up his/her knowledge of the subject, but also to a different way of living, and thinking; a new benchmark to compare against.

- Sarvesh Aggarval, founder and CEO of Internshaala (www.internshaala.com)

PAID INTERNSHIPS

There is also a new trend that has begun called ‘Paid internships and training programmes’ wherein you need to pay a company or a university to enrol for the internship. “One of my seniors in college did a two-month training programme at London School of Economics where they paid around `2 lakhs for a training course, in addition to their travel and living cost,” Ashish says.

HOW DOES ONE BENEFIT FROM AN INTERNSHIP ABROAD?

Most employers look for enthusiasm, dedication and aptitude in your field of interest, and a good internship abroad encompasses all those qualities and much more. After all, a summer spent working hard is a summer well spent! yi

CONS

Work environments abroad are extremely competitive and people take their work ethic very seriously. Also, the way work is done, especially in science, medicine or related fields, vary from place to place. For Vineet Kulkarni who interned at a lab in the United States, his first few days were spent learning and adjusting to the new ways of operating because the consequences of a slip were severe. “The stupidest and smallest things were done differently and even, in some cases, named differently. You need to be extremely careful about the way you present your work and communicate; the sooner you understand and ‘speak’ the language of the lab, the better equipped you are to work here as an intern.”

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FOCUS FEATURE

MY

R E H C A E T

© MCMILLAN PHOTOGRAPHY, FROM FLICKR

CREEPIE ST Have y had a teoau ever who man cher to give y aged chills? Wou the you’re n ell, Isha Matot alone. snoops ahur to gathe round of the wer some teacher irdest from tra habits studentsumatised

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T

hey scream, they stalk, they sob, they spank, they seduce.

THEY HAVE DONE IT ALL, like, for real. From kindergarten to universities, they’ve always been disturbing. Admit it, fellas. We all have had teachers who have managed to creep us out with their inconceivable acts. Sometimes, even habitually. So here are those mindboggling, unbelievable, implausible and retarded habits our beloved teachers possess.

“MY TEACHER SPANKED ME!”

“I once had this teacher who had the most disturbing habit ever. In her sheer desire to be cool and liked by the students (d’oh, doesn’t she know it’s physically impossible for us to like teachers?), she used to walk around spanking kids. I repeat, spanking them. Difficult to grasp, isn’t it? So here goes, I was doing the usual, you know, loitering about in the corridors of our ghostly school and I suddenly felt a whack on my butt. My ultimate reflex was shock. I turned and the shock turned intense. There she was, gawking at me with her eerie eyes. Her stare turned into a smirk as she started to explain to me how she likes ‘spanking’ kids who wander aimlessly in the school (yes, ‘cause THAT’S a punishment). Well, if that was her technique to make kids attend lectures and sit in class, I’m sure she succeeded by emotionally scarring every kid with this hideous act.”

– Rida Surve.

“MY TEACHER STALKS ME ON FACEBOOK!”

“Facebook was my planet. A planet where I could express fearlessly about anything and everything under the sun. A planet with no rules and regulations. A planet away from School. A planet away from TEACHERS. But gone were those days when I made the thoughtless mistake of accepting my teacher’s friend request.

Since that day, there has been no peace.

She stalks me day and night. She never disappoints me by leaving out even one post untouched or ‘UNLIKED’. Can you feel the peculiarity creeping in? Well, wait for it. She even messages me if she

doesn’t like a particular picture and God forbid I don’t delete that picture!

Sometimes, she makes me teach her different poses and believe me, it took me a while to teach her how to pout without scaring people away. She’s one hell of a freak.”

– Raina Mitra

“MY TEACHER CRIES TO A NOISY CLASS!”

“She’s weird. She’s incapable of managing a class full of hooligans like us. She’s got this uncanny habit of crying if the class doesn’t pay attention! I mean, that’s just ridiculous. The first time it happened, we were all taken aback when she sobbed and begged us for attention.

I would be lying if I don’t admit the guilt I felt that time. But our unstable teenage hormones got us back on track the next class. And then, it just became a routine. Like a vicious circle.

We howled, she cried. We laughed, she cried. We pretty much did anything, she cried and cried. We all got sick and tired of her drama and gradually out of 60, only 15 attended her lectures.

Guess what she did then? Yes, my friend. She cried. Unpredictable, isn’t it? Creepy as she is, we sympathise now. Hoping that wouldn’t make her shed tears of joy!”

– Malhar Maheshwari.

“MY MALE TEACHER GETS TOUCHY WITH GUYS!”

“Strange.

Bizarre. Peculiar.

Unbelievable and far-fetched as it sounds, it’s true. He’s someone we all run away from. But what can I say? He gets his fair share of chances. Once I had hidden one of my classmate’s book (badass, right?) and she went and whined to him about the same.

Then, the incident is all too vivid. He marched towards me, hoping to get the book. He took me to a corner of the class and started checking me! His hand stroked my body and as he came close to me, he asked ‘book kahan hai?’ Of course, the book must’ve mysteriously slid inside my clothes. He

did that for the next five minutes and I stood there helpless. After this incident, we all were left with one question in our mind – was he really searching for the book!?”

– Ansh Ahuja.

“MY TEACHER IS A WANNABE LOVE GURU!”

“Walking away from the staff room gossip is self-worth but walking towards the student cafeteria with love advice is mere hopelessness. I have this teacher who would trash the staff room gossip and come and sit at different tables in the cafeteria every day with a new group of students. She would talk to them all about their love life and provide unnecessary solutions to non-existent problems that perhaps may occur soon.

She has creeped out students to such an extent that now people have stopped having lunch in the cafeteria. They sneak out of college whenever they see her around or have a scheduled lecture with her. Who knows? She might just give up the subject and talk to students about their relationship issues. I foresee a lot of flunking and bad grades. Don’t you?”

– Nehan Surve

BIZZARE PUNISHMENTS

We’ve all been at the receiving end of punishments during our school or college days. But you know you’re one of the lucky ones if you’ve managed to steer clear of these bizarre punishments.  Making students work in the canteen and sell Vada Pavs for a week.

Whoa, looks like being a chicken is too mainstream.  Tying two ponies on guys with long hair which they can’t take off till they get a haircut. Cute, eh?  If students do not wear the right shoes after the monsoon, they’re made to take rounds of the ground with their slippers in their hands. Now that’s physical training!  If your homework is not done, wait back and clean the cupboards of other teachers and carry their things to every class for a week.

Creepy teachers + weird punishments = ‘I think I’ll stay in bed today, thanks’ yi JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 43

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PRODIGY

Long Walk Down a

CurleyStreet

How did you begin your career as a filmmaker?

In my formative years, my films were shot on whatever camera I could lay my hands on. I got my first break when I was chosen to participate in the Youth Initiative for Peace in Pakistan where I made my debut film Bus. I then took on the role of a journalist at the U.N World Youth Congress held in Morocco and later went on to create films on Youth Action and Change for Peace Child International in Europe.

What made you focus on social films?

I observed that documentaries and films based on social issues often have poor reach simply because aesthetics get sidelined by content. I believe that reality lends itself to a certain aesthetic that is often overlooked by filmmakers the world over. This is what we want to bring to the world through our non-fiction films.

Tell us a little bit more about your company CurleyStreet Media (CSM).

As a media company, CSM aims to create narratives that inspire, initiate and inform. I believe film to be the most powerful story-telling medium because it engages our senses and makes us live the moment.

Nathaniel Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Costa talks to filmmaker Pavitra Chalam about her company CurleyStreet Media and making a difference through films

How difficult is it to promote a film based on social themes?

It is very challenging. Firstly, it needs to be seen by a large number of people the world over.

Traditional methods of film promotion are expensive and films based on social causes cannot afford them. Social media and film festivals are great ways for us to address this objective.

Secondly, it should be able to

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inspire people to get involved with the cause. If the content makes people uncomfortable, they find it easier to make up an excuse to switch off.

We strive to make films that walk the thin line between engaging and uncomfortable.

is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Down’s Syndrome Federation of India. Her own association with Down’s syndrome began with the birth of her child, Babli. For over three decades, she has been fighting to raise awareness about Down’s syndrome in India.

How much of an impact does film have in India for social change and awareness?

Short

takes One CurleyStreet Media film we must watch

Indelible

A filmmaker that inspires you

The Coen brothers There are tons of positive examples in mainstream Indian cinema such as Taare Zameen Par, Munna Bhai, Vicky Donor and even shows like Satyamev Jayate which have raised pertinent issues.

However, the best examples in my opinion are some of the social message films that are screened in theatres. The Bangalore police had a one-minute film on road accidents which used to be shown just before film screenings in multiplexes. Statistics proved that there was a significant drop in accidents across the city after the release of the short film.

How did your last film ‘Indelible’ come about?

The journey began with an unforgettable conversation with an amazing woman, Dr Surekha Ramachandran. Dr Ramachandran

Critical acclaim or commercial success?

Critical acclaim

An ad or a documentary you wish you had made

March of the Penguins

What stage is ‘Indelible’ at?

The final stage! After the censor certificate goes through, we hit the film festival circuit including the Thinline Film Festival, Picture This Film Festival, India International Film Festival of Tampa Bay and Delhi Short Film Festival, to name a few.

What is next for you and CurleyStreet Media?

We are presently camped in Delhi to document the remarkable story of Roona Begum, an 18-month-old who has been flown in from Tripura to undergo surgery for hydrocephalus, a condition that has caused her brain to swell to three times its normal size.

In the pipeline is a call-to-action film with Amnesty International on the Public Safety Act in Kashmir.

We are also in pre-production for two films; the first for a Kerala based organisation called the Society for Rehabilitation of the Visually Challenged who have put together south India’s first blind football team, and the second for the Association for the Mentally Challenged in Bangalore to help families with mentally challenged people.

Is there a way where young people can get involved in your projects?

Hell yeah! We need help to spread the good word which you can do by sharing the stories we tell with the world on social media.

Also, we often have requirements for design and animation work. Do give us a shout if you are keen to collaborate with us. yi TO WATCH TRAILERS OF FILMS BY CURLEY STREET MEDIA USE THE QR SCANNER ON YOUR PHONE

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COVER STORY COVER STORY e roots of our th of e on el sp di to m ai of our nation sions in our world, we With growing apprehen g the stereotypes prevalent among the youth problems by questionin discriminate.

“I

t ndian youth do no inded than our -m We are more open parents.” not believe “Young India does n, caste and rriers of religio in the artificial ba shioned.” fa colour. That’s old- ridicules the conventions of on ti ra ne Every ge tioningly tion while unques than ever, ra ne ge us io ev pr e e th – this applies, mor following its own uth of India strives hard to yo today. While the entity, boot out the old and id n ow s it ing and carve out is worth introspect biased as it , w ne e th in g n ri ally are quite as un finding out if we re lieve. we would like to be fe among today’s generation Stereotypes are ri ht about equality since taug also; despite being old prejudices seem to , ol elementary scho se is that new prejudices linger. What is wor rting themselves – whether se have also begun as or lifestyle choices, undue es yl st it is dressing and kicking. judgement is alive

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Why is it that young India talk of social liberty, stereo , despite all its ty We found that with these pes away merrily? stereotypes, people do not realise the amount of be causing. After all, if this harm they may be there’s nothing stopping it haviour grows, from not staying simply at the individual lev el pitting social groups again and eventually st each other on a national level.

What is important to ackn while it is young India that owledge is that pe stereotypes, it is also young rpetrates these In the receiving end. In fact, ve dia that is at of stereotypes have their ow ry often victims n against the other group – an stereotypes retribution starts, it is very d once this cycle of diffi We take a look at some of cult to stop it. stereotypes among youngst the more prevalent ers how they affect victims. O today and ur hope is that the brand-sporting, smartphon e-w demanding youngster ident ielding, rightsifi they unknowingly promot es the stereotypes e, and questions themselves every time they act out of prejudice.

ILLUSTRATIONS BY MA

ANI KUL

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COVER STORY

THE STEREOTYPE

Your roommate is a Muslim?

Be careful, he might cause trouble. After all,

MUSLIMS ARE EXTREMISTS.

If a Muslim does anything pertaining to his religion, like growing a beard or wearing a skullcap, he gets viewed with suspicious eyes. Muslims are fanatics, often resort to violent behaviour. There are people who even resort to statements such as “Muslims are aggressive because they eat a lot of meat and it acts on their psychology”. A word of caution is uttered while forming close ties with people from the Muslim community.

THE BACKLASH

 Muslims face most prejudice when travelling internationally. Their visa applications are doubly scrutinised and some are even rejected during times of an international terrorist incident. At airports, Muslims and ‘Muslim-looking’ people are singled out for additional security checks.  Muslims have unfortunately become the first point of blame for any aggravated act or attack on society. Even before investigations can determine if the act was terrorist in nature and which group carried it out, people (and the media, to a certain extent) are quick to assume that it is a ‘Muslim act of terror’.  A Muslim thinks twice before naming his business, out of fear that it may get targeted during unfortunate incidents like communal riots.  Getting jobs is yet another challenge for Muslim people, despite having all the necessary credentials. There are employers who are still wary of recruiting Muslims.  Dating and/or marrying a Muslim is still a major point of contention for non-Muslims. Parents often advice their children that they “can marry anyone, as long as that person is not a Muslim”.  The Muslim community is the only one in India that has to constantly defend its religion and beliefs in public to assure society that it has no ill will towards people of other faiths.

