AIR-BORNE THIS WAY Soar the skies and dare to dream
EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN
JUNE 2015 || ` 75
www.youthincmag.com
A CARBON FOOTSTEP AT A TIME Shriyans Bhandari's project for a greener Earth
League of
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Extraordinary Entertainers Exclusive interviews with your favourite YouTubers
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FASHION STREET STYLE HACKS From pallazos to dungarees, here are some funky street styles for this season POINT OF VIEW WALK OUT OF ABUSE! There’s only one solution to ending abuse: walking out, says Nisha JamVwal
BEAUTY IMPROVE YOUR SCENTS WITH YOUR SENSES There’s an art to smelling good, and we tell you how
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Contribut rs m nth PARTH SHAH is a commerce student, avid writer and a hardcore foodie, whose day isn’t complete until he visits Zomato atleast once. He loves reading Dan Brown mystery novels and is huge ‘Castle’ fan. Being 17 years of age, he has an ardour for photography, creative writing and photo editing. Nutella has been his way to utter bliss. He also loves listening to EDM and judgemental snobs make his pet peeve!
LISA JAIN Lisa Jain is the Country Representative of The College Board in India. She works extensively with schools across India to help with the implementation of College Board programs. She also interacts with students and parents about how College Board’s programs help in the college application.
MAITHILI MODI is a student of Economics at Jai Hind College. She loves writing, reading and dancing, and is a tennis aficionado. She hopes to become an economist and shape world policies.
CHRISTINE RODRICKS is passionate about writing, eating, singing and eating. An opportunist and non conformist, she aspires to be a travel writer someday and swears by cheesecake, jazz and black cats. Believes in living life like there’s no tomorrow. 8
AYUB DAWOOD is a journalist and writer who is captivated by wanderlust and isn’t afraid to touch new subject matter. Likes to express an opinion and dig deep into every issue concerning the world around him. With a knack for telling stories he is also an aspiring author. DEEKSHA KHANNA is pursuing journalism from Pune and is passionate about reading, writing, sleeping and eating. She loves travelling and hopes to make a career in travel and food journalism. Believes in taking every opportunity that comes her way. ABHA PANDIT is a 20 year old media student from Pune. An aspiring features writer, her daily struggles include fitting in long naps and binge watching 'Friends'.
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Editor's
note
Has anyone noticed a phenomenon that is going on with all of us since a while now? We all are kind of tuned in to it several times a day and at all odd hours. It makes us laugh, cry or even annoyed at times.... I am talking about videos! The trend of watching videos is increasing to a large extent, be it on Whatsapp or shared on social media platforms like Facebook to Instagram. They are personal, funny, motivational or social in nature, and from 2 minutes to as long as 20 minutes or more, there is just so much going on. It all started when I was speaking to my friend Reenie who is a great singer and has made this amazing music video recently 'Outta Control'. She sings at concerts and participates at various events but when she put up her video on YouTube, within days she started getting a lot of hits and within three months has more than 118,000 views. This is the power of YouTube! It’s been a decade now and has progressed from being just a music medium to a large platform for creators, advertisers and sponsors. Today, any smart and talented person who wants to make it big may not necessarily need the conventional routes. Just create a decent video and upload it on YouTube and launch your own channel! The promising creators will gauge viewership much like moths to a flame. In our cover story The League of Extraordinary Entertainers, we give you exclusive interviews with some of your favourite YouTubers. We have Superwoman, Being Indian, East India Comedy, Kannan Gill, Abish Mathew among many others providing us the perfect comedic timing; Clinton Jeff, the techspert giving us the lowdown on the best phone to buy; Shreyas Kamath inspiring the youth to get fit and at ‘em; Omkar Bhagat balancing the perfect edutainment quotient and so many more! Getting your own channel is great but we need to be sure how and what we are showcasing is being done right. They say first impressions are the best and last impressions and I can’t highlight stress this fact enough. In our focus feature story The Finishing Touch, we give you insights into the fine points of grooming and etiquette as stated by the experts in the field. With the summer vacations coming to a close, I hope all of you are ready to dust those cobwebs off your books and get back to a challenging and refreshing academic year that is waiting for you.
Nitish Shah
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Volume 4 Issue 12 June 2015
Editor-in-Chief NITISH SHAH nitish@youthincmag.com Chief Operating Officer CAROLINE SAMSON coo@youthincmag.com
Editorial
NEETI VIJAYKUMAR NANCY B VARGHESE
Art & Design
MOULVI ABBAS HASAN
Ad Sales
ALEIFIYA B NIKUNJ RAMAIYA CHARMI SHAH sales@youthincmag.com
Marketing
PALLAVI BORKAR SHEROY MISTRY marketing@youthincmag.com MANIL S DODANI digital@youthincmag.com
Circulation
SHANTARAM AMBERKAR NISHANT SHINDE
Administration GEETA NAIK
Marketing Interns TASNEEM PATANWALA NOOPUR ATHALE LOURDES SEQUEIRA Printed and published by Nitish Shah on behalf of Splash Publication Pvt Ltd
For advertising, subscriptions and circulation mail@youthincmag.com +91-22-2351-6622 / 6609 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: Spenta Multimedia Pvt Ltd Spenta Multimedia Pvt Ltd, Peninsula Spenta, Mathurdas Mill Compound, N M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel – West Mumbai – 400013
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 competent courts in Mumbai only.
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editorial c o n n e c t
Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com
SOCIALLY YOURS
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YI's COO meets with Subhash Ghai at the Edutainment Show, Mumbai
Raghu Ram with the YI team at Edutainment Show, Mumbai
BLOGGER OF THE MONTH
JEB 2015
Aashna Shroff
‘The Snob Journal’ A student of London College of Fashion and an active blogger is how she likes to be noticed. Her blog has amazing visuals, with professional images, which helps one get a vivid picture of what she’s talking about. Almost every month, she introduces her readers to new styles and tips. Her blog is varied, colourful and exciting. Anyone looking for styling tips, from a night out to a day trip, it’s all in there!
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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH
@AMEERGUY
With just about 10k followers, this twitter personality is on a run to take over @GareebGuy. With his hysterical tweets, he defines a conventional spoilt brat’s life, making sexist and youth related jokes at the same time. iOS 8.3 got me looking for one emoji for 15 mins Why fall in love when you can fall asleep? Or order pizza? Or watch Netflix? Or run into oncoming traffic? I can send you a text at 12:04 and be asleep by 12:05 My life is kind of like when you’re about to sneeze and then don’t
After receiving over 100 entries for our Junior Editorial Board, we shortlisted a talented team of young and enthusiastic writers, who will be responsible for ideating, writing, and creating the 4th anniversary issue. Until then, find out what makes your favourite YouTubers ubercool.
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The importance of etiquette skills and image consulting Page 14
K E E I PI N S D E
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UNDERSTANDING THE PSAT
THE CUTTING EDGE
WINS AND WOES OF FREELANCING
HOW IT HAS BEEN REDESIGNED IN 2015
AN ADDICTION TO SELF-HARM IS NOT JUST A PHYSICAL PAIN
SHOULD YOU TAKE THE LEAP INTO THE LUCRATIVE BUT UNSTEADY WORLD OF FREELANCING?
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EDU NEWS
SEEK1, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
DU CHANGES ADMISSION PROCESS Delhi University has appointed a 23-member committee to review the admission requirements and criteria before the actual process commences. Admission using sports quota has been refurbished. For admission under sports quota, the committee has recommended a prolific fitness test. Entire admission process to be online from next academic session. The committee has also decided that students who take a gap year will not be disadvantaged for doing so. Rather, they will be treated at par with freshers. As for students who wish to pursue B.Com (Hons) or Economics courses, it will be obligatory to have mathematics as a subject.
KPMG will provide training for BMU’s MBA students on Forensic Accounting and Corporate Fraud. On a non-exclusive basis, KPMG will prepare the course structure, develop course content, make suitable technical faculties available for delivering training to participants. KPMG has also partnered with BML Munjal University to offer KPMG Course for Accounting Professionals (KCAP) programme to the students enrolled by the University in BBA and B.Com (Hons) programme, starting in 2015. In addition, KPMG will also provide the students access to its LMS (Learning Management System) support covering session videos and presentations, and features like ‘Ask An Expert’ and assessments.
MUNJAL1
BML MUNJAL UNIVERSITY ENGAGES KPMG AS ACADEMIC PARTNER
Mentored by Imperial College London, ranked 2nd in the QS World University Rankings, with academic support from the distinguished faculty of BML Munjal University and KPMG, this unique programme offers a new career alternative to students of commerce, CA, ICWA, CS and allied areas.
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IMT GHAZIABAD AWARDED FOR DISTANCE/OPEN LEARNING Institute of Management Technology, Ghaziabad, was awarded the Best Institute in Distance/Open Learning accolade at the 8th ASSOCHAM Education Summit and National Excellence Awards 2015. The Institute was felicitated for its innovationled education, world-class infrastructure and excellent faculty. The two-year Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) aims to provide students an opportunity to develop management skills and compete successfully in the global business environment, while one-year PGDM (Executive) program is specially designed for individuals
UNIVERSITY OF NEW HAMPSHIRE AND NAVITAS TO PROVIDE INDIAN STUDENTS SCHOLARSHIPS
DENISSM, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
The University of New Hampshire, a top ranked public research university in America, in partnership with Navitas, a prominent worldwide education benefactor, seeks to make high quality education from a world-class university available to deserving Indian students. The university offers an array of majors in engineering, sciences, business and liberal arts. Scholarships are offered to high reaching students in their particular choice of programme. The following kinds of scholarships are out: o $10,000 academic excellent ambassador scholarship. o 20% academic merit scholarship. o 10% early bird scholarship (Need Based)
looking to take on bigger and key roles in their organizations and businesses. IMT-CDL also has a virtual campus called Edu-Genie which allows busy working executives to access highly interactive learning courseware, watch insightful learning videos, practice mock tests, and collaborate with peers on the Go and 24x7.
ROSHAN JAIN, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
GIA TO BRING GRADUATE GEMOLOGY DIPLOMA PROGRAMME TO DELHI
Beginning 18 June 2015, Gemological Institute of America (GIA) will offer its internationally recognised Graduate Gemologist (GG) diploma programme in Delhi which will give students access to world-class education in gemmology. Taught by experienced instructors, the course teaches students the grading and identification skills to prepare for a career as a buyer, appraiser, retailer or other gem and jewellery professional. In the 26-week GG programme, that combines theory with practical handson learning, students gain both technical expertise and practical skills to evaluate gemstones using the GIA-developed 4Cs of diamond quality, the International Diamond Grading System, and the Coloured Stone Grading System. The Graduate Gemologist diploma programme will be held at GIA’s classroom in Delhi. For more details about the course and about GIA in India, visit www.giaindia.in JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 13
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PIXABAY.COM
FOCUS FEATURE
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courses, as they are Today, judgements Development known in India, cover a wide range of are passed soft skills. Some of the more popular in a matter of programmes covered by these seconds and institutes include business and corporate etiquette, team building and first impressions interpersonal skills. These courses, are here to stay. both long and short, guide one in Luckily, there is the art of communication. They teach verbal as well as non-verbal a multitude of skills, including postures, walking institutes and styles, handshakes and formal programmes that communication. offer training. Abha HIGH SOCIETY Brides and grooms-to-be form a Pandit dissects the large customer base for the personality world of etiquette development industry. Many think it skills and image of utmost importance to be trained for their special day and to lead a happy, consultancy
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rowing up, everyone is taught basic manners. But rarely does one go beyond these rudimentary teachings. Not many realise the importance of being perpetually well groomed. Personal grooming and etiquettes are vital in creating a pleasant first impression. Etiquettes are codes of socially acceptable behaviour that one is expected to follow in different social situations. Politeness forms an important aspect, and correct etiquettes are considered to be characteristic of sophistication and class. Personal grooming refers to looking after one’s appearance and also includes personal hygiene.
PIXABAY.COM
PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT
The need to learn the finer art of sophistication gave rise to official courses and programmes that specialised in this. Finishing Schools were set up, mainly in the Western world. Gradually, the concept came to India and quickly gained popularity. There are hordes of institutes all over the country that offer to train people in the art of self-grooming and personal etiquettes. Personality
harmonious life with their spouse. They are taught dining etiquettes, social etiquettes and party etiquettes, amongst others. Women, in particular, enrol in these courses, since many of them also teach cooking skills, home management, make up, dressing and hair styling. Another major component of the programmes offered is the ability to merge in with what is often known as ‘high society’. So much so, that ‘enjoying the finer things in life’, forms a part of the course structure. Lifestyle and luxury culture is something one needs to adapt to, and these courses make it simpler. But it’s not just the high society or elitists who expect a well-groomed behaviour. Today, getting into the professional world demands that you have etiquette skills that are par excellence. A new trend that has evolved is that of enrolling children in grooming and etiquette classes. Right from the tender age of four, children are exposed to polite manners, walking and talking styles and most importantly, behaviour at the dining table. Many feel that introduction to these skill sets early on in their lives will ensure it remains ingrained throughout.