VOICES OF VICTIMS

Aaliyah Khan (name changed on request), 19, a resident of Bandra, Mumbai says, “We planned to move to Bandra a few years ago as it would be convenient for the family. The broker 48 Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

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FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW Islam does not condone violence and murder of people, whether they are Muslim or not.

It is not an oppressive religion – women have the same rights as men which means they are also entitled to education, freedom of movement and employment.

STEVE EVANS, FLICKR

Islam is also against forced conversions.

The Quran does not accept imposing beliefs on anyone.

Islam has been misrepresented by people who have misinterpreted the scripture, so it is not the religion that makes mischief. showed us a flat which we fell in love with, and planned to purchase. However, we were in for a rude shock. Two days later he called us and told us there were some problems and the flat was not for sale. When my mother asked him why, he said, ‘Abhi kya bolu madam, humko bhi sharam aata hai bolne, par aapke dharm ki vajah se’. We were absolutely dumbfounded, and flabbergasted that such archaic thinking exists in today’s modern times.”

When asked how they coped with it, she says, “We didn’t really have a choice, did we? We simply moved on and looked at other options, and finally did manage to get one in Bandra. The only way one can cope with it is by ignoring it, because there is not much you can do to change the thinking of grown men and women. ” Mariam Kazi (name changed), 24, says, “After the train bombings of 2006, I was just as traumatised as everyone else.

My father was on one of those trains and he had a close shave with death. However, when I went to school a couple of days later, a guy in my class came up to me and said things like, ‘It’s your fault. Your people are doing this.’ and I just looked at him in disbelief. I almost lost my own father in those attacks. How was any of it MY fault?”

When asked how she coped with it, she says, “I was left in a state of shock, but did I confront him the next day. However he said that he was “only joking” and that I need to let it go. It was just shocking

I have a set of friends whose basic form of entertainment is to make fun of each other.

Normally it is fine, I don’t have a problem because everyone insults everyone and it is taken in a good spirit. But every joke directed towards me is about violence and anger.

I’m not a violent person, but still I will be told, “Go fight with someone because that’s what your people do.” Why should I have to face this because of misunderstandings about my religion? If my nose is too long then make fun of me for that. But there’s no need to talk about my religion unnecessarily.

- Shaaz Rizvi, Freelance cinematographer

to see a teenager in today’s day and age, speak in such a bizarre manner.

I know of incidents where kids aren’t allowed to make Muslim friends, simply because of their religion. It probably doesn’t exist as much as it must have about three decades ago, but such incidents do pop up every now and then. The only way one can cope with it is by ignoring them and by showing them that Muslims are just as normal as every other citizen of this country.”

As Aaliyah Khan says, the fact that a person’s religion still matters in today’s world is quite astonishing.

It would be ignorant to believe that extremism exists only in Islam.

Extremism exists in all faiths and has throughout human history. However, to brand a whole group of people as extremists simply because of a few moronic fanatics is inane. Most of us would agree that Muslims are no different than any other citizens of this country. So why is there a sense of xenophobia? What is the reason for this prejudice? Stereotypes do not vanish overnight, but one can work on it.

Gordon Allport once famously said, “It is easier to destroy an atom than a prejudice.” Let’s try and prove him wrong, shall we?

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COVER STORY

A Goan executive? Shouldn’t he be a musician or footballer?

GOANS ARE SLACK.

THE STEREOTYPE

Goa is seen as the place to go when you want to put your feet in the air.

It is somewhere you can laze around and not take life too seriously because every day is a vacation. Unfortunately, people assume this lifestyle applies to Goans as well and believe that they are easy-going and slack at whatever they do. A Goan will always be drunk and never take anything seriously. In a professional environment, Goans are looked at with a stigma: mainstream careers aren’t meant for them and they will not do a good job in spite of their individual work ethic.

THE BACKLASH

VOICE OF VICTIM

Alex Fernandes, a marketing executive who worked in Bangalore for three years, says, “As soon as I joined the firm, there were jokes about how I should be partying instead of working.

While I knew they were jokes, I wasn’t comfortable as my managers were around and I didn’t want that to affect their perspective of me. It’s okay at a party but not in an office environment.” Alex narrates another incident. “Once I left work early so I could attend a friend’s birthday. I got an upset stomach the next day because of something I ate and did not make it to work. When I returned, my manager talked to me about how I shouldn’t be drinking so much on a weekday and how I should be more responsible. He directly assumed that because I’m Goan and went for a party, I drank excessively and was hung-over the next day.”

LEONORA ENKING, FLICKR

 Goans are known to be refused jobs because employers do not want laid-back employees who will free-ride without doing any work.  When stopped by police, especially traffic police, Goans are always questioned about drinking irrespective of how sober they may be then.  Goan women are seen as being easy to court which brings them scorn from men who overstep their boundaries.  Even in peer groups, Goans are

ridiculed for the easy-going lifestyle of their state of origin and tend to be trusted less as compared to other friends based on this prejudice.

“If you go clubbing, you expect to get hit on by guys but there are lines that should be drawn. I’ve been asked at least thrice by a tourist if he could pay for a dance. A lot of men come to Goa thinking they can have a good time just because the women are a bit more liberal.”

- Gail D’Souza, student

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW Goa is well known for being a party destination, not just in India but across the world.

However, that does not imply that Goans are partying all year round.

Although alcohol prices are relatively cheap in Goa, most Goans report that they do not drink all the time as is expected of them, they only drink on occasion as the rest of the country.

Bollywood has been misrepresenting Goans for many years by portraying them as alcoholics, slack and loose which has seeped as a prejudice into the mindsets of the rest of the country.

By Nathaniel D’Costa

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Oh no, I’m stuck with a fat person in my team.

I’m sure he won’t contribute.

FAT PEOPLE ARE LAZY.  Self-image and personal growth also take a hit because of the constant bombardment of images of thin people by the media which has unfortunately become the standard of beauty.

VOICE OF VICTIM

THE STEREOTYPE

Sometimes people are born with a little bit extra. They can be too tall, too hairy or too loud. However, when it comes to physical anomalies, being overweight is a cruel cross to bear. A whole host of misconceptions accompanies excess weight, one of the nastier ones being that fat people are lazy gluttons.

THE BACKLASH

 Chubby kids find themselves the object of ridicule from their peers, from small instances such as being forced to play goalie during football games because of the assumption that no fat person can run fast enough to be a striker to larger problems like mockery and bullying.  As they grow older, people on the heavier side also deal with issues like people assuming that they are lazy and unmotivated.

Jehan Motashaw, a 22-year-old student of hotel management, shares his plight. At 130 kilograms, he isn’t slender by any means, but would still call himself an active person. “I’m up early every morning and I go to the gym twice a week and have taekwondo thrice a week,” he says. Motashaw attributes his weight to his parents being fat as well as his love for red meat and his chosen profession. At no point does laziness figure in his frank self-assessment.

None of this prevents others from labelling him as lazy, though.

Motashaw narrates an incident that occurred while he was applying to a prominent Mumbai hotel for a job in the front office department, “Though the interviewer never said I was fat, he told me he thought I was not as active as other candidates and that I wouldn’t be good for the public image of the hotel.”

Sometimes it’s a job interview, other times Motashaw has to deal with airhostesses offering him seatbelt extenders before he even takes a seat in a plane. “The normal seatbelts fit me. If I was any fatter, they wouldn’t; but they do and it’s embarrassing to be offered the extender,” he says.

Incidents like these occur regularly in the lives of those who are considered fat. For Motashaw, the best response is to ignore them.

“Most of the times there’s not much else to do because no one will say anything [about his weight] directly,” he says. A thick skin goes a long way in shrugging off these annoyances.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW Being fat is not something that can be blamed solely on laziness.

There are a host of other reasons that contribute to this condition: genetic inheritance, diet and other factors like hypothyroidism and other growth defects. Case in point: Mukesh Ambani’s younger son Anant Ambani.

Anant became the butt of jokes on Twitter after his appearances in IPL matches. He suffered from crippling asthma as a child. The treatment that helped him overcome the condition comprised steroids which affected his body size. His large frame is thus a result of an illness, not a certain lifestyle.

To say that all fat people are lazy is like saying all men are chauvinists; it might be true in some cases, but it depicts the ones who aren’t in very poor light.

Being complacent is not a physical condition but a mental one, which affects everyone and not just the overweight. Laziness is an attitude, not a weight category. Instead of classifying a fat person as a sloth, get to know them and then make your decision.

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COVER STORY

She’s never going to get that job because she has tattoos.

BODY ART IS SO UNPROFESSIONAL.

THE STEREOTYPE

Though tattoos and piercings are manifesting themselves in our daily lives, they still are regarded as a taboo in the workplace. It is not something that most people associate with professional and office positions. Employers perceive such candidates as too cool for a suit and tie environment.

A survey by Careerbuilder finds that 42% of managers said their opinion of someone would be lowered by that person’s visible body art, 81% think piercings in places other than the ears are unprofessional and 76% believe visible tattoos are unprofessional.

THE BACKLASH

VOICE OF VICTIM

Hiloni Shah, a student at Narsee Monjee College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, has one tattoo on her left arm and another just above her right ankle. Neither is visible in her work clothes. This, she says, is intentional. “Earlier I wanted to get a tattoo on my wrist, but my tattoo artist told me that I was very young and people would not take me seriously when I would go for interviews and it will be difficult for me to get a job if my tattoo is visible, that's why I got a tattoo done on my arm so that it is not seen when I wear formals. In fact, the artist himself had tattoos all over his body but not elbows down to avoid such issues.”

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW Tattoos are a form of self-expression as much as paintings on canvas and words on pages are. The difference is the medium; using the human body as a canvas – it can’t get any more poetic than that.

COURTESY YOUGOV.CO.UK

 Ink is synonymous with being rebellious, irresponsible and sometimes even criminal.  While discrimination along the lines of race, religion, caste and sexual orientation are now punishable offences, discrimination on the basis of body art is not. Visible body art is thus used as an excuse to reject an otherwise perfectly suitable candidate for a job.  People with body art are often viewed with tinted glasses by society.

Even outside an office they are considered unreliable and dangerous.

Associating them with alcohol and drug abuse is also commonplace.

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Terri Guillemets, quotation anthologist, said “Ink to paper is thoughtful Ink to flesh, hard-core If Shakespeare were a tattooist We’d appreciate body art more.”

Tattoo wearers are not necessarily wild, rebellious and wasted. David Beckham, whose body is a walking, living gallery of tattoos, is not only a gifted sportsman, a committed family man who has been married to one woman for 14 years now and has four children.

By Palak Kapadia

24-06-2013 18:28:57

What would she know about a hard life? She is rich.

RICH KIDS HAVE IT EASY. VOICES OF VICTIMS

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

THE BACKLASH

 Rich kids are looked at with scorn just by way of them being raised in an economically established family.  Even if a child of a successful man or woman attains success through his or her own means, there is always the stigma of having received a helpful push from daddy or mommy dearest.  Because of the assumption that rich kids are always spoiled, their peer group tends to either embarrass them for their riches or ostracise them on grounds of them having a higher social status.

CELEB EXAMPLE

Ivanka Trump is the daughter of famous American business magnate Donald Trump. She currently holds the post of Executive Vice President of Development and Acquisitions in The Trump Organization. However, before joining the family business, she earned her position by working her way up in a real estate company called Forest City Enterprises. She also worked as a jewellery designer and enjoyed a successful modelling career before accepting a position in her father’s company.

She also featured in a 2003 documentary called Born Rich where she expresses how not all rich children lead an extravagant lifestyle as is the misconception.

DAVID SHANKBONE, FLICKR

THE STEREOTYPE

The rich and the famous have it all.

And sooner or later, they pass it on to their kids who have to do nothing but be lucky enough to be born in the family that has everything. Being the son or daughter of a rich person automatically grants more privileges than anyone could ask for, or so is the belief. Everyone tends to think that rich kids have it easy; they just have to waltz their way through life while the rest of us struggle at each and every step.

Kanak Somani, a businessman’s daughter who is studying in the United States of America, has this to say, “Many people initially would tell me that because I am a rich dad’s daughter things are simpler for me. Even my closest friends would think the same about me. They used to force me to pay bills on most occasions assuming that I get heaps of pocket money. It used to get really awkward and embarrassing for me.

Until one day they actually spent some time in my house. They noticed and appreciated that I had the same moral upbringing as them and the same pocket money as well. Even here so far from home my spending on unnecessary things is limited.”

“In my family things are not as easy as they seem to the outside world. Things for me are same as for everyone else – get grounded, punishments, earn things, etc. I do not have it easy.”

- Kanak Somani, student

Studies have shown that successful parents would prefer not to give their children everything they want on a platter. 82% of all the millionaires interviewed for a study in the USA have reported that they believe their children should earn their own livelihood. The survey also showed that 80% of these successful parents believed that learning the values of hard work and integrity was more important than making a lot of money. Seems contrary to popular belief that all rich kids are spoiled, doesn’t it?

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24-06-2013 17:30:02

Is that Chinky girl

CHINESE OR NEPALI? SHE CAN’T BE INDIAN!

‘Chinkies’? They reside in my city; have an area to their name but cannot be found listed as a tribe, clan, race or ethnic group in any book on Indian demography. Why?  ‘Chinky’ is a misnomer. It is a moniker given to anybody who belongs to North-East India.