‘IMAGE MATTERS, TO GET AHEAD IN LIFE’
Devanshi Gandhi, who trained at the Image Consulting Business Institute (ICBI) of India and an internationally qualified Life Coach from the Certified Coaches Alliance (CCA), Canada, founded DreamWeaversIMS, an image management studio five years ago. Her other qualifications include a certificate in Fashion Styling and Personal Shopping, being a senior trainer at ICBI and an international facilitator in the U.S.A. for image consultants from India, and being featured on Zoom Channel on ‘Image Banani Hai’. With such a colourful portfolio, it’s no wonder that she fits perfectly into the role of an image consultant, coaching teenagers, homemakers, corporate professionals and entrepreneurs. She gives us some useful insights about the benefit of learning image upkeep and etiquette skills: Is image consulting an upcoming trend in India? Being among the first few image consultants in the country, I can definitely say that this is the right time and the right country for becoming JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 15
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FOCUS FEATURE
THE LASTING IMPRESSION Konkanaa Bakshe started Savoir Faire Academie in September 2013, a personality development and image enhancement platform that contours and customises topics of training based on individual requirements, our programmes help one maximise potential by helping overcome perceived shortcomings there by instilling confidence and increasing the rate of success. “I started by looking at the need of today's business world,” she says, “India is fast emerging as a global power with international relationship. It’s always helpful to understand that relationship builds trust which transpire to collaboration and success.” According to her, in today’s fast-paced society with multiple demands, it's absolutely necessary to be intentional about using common courtesies in our everyday interactions. “Etiquette isn't a set of prescriptions but merely the guidelines for doing things in ways that make people feel comfortable around you, it's a way for your success how you win over the people around you with your graciousness and kindness.” She adds, “Your image reflects on the way you look and present yourself, the elegance lies in minimalism. Your first impression is the last call of your image. Be it an interview, or a presentation or your first date, the impression you cast will decide the result you will have.”
an image consultant. Awareness to improve has increased by leaps and bounds, so image building has become a sought after trend and very well established now, and is only growing. This is because people are finding value in the profession as it is extremely fulfilling and can also get you the required moolah! How does a person benefit from doing a course on image upkeep and etiquette training? Etiquette and grooming are absolute basics to move on in life. The benefits are far-reaching and long lasting. Depending on your specific objectives, the benefits can range from landing a new love to landing a new job. Whether you are a student, a working professional or an entrepreneur, training in etiquette and grooming can give you that extra edge over others. You carry yourself with a lot more confidence; you look better, behave in an acceptable manner and have superior social and professional skills. Etiquette and grooming becomes a part of who you are. These are tools that work for you in every
area of life. It is not a switch on-switch off learning; once you experience the joy of being trained in these programs it stays with you for life. When you get transformed people around you get amazed and are pleasantly surprised at the NEW you. Result-oriented individuals and professionals know that in order to get ahead in life, image matters. It's not just what you wear, but how you wear it and what it says about you. It's not just how you act, but how you interact and how others react to you. There are only benefits you can derive by doing an image enhancement course. It can help you in ways you can’t imagine, be it professionally or personally. What inspired you to start DreamWeavers-Image Management Studio? I started DreamWeavers-Image Management Studio in 2010. At that time, I thought it to be a risk as the industry was still very new to the country. I wasn’t sure how people would react to a concept like image management. But, I had a dream, I trained with some of the best in the
industry and I wanted to set a trend, and so I went ahead and started my company. Today, I’ve completed close to five years, and I’m only too happy to have started DreamWeavers as it has rewarded me in every possible way.
While there are basic standards for maintaining personal grooming, you need to ensure you check the exact requirements for every situation. For example, while well-maintained long hair for men might be acceptable in an advertising agency, the same might not work in a customer-facing role. Similarly, heavy make-up might be necessary for a television anchor, but will be a strict no-no in many other professions. It is highly recommended that you attend personal grooming training sessions before you take up a profession. - Ebrahim Mookhtiar, Director, Skilldom
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Correct etiquette enhances one's personality. Is it only for the corporate and professional aspect of a person’s life, or does it extend to his/her social and family life? It’s important throughout one's life, in all our roles and phases. In the professional world, you either get a job, promotion or lose it if you cannot present yourself right. In today's world a corporate hires people whose attitude fits into the corporate team culture. In social or family life, everyone wants to make new friends with interesting and appropriately behaved people. In my consulting and training sessions, this is key, and also determines your differentiation factor from the rest of the masses.
IMAGE CONSULTANCY: A BUDDING SECTOR
Image and etiquette consultant Jasmine Pereira, the CEO and Founder of ImagEmpower, gives Neeti us the lowdown on why etiquette is important and what you can do in the image consultancy industry: Why is etiquette and personal grooming important today? Are you comfortable working at your workplace with people smelly socks and unkempt hair? Are you comfortable working with any unshaven men, or too oily haired women? Do you want to make friends with such people? There you have your answer - personal hygiene and grooming is extremely critical in all situations, be it social or professional.
Can you tell us about the trend of image consulting, and how people are increasingly getting into this as a profession? Well, the trend of image consulting is extremely dynamic and promising. Though overseas it is a 40-year old industry, in India it is very much in its nascent stages. But we are definitely waking up to the need of image consultants. Today, India has global citizens and Indians are travelling overseas for studies and work more often than ever before. When you need to communicate with so many people you need to present yourself in the best light. Image consulting is a lifestyle science catering to a person's goals and roles in life. How and when did you get into image consulting? I entered image consulting almost 1.5 years ago, after 15 years of corporate MNC experience, as I believed that I could assist others to understand communication patterns better. Thus ImagEmpower was founded. This venture provides training and consulting for individuals, corporates and educational Institutions. We specialise in personal branding in the online space.
Could you give us an insight into what exactly image consultants do? If someone wants to take it up as a profession, what kind of qualifications do they need? You need to at least have your basic graduation which will help you at the base level. Any higher and additional qualification will always help to march ahead. Most importantly, one's attitude needs to be dynamic and have an ever-learning mindset. An image consultant needs to be completely updated as per current trends and technology advances. As image consultants, we train, teach, counsel and speak at various forums, community gatherings about the work we do, which involves communication through clothing choices, colour psychology, body language, and non-verbal communication. We train on public speaking and presentation skills for professional and social enhancement too. All image consultants specialise in varied core fields, ranging topics from culture sensitization to social, business and dining etiquette. Many image consultants specialise in fashion styling, focusing on face and body shape analysis. Image consulting touches each and every part of one's life and encompasses a varied range of areas which need to be appropriate in any situation given the individual's roles and goals at the time. • Interpersonal skills – being a team player, interview skills • Team building and leadership • Personal Hygiene, grooming and make-up • Image positioning training • Cross-culture sensitization • Power of clothes, body and face shape, colour psychology • Body language and gestures • Social, dining, corporate and business etiquette • Negotiation and effective communication • Public speaking and presentation skills • Perception management yi JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 17
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LOOKING FORWARD LOOKING FORWARD
With the summer vacations slowly but surely inching its way to the end, every student is aware of the elephant in the room: classrooms throwing its doors open to the vibrant and dynamic youth of tomorrow. Everyone’s forgotten what it’s like to set an alarm, or to run like the wind to catch that fast local that will ensure your attendance for the day. While there prevails a general gloom among the youth due to reopening of schools and colleges, there also exists an almost tangible excitement in the air that is accompanied by fond memories of hanging out in the college canteen or spending hours working together on a group project that will give you an excuse to go and stay over at a friend’s place. The laughter, the road trips, the anticipation of perhaps a new subject that will pique your interest and build a foundation for a prospective career choice. As for the nervous ones taking their big step into first year of college, it’s a whole new world that is going to change their lives forever. Will they be ragged by their seniors? Welcomed into a clique of their own by like minded peers? Be forced to work with the laziest freeloaders of the class or be gifted with the most efficient bunch of nerds who will offer to do all your work? We ask students from various fields of education about what it’s like for them to start, or go back to, their college routines and what they’re looking forward to with the new academic year just around the corner 18 Youth Incorporated JUNE 2015
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GETTING BACK TO THE GRIND: YAY OR NAY? Pranika Sarawgi SYBA, Jai Hind College, Mumbai I am actually excited about going back to college. The reasons: meeting my friends, because everyone is travelling during summer and no one really gets time to meet; the feeling of learning something new, having a routine again, having a place to belong to.
Raashi Sood Second Year, Fashion Institute of Technology, New York After I got done with junior college I was immensely excited about going to my new university in a foreign country. FIT had been my dream school for as long as I can remember. However, being so far away from home has its own disadvantages and I was more than glad to be back home for three months of summer. However, now that the date for my flight back is coming closer, I dread it very much. I’m so comfortable in my home, with my family and my best friends that going back to the unknown life will be very difficult. JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 19
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LOOKING FORWARD Asim Mehta K.J. Somaya College, Mumbai Vacations are getting over and meeting some friends after a long time is exciting, but getting back to studies is something that gets a little boring. On a whole, however, getting back to college is fun.
Prithika Lathia Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai I have been in JNS for 12 years of my life and now suddenly that school life is over, and I have to join a new institution, the difficulties of college life are dawning on me. The absolute change in environment, for starters, paired with new teachers who know nothing about me, and to top it all. making new friends, is what I dread the most. I was too content with my life, friends and teachers at my school, I honestly hate changes.
Sushmita Hatte Srishti School of Design, Bengaluru I absolutely love my vacations. Since I study in a different city than where I come from, I really miss my family. With the hectic schedules of college, I can’t keep going back home. In the holidays, I can spend time with them and eat home cooked food, so I don’t really look forward to going back to the hostel life once summer break is done.
Henil Nirban Lancers Army School, Surat I was very excited when vacations started, but as days pass the only thing I see myself doing is roaming around with friends, went for a family trip, among other things. But everything reaches a saturation point. I am bored of vacations now. Once college starts, I will get back to my routine, back to the campus, fun with friends during lectures and chilling at our usual hangouts.
Somya 12th Grade, Ryan International School, Noida Second home? Naah. It’s more like my first home. The place I spend my maximum time scribbling, bunking, dancing and just being me, with no restrictions because that’s what my teachers want to see; my brightest shades. And getting back to school is such a beautiful thing. And this being the last summer holidays of my school life, it all feels so nostalgic. Walking in those tiny little feet holding dad’s hand to walking head held high to the corridors of the high school. Last year of school: all the memories hanging around my head, taking them all inside my heart. Having spent my greatest amount of time in school it feels so sad to know that you’ll never have this life again, the school uniform, cabinet badges, crazy scolding, bunked lessons and all the fun together. Bittersweet, that’s how I define it. Now, when I know I’m never going to get it all back I feel lost, lost in days when I said school is bad, when I decided to stay back home knowing that I have infinite days there. But now I’m standing here with all of it getting over, my infinite days are getting over, my school life ending. Nostalgia hits me hard and questions me infinite times for not enjoying those moments. But now I regret it all. School is the most amazing time of one’s life, and for one last time, I cannot wait to get back to school.
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Zeenat Tinwala Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (UG), Pune I actually enjoy going back to the routine. It makes me feel worthwhile. After not doing anything for so long, it feels to good get back to work. Holidays are fun, but I can’t be in that perpetually lazy state for too long. Siddhant Malegaonkar ILS Law College, Pune The summer holidays are super fun for me, since I go camping to different places. Once the vacations are over, I dread going back to college again, back to the same old boring routine. There’s no more excitement, no adventure, just the same old classes. Chirag Gidwani Symbiosis Institute of Media and Communication (UG), Pune Once college starts again, we’re piled on with assignments, reports and exams. It gets really stressful and doesn’t leave time for much else. So even though I do get to see all my friends, I go back rather grudgingly each year.
Friendship... is not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything. Muhammad Ali Clay
Mansi Puggal Jamnabai Narsee School, Mumbai A long vacation replete with lazy moments and lots of travelling has almost come to an end. Catching up with old friends and meeting all relatives has been accomplished. All the study goals and hopes to cover up backlog of work have come to nothing (as expected). Nevertheless, the enthusiasm and exuberance of the holidays has begun to give way to a feeling of nervousness and anticipatory excitement about the new academic year. There is much conjecture regarding the new teachers which is perfectly balanced by the relief that the support of old friends and classmates provides. With such mixed feelings, it cannot be exactly said that I dread leaving my cosy, lethargic niche to get back to work. My school is a busy place and trying to harmonise academics with cultural activities is a mammoth task that I personally enjoy. It is true, everyone needs to relax once in a while but it is this break that prepares one to bounce back into action at the first opportunity. After all, the adrenalin that school adventures provide is unparalleled! yi JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 21
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AIR-BORNE SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE
THIS WAY! In a country that yearns to churn out doctors and engineers in hundreds and thousands every year, there also exists a plethora of options for those who wish to soar the skies and travel the world. Nancy Varghese takes a look into aviation courses that are slowly gaining popularity with the rapid boom in the travel industry
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lad in a perfectly tailored navy blue skirt suit with her short bob framing her beautiful face, Amelia Warren is a vision to behold, looking dapper and having the job of a lifetime: the airhostess of an international airline. ‘The Terminal’ was a movie that saw Catherine Zeta Jones having the opportunity to travel around the world and look mighty impressionable and experienced while at it. There was also Katrina Kaif having her graduating moment from Frankfinn Institute of Airhostess Training in the Bollywood movie ‘Welcome’. Becoming an air hostess or a part of cabin crew was quite a trend in the years gone by. These career options are making a comeback with India expanding its horizons with regards to several new airlines and airports recruiting staff and crew for their companies. We bring you a list of the top aviation courses and institutes in the country with the various graduate and post graduate degrees that they have to offer.