Unfortunately it is not the only misnomer North-East Indians have been given. Because of their Oriental appearance (small slanting eyes, fair skin and straight hair), they have been rechristened ‘Chinese’, ‘Nepali’, ‘Burmese’ and any other country a hidebound mindset can come up with.  “We feel hurt if someone calls us ‘Chinky’ or ‘Nepali’. It’s an alienating feeling,” says Manorama Asem, a player in the Western Railway Women’s Hockey team, who belongs to Naorem Leiki, Manipur.  But it is not only her who feels cornered. A project report by the NESCH (North East Support Centre and Helpline) reveals that 78% of the North-East population residing in other parts of the country is subject to several kinds of humiliation because of their appearance.

VOICES OF VICTIMS

THE STEREOTYPE

People from North East India are called Chinese, Japanese or Nepali either due to ignorance or malice. They are mocked with slurs like ‘chinki’ and often alienated for not speaking Hindi. Locals even try to cheat them by over charging them for products or services, assuming they are foreigners.

Sometimes, girls from North East

India face difficulties finding accommodation as it is assumed that they are of ‘loose character’.

THE BACKLASH

 I didn’t know that Mumbai had an area called ‘Chinky Nagar’. This seemingly unobtrusive locality is present in all the cities the ‘Chinkies’ migrate to. So who are these

Neelkamal Chhetri, a freelance writer, from Kalimpong has resided for a few years in Delhi. His experience, although pleasurable, was spiked with elements of bigotry. “People in mainland India think that we are backward tribes and have come here to escape the agitation in our parts. They associate us with guerilla warfare. It’s an extremely racist perspective.”

He adds he had trouble looking for a house in Delhi, simply because his appearance rendered him untrustworthy.

Dr Peter Mao, who lives in Lucknow, recounts, “People were wary of my appearance and often enquired about my food habits. They misunderstood me as a foreigner even when I told them I was an Indian.

Renting a place was a major problem.”

These are comparatively undersized problems. Since 2005, around 96

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MY EXPERIENCE IN MAINLAND INDIA

FLICKR USER UNLISTED SIGHTINGS

In my six years in mainland India, I have felt more of an outsider than when I was back home in Shillong. I felt more a part of India then. Being a minority is always some sort of a baggage. Gradually, I have gotten used to it and am now immune to the discrimination and the ‘special attention’ showered upon me, due to my ‘exotic’ features. I’m still very sensitive about it, but I don’t really let it get to me. Take for example, the numerous times random people felt the need to acknowledge my presence by naming some Chinese food items; totally uncalled for.

Is that some sort of an Indian cultural thing? Should I start addressing every South Indian looking person as idli, or a North Indian guy as, say, butter chicken?

Goan Sausage? Vindalooo? Rosgullas?

The extremely distinct features we possess is an easy giveaway making us easy targets for bored racist Indians among us. Let’s not use the word uneducated because being educated doesn’t really stop the stereotyping, name calling and the likes. It’s not probably as bad for everyone, but it is unnecessary and definitely inconvenient. People tend to notice that you are different a lot more when you look different. There many occasions I could go on and on about, and maybe sometimes in their defence, I’m just being too paranoid or taking things too personally. Although to be honest, and being as oblivious as I am, luckily I haven’t had any extremely bad experiences, I know a lot of people who have. Most of us are probably not as loud or aggressive, we do like to be friendly and chill. People mistake our silence and our calm for weakness and fear. But honestly I do wish they would stop. After all, we’re not bothering anyone, so why are you?

- Angela Hanghal, retail professional

cases of crime against the NorthEastern residents in the Capital have been reported. The report also claims that social profiling is the root cause of racial discrimination, attack and sexual violence. Official apathy and bias amongst law enforcing agencies are the causes triggering and amplifying the problem.

NOW WHAT?

Firstly, they are not ‘Chinese’, ‘Chowmien’, ‘Hakka noodles’ or ‘Chinky’.

They are Indians. And they deserve to live a peaceful, respectable life in any part of their country, just like any other citizen belonging to any other state would. Educated Indians must stop being ethnocentric and must spread awareness about the issue. Let there not be a ‘mainland India’. Let it just be a single land mass comprising the citizens of this country.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW North-East India comprises seven states, commonly called the ‘seven sisters’. They are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

These states are home to more than 166 tribes speaking a wide range of languages.

It is recognized as one of the seven most bio-diverse regions of the world. More than 70% of the region is mountainous.

Calling a North-East Indian ‘Chinky’ can land you in jail for five years under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

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COVER STORY COVER STORY

What guy gets a pedicure? I swear these guys who say they are

METROSEXUALS MUST BE GAY.

THE STEREOTYPE

Metrosexual is a portmanteau of metropolitan and heterosexual for an urban male who is good looking, stylish, fashionable and cares a great deal about his image and looks. With the recent boom in men’s grooming products, metrosexuality has risen and so has the stigma associated with it. Metrosexual men have to face the unfortunate perception of being weak, and effeminate or gay, despite their sexual orientation.

THE BACKLASH

 Metrosexuals are often ridiculed in social groups because of their desire to keep themselves well groomed.  They face objections from their families on grounds that homosexuality shouldn’t be encouraged in spite of the fact they may be heterosexual.  They receive unflattering stares in public places because society has not grown to completely accept the metrosexual man in India.

“Would you like to see a hairy man with a pot belly and untidy facial hair looking like Mowgli’s father on the ad cover of Levi’s Jeans or as the model of popular Axe cologne?

The object of desirability is a clean shaven man with waxed chest, sporting a chiselled body.”

- Shubhashish Banerjii, model

FLICKR USER THE CONSUMERIST

VOICE OF VICTIM

Saurabh Paralikar, a well groomed young adult, has often been ridiculed for taking good care of himself. “I had acne problems a few months back and had to employ the usual home-made techniques like the face pack that my grandma would make me. A lot of my friends laughed at me when I told them and called it “gay”. I don’t think taking care of my skin, hair or the way I present myself to the world makes me less manly than any other man.

In fact, many men do it but don’t like to come out into the open about it!” he asserts.

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW Certain metrosexuals are required to be well groomed because of their profession, for example, models have to keep a clean chest because it is the need of the industry.

Metrosexual is a term which has nothing to do with the sexual orientation of the concerned person. In fact, the term is derived from the word heterosexual which is a male who is sexually oriented towards women.

Metrosexuals are men who like to groom themselves well, while homosexuals are males who are sexually attracted to other males, and cross dressers are males who like to wear women’s clothing.

By Shruti Nagbhushan

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I have never seen her wear jeans or a skirt.

SHE IS SUCH A BEHENJI.

THE STEREOTYPE

Western influence has us believing that following our culture and norms is regressive and westernisation is the ‘cool’ thing to do. So much so that those of us who choose to carry our culture forward are mocked and ridiculed. Victims of this stereotype are many – from those who learn Indian classical dances and art forms, to those who do not indulge in smoking or consuming alcohol, to those who are God-fearing or religious, to those who abide religious norms of not eating meat or onions and potatoes, to those who opt to wear a salwaar-kameez, to those who do not believe in dating or pre-marital sex.

Peer-pressure can affect a person to an extent where he/she picks to change herself over being mocked and ridiculed.

Alienation: At times, stereotyping goes to the extent where people do not like to be associated in any way with the one they are mocking, leading to alienation of the victim.

Bullying: Numerous college ragging cases have been outcomes of this stereotype. A person may have been forced to drink alcohol or puff on a cigarette, if they have refused to do so. There have been instances where students performing a classical dance during college programmes have been hooted at.

Patronised: A number of people often misjudge tradition abiding individuals. They believe that because they respect culture, they will not be street-smart. They also consider them to not be affiliated with contemporary times.

VOICES OF VICTIMS

FLICKR USER IND{YEAH}

Delhi-based Aishwariya Iyer fancies a salwaar-kameez more than jeans.

“Delhi is a hot city and wearing jeans is very uncomfortable. If I have the option to wear a salwaar, why not take it?” Iyer believes that she can best associate herself with Indian clothes. “Choosing what to wear is an individual decision and I don’t think it is correct to judge someone only because of the clothes they wear.” But has she ever faced alienation or has been judged? “Well, there are times when my friends call me a behenji and it obviously hurts my feelings, and I sense a difference in behaviour when I am dressed in Indian clothes.” Iyer also finds amusing how people are open to girls dressing up in jeans and

not a short skirt but yet mock those who wear traditional outfits.

While talking about how she copes with the occasional mocking, Iyer says, “With time I’ve learnt to ignore it.

More importantly, I strongly believe that no one can dictate me to wear particular kind of clothes.”

FLICKR USER IND{YEAH}

THE BACKLASH

Harshal Shah, a commerce student, has faced intolerance from his peers for his religious beliefs and practices. “Since I follow Jainism, I do not eat potatoes. Most people find vegetarianism hard to digest, so this is too extreme for them and based on baseless beliefs,” he says. “Any outing with friends guarantees at least three or four comments like ‘You don’t know what you’re missing out on’, ‘How can you still follow those traditions, your parents won’t even know if you cheat’. But it’s not about blindly following tradition, it’s about beliefs and I hope my friends were more accepting of these beliefs instead of focusing on it all the time.”

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW Having an Indian accent means you know more than one language.

Dressing in a traditional outfit means being able to carry off more than one kind of getup.

Learning Indian classical music makes you capable of advancing better in contemporary music.

Following values does not make you boring, it only reflects that you choose to live in a different way.

By Junisha Dama

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COVER STORY

You are going to ask HIM out? That’s really desperate.

Don’t you know,

MEN SHOULD ALWAYS MAKE THE FIRST MOVE.

THE STEREOTYPE

Men should always make the first move; it is an unwritten dating rule requiring man to always be the one to approach the woman. A woman who is bold enough to express her feelings is labeled ‘desperate’ or accused of ‘coming on too strong’.

THE BACKLASH

 Men bear the undue pressure of making the first move to ask the girl out and face the probability of rejection too.  Women, though being interested and attracted towards a certain man, have to wait for him to come around and ask her out because she is not able ask him out herself due to the social convention created by the stereotype.

WHEN JULIET TAKES CHARGE

Vikrant, whose girlfriend broke the stereotype and made the first move on him, says, “My girlfriend of two years was the one to ask me out. Though I had feelings for her, I lacked the confidence back then to go and approach her. So, when one fine day when after waiting around a while when she told me how she felt, I welcomed her confession. I was happy she had the courage to ask me out for if not for her I don’t know if the two of us would ever get together or not. So yes, I am glad that she made the first move, it has definitely worked out well for both of us.”

Krutika has no qualms about making the first move says, “I think it’s totally normal if a girl asks out a guy. A girl can’t wait around forever waiting for the guy she likes to make a move; what if he never might? I had asked out a guy once.

Though things didn’t work out between us, as he wasn’t romantically into me, we built a strong friendship thereafter

and he often tells me how he wishes more girls were gutsy like me to make the first move. He says it would help reduce the pressure on men who are shy when it comes to asking out women.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW If you are interested in someone, just be confident and let them know exactly how you feel. There is obviously the fear of rejection, but that is part and parcel of all relationships. Don’t let it scare you. Be your own person and go for what your heart tells you.

Also know this – there are more men out there today than were yesterday who aren’t threatened if the woman shows an interest in them first or makes the first move. Rather, the confidence and the strong will shown by such women is appealing to men.

“This stereotype, according to me, has been made only by over confident men whose ‘ego’ is hurt if a girl makes the first move.

Otherwise, in this modern generation, a girl making the first move is considered pretty cool.”

- Fatema J. “The age-old notion of the girl being helplessly locked up in a tower and needing a knight to come save her are changing. Women are, as they have always been, capable of choosing whom they want to be with and as such I think it’s perfectly normal for a girl to go ask a guy out if she so wishes to.”

- Savio F.

By Nooriyah Merchant

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Don’t waste your education by entering politics because

POLITICS IS FOR THE UNEDUCATED. THE STEREOTYPE

Politicians are believed to be shrewd professionals who have no time or space for ethics or morality.

Unfortunately, this perception stems from the belief that they are adept at giving long speeches to suit their agenda but have no strong educational background to actually run a country. The layman looks down on the politician in belief that they are uneducated and inept at their jobs because they have received no formal training to fit the bill.

THE BACKLASH

FACTS YOU NEED TO KNOW

“What matters in politics is how dedicated the person is to identify and understand the pressing needs of the citizens and provide effective solutions.”

JORGE ROYAN, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Despite the way they present themselves, quite a few politicians are academically established; former Union Railway minister Lalu Prasad Yadav possesses a Bachelors in Law and Masters in Political studies from the Patna University; Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Mayawati holds a BA, BEd and LLB from Delhi University; Mulayam Singh Yadav, former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, holds an MA in political science and a Bachelor of Technology.

 Despite their political agenda, everything that a politician says is looked as a game being played to better their odds at winning an election.  People do not believe politicians have the foresight to be able to make the important decisions required to govern a country.  People generalise a politician’s capabilities because they think they can do better than the official if they were in the same position.  The media typecasts politicians and slanders them because of the general belief that they are unable to do their job properly.  Young people choose not to enter politics believing it to be a field for uneducated individuals who cannot be successful in other industries.

VOICE OF VICTIM Milind Deora, Minister of State for Shipping and Communications and Information Technology, is an educated politician from Mumbai.