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Frankfinn Institute of Air Hostess Training
With an exclusive strategic worldwide tie-up with ICM in UK, for accrediting all its vocational courses in aviation, hospitality and travel management, Frankfinn was founded over 30 years ago and is recognized in more than 130 countries. It has a proven track record of placing thousands of students in Aviation, Hospitality, Travel, Tourism and Customer Service Industries. Courses: Frankfinn Diploma in Aviation, Hospitality and Travel Management (FDAHTM) Eligibility: 12th grade graduates and above (17 to 24 years) Duration: 12 months Frankfinn Diploma in Hospitality, Travel and Customer Service (FDHTCS) Eligibility: 12th grade graduates and above (17 to 24 years) Duration: 12 months Frankfinn Post Graduate Diploma in Aviation And Hospitality Services (FPGDAHS) Eligibility: Graduate or final year graduate students (19 to 24 years) Duration: 12 months Frankfinn Post Graduate Diploma in Airport Ground Services (FPGDAGS) Eligibility: Graduate or final graduate students (19 to 24 years) Duration: 12 months
Aptech Aviation and Hospitality Academy
A short term course that will help you to lift off your career in the Aviation Industry as part of the Ground Staff at airports or on airlines. This course covers training on various functions such as cargo and transportation, customer service, airport branding and much more. The career opportunities that are available upon completion of the course include guest service agent, guest service supervisor, passenger service staff and cargo handling staff. Eligibility: 12th grade graduates and above or a-three year Diploma from a State Board of Technical Education Duration: six months
Ahmedabad Aviation & Aeronautics
They are considered one of the best pilot training institutes in India, which operate from an International Airport apart from having user rights to conduct training at an self controlled airfield. With a placement record of over 150 students flying for various airlines and in General Aviation sector, AAA was also the first flying academy in India to import state of the art Elite-i Gate full projection Flight Navigation Procedure Trainer. Courses: Commercial Pilot License Eligibility: > 12th grade graduates with Physics and Mathematics > medically fit as per the standards of Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Duration: 18 months to 24 months Private Pilot License Eligibility: > 10th grade graduate > medically fit as per the standards of DGCA Duration: six to eight months
Star Aviation Academy
This institute primarily focuses on the Aicraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) industry, continuously developing new ways to impart technical skills and knowledge to students. Established in 2006, Star Aviation believes in effective and optimum training of engineers who meet the safety standards in aviation. With a large number of airlines and airports scheduled to come up in the near future, the need for qualified AMEs is rising and will command an ever higher necessity in the international aviation job market. Courses: Mechanical Stream (Heavy and Light Aircraft/ Piston and Jet Engine) Eligibility: > 16 years and above > 12th graduate in science subjects (PCM) or a higher qualification in science from recognised Board/ University or three years Diploma in any branch of Engineering Duration: three years Avionics Stream (Radio Navigation/Electrical System/ Instruments System) Eligibility: > 16 years and above > 12th graduate in science subjects (PCM) or a higher qualification in science from recognised Board/ University or three years Diploma in any branch of Engineering Duration: three years
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‘DISCIPLINE, SINCERITY AND FOCUS’ SPECIAL FEATURE
To be able to pilot commercial jets and be exceptional at it is not child’s play. We bring you the details of the working of an aviation academy straight from the experts, as Ammeet K Agarwal, President and CEO of Supreme Aviation Inc, tells us about what goes into the training and educating students at the academy
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How does your institute stand apart from all the other aviation courses in the country? We offer the Commercial Pilot’s License (CPL) course in USA. Out of 42 approved flight training academies in India, only 3 are operational. Besides, there is a serious lack of infrastructure, regulations and resources in India and hence we prefer to keep our location in the USA. We offer a 6 month full time Pilot’s Programme with 255 hours of total flight time. No other institute across India offers more than 200 hours in less than 2 years. Besides, a USA CPL is accepted almost everywhere across the world, compared to an Indian CPL. How many students do you recruit each year and what are the various courses offered in your academy? We are graduating about 200 pilots from 35 countries every year. We only offer Commercial Pilot’s License course. We had a lot of enrolments from India between 2006-2009, followed by the Middle East from 2009 -2012. After 2012, we saw high enrolments from South America. We are now focusing on Africa. Does your institute guarantee job placements in the industry, and if yes, what are the job opportunities that they can avail once a graduate? No flying club gives job placement guarantee. One doesn’t wants to be a passenger in an aircraft where a pilot was simply assured a job irrespective of his skills. However, 99% of our pilots have secured jobs in leading airlines of the world. There is always a huge demand of pilots in some or other part of the world. What kind of characteristics do you think defines an exceptional pilot or cabin crew? Discipline, sincerity and focus. A pilot who is disciplined and follows the rules, seldom leaves scope for any error. A pilot who conducts his duties sincerely, would always be prepared
for the unseen. A pilot who is focused, would always learn, grow and continue to march towards success and progress in both – career as well as personally. In this day and age, how popular do you think are aviation courses and what scope do they hold in the future? Being a pilot has always been a glamorous career. Apart from which, it is considered to be perfect. High salary, luxurious lifestyle, travel across the globe, a responsible skill set combined with mastering the art of flying an airplane. Scope for being a pilot would always increase in the coming years. With each single airplane added to airlines fleet across the world, a demand of 32 new pilots is created. Industry anticipates a need of 5000 more pilots in next 5 years. Does your institute have the infrastructural facilities for your students to gain hands-on experience? Pilot’s training is all about flying the actual airplane. We offer a brand new fleet of Cessna 172 with G1000, the most advanced avionics available in the world. We also offer a Diamond 20 Eclipse to build experience and a Piper Seneca for the Multi Engine rating. A combination of these 3 different types of airplane, prepares a pilot to face any situation, flying with any airline in the world.
Supreme Aviation alumni speak: What is your current job profile and for how long? Prunveer Sethi: “I am flying with Jet Airways since past 6 years!” Sherdeep Matta: “I am a first officer with Spice Jet since past 4 years!” How did you manage to get your current job? Upon returning from USA with the American CPL, we converted to DGCA license and applied with all airlines across India. During interviews, we performed much better compared to 3000 other candidates, due to our training at Supreme Aviation. The syllabus which was offered by Supreme, was very practical and taught us pretty much everything a pilot should know. What has been the most memorable part of studying in the academy? Every day was memorable. Our first solo flight, our first night flight, the first time when we flew the airplane to other cities of USA, flying to all different states and airports from North to South and East to West across USA. Apart from flying, the lifestyle in the USA due to Supreme’s location left us with memories we would cherish throughout our life. JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 25
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FOREIGN SHORES
Understanding the PSAT/NMSQT and How it’s Changing in 2015 In her role, Lisa Jain is the Country Representative of the College Board in India and she works extensively with schools across India to help with the implementation of College Board programs. Here she gives us an insight into the importance of redesigning that Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT)
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he PSAT/NMSQT, or Preliminary SAT / National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test is an important step in helping students prepare for university. Administered by the College Board, the makers of the SAT, the PSAT is similar in format to the SAT (the SAT is a university admissions test taken by students as part of applications to universities in the US and across the globe). Research indicates that students who take the PSAT score significantly higher in their SAT. For most students, the PSAT is the first real exposure to a standardized multiple-choice assessment.
Benefits of Taking the PSAT/NMSQT
- Since it is created by the makers of SAT, it provides the best and most relevant practice for SAT. - The detailed Score Report that students receive after taking the PSAT provides a comprehensive performance review, helping students identify their strength/weakness areas and enabling them to adopt smarter and more effective strategies while preparing for SAT/other similar exams. - It provides free access to online college planning resources and useful tools through My College QuickStart, a comprehensive and useful portal run by the College Board.
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- Scores will be reported on the same vertical scale as is used for the SAT; the scale range for the PSAT/ NMSQT score is 320–1520 (the redesigned SAT will be scored on a scale from 400-1600). - Unlike ever before, Sub Scores will be provided for every test, providing added insight for students, parents, educators, and counsellors.
When Should Students Take the PSAT/NMSQT?
ALBERTO G, FLICKR.COM
Students in India usually take the PSAT/NMSQT in Grades 9 and 10, and sometimes even in Grade 11. Taking the PSAT early allows students to familiarize themselves with standardized tests, especially the SAT, so they feel more confident when they take the SAT in Grade 11/12. It is fine for students to take the PSAT in consecutive years, since this offers them additional practice and helps them track improvement.
- It’s a no-stress exam as PSAT scores are not shared with universities. o It is roughly one-fourth the price of the SAT, so it’s very cost effective - The 2015 PSAT has been redesigned to mirror the Redesigned SAT of 2016 and is hence the best way to familiarize oneself with the new SAT
Key Features of the Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT - Multiple choice assessment across two sections (i) Math and (ii) Evidence Based Reading and Writing (split into the Reading Test and Writing & Language Test). - The exam is 2 hours 45 minutes in length.
US Citizens should be encouraged to take the PSAT/NMSQT in Grade 11 even if they have taken the test before, as their 11th Grade PSAT score makes them eligible for the NMSQT scholarship. Please note: Some schools might offer the PSAT 8/9, which is a precursor to the PSAT/NMSQT, in which case Grade 9 students could be taking the PSAT 8/9 instead of the PSAT/ NMSQT.
Cost of the Redesigned PSAT/NMSQT
The College Board charges schools/ centres $19 per student for the PSAT/ NMSQT. Schools/centres may add an additional administrative fee on top to cover costs they incur.
Preparing for the PSAT/ NMSQT Coaching is NOT required or recommended for the PSAT. There are plenty of free resources available, which can help students familiarize themselves with the PSAT. Students
can find a complete practice PSAT test on the College Board website at: https://collegereadiness.collegeboard. org/sat-suite-assessments/practice/ practice-tests Students, who wish to prepare more, can also use free SAT prep resources (due to the SAT’s close alignment with the PSAT/NMSQT) on Khan Academy’s website (www. khanacademy.org/sat). The College Board has partnered with Khan Academy to provide world class SAT preparation materials to everyone for free. Additionally, some schools may also provide students with a free practice PSAT/NMSQT test a few weeks before the actual test. Even for students who do not plan to take the SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT can offer very meaningful insights into their skills and abilities, and help them prepare for other similar standardized/competitive exams for India and abroad.
Exam Dates and Result Timeline
Schools/centres can administer the PSAT/NMSQT on either October 14 (Wed) or October 28 (Wed), 2015. Each school will choose any ONE out of the 2 testing dates and inform students and parents. Results will be available by the second week of December.
Registration
Students should contact their school’s College Guidance Counsellor or PSAT Coordinator for more information about registration. If a student’s school does not administer the PSAT, students can also contact the USIEF (www.usief.org.in) and take the PSAT at one of their centres across India. yi
"Even for students who don't plan to take the SAT, the PSAT can offer very meaningful insights into their skills and abilities" - Lisa Jain JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 27
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AWARENESS-ADDICTION
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Non-Suicidal Self Injury, or self-harm is a problem that has not received the awareness it deserves. Abha Pandit breaks down the facts about the addiction and its solution
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elf-harm addiction is an unusual habit, not spoken about extensively. Not as commonly seen as smoking or alcohol addictions, the effects of self-harm are often much worse. The most common form of self-harm is ‘cutting’. A sharp knife, blade or a pair of scissors are used to make cuts on the person’s skin. Apart from this, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, pill popping and unnecessary sexual encounters may also be used as a form of self-harm. Cigarette burns are also commonly seen. “The intent of self-harm is not suicide. Most commonly seen in young girls between the ages of 16 and 21, it is often a cry for help. Self-harmers face a mounting tension, the anxiety of which they cannot cope with. Cutting gives them instant relief, and becomes sort of a feel good factor”, says Dr Arvind Panchanadikar, a renowned psychiatrist.
Understanding Self-Harm addiction
Non-Suicidal Self Injury (NSSI) was added to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder – Fifth Edition, as its own disorder, which distinguishes it from milder forms of self-harm. This disorder occurs when a person is deliberately harming themselves in a physical way without the intent of committing suicide. Self-harm without suicidal intent can be seen on a spectrum, just like many other disorders (substance
abuse, gambling addiction). Just like these other disorders, once the selfharming behaviours cross a certain threshold, it then becomes classified as a mental health disorder. The addiction is towards the feeling of relief that the person experiences each time they self-harm. It is seen as solution for whatever problems they may be facing. Instead of actually looking for an answer, self-harm is thought of as an easy way out. Physical pain is employed to try and overlook the emotional pain the person is going through. Typically, cuts are made on wrists or thighs, although some can be seen on breasts or the abdomen, where they can be easily covered. Usually, the addicts attempt to hide their cuts and scars from the people around them. Since they are usually on their wrists, they wear full sleeved clothes to try to cover them. They only show the cuts to the people closest to them, whose opinion matters to them. Cutters are usually unwilling to show their scars to a therapist or a psychiatrist when taken to for getting help. For some, it becomes a means to seek attention or even sympathy. Because of their self-harming tendencies, people tend to walk on egg shells when around them. Any slightest trauma can drive them to hurt themselves. When the addicts realise this, they use it to their advantage by harming or threatening to harm themselves to get what they want. Even when they are not facing any real issues, they attempt to gain attention, sympathy or manipulate others. Self-harm is also used by addicts to show other people how much they have hurt them, and thus it becomes a vicious cycle. In serious self-harmers, the stakes are upped with each cut or burn, since it takes more for them to feel the eventual relief.