He says, “Politics is a space where day-to-day decisions have far reaching consequences on the well-being of citizens. An average day involves taking complex decisions which will improve or hamper the growth of a critical industry and affect thousands of people.” This shows that it is obviously an industry where only the well-trained can succeed.

- Milind Deora, Member of Parliament

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COVER STORY

downright cruel. to l na ba e th om fr r, ou stereotypes we harb eted around There are several other e of the more common nonsense that is ferr Jai Vipra rounds up som AL CR IMIN IS E L G IN S kriti K hera, who AR E S N IA a taboo,” says Sans is D e gl IN sin ng H yi T ta “S niversity, “People A LL SOU A DR ASIS hology in Delhi U age are talked yc Ps d lie pp A s ie stud M si. And they after a certain ain single who decide to rem ndly.” about, and not ki

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AL, FLICKR

uth is a Madra ryone from the so niversity student.

For Delhiites, “eve na Suri, a Delhi U th ar Pr ys sa ” is, all wear lung

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look “Only the girls who ’s horribly lled non-males. It ca st ju e ar rs he ot e Th irth Vaidya, a it exists,” says Suth t bu , ic st ni gy iso m ggest stereotype, ras. Perhaps the bi ad M T II at t en stud udent, puts it, is another IIT-M st i, sa ga an R y ha ks as A smart.” that “IITians are

“Personally, let me tell you,” says R ishabh Kumar, who studies at te Symbiosis Institu & of Media Communication, I “I cr y like a baby. rs he ot know my br and male cousins who cr y too. A sentimental scene in the film to which men can relate can easily the sick make them cr y. It hers. I feel bad for ot r fo y la sp di e th ith adivasis is not for d while working w ie cr e I’v . te itu st cried while and the de Chhatisgarh. I’ve d an a hr nd A rn isaster. It is northe the Bhopal Gas D of s im ct vi ith w e. Crying is working ith my human sid w h uc to in ep ke It is just that helps me an-woman thing. m a t no g, in th a human fferent.” male context is di

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SIP N’T GOstSud M E N DO ies at IIT rag Sharma, who

Anu out the “But we do!” says ng we can talk ab lo w ho e se ld ou Kanpur, “You sh e those hostels!” about the girls insid nd A s. el st ho ’ rls gi

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ICKR L L, F L ENWE Y GRE TERR

FOR THE THER A PYSIS IN A NEychological help is still

that seeking ps tting labelled Sanskriti also rues ung people fear ge yo n ve “E . le ab pt y avoidable not acce seek help. So man t n’ do d an al rm as abno is,” she says. e caused due to th ar s m le ob pr l ta men SURIAN SOOS AY, FLICKR

who studie syllabi Abhishek Sethiya, ple seem to think eo “P , ys sa e, ad gr fferent!

Board till 10th ds. They’re just di ar bo e at st in n w ought are dumbed do d under CBSE, th ie ud st ho w , rs te Even my own sis entually shifted to rior.” Abhishek ev fe in as w d ar bo y m nd much of an says, he doesn’t “fi ide for CBSE, and now, he ultiple boards prov m , es sid Be . ity al increase in qu n,” he adds. diversity of opinio

FLICKR

“If you ti Sahitya jara the Gu you’re seen as , l e a Mand ardless of th g e p r lame, GSM puts u t a ts fact th the best even a f o i some e,” says Nik t g s e c l i l in co econom n a , a d m Hi n Shar t at Jai studen , Mumbai. e Colleg

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FLICKR USER WM JAS

away from There’s no getting e them about ll hav stereotypes. We a we all rage when one another. And wards us. What they’re directed to someone once we have here, like mmunicate! co said, is a failure to 46 cover story.indd 61

ENGINEER S CA N’T SCOR E GIR LS

hav “Firstly,” says Vaib s in Mehta, who studie ad, JNTU in Hyderab e g ar “girls in engineerin d as te as sparsely popula r’s he K hair on Anupam , at ard saying it (is head. On top of th n score. I feel awkw have. And ca e w s ve lie be dy nobo ve me, I print?!), but belie this going to be in s.” nd ie fr g engineerin so have a lot of my

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WISE UP

1

2

R

D

3

1

O N Z 1

1

2

- By Niloufer Gandhi

1

E

O W

Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the main word and complete the sentence.

1. noisome (noi-suhm)

The joggers were repelled by the ___ odour that engulfed them as they jogged past the abbatoir. (a) fetid (b) aromatic (c) clammy

2. fulsome (fool-suhm)

Smartly dressed as representatives of a reputed investment firm, the con men duped several prospective investors with their ____ promises. (a) reasonable (b) insincere (c) pedestrain

3. enervating (en-er-veyt-ing)

Jazz up your vocabulary with new words that you can use in your day-to-day conversation.

PHANTONYMS THAT PUZZLE

The primary obstacles to the trekkers were the dense jungle and the _____ effects of the hot, humid climate (a) weakening (b) invigorating (c) salient

4. disinterested (dis-in-tuh-res-tid)

A peace treaty was signed by the leaders of the warring factions after an ____ arbitrator resolved the dispute. (a) unbiased (b) unabashed (c) uninterested

5. presently (prez-uhnt-lee)

A team of doctors arrived on the scene ___ after the accident occurred. (a) currently (b) later (c) shortly

Answers:

1.A, 2. B, 3.A, 4.A, 5.C

Word Pyramid

The clues will help you find the answers to complete the word pyramid. Each answer must contain letters from the previous answer. You may rearrange the letters to form the next word.

Hint: Start from the top; the first one has been done for you 1. To dip or soak in liquid food 2. To present oneself for a picture or photograph 3. One of the components of the English language- poetry andâ&#x20AC;Ś

S

O

P

Phantonyms are words that are often thought to mean one thing, but in fact mean another.

Phantonyms pop up in almost everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s conversations.

4. To reveal or uncover 5. To inspect, examineor question 6. An adventurer or a traveller

Answers:

SOP, POSE, PROSE, EXPOSE, EXPLORE, EXPLORER

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entertain

yi

MAIA VALENZUELA, FLICKR

K E E I PI N S D E яГо

Robin and I are just good friends

10 lies you should tell in a relationship if you want to continue being in one...

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Pg67 Pg75 Pg76

Pg86

MY MOVIE

WHAT KIND OF TRAVELLER ARE YOU?

ON SURVIVING SADNESS

CAN YOU PULL THIS OFF?

A PHOTO ESSAY THAT CAPTURES ICONIC MOVIE VISUALS FROM EVERYDAY SIGHTS

DISCOVER YOUR HOLIDAY PERSONALITY TO PLAN FLAWLESS VACATIONS

NISHA JAMVWAL TALKS ABOUT SUICIDE, DEPRESSION AND FINDING HAPPINESS

IF YOU HAVE A BRAVE FASHION SENSE, WE HAVE A CHALLENGE FOR YOU

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According to ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Legend...

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Shahid Judge digs up the scariest stories he can find in an attempt to list out the creepiest urban legends known to our country

R

emember the stories of ladies dressed in white waiting by the side of the road for an unsuspecting motorist? What are these stories and is there any truth to them? These are the creepy urban legends that start from one point and turn into scary tales passed on from one generation to one, usually by word of mouth. Their base may be set on an unexplained haunting or a belief in supernatural. They are not necessarily rational but people tend to believe them in one form or another. Here are our picks of the urban legends in the country with a source from where they have stemmed.

Legend of the Topi Ghost Location: Landour, Mussoorie There is a certain curve near the Landour Community Hospital which is infamous for its legend of the Topi Ghost. The story states that there was a resident of Mussoorie who was particularly attached to his topi or baseball cap. One day, while returning from work on a moonless night, he forgot to carry his torch and walked blindly along the hillside. At the time, the curve had no railing, and the unlucky pedestrian walked over the edge.

But as he tumbled down to his death, legend has it that his prized topi was left behind on the road he was walking on. Railings were put up on cliff edges after this incident.

It is said that on a moonless night, a man appears near the same curve, and asks passersby if they have seen his topi.

I lived next door to a ghost!

“It happened in the summer of 2002.

There were strange ‘thumping’ sounds at odd intervals, from the other side of my sister’s bedroom wall. We thought it was the neighbours fooling around.

We thumped back with our fists at first. This continued for a few days and would happen mostly throughout the night, at odd intervals. It grew louder, more violent. The furniture in the room would shake a little. One evening, as I was studying, there were repeated thumps on the wall. The furniture shifted violently around the room. I ran and told my parents. We were told of an electrician who had died just beside my sister’s wall, on the neighbour’s side. A small prayer was offered for peace.

There are times, still, when I can feel a presence in that room. But I bear it no ill and trust in it not to bear me any.”

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Honeymoon Blues

Location: Road to Marve and Madh Island, Mumbai It is said that on a calm moonless night, a woman dressed in full bridal attire will attempt to distract vehicles on this road, often leading to fatal accidents. Locals and staff from beachfront hotels on the night shift claim to have seen this woman.

Legend has it that the sighted woman was brutally murdered on her wedding night, about 30 years ago, and her body was dumped in this area.

Her spirit now attempts to find her assailants.

Villagers have also advised drivers to not look into her ‘mesmerising’ eyes and simply ignore her if encountered.

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

The Old Lady Hitchhiker Location: Withered tree on the highway between Pune and Satara Legend has it that when a motorcyclist passes a certain tree on the way from Pune to Satara at night, he may find an old lady with untied hair at the foot of this tree, asking for a lift. If complied, the lady will direct you to her house which is landmarked by a similar looking tree. If however, one refuses to offer the lady a lift, the driver will see her sitting on the back of the motorcycle through the rear-view mirror.

Locals don’t know the story behind this mysterious lady, but are certain that the two trees (the one where she stands, and the one near her house) withered the day she died.

Church on the Haunted Hill Location: Cuelim Hill, Cansulim, Goa The Three Kings Church, on top of Cuelim Hill is said to be haunted by the spirit of King Holger Avungar, one of the three Portuguese kings who ruled the area. Legend has it that the three kings would often fight for power over the area, but were forced to call a truce as they were still rooted to Portuguese diplomacy. On one occasion, King Avungar invited the other two over for a feast and had them poisoned. Being the sole remaining ruler, Avungar fell out with the public and ultimately committed suicide.

Since that day, locals have often reported strange people walking in the area at times when the church compound is empty. Villagers refuse to visit the place after dusk. The area is also infamous for being the site of several suicides.

The Abandoned Town Location: Bhangarh, Rajasthan This abandoned town is considered as one of the most haunted places in the world. Even the Archaeological Survey of India has put up notices making it clear that nobody is allowed there before sunrise or after sunset.

There are several legends that claim credit behind the town being haunted. The most prominent however, is that of the Tantric and the Princess of Bhangarh. A tantric had fallen in love with the princess and attempted to woo her by using black magic on oil that would cause the princess to surrender herself to him when she touched it. But the princess was aware of the tantric’s actions and poured the oil into the sand. Upon touching the ground, the oil turned into a boulder which crushed the tantric, who shortly before dying, cursed the Royal Palace with the death of all who lived in it. The following year, the prophecy came true when Ajabgarh won a battle against Bhangarh. yi

Morbid Nursery Rhymes RING-A-RING O’ ROSES

This nursery rhyme refers to the bubonic plague that hit London in the 17th century.

The original song starts with ‘Ring around the rosy,’ which refers to a ring-shaped rosy red rash, a common symptom.

‘A-tishoo A-tishoo’ refers to constant sneezing, another symptom, and finally, ‘they all fell down’.

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JACK AND JILL

This song is said to represent the beheading of King Louis XVI of France and his wife Queen Mary Antoinette during the French Revolution. King Louis was beheaded (lost his crown) first by the guillotine, followed by his wife (Jill came tumbling after).

MARY MARY QUITE CONTRARY

This four-lined nursery rhyme refers to Queen Mary I, or Bloody Mary of England. The Queen was a staunch Catholic and had overseen the mass slaughter of Protestants. The ‘garden’ in the song refers to a graveyard, and the ‘silver bells, cockleshells, and pretty maids’ refer to instruments of torture.

LONDON BRIDGE IS FALLING DOWN

This song brings light to the fact that London Bridge (a famous landmark in London) was indeed plagued with several disasters which saw the bridge being built with different material on each occasion. The disasters date back to the time of the Roman occupation of England.

24-06-2013 18:35:52

PHOTO ESSAY

MY Nathaniel Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Costa snaps equivalents from the big screen in things he sees in everyday life

TRANSFORMERS (2007)

Graffiti lines the lanes of Chapel Road in Bandra, Mumbai, but this is possibly the most creative artwork of all. The artist uses the existing ugly electric switch boxes as a prop for his futuristic design.

THE EXORCIST (1973)

This lone rosary was found hanging on a side wall of Gloria Church in Byculla, Mumbai. The texture of the rosary against the old wall was hard to ignore.

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PHOTO ESSAY

CITY OF ANGELS (1998)

Possibly one of the most recognizable spots of Mumbai, Marine drive. Shot at an overbridge, the picture shows you a bit of the famous Queenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s necklace and long traffic trails.

LIFE OF PI (2012)

Seas and sunsets just make the perfect combination. You just cannot go wrong with a picture that has these elements. Throw in a tired bird resting on a fishing boat and Ang Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s masterpiece springs to mind.