Signs of self-harm
It is not easy to identify a self-harmer as they do not confide in many people about their injuries. If you suspect a friend or relative is self-harming, there
are certain symptoms to look out for: • unexplained cuts, bruises or cigarette burns, usually on their wrists, arms, thighs and chest • keeping themselves fully covered at all times, even in hot weather • signs of depression, such as low mood, tearfulness or a lack of motivation or interest in anything • becoming very withdrawn and not speaking to others • changes in eating habits or being secretive about eating, and any unusual weight loss or weight gain • signs of low self-esteem, such as blaming themselves for problems or thinking they are not good enough • signs they have been pulling out their hair • signs of misuse of alcohol or drugs
Recovery
It is important for self-harmers to seek immediate help, lest the injuries become more serious. Therapists and psychiatrists are the best people to help them out of their addiction. Addicts are almost never willing to get help by themselves, and thus it becomes the responsibility of those around them to assist them. It is important not to react in anger or horror when the person has confided in you, since this may lead them to clamp up even further and completely refuse help. “When parents or friends bring the addict for therapy, they have seen only one or two scars on their bodies. In most cases, there are many more which have been carefully hidden for fear of getting caught, which we realise only after some sessions”, says Dr Panchanadikar. It is not unusual for self-harmers to display their scars like trophies during therapy. In these cases, the physical injuries are downplayed and they are encouraged to talk about their emotional scars. With regular therapy and counselling, the tendency to selfharm is generally cured. However, the physical and the psychological scars may linger on for longer. yi JUNEJUNE 20152015 YOUTH Youth INCORPORATED Incorporated 29
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WORKPLACE HACKS
People are different and so are their means of livelihood. Nine-to-five office jobs aren’t for everyone, and sometimes working at one’s own pace is what’s preferable, convenient and efficient. Deeksha Khanna explores the perks and perils of freelancing 30 Youth Incorporated JUNE 2015
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own sweet time and get to work as per your convenience. And in case, some day, you have either an important appointment or family commitments, you can come back and finish your work later at night.
Helps build portfolio
For those who are studying and need a part time job, freelancing is a really good option. Students do not get time to go and work another job after college, so if they want to earn extra income they can freelance in fields of their choice, may it be as web designers, music and video editors, writers and so on. Freelancing will not only earn you extra income but will also add to your work experience. It might be a good option for people between jobs also to work as a freelancer while they look for other permanent jobs.
Increases efficiency
People who choose to work from the luxury of their homes or find it easier to work from home are termed as freelancers. There’s no doubt regarding the fact that everyone has to earn their bread and butter, but some people just need their own space and can’t have people sitting on their head while they work. They prefer working from home vouching for a better quality of work when they are in a relaxed and comforting atmosphere. However, like any other job, freelancing has its own set of ups and downs.
THE PROS
Flexible work timings
What’s worse than waking up early in the mornings? Waking up early in the morning to get ready for work. But when you’re freelancing or working from home, you don’t have any such compulsions. You can wake up at your
The biggest luxury for people who work from home or freelance is the gift of time. No time is wasted in travelling in the hot, sweaty weather or waiting for a bus when it’s raining. You can just simply walk from one room to the other in a matter of seconds and sit on your desk and work. This leads to increase in efficiency and prevents loss of time. Usually, in office scenarios, there are people having conversations and discussions all around you which can be distracting and you can’t concentrate on your work. Home gives you the option of locking yourself away in a room, thus helping you focus.
THE CONS Procrastination
This may be just be the Achilles Heel of a freelancer. You might not have people around you to distract you, but when you sit down to work there are so many more interesting things going on, that it makes it a tad hard to focus on what you’re supposed to be doing. This brings in the need for self discipline when you are working from home. You can run
your entire business on a laptop now. Unfortunately, it's the same place where you can read funny articles or spend time on Facebook seeing what is going on in your Facebook friends’ lives, and become an expert at Texas Hold 'Em. Snap out of these distractions.
Communication lapse
There are high chances of communication lapses, as most of the communication takes place through non-verbal mediums. Be comfortable communicating. Unless you want to just be waiting all the time, you'll need to reach out to other people as a freelancer. You'll need to be prepared to market yourself, to drum up business, and to chase leads. You will also need to be happy to turn around work quickly and according to the client's or employer's needs and changes. And all of this requires good negotiation and interaction skills. Fortunately, much of this can be done by email, meaning that you can rely on writing to connect but it does mean you'll need to be prepared to put yourself out there and not just sit about waiting for leads.
Unstable income
Freelancing can be risky in terms of steady inflow of income and job availability. There are many times that freelancers may find themselves out of a job as they have no fixed job and other times they might have a lot of work. The client may sometimes delay the income and you may have to pester him to pay you, which can be really irritating. So therefore the income flow is not constant and many a times freelancer may find themselves jobless, even if for a while. All things said and done, freelancing gives you a plethora of options to enhance your skills and sharpen your resume. Ensuring that you stick to deadlines and provide your clients the deliverables that they’re looking for, you can choose to take up the challenge and go for it. Think it through and follow through! yi JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 31
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PRODIGY
With an estimated two billion people worldwide infected or dying each year due to the spread of diseases contracted through unprotected feet, Greensole is a novel idea which takes care of environmental impact, innovation and profitability, providing comfortable footwear to people at affordable prices. Nancy Varghese speaks to Shriyans Bhandari about his noble initiative
A Carbon Footstep A What inspired you to take up an initiative like Greensole? Greensole was conceived from our own problem of discarding used sports shoes. There are 1.2 billion people who do not have footwear while 35 crore sports shoes are discarded every year. We want to provide footwear to every
needy in the world by 2023 and it is the magnitude of the cause that keeps us going! Tell us what Greensole is all about and what the process is like. Every year 350 million pairs of sports shoes are discarded, which towards the
end of their life end up in landfills and upon incineration generate around two million tons in emissions. There is a loop in the life cycle of a sports shoe. This loop cannot be closed until a sports shoe is made 100 per cent bio-degradable and free from PET, EVA, PU foam, nylon and
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RAPID FIRE
rubber. But with our idea the life cycle of a shoe is elongated, where it can be reused multiple times as comfortable slippers at a low cost, thus creating value out of non bio-degradable waste. We have tie ups with sports organizations, schools and sports clubs, which are providing us with discarded sports shoes. We have also installed boxes (sponsored) at public spaces where people drop in their waste sports shoes, after which the sports shoes are sorted according to general sizes and washed. Then the shoes sole is detached from the shoe using a hot blower. Then they are washed and are wiped with tolin, which helps in disinfecting the used sports shoes. After that the shoe soles are put on a model last (mould) to determine its size, pattern and accordingly a upper is prepared and stored. Meanwhile, the shoe soles are painted and numbered. As and when the orders come the sole and upper are pasted to make slippers (JIT). How big is your team? Our team consists of our co-founder, 10 workers, two interns, 14 volunteers and several third parties like the designer and accountant. How do you find people to be a part of your initiative who truly care about it
1. Something that you feel passionately about? Greensole, running and photography 2. Who would you consider a role model in your life? Sir Ratan Tata
3. What are some of your hobbies? Photography, running and reading autobiographies 4.The proudest moment of your life would be?