SHOLAY (1975)

Even though the scooter is now unusable, there is a classic touch to the Bajaj and its sidecar. It immediately brings back memories of freedom and fun.

CHILDREN OF THE CORN (1984) Fresh rice stalks grow tall in a field.

The stunning contrasts of green caught my eye. Taken in Vikramgard, Maharshtra.

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WALK THE LINE (2005)

This beautiful old pipe organ is unfortunately gathering dust and cobwebs at Gloria Church in Byculla. You can almost hear the faint strains of the choir by just looking at its magnificent old keys and pipes.

THE BIRDS (1963)

A flock of seagulls and crows fight for left over scraps on the beach. Picture taken at Bandra, Mumbai.

THE MOTORCYCLE DIARIES (2004)

Take a legendary motorcycle, put it against a stunning backdrop and voila! Taken at the old abandoned bridge in Borim, Goa.

GANGS OF WASSEYPUR (2012)

Something about the lone government jeep peeking out from behind a house intrigued me. This was taken at an ashram in Panvel, Maharashtra.

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TRAVEL

5 BUDGET

GETAWAYS For those seeking refuge from the clock-work schedules of the city, Sukriti Jha explores five secluded retreats which break the monotony of college routine, and go easy on the pockets of the ‘usually broke’ crowd

1 GOPAL VENKATESAN, FLICKR

KURUMGAD ISLAND, KARNATAKA [`7000]

reverie on a deserted island STARTING POINT: Bangalore GETTING THERE: Bus: Bangalore to Karwar (`480-`550); 20 minute ferry from Karwar to the island.

ACCOMODATION: Tents and cottages would cost between `2500 and `3000 per person per night, including all meals.

ACTIVITIES:  Embark on dolphin spotting trips in the sea  Aqua sports – kayaking (`200); water surfing (`400); power boat riding (`300); snorkeling (`600)  Explore Mystery Creek infested with otters  Boat rides to the Narsimha Temple, nearby islands and forts.  “Catch and cook!”– fish caught by you and cooked in redolent spices by the chef TRAVEL TIP: There are no ATMs on Kurumgad Island so be sure to carry all your money with you. Also, bus timings from Bangalore are not strictly maintained so one should be prepared for a delayed departure.

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STARTING POINT: New Delhi GETTING THERE: Bus: Delhi –Ranikhet (`300). All buses drop off at the UP Roadways Bus Stand.

ACCOMODATION: Ranikhet Club, still reeking of the Raj nostalgia, offers rooms for `1800 per night.

Machan, Milan and Mayur offer cheap meals for `50-`100.

SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES:  1 km walk to Jhula Devi Temple, festooned with bells  Picnics at the viewpoint café at Chaubhatia Orchards, surrounded by snowcovered peaks  Picturesque treks from Majkhali and back; enthusiasts can go up to Kausani  A 9-hole golf course for golf lovers, the second largest in India GETTING AROUND: Sharing jeeps (between `12 and `15). Taxis: `50-`100.

TRAVEL TIP: The two peak seasons are mid-April to mid-July and October to mid-November. Always try for a discount if you’re travelling outside the two seasons.

Carry sturdy shoes and footwear; Ranikhet demands exhausting walks.

3

GOKARNA, KARNATAKA [`6000]

for the beach aficionados

2

RANIKHET, UTTARAKHAND [`7000]

trekker’s paradise

FLICKR USER MUDETH

STARTING POINT: Mumbai GETTING THERE: Train: Mumbai-Gokarna (`360-`800) ACCOMODATION: Spanish Place on Kudle Beach and Namaste Café on Om Beach have rooms for `250-`300. Guesthouses like Shastri’s, Vaibhav Nivas and Nimmu House offer rooms below `200.

ACTIVITIES:  Kudle Beach, backed by foothills of the Western Ghats, tops the list  Twenty minutes further is Om Beach, with a handful of shacks.

Namaste Café bountiful with foreigners is a must visit.  Half Moon Beach and Paradise Beach offer adventure sports  Mahabaleshwara temple is home to a revered lingam TRAVEL TIP: Gokarna is mainly a sacred site for Hindus, even if it attracts beach lovers. Modesty is probably the best policy here – keep your knees and shoulders covered and take your parties to the beach.

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TRAVEL

FLICKR USER SPOONMAN

STARTING POINT: Kolkata GETTING THERE: Train: Kolkata-Barpeta Road (`1144 2A).

ACCOMODATION: Government run resort, at Mathanguri, 22 km inside Manas.

Tent accommodation is available at Bansbari Lodge outside the park (`2000 per night) SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES:  Jeep Safaris watching the golden langurs, elephants, rhinos, guars and some elusive tigers  Bumpy elephants rides to denser parts of the forest are a great way to explore Manas  1 night-2 day safaris are organized beginning `3500  A quiet boat ride through the Manas river in the late afternoons TRAVEL TIP: Bodo-separatists operate here, so confirm if it is safe to visit before you travel.

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STARTING POINT: Ahmedabad GETTING THERE: Train: Ahmedabad-Bilimora (`250 or more) Bus: Bilimora-Saputara (`100) ACCOMODATION: Manas Cottage and Surti Cottage offer rooms (`1000-`1500) including all meals.

SIGHTS AND ACTIVITIES:  Bordered by thick forests is Saputara Lake, a major tourist attraction  Vansda National Park is home to tigers, leopards, antelopes, spotted cats  Pushpak ropeway offers beautiful aerial views of the town  Paragliding, parasailing, ziplining, zorbing, water rolling, high roping can be undertaken GETTING AROUND: Jeeps: `15 or more Taxis: `50 or more.

TRAVEL TIP: Carry raincoats or other water-proof gear since Saputara is prone to sporadic showers.

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4 5

MANAS NATIONAL PARK, GUWAHATI [`10000]

call of the wild

SAPUTARA, GUJARAT [`7000] A hushed hill-station

27-06-2013 13:21:29

WHAT KIND OF

TRAVELLER ARE YOU? What is the one thing which you never forget on a trip? (a) iPod – my relaxation device (b) Credit card, duh! (c) Who cares if I forget anything?

That’d be an adventure too (d) My camera (e) Never forget anything; I am up to date

What is the first thing you do when you reach your travel destination? (a) Lie down for a while and relax (b) Look out for all shopping spots! (c) Start exploring the place immediately. (d) Update my Facebook page (e) Go through my checklist and make sure everything is in place

What’s your dream destination? (a) Mauritius (b) Paris (c) Bahamas (d) Las Vegas (e) Singapore

Mostly Cs – THE OUTRAGEOUSLY WILD TRAVELLER

One day you’re sky diving, the next you’re swimming with the sharks and someday, you might be running with the bulls! You never rely on concrete plans and opt for the most exciting holidays. Only Captain Jack Sparrow is spontaneous enough to accompany you on any adventure.

Mostly Ds – THE FACEBOOK ADDICT TRAVELLER

You have rehearsed your pouts and poses for photographic perfection. Your holidays are all about updating your Facebook page and getting likes. Travel with another social networking addict, Lady Gaga, and the two of you can make poker faces throughout the trip. Then again, we can’t blame you two because you were born this way!

WIKIMEDIA COMMONS USER MYCANON

You have one solution for every travel problem – CREDIT CARD. You love the finer things in life and your trip is all about shopping, staying in luxurious hotels and being the most enviable traveller. The rich and sometimes snobbish Veronica Lodge is all you need to be your soul sister on the trip, so buck up, Archiekins!

What kind of drink do you prefer? (a) Coke (b) Wine. It’s classy, okay? (c) Energy drinks (d) Mock tails (e) Coffee or tea (what else can beat those?)

JASON H SMITH, FLICKR

Mostly Bs – THE BIG BUDGET TRAVELLER.

What is your general dressing sense? (a) Anything loose and comfortable (b) Anything with a glam label #IloveGUCCI (c) Sportswear is the only way to go #NikeforLIFE (d) Anything that gets attention (e) Anything meticulously matched

© WALT DISNEY COMPANY

You always pack in the last minute and are one of those travellers who is usually chilling on the beach listening to their iPod or taking a spa. Homer, the undisputed king of lazy is your perfect travel companion. His words of wisdom: “If something’s hard to do, then it‘s not worth doing.”

© ARCHIE COMICS

© GRACIE FILMS, 20TH CENTURY FOX TELEVISION

Mostly As – THE LAZY ASS TRAVELLER

Once you know your travel persona, you can find certain tools to help make your traveling much easier and more enjoyable. Isha Mathur introduces you to your travel persona and recommends a travel partner to make your journeys more memorable

Mostly Es – THE CONTROL FREAK TRAVELLER

You have all of your travel plans confirmed and documents organised weeks (or months) in advance. You are the mother of the gang and play it safe, and fortunately for you, it always lands you at the right place. Lily Aldrin from How I Met Your Mother is the queen of control freaks and the perfect travel buddy for you.

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ON SURVIVING

SADNESS Viveka Babajee, Nafisa Joseph, Jiah Khan. What makes such young, driven individuals abruptly give up on life? How does one find happiness when faced with devastation and depression? Nisha JamVwal provides some insightful solutions

J

iah Khan committed suicide last month. I clearly remember the day attractive model Viveka Babajee had planned meeting me on a Tuesday for a swim.

Fun, always smiling, slim and attractive Viveka. I never saw any expression of sadness or pain in her, even though we spoke often and were fond of each other.

She did confide her breakup with me, but never did she sound defeated. In fact, she started her own event company and decided to work alone. The day of the appointed swim she didn’t show up and a few days later I was horrified to learn that she’d hung herself to death. Before that fellow compere Nafisa Joseph – self assured and composed, and I compered many corporate evenings, before which I would be backstage looking at my cue cards. Nafisa would chatter ‘happily’ on the phone.

Not long after one such event, I heard of the eerie incident of her hanging herself.

TEACHING THE RIGHT LESSONS

Not taking away from the anguish of their tragic end, one has to say there is an unfortunate element of self absorption here, where the person is so enveloped in his own woes that all else is another universe. What of the parents (for instance) who nurtured you and spent three-fourths of their life caring and sharing and lauding your little or big achievements, and having heartaches over your trifling woes. A thought spared for them would’ve have been the red signal that should’ve braked the devastation express! I have this pet peeve that education systems 76 Youth Incorporated JULY 2013

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POINT OF VIEW need to change their fundas. As Calvin grouses to Hobbes, “For some reason they’d rather teach us stuff that any fool can look up!” Yo Calvin! We need lessons on living life, EQ, communication, and a real-world perspective that would slash the narcissism quotient out significantly.

Not to mention, it would instil values such as caring and empathy for those around. Apart from which they might also learn to reach out when tormented and clinically depressed and unable to cope with the pressures of education, urban competitiveness, social pressures and especially when one is barraged with troubles in the glamour world.

Counselling is mandatory in many schools in America, and if one seeks guidance and help and is not ashamed to reach out, one’s troubles shrink. (The bonus here being that there would be less rape and murder too.)

MORE THAN A SOURED ROMANCE

Jiah Khan had tried to kill herself eight months ago by slitting her wrists. Should not her mother and peers have enforced counselling and intervened at that time?

Perhaps we don’t take depression and being suicidal as a malaise in our country. Sadly, those closest to us who miss the signals.

I just feel that while the world feels it was a soured romance, it is a deep-seated loneliness, an inability to cope with the social pressures of fame and wanting more fame and recognition, the feeling of fear of performance in the world of a glaring public and media and one’s own fears of failure that push a person already suffering depression to take such drastic step.

My mind goes back to Alexander McQueen. What made McQueen, the acclaimed creative genius said to be worth twenty million pounds, commit suicide at 45 at his stunning two million pound flat in Mayfair, central London? He was doing work he liked, achieved recognition, success, money, fame, adulation and was one of the greatest creative geniuses of our times. Not enough reason to endure living? Are there further barriers to the elusive state called happiness? Did he see the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow on the other side from life? Perhaps!

THE ONLY WAY OUT IS WITHIN

The ostensible reason was that the fashion designer – high on cocaine – slashed his wrists with a ceremonial dagger on the eve of mum Joyce’s funeral in the grief of her parting.

But we lose people through life. Life is a series of losses, from the day we are born. What then is the way out to grapple with pain, loss and suffering?

I’d say the only way out is within. A famous quote about happiness comes to mind: “Chasing happiness is like chasing a butterfly in a garden. Try to capture it and it evades you. Sit on a bench and close your eyes – it will come and rest on your shoulder”.

McQueen’s psychiatrist shared with the inquest that the designer felt constantly let down by people: by friends whom he had felt exploited

denuded in our fast age. Relatives and brothers and sisters are materialistically dismantling each other. Relationships and friendships are mere causalities to man’s material and technical evolution.

One can only do what comes one’s way and try to be serenely absorbed in that.

Remember Fountainhead’s Howard Roark? His greatest joy was the journey, his creation, his obsession with his perfection. Sorrow comes from resisting reality and from discontent. One has to flow with life and accept the let downs as teachers – to grow with the good and not so good. That is the only way to equanimity. Sorrow is what we allow ourselves to reach in and wallow. Please let us live life one day at a time. I’d have said that to Jiah, Viveka, Nafisa and McQueen. Let go, because you can’t change people and boyfriends, you can’t cling and you can’t change the past.

Education systems need to change their fundas.

As Calvin grouses to Hobbes, “For some reason they’d rather teach us stuff that any fool can look up!” We need lessons on living life, EQ, communication, and a real-world perspective that would slash the narcissism quotient out. him and taken advantage of his fame.

He had also felt let down by some long-term relationships. And this only highlights the points that could have been made for Jiah and even Viveka and Nafisa before her, that the very elusive happiness does not come from relationships, or even from material triumphs. You cannot force love and longing. It has to emanate from within.

When it didn’t materialise for these lovely girls, they ended their lives. Sadly, because the men have moved on; one of the men got married just this month.

But the families of these lovely women suffer a wound that may never heal.

REMEDY FOR TURMOIL

One cannot be obsessive about money, house, friends and faithfulness from those friends, because these wants and expectations prevent peace. Friendship, companionship and bonding, like the forests and animals are getting

People are what they are.

What is the route to happiness then?

I believe that there is no permanence in any state, not even in happiness. But one can snatch happy times, learn to savour the moments, and, like Wordsworth so aptly put it, stand and stare. Do we really ever stop to enjoy nature (whatever little of it we have left)? Greenery is a great healer, and walking barefoot in the grass is therapeutic as hearing music one enjoys. The good life is not a place you arrive at, it is a lens you bring to the place you are at right now! Snatch happiness and enjoy the journey, because there is no destination at all. Happy moments create a bank balance of fortitude and delight that you delve into when the going gets tough. It makes you into a survivor than a quitter! yi

Tweet Nisha on @nishjamvwal and follow her on

www.nishajamvwal.blogspot.com JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 77

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10

FLICKR USER KENNYMATIC

RELATIONSHIPS

LIES YOU SHOULD TELL IN A RELATIONSHIP

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Lying is a terrible thing, we all know that, but sometimes honesty is not the best policy.

Nooriyah Merchant tells you about 10 white lies you ought to tell when in a relationship, if you want to continue being in one

24-06-2013 18:47:34

DEAR, I 1“YES UNDERSTAND”

2

“YOUR BEST FRIEND IS AWESOME!”

Being in the good books of the best friend is always a crucial aspect of a relationship.

However, after all your efforts, if it doesn’t work out and you can’t help but be a little creeped out by their best friend, the next best thing to do is lie about your fondness for them. This will help your partner balance two cherished relationships without the worry of their best friend and lover hating one another.

YOU SO MUCH! 3“THANK I LOVE IT!” When accepting a present from your partner, always appreciate what they have got for you.

Even if you don’t really like it that much just let them know it’s appreciated, it will make them happy and feel good about them selves.

4“YOU LOOK FABULOUS!” This is one lie, if said with enough conviction, spares a lot of unnecessary drama. More than always, when your partner asks you if they look good in a particular dress or if the particular shade suits them, in their mind it does. In their mind they like what they are wearing, hence, they are wearing it. The only reason they ask you is for a little extra bit of external assurance. They want to hear what is already in their mind, but from you. So if you feel that they could perhaps do better, don’t tell them. Just tell them they look fabulous.

JULIANA COUTHINO, FLICKR

When your partner won’t stop whining about how that movie saga or sitcom that has ended meant so much to them, or how losing that online gaming tournament is hurting them, or any other such random thing that you can’t relate to, stay calm.

Just tell them you understand, it doesn’t matter if you don’t. They just need to be placated a little. After all, it won’t be long before you go on and on about something they don’t understand.

IS JUST A 5“HE/SHE FRIEND”

Suppose there is this attractive friend that you have of the opposite sex and maybe you have had the hots for them in the past, or maybe, you two had a little thing going on for a while before your partner came along. Now, when your partner asks you about your friend, don’t let out that little part about your past. Say that you were/ are friends and nothing more, for you clearly are over them and have no feelings for that old flame anymore, so why let it hamper your present with the probability of jealousy or suspicion. Let the past be the past.

of the time your suspicions are uncalled for. If you do let your let your partner know how you really feel, it will only cause them pain knowing you don’t trust them enough. So avoid.

WAS A CALL FROM 8“IT HOME”

When your friend calls you up with some juicy gossip and you are so into the conversation that you don’t notice or even deliberately ignore you partner’s call who has been on hold for a long time, you know they are going to ask you, who was the other line. What do you do? Simple.

You tell them it was your mom/dad/ sister/brother/uncle/aunt…. If you tell them it was your friend and you were just gossiping, chances are that they are going to get mad at you. So avoid that, and tell them it was an important call from home.

They won’t ask you much after that.

WASN’T CHECKING 6“IHIM/HER OUT” 9“I MISSED YOU TOO!” Normal people when in a relationship do not become oblivious to others around them. It’s natural to look at some one good looking who passes by you. There is nothing wrong or shameful in it. Although, if your partner is of a type who minds such behavior on your part, simply tell them you don’t check others out. You could also try to not check out people for real, that won’t really work though. The best option then is to say a white lie.

“I DON’T MIND YOU 7 HANGING OUT WITH HIM/HER”

In a situation when your partner’s close friend is of the opposite sex and the two of them spending time together makes you possessive or even suspicious, please don’t let your partner know how you truly feel. Trust them and tell them you don’t mind their friendship. 99.99%

You were out with your friends or family the entire day, and you were having the best time you have had in ages. The day was so eventful that you did not really get a chance to think about your partner, let alone call them up and talk to them, and then at the end of the day when you are finally with them or just talking to them on the phone and they say they “Missed you soooo much”, tell them you missed them too. It doesn’t matter if they didn’t even cross your thoughts. Telling them the truth will be like smack on their face. “I missed you too!” is what you should say.

10“I NEVER LIE.”

“I never lie” is a lie you absolutely must say. If you don’t say this lie every time you tell any of the other nine lies, your partner will doubt you. It is crucial for your partner to believe that you don’t lie.

It will help things run smoothly in your relationship. yi JULY 2013 ║ Youth Incorporated 79

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24-06-2013 18:47:47

G-SPOT the

Gadgets Gizmos Geeks

WHICH TYPE OF LAPTOP to buy?

Ultrabook PROS

Netbook PROS

Light weight Excellent battery life Large screens Thin

Light weight Small size Easy portability Inexpensive for a laptop computer

CONS No optical disk drives No Ethernet ports Can be expensive

CONS No optical disc drives Small keyboard can make typing difficult Cannot support heavy programmes and software

SAMSUNG NP530U4C-S01IN `57,200 Intel® Core™ i5 Processor (1.7 GHz) 14 inch LCD screen 4 GB RAM, may be extended to 6 GB 1 TB hard drive 7 hour battery life

Notebook PROS

LENOVO IDEAPAD S110 59328519, `17,990 Intel Atom N2600 (1.6 GHz) 10 inch screen 2 GB RAM 320 GB hard drive 3-hour battery life

Includes all hardware features Supports all types of software CONS Weighs no less than 2.5 kg Not travel-friendly HP 2000-2313TU NOTEBOOK (D7N15PA) `27,893 Intel® Core™ i3 (2.3 GHz) 15.6 inch HD LED screen 2 GB RAM, may be extended to 8 GB 500 GB hard drive 5 hour battery life

FINAL VERDICT: When it comes to simple use outdoors and for travelling, an ultrabook or netbook is recommended. If not, we say go for a notebook hands down; it runs fastest, supports all programmes and can be easily updated with the latest hardware and software.

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24-06-2013 19:00:44

NEW GADGETS

FREE APPS

RECOMMENDED FOR ANDROID GOOGLE KEEP

of the

MONTH

Category: Productivity Description: Google

Keep lets you create and recall notes on any device. Through a desktop, tablet or smartphone, you can create lists using voice notes, images or notes.

It can also transcribe voice notes.

POLARIS OFFICE 4.0

Epiphany onE Puck `6,700 (expected)

Coaster which can be used to charge electrical appliances Can be connected to any device via USB Uses heat and cold from the drink to generate power Warm drinks can be placed on red side of coaster Cold drinks to be placed on reverse blue side

FINAL VERDICT: You can enjoy your coffee and charge your phone! It’s expensive for a coaster, but we look at it as an investment.

DOCUSIGN INK Category: Productivity Description:

Category: Productivity Description: Many

DocuSign Ink makes it possible to sign documents electronically through a safe a legal system.

You can sign on Word documents, PDFs and more, and email them across the globe.

Android devices cannot read Office documents, which is a pain when you need to work on the go. Polaris fixes that problem. It also lets you create text documents, spreadsheets and slideshows.

RECOMMENDED FOR iOS

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP EXPRESS Category: Photo and Video Description: You can now use your

iPhone or iPad to edit digital photos as well as any desktop. The application does not have every single feature available on the desktop, but is constantly updated.

IHEARTRADIO Category: Music Description: Connected to over 15000

Lytro Light Field Cameras `34,400

Light, small camera that fits in the palm of your hand In-built memory space of 16 GB 8x optical zoom World’s first camera that produces focus after the picture is clicked Once the photo is clicked, you can choose the focus on the picture using the touchscreen Works best under high-light conditions, produces grainy image in low-light Requires its own app for photo viewing

FINAL VERDICT: Convenient to use but at that price you might as well buy a DSLR.

radio stations, the app lets you create a ‘playlist’ of your favourite stations based on the type of music you like and listen to it even if your phone is out of range.

NH7 INTOWN Category: Lifestyle Description: NH7 inTown lets you stay

on top of the best events happening in the city. Be it music, comedy or food, scan through their list and make your weekend plans easily. It is currently only functional in Mumbai but will include other cities soon.

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SwiMP3 Waterproof MP3 player `13,930

Bone conduction audio transmission Clips to attach to straps and rest on cheekbones 2 GB of Storage: approximately 500 songs, 30 hours of music MP3 and WMA compatible Rechargeable lithium-ion battery, 8 hours battery life

FINAL VERDICT: Great way to get your music fix in the shower or when swimming.

TECH ADVICE

WHICH ARE THE BEST INTERNET RADIO WEBSITES?

GROOVESHARK – It’s like being on a highly customised online iTunes.

You can run a search for an artist, song, album or more.

You can also fast forward and rewind or repeat the song whenever you want.

TUNEIN – This website is like a portal to the radio stations of the world. You can find countless stations to listen to in real-time, as any transistor radio would work. You could even search for a particular station you want to listen to or search for stations based on genres: news, sports and more.

JANGO – Create your own station by searching for an artist you like. The station will then play a song by that artist and randomly play songs by artists similar to the one you picked. Alternatively, you can enter a genre you like and make a station out of it and find music under that genre.

MUSICOVERY – Musicovery lets you play music according to your mood. All you have to do is pick out your mood on a graph based on how energetic or calm you are feeling and whether you want to listen to music that is positive or dark.

Sony SRS-BTM8 `5,990

Portable Bluetooth speaker Plays music via Bluetooth but alternatively equipped with 3.5 mm audio input via auxiliary jack Requires four AA batteries to power which run for up to 20 hours Can also run indoors on a 6V wall wart plugged to a power source Does not have a rechargeable battery

FINAL VERDICT: It does not produce the best sound quality but comes at about half the price of other portable bluetooth speakers in the market.

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8 TRACKS – A completely handcrafted music experience, the website lets you listen to playlists of 8 tracks or more. You can select the playlist using a combination search of genre, mood, artist, song, etc. Alternatively, you can handcraft your own playlist and listen to it whenever you feel like.

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24-06-2013 19:05:57

YOUR FAVOURITE DANCE STYLE It depends from season to season. This season it’s tango.

FOCUS FEATURE

Rising

YOUR EXPERIENCE OF WORKING WITH SALMAN KHAN

STAR

It was a treat to have shared screen space with him since I’ve looked up to him all my childhood as a style icon. Now after having met and worked with him, I’m a bigger fan of his.

SALMAN YUSUFF KHAN

YOUR NEXT PROJECT IS I have just finished my second film as an actor by Vivek Agnihotri and have also choreographed all the songs of the film. I’m also reading two scripts for now, which I can’t really talk much about.

YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IS My mother BIGGEST COMPLIMENT YOU’VE RECEIVED

When Dilip Kumar saab and Saira Banu ma’am recognised me and appreciated me saying they watch the show only for me. It was the biggest compliment of my life since my dad and my grandfather have been such huge fans of him.

One of my wishes is to make my dad meet Dilip saab.

MOST CHALLENGING PERFORMANCE

It was during the shoot of ABCD when I had to perform a solo and I had a 103 fever that day. I didn’t want to show it since the entire cast and crew was ready to shoot and with Prabhu sir, Remo sir and India’s best dancers in front of me. I had to be head strong and perform for myself then, since I’m so competitive by nature. After every shot I would go out and throw up and come back, ready for the next shot. And I did it. Allah for sure helped me.

ADVICE FOR FUTURE CHOREOGRAPHERS

It’s very important to be versatile in different dance forms and to have a technical knowledge of the camera angles. Gone are the days when choreography on TV was taken for granted.

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A CELEBRITY YOU’D LIKE AS YOUR DANCE PARTNER Madhuri Dixit

THE GREATEST DANCER OF ALL TIME IS I don’t know but the greatest performer was and will always be Michael Jackson WIKIMEDIA COMMONS USER ALEXJACKSON

A SONG YOU LOVE GROOVING TO Feel from Robbie Williams and the tracks of ABCD top my list

BOLLYWOODHUNGAMA.COM

YOUR FAVOURITE PARTNER ON JHALAK DIKHLA JA Favourite dancer was Isha [Sharvani], favourite partner is Drashti [Dhami] BOLLYWOODHUNGAMA.COM

This versatile dancer has been flaunting his moves on television as well as in films. After winning the first season of Dance India Dance, Salman Yusuf Khan has participated in three seasons of Jhalak Dikhla Ja, starred in Remo’s dance flick ABCD and also shared screen space with Salman Khan in the movie Youth Incorporated JULY 2013 84Wanted.

27-06-2013 13:34:11

kiss&tell _FOCUS FEATURE

AAMIR, RANBIR, KATRINA SPOTTED DINING TOGETHER

Bollywood superstars Aamir Khan (with wife Kiran Rao), Katrina Kaif, Ranbir Kapoor, Sidharth Malhotra and Karan Johar were snapped having a private dinner together at Olive restaurant, Bandra, Mumbai. Screenwriter and filmmaker Melanie Easton spotted the team and tweeted a picture of herself with Ranbir and Aamir, saying, “So This Just Happened, Both [sic], Aamir, Ranbir, Kat, Kiran Rao, and Karan Johar were all there together. With a big group of other people I don’t know.”

Wonder what was topic of discussion? This was after Kiran Rao’s screening of Ship of Theseus with Karan Johar and many other celebrities.

AYUSHMANN’S BROTHER TO MAKE BOLLYWOOD DEBUT

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Following the footsteps of Vicky Donor star Ayushmann, his younger brother Aparshakti Khurrana is all set to take his first step into the glamour world of Bollywood. He will be seen in Neeraj Pandey’s production Saat Uchake which is being directed by Sanjeev Sharma.

Aparshakti who started his career as an RJ in Delhi is now quite active on the theatre front too. However, he has no dreams of making it big in Bollywood. The actor says that the film was a stroke of luck when a casting director spotted him in a play and he got the film. However, he is quite content being an RJ in Delhi. Aparshakti is currently busy shooting in Delhi for the film.

SALMAN KHAN VS SUNNY LEONE

An industry insider once remarked, “The two names that spell guaranteed success at the BO are Salman Khan and Sunny Leone.” One may say that while Salman and Sunny are poles apart from each other in all the ways, Bollywood Hungama looks at the vital points that bring together, yet set apart, these two popular stars.

Katrina and Hrithik shooting for ‘Bang Bang’ in Thailand

24-06-2013 19:10:29

CAN YOU PULL THIS OFF ?

It’s the season to make a statement.

Junisha Dama gives you a fashion challenge.

Are you up for it?

SCARVES

BOLD COLOURS

ATE TREND UPD

Why should only women have fun with pink or turquoise? Men can wear them too. Monteil & Munero Pick one item from `1485 your outfit in a wild colour (e.g. red, aqua or yellow pants) and watch those heads turn Marvel `599 while you look dashing.

Tone down the rest of your outfit to retain balance.

BLING OTLS `1499

Make a statement with some jewellery. Wear metallic pieces, though only one metallic tone at a time. Gold and silver are favourites among men too and are best worn with clothes in similar colours.

Revv `975

Tumi `5500

te Svel 9 `139

Wrap a scarf around your neck to give some style to a plain tee. Checks, stripes or plain – everything works. Just make sure you pick one in linen or cotton.

Tie it loose and make sure it’s not the centrepiece of your ensemble.

g r Sin She 949 `

h

Tossido `649

HATS

Hats may have fallen out of style, but you can still look stylish in one.

If you are full-faced, go for a hat that has a wide brim.

If your face is thin, follow suit with a slim brim. Tilt the hat – they say seven degrees is the perfect hat angle to make you look dapper.

Ayesha `390

MURSE A man purse or a murse is something every guy shies away from. Grow a stubble, carry a murse and look rugged.

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Jack & Jon `1195

es

Alvaro Castagnino `799

24-06-2013 19:16:53

SUSPENDERS Clip-on, buttoned, thin width or a thick – there are various suspender styles that can be worn with a number of outfits.

Try one with a pair of dress pants and a button down shirt, rugged jeans and a t-shirt, or with a pair of shorts.

Accessorise with girly stuff to contrast the largely masculine suspenders.

SPIKES

How we wish we could wear pyjamas all day, right? Well, substitute them with baggy pants and still look your stylish best. The secret to pulling them off lies in the material and length you pick: if you are bottomheavy, go for a delicate material (not cotton) in full length.

Lino Perros `795

American Apparel `990

Spike neckForever 21 pieces, `1925 bracelets, hair-bands and slippers – everything is in this season!

Though spikes are not everyone’s cup of tea, you could still pull them off. Pair a spike bracelet with anything you like – yes, it’s that simple. The best part is that they are available in neon colours too, which are also so in this year.

Karma Clothing `503

BAGGY PANTS

SHIRT DRESSES Perfect for a semi-formal outing and even a casualdo. Shirt dresses are comfortable and trendy, and are definitely the new cool Sunday brunch dresses with a twist. Pair them with a belt or a sash and you’re good to go!

Lamora `799

Mineral `1499

Zazzle `1650

DKNY `4950

Topsho p `3360

Forever associated with men, ties have never got a chance to be a part of a woman’s wardrobe.

Make a difference by a wearing a tie for a presentation in college or wear it just for fun. Wear a skinny one loose, knotted above the breastbone.

Tok Tok Designs `219

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24-06-2013 19:18:33

Tis the time to experiment with your hair. If you’re unsure of the cut and style you should sport, look to these celebs for what they’ve made popular

Hai aising ASYMMETRICAL AESTHETIC Kimberly Caldwell’s asymmetrical cut is your best bet if you have: Wavy hair A strong jawline to flaunt

CUTE LITTLE PIXIE This pixie cut that Emma Watson is wearing is probably the right choice for you if you have: Straight hair Small face Petite body

HAIR FROM OUTER SPACE This spooky haircut should be your first choice if experimenting comes au naturel to you. Shave one half of your head bald and walk the road rocking it.

“I’M THE DOCTOR!” If you want messy, bed-head hair that looks stylish, Matt Smith’s floppy Doctor Who hairstyle is perfect.

• Show off your tall & lean body • Apt for straight hair • Highlight a long jaw-line

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TEEN SUPREME Ever since this One Direction star came on to the world stage of music, he has become a style icon. You can get Malik’s hairdo if you have: • A lean body • A strong, angular jaw

trends

CLASSY BANGS If you want to keep it simple, get these classic bangs.

Works well if you have: Straight hair Wide forehead Cute face MILLIONAIRE COIFFURE With The Great Gatsby’s arrival, this antique hairstyle from the 1920s has seen resurgence. Boys, grab some gel and roll up your hair in this vintage hairdo.

27-06-2013 13:45:51

n o o s mon e d a m m o t Cus

Ditch the denims!

This monsoon, when your summer closet shies away from the puddles, we give you some of the best options to walk a around in the rains Cotton shorts and capris: Your ultimate weapon against the slush and potholes.

Cottonworld `399

Enayat `349 Freecultr `1299 Color Cock tail `999

they Jodhpuri pants: Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re made of cotton, so they suit every figure.

dry in an instant. Plus

NO Shoes!

land? it a w g a B in Trouble Big Bag Theory `279

are the Sandals: They tackle to r ea w best foot s. the monsoon Crocs `1495

Gum boots: What â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s better than fighting the rains with traditional yet stylish boots?

Use rubber, synthetic, jelly and plastic tote bags. Not only are these water resistant, o they are als e id sl easy to into your raincoats without y. looking bulk

Make-up maladies Maybelline `390

Crocs `2395

Rain skimmers: The perfect replacement for your delicate ballet flats during the monsoons.

Fastrack `895

Gads Overthe-Shoe `2928

Lakme `135

We recommend a range of waterproof cosmetics for this season (duh!) for a smudgeproof and oil-free experience.

Street Wear `185

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24-06-2013 19:21:12

hangout  

PLACES AND EVENTS FOR THE MONTH

SILVER BEACH CAFÉ, MUMBAI

Silver Beach Café is a complete European style café, right from its look and ambience to the food served. The booth seating and hanging table light are inspired by The Godfather. With a live kitchen on one side and the street on the other, your dining experience will surely not be boring.

CUISINE: European, American FOOD AND DRINKS: The Vietnamese Basa fish laid on a bed of pesto is exquisite and melts in your mouth. The fish is delicate and has light flavours. The Rattatouie Risotto is just like it should be – tangy and fresh. The lemon grass cooler is refreshing and perfect for a hot day. For your sweet tooth, try the lemon cheesecake which dissolves almost instantly in your mouth.

OVERALL IMPRESSION: A place for good European food. The overall menu is quite innovative; however, the dessert and breakfast sections lack excitement.

Jaldarshan Building, Gandhi Gram Road, Near Hare Rama Hare Krishna Temple, Juhu, Mumbai - Junisha Dama

50

`7 n per perso

EVENTS THIS MONTH SKA! SKA! SKA!

LIGHTS, CAMERA, LAUGHTER!

July is going to be Ska’ndalous with The Ska Vengers, Gandu Circus, Reggae Rajahs, BassFoundation, Roots and Blek playing gigs in Delhi and Mumbai in the cities’ Blue Frog .

Don’t know what ska is? It’s a sub-genre of rock music that’s way too peppy to be a sub-genre of rock music.

Watch the Comic NoMads tickle you silly with their brand of stand-up comedy in Bangalore and Pune. The No-Mads will be performing at Barleyz in Bangalore and Hyatt Regency in Pune.

Mumbai – 27 July Delhi – 28 July

Bangalore – 21 July Pune – 31 July

RAINBOW PRIDE WALK

The rainbow pride walk celebrates unity among diverse sexualities. Join the walk, express your pride and support the cause. The walk will commence from Hazra Crossing and will end in front of Academy of Fine Arts, Rabindra Sadan.

Kolkata– 07 July

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SMAAASH, MUMBAI An entertainment hub that blends sports and arcade-style games, and lives up to its motto of ‘play, eat and party’.

PLAY: Smaaash Cricket: Play against international legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Lasith Malinga thanks to the game’s intuitive technology.

Twilight Bowling: A fabulously lit bowling area perfect for a group of friends.

Goalie Guacamole: Throw in your best shot against this super sonic goalie and you could actually win a Harley!

Smart Arcade: A state-of-the-art arcade with over 30 games to play.

EAT: Bazinga Sports Cafe not only serves delicious comfort food but also airs live games. The more uncoventional items to try are the grilled lamb burger with egg, pizza indienne with mint, and the fruit salad with peanuts.

PARTY: Besides housing a bar, Smaaash also hosts events like ladies’ nights and other gigs.

CURRENT OFFERS: Pay Once Play Twice from 11 am to 5 pm on weekdays.

Late Night Happy Hours – 11 pm to 1 am from Monday to Friday.

Kamala Mills, Gate no. 4, Lower Parel, Mumbai - Kanishka Chaturvedi

SPREADDOVER SQ.FTT SMAAASHHISSTHEEFIRSTTOFFITS KINDDINTERACTIVEEEXPERIENCEE BRINGINGGTOOYOUUTHE PERFECTTBAANCEEOFFVIRTUALLANDDREAL. CHALLENGEEYOURSELFFBYYPPYINGGCRICKETTAGAINST INTERNATIONALLLEGENDSS RACEETHEEFASTESTTCARR TRYYA INTERN HANDDAT PINNBOWLINGGORRGIVEEYOURRBESTTSHOTTAGAINST OURRSUPERSONICCGOALIE! COMPLEMENTINGGMANYYMORE SUCHHEXCITINGGEXPERIENCESS ISSAASTATEEOFFTHEEARTTARCADEE AASOFTTPPYYAREAAFORRCHILDRENN AAFANTASTICCRESTAURANT ANDDAABARRWHICHHISSALWAYSSAAFLOW!

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26-06-2013 17:30:24

Get ahead through

AIESEC

Do you wish to supplement your college degree with work experience that’s fun? AIESEC shows you the way

M

ark Twain once said, “If you’re not doing anything different, you’re not doing anything at all.” AIESEC is that platform for you to do something different. What started as an organisation with an aim to develop friendly relations with countries across the globe has now become the world’s largest youth run organisation working to achieve ‘Peace and Fulfilment of Humankind’s Potential’.

Youth from all over the world come together as part of AIESEC to work for this common cause.

With the aim of achieving peace and dissolving boundaries, trying to form ‘One World’ free of prejudices and full of love, this organisation facilitates leadership development through creating and delivering international exchange opportunities.

Giving youth the required team experience to work in a cultural and professional environment with spunk

and spirit, it goes on to prepare them to reach their career goals. After an understanding of team functionality, they go on to lead a team of their own and discover their styles of leadership.

AIESEC believes in the power of leadership and in experiential learning as a powerful tool.

Ranging from public relations to human resources to finance to sales, AIESEC provides opportunity to gain command over fields through practice rather than theory and in a framework of ethical leadership. Thus it creates change by empowering people to impact the society that they’re a part of.

Raunaq Singh, Vice President for Expansions, AIESEC in Delhi IIT sums up his experience in a few lines, “At the age of 19, AIESEC's given me the opportunity to travel miles away to a new city and conduct a session in front of 300 strangers. An opportunity to virtually expand its business\network to three cities that I have never been to. AIESEC has been a life changing experience that has expanded my horizons, knowledge, network and mind set and has taught me to think out of the box. I was recruited into AIESEC as a shy introvert who was pursuing his bachelor’s degree in computer applications in February 2012, and today I am a part of a leadership body that is leading a committee of over 350 budding young entrepreneurs. AIESEC to me is a classroom, a family, as well as the perfect hangout with friends” The organisation is thus inclusive, diverse, daring, impactful and dynamic.

Indeed, AIESEC is a great opportunity for those who want to supplement their college degree with an experiential education in leadership, management and global issues. yi

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M OV I E M ATC H M A K E R M OV I E M ATC H M A K E R

BEST OF

M o v i e s

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B o o k s

MOVIE MATCHMAKER: THE GODFATHER

In 1972, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation of Mario Puzo’s novel The Godfather made cinema history. Against the milieu of 1940s’ New York City, the film tells the story of a powerful mafia boss in his twilight years and his son’s reluctant entry into the world of organised crime. If you liked The Godfather, we have a viewing list ready for you.

Films featuring Marlon Brando

Films featuring Al Pacino

The Godfather was Pacino’s breakout film but he’s enjoyed continued success ever since. Here are some of his best performances: • Scarface • Carlito’s Way • Scent of a Woman • Any Given Sunday

Considered by many to be one of the greatest actors of the screen, Brando elicited praise from his contemporaries and critics alike. Some iconic Brando performances are in: • A Streetcar Named Desire • Desiree • Mutiny on the Bounty

SIMILAR MOVIES Gangs of New York

stands out for its historical setting and dramatic story arc. Also, it stars Daniel Day-Lewis in a power-packed performance as Bill the Butcher.

Not a movie to miss out on.

The Untouchables

was nominated for multiple Oscars. Starring Robert DeNiro as mafia legend Al Capone and Sean Connery and Kevin Costner as lawmen on his trail, what more could one ask for?

Vaastav

A cult classic from Bollywood, Vaastav depicts the underbelly of Mumbai’s ganglands.

Starring Sanjay Dutt in one of his best roles, the film is gritty and unrelenting in its harsh depiction of the realities of a life of crime.

Sarkar

Ram Gopal Verma’s faithful homage is an Indianised version of Puzo’s story. Starring Amitabh Bachchan and Abhishek Bachchan as the patriarch and heir, the film is a testament to how The Godfather is a powerful story in any milieu.

More movies by Francis Ford Coppola

APOCALYPSE NOW

Starring Martin Sheen and Marlon Brando, the movie is a tale of a US Army Captain who is sent on a dangerous mission into the heart of the jungle to assassinate a renegade US Commander during the Vietnam War.

BRAM STOKER’S DRACULA

This screen adaptation of the definitive vampire novel boasts an impressive cast featuring Anthony Hopkins, Gary Oldman and Keanu Reeves.

Sinister, suspenseful and haunting. Bram Stoker would be proud.

M OV I E M ATC H M A K E R M OV I E M ATC H M A K E R

iMHO

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Arrested Development Season 4, ep 1

How I Met Your Mother Season 8, ep 24

You can stop whining about the death of intelligent comedy now; the show that should have never gone off air is back with a brand new season. Bring on the bananas!

After eight years of keeping viewers (and his children) guessing who ends up marrying Ted and becoming the titular mother, this episode finally reveals her.

Game of Thrones Season 3, ep 4

Who said pivotal plot points are always reserved for season finales? If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, this episode is the highlight of the season and will surprise you in more ways than one.

Jhalak Dikhla Jaa Season 6, ep 1

Season premieres always arrive with a bang, but this episode is worth a watch as Ranbir Kapoor makes a special appearance that is unforgettable.

Masterchef India Season 3, ep 84

The run up to the winner for the season was far more engaging than the finale. Watch the penultimate episode to see some marvellous dishes come to life.

T V

B A T T L E : MODERN FAMILY

F A M I L Y

ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT

TVLAND SCOOPS TVLAND SCOOPS

EPISODES YOU MUST WATCH

 COKE STUDIO RETURNS IN AUGUST with a third season that will feature performances by A.R. Rahman, Amit Trivedi, Ram Sampath, Salim-Sulaiman, Clinton Cerejo, etc.

 CHARLIE SHEEN FIRES SELMA BLAIR after finding out Blair complained to Anger Management execs about his unprofessionalism, calling him a “menace”.

 MELISSA MCCARTHY CALLED A “FEMALE HIPPO” by a film reviewer, earlier this year.

McCarthy’s recently responded to the insult: “I felt really bad for someone who is swimming in so much hate. I just thought, that’s someone who’s in a really bad spot, and I am in such a happy spot.

S I T C O M S THE MIDDLE

A sitcom on a dysfunctional family that was once rich and powerful but now recklessly headed towards penury because of the V/S outlandish antics of its members. V/S Breakout character: Tobias Fünke – his sincere cluelessness makes for the best jokes Recommended if: you like character-driven comedy; you like shows with meta-humour and continuous plots A sitcom on a dysfunctional family that A sitcom on a, you guessed it, dysfunctional Best season: Season 2 comprises a gay couple, a stepson, a couple family that struggles with the everyday-ness mismatched in age and a freakishly crazy set of middle-class, working America. of parents.

Breakout character: Sue Sue Heck – yes, Breakout character: Phil Dunphy for his that is her name. In spite of being the brilliant one-liners and physical comedy overlooked middle child, she is the most Recommended if: you like situation-driven developed character comedy; you pick up or drop a show at any Recommended if: you like simple, realistic point because there is no overarching plot shows; you were once a fan of Full House Best seaon: Season 2 Best season: Season 3 JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 95

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B A N D P R O F I L E :T H E S U P E R S O N I C S

QUEENS OF THE STONE AGE – LIKE CLOCKWORK Rating: 

We love re-unions. It gives us a chance to catch up on old memories, get to unfinished business and generally enjoy that warm fuzzy feeling. So when Kolkata based The Supersonics decided to give the band one more shot after breaking up in 2010, all the hipsters threw their hats in the air. Having entered the scene in 2006 and built quite a following with their 2009 album Maby Baking, the men from the land of the Hooghly are back with a changed line-up, new tour dates and a fresh album in the pipeline. They have added former The Mavyns keyboardist Vivek Nair to the original quartet of Ananda Sen (vocals, guitars), Rohan Ganguli (guitars, vocals), Nitin Mani (bass) and Avinash Chordia (drums), and still have the musical ability to get that fuzzy feeling back.

TRACKS WE LOVE: Why Do I, Yeah Whatever, Collar Me, In Memory Of

T H E Y I P L AY L I S T

THE RED BANTOO

IF YOU BUZZED TO THE ARCTIC MONKEYS BACK WHEN THEY RULED MYSPACE, THEN THE SUPERSONICS, A POST-PUNK BAND, ARE FOR YOU

Josh Homme from Queens of The Stone Age has a near-death experience.

So he gathers the troops and a few commanding officers like Trent Reznor from Nine Inch Nails, Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, Dave Grohl, Sir Elton John, and Arctic Monkeys’ Alex Turner to celebrate his new life, which results in one epic album.

I won’t even bother comparing Like Clockwork with any of the band’s previous work because, come on, Homme just got back from the dead! So while you will recognise the signature QoTSA riff heavy sound, lyrically and vocally, Homme has become strangely ethereal using uncharacteristic falsettos and modulations.

Overall Like Clockwork is a great album that allows you to lean back and soak in Homme’s vocals that sway between soaring guitar riffs. Grohl is brilliant as usual on the drum kit and songs like Smooth Sailing, showcase that unbridled energy. Other songs to listen to are the dreamy Kalopsia and Vampyre of Time and Memory.

MONSOON MUSIC There are some songs that were made with rain pattering on the windows and pakoras in mind.

These are the best ones, in our extremely objective opinion:

1. Riders on The Storm by The Doors 2. Khamaj by Fuzon 3. Dust in The Wind by Kansas 4. Kabeera from Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani 5. Breathing by Lifehouse 6. The Shrine/An Argument by Fleet Foxes 7. Intro by The XX 8. Bezubaan from ABCD 9. Coffee Song by Cream 10. Inhaler by Hooverphonic If it doesn’t rain where you live (poor you), try www.rainymood.com to set the mood.

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BOOKS THAT SHOULD BE MOVIES

QUICK FIRE INTERVIEW WITH ANU KUMAR In an isolated, small hill station called Brooks Town, Gautam Dogra is murdered one quiet afternoon. The crime scene is untainted, but the murder weapon is missing. Even so, the police dismiss it as a simple case and jail the convict. Everyone but Charlotte Hyde makes their peace with this event, for Charlotte knows that this murder did not happen in a day or in isolation. As the story unfolds, secrets unearth and hidden identities are revealed. The reader realises that it is not just the story of a man’s death, but of love, loss, desperation, fury and vengeance all taking place amidst political tension and wars.

It Takes a Murder is a complex tale of a town, its people and its events which lead to Gautam Dogra’s murder. The story darts between several characters, themes and times which make it hard to follow for almost half the book. The narrative doesn’t help much either. It is only in the second half that things start coming together. And it is not exactly a light read either. Yet, It Takes a Murder is worth a read for the second half. The secrets revealed are oddly amusing and do justice to the story.

You do a lot of other writing – children’s books, articles, anthologies, poems, etc.

Which is the toughest? And which one do you like the best?

This is honestly difficult to answer. Any kind of writing demands a lot. I like writing stuff that demands research, or if its fiction, getting under the skin of a character, digging up a person’s history or even creating it anew.

Making something new of the ordinary, or telling [it] in a uniquely different way, is always a challenge.

Who or what inspires your writing?

Anything from newspaper headlines to eavesdropping on conversations. Even a line from someone else’s novel or a character another writer has forgotten about or mercilessly ignored. There are stories everywhere, the trick is to know how to tell them.

Is any instance or character in ‘It Takes a Murder’ that is influenced by a real-life incident or person?

Not really. There was this place I sort of knew and some people who could only belong here, so I fitted them to situations where only they could emerge as complicated, conflicted beings, and also very believable, or so I hope.

- Sindhu Mansukhani Read the entire interview on www.youthincmag.com

WHERE RAINBOWS END

GETTING TO KNOW HARUKI MURAKAMI

Haruki Murakami is a Japanese writer of fiction and non-fiction who has been called “among the world’s greatest living novelists”

HIS THEMES Human disconnect, alienation, magical realism, dreams RECOMMENDED FOR those who daydream often and tend to get lost in novels READING SHELF Kafka on the Shore: the spectacular journey of a 15-year-old boy named Kafka, and Mr Nakata Norwegian Wood: a heart-tugging story of adolescent love and its giddy rush 1Q84: an epic about an assassin and the mysterious connection she shares with a man TRIVIA  Ran a jazz club to support his writing  Baseball inspired his first novel  Likes doppelgangers  The appearance of cats in his books indicates that something strange is about to happen

by Cecelia Ahern Genre: Romance Plot: Rosie and Alex are best friends who grew up sharing each moment of their lives. The book spans over 50 years and traces the story of how they find love in each other, despite a life of failed marriages, changing jobs and children, proving true love has no age.

Starring: We pick Colin Farrell and his alluring Irish accent for Alex, and Jennifer Aniston for Rosie.

THE SUMMONS

by John Grisham Genre: Legal drama Plot: Newly divorced Ray and his brother, Forrest, are summoned to go visit their ailing father at his estate to discuss his will. Forrest’s absence and their father’s sudden demise leads Ray to follow a trail of three million dollars, which is unaccounted for. But is he the only one who knows about it?

Apparently not.

Starring: Robert Downey Jr. could take a break from playing wise-cracking action characters and slip into the role of the serious and thoughtful Ray. JULY 2013 Youth Incorporated 97

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_GRAFFITI

TRENDING THIS MONTH

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al world T he vir tu after it d e d explo ted th at r o wa s rep d n Kim Kanye a eir baby th d e m na t. If you es W Nor th a t wa s th t thoug h y Z an d a J stran ge, a n med Beyon ce Blue Ivy id k r thei lay front p ld o an d C Mar tin s ri m a n Ch with came up his little r fo le A pp girl.

ON PARDFRENCH HER A

n Australian woman sudden ly developed a Fr ench accent af ter a car crash. Doctor s believe foreig n accent syndro me occurs af ter an injury causes tissue damage to a specific part of th brain that cont e rols speech .

INSTAGRAM VI

DEO Instagram recently launched their new vid functionality that hadeo the online space buzzing Set to rival Twitter's .

Vine app, the new servi ce will allow users to shoot upto 15 second of video and add the filts Instagram so popular. ers that made Brace yourself for super vintage-looking cli ps by hipsters.

Tired of voting for rats?

Mor ris, a black an d-white kitt en with oran ge ey es, is runnin g for mayor of Xalap a in ea ster n Mex ico.

Mor ris ha s a website, a Twitt er account an d a Facebook page with more than 115, 00 0 ‘likes ’.

Prancercis

Prancercising is e now!

America's favo rite new craze, and John Mayer has hopp ed on the bandwagon in the video fo r Paper Doll. In the clip , prancercise ex pe rt Joanna Rohrbac k demonstrate s “a prance to rom ance to” set to the tune of Mayer ’s circ uitous guitar lic ks.

Blunder Years

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RNI Number: MAHENG/2011/38909 Postal Regd. No: MH/MR/WEST/293/2012-2014 Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office GPO, Mumbai 400001 on 2nd of every month Date of Publication: 1st of every month

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