Winning a school cross country race. This was the first time I had won something significant and realised a goal the way you do? We have just completed our first round of recruitment. Interested candidates were asked to fill out a questionnaire which I had designed in a way to find out whether a candidate was genuinely interested or not. Questions included, 'how have you contributed to conserving the environment so far', and more. We got good response and had to select from a large pool of applicants. How did you decide on the location for recycling the discarded footwear and remaking them? There is a colony in Mumbai that has two lakh workers manufacturing footwear, so finding an ideal location for our unit was not a tough task. Though, we had to go a long way in teaching workers to adapt to new
p At A Time
ways of manufacturing footwear. FDDI Kolkata helped us in giving the technical assistance required to execute the project. What would you say are the top three skills required to run an initiative such as this? Perseverance, recruitment and execution. Do you have other initiatives that you plan to take up in the near future? I have not thought about it yet, but it would be something in the field of recycling. What advice would you give to individuals who are as passionate about initiatives such as this, but are apprehensive about succeeding in the same? I believe that if you do anything with all your heart you never fail at it. You might pivot but you will definitely succeed. One should go after what they are passionate about, it will be tough but truly worth it! This is my favourite quote by Steve Jobs: "Everything would change when you realise that things around you are built by individuals no smarter than you". yi
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COUNSELLOR Q&A
JAYANTI GHOSE
Studying abroad allows you to study a wider variety of subjects in more depth and you get to view real world issues from different cultural perspectives. Daily interactions in the foreign culture in the community extends your personal education beyond the classroom and you become more proficient in the foreign language. Students studying abroad usually return with better critical thinking and problem solving skills, greater self-confidence and enhanced communication skills. They find themselves more adaptable and flexible. Their expanded world view and multicultural perspective, as also networks developed in college/ university, hold value both personally and professionally.
AREA STUDIES I am interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Area Studies in the US. What does in entail and what are the admission requirements? Harshit
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MEDICAL SPECIALIZATION How should one choose a medical specialization? Harmeet Your choice of specialization will affect the course of your career, so thorough research is critical. Don’t rely on preconceptions. You must have considerable knowledge not just of the specialty, but the environment in which you’ll be working and the patients you will be treating. Your professional life is likely to satisfy you if your career matches your interests, values, personality, and skills. In medicine, these aspects of yourself can be reflected in your preferred practice setting(s), patient type(s), medical condition(s), colleagues, and tasks and activities. Finding your fit entails first exploring who you are and what you want in life, then identifying those career options that will support those goals and in which you can thrive.
STUDY ABROAD
Professional course options include the five year integrated law degree, hotel management, foreign language degree, music/ physical education/ dance (if you have relevant aptitude and achievements), or fine arts/ design (if you are good at sketching/ drawing) or four year Integrated BA B Ed. You would also be eligible to pursue Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary and Cost Accountancy courses Studying BA would give you the opportunity to pursue higher studies in your plus two subjects. Other undergraduate options would be BMS/ BBA/ equivalent, bachelor’s degree in social work/ mass media/ heritage studies, etc. Five year Integrated Master’s degree in English/ Mass Communication/ Foreign Languages/ Development Studies etc., are offered by a few universities to students after plus two in any stream. Examples are indicative of the possibilities.
IMPORTANCE OF STUDYING ABROAD How would studying abroad be beneficial? Sandesh
ANSWER ANSWER
INDIA What further studies can I pursue after class 12th Arts with Psychology, Sociology, Political Science and English? Shamta ANSWER ANSWER
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.
‘Area Studies’ programs are meant for students seeking deep knowledge politics, economics, and culture of a particular region of the world such as Europe, eastern Europe/former Soviet Union, Latin America, Middle East, Asia, and so on. Graduates usually find careers in government, the private sector, or the nonprofit sector. A strong bachelor’s (ideally master’s) degree in political science, economics, area studies, history, or foreign languages would be appropriate. Admission requirements would comprise of GRE and TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation, and a clear statement of purpose outlining your motivations, interests, and goals. Relevant internship or volunteer work; travel, study, or work experience at an international organization would count.
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E V E N T
D I A R Y
Academic Excellence Awards 2015 Guests of honour (L-R) Iqbal Khan, Aanjjan Srivastav, Faraaz Kazi and Vinta Nanda
Pooja Ghai felicitating the topper
Kunwar Amarjeet Singh felicitating the topper
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WISE UP
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- By Niloufer Gandhi
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Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the main word and complete the sentence.
1. sweltering (swel-ter-ing)
Millions of fans braved ____ heat as they queued for tickets for the final match of the Cricket World Cup. (a) incredible (b) scorching (c) unusual
2. sauntered (sawn-ter-ed)
Singing devotional songs, a group of devotees _____ along the banks of the river. (a) strolled (b) ran (c) worshipped
BREAK TIME! Regardless of the challenges we face the whole year through, come summer and we all get impatient to pack our bags and take off on a holiday, to break from our routine and just relax.
3. loll (lol)
Every afternoon, the children ____ in hammocks under shady trees enjoying the cool breeze of the sea. (a) laze (b) swing (c) sleep
4. respite (res-pit)
Summer holidays provide a much needed _____ to parents, teachers and children. (a) protection (b) boost (c) relief
5. lucid (loo-sid)
According to Greek mythology, Narcissus saw his reflection in the ____ water and fell in love with it. (a) cloudy (b) muddy (c) clear
Answers:
1..B, 2. A, 3. A, 4. C, 5. C
Word Pyramid
The clues will help you find the answers to complete the word pyramid. Each answer must contain the previous answer. You may arrange the words with a new letter. Hint: Start from the top 1. Abbreviation for litre L
ISLE
10. Lacking emotion or personal connection
LIE
11. Children love to bounce on these
Answers:
LE
9. To return to a state of normalcy
SMILE
8. Aluminium, Bauxite, Copper are common types of
EMAILS
7. Method of representing objects as they actually are
REALISM
6. Messages sent from one computer to another
MINERALS
5. A curved line that sets everything straight
NORMALISE
4. A small island
IMPERSONAL
3. To sleep or recline in a horizontal position
TRAMPOLINES
2. ‘The’ in French
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WALK OUT OF ABUSE
GAME CHANGER
INDIA IN A NUTSHELL
NISHA JAMVWAL'S MESSAGE TO WOMEN WHO FACE DOMESTIC ABUSE
EVOLUTION OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE FIELD OF SPORTS
A CHAT WITH THE AUTHOR OF AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF A MAD NATION, SRIRAM KARRI
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COVER STORY
League of
the
Extraordinary Entertainers Picture yourself 12 years ago, in your regular hangout joint with your favourite group of friends, chattering away as usual. How would you react then, if someone mentions the idea of having to record the moment you’re in and eventually put it up for the world to see? Laugh at the incredulity or perhaps dismiss it by calling too farfetched an idea to execute? Mention that scenario today and the suggestion will be welcomed with “Oh you mean like so-and-so channel?” and “It’s already been done. Too mainstream”. When did the world make this transition? How did online video streaming take a parallel route to cinema and produce talented artists that are now accessible on your smartphone/computer screen at the tap of an app and the click of a mouse? You Tube has become one of the ultimate platforms for people with exceptional talents and passion to showcase it to the world and gain almost a cult-like following for their channels. May it be inspirational, fitness motivation, foodies galore, class of comedy or just a daily how-to video for pre-teens, teens and adults alike; we all know that online entertainment is here to stay. We bring you exclusive interviews of the stars of the digital age, who give us the do’s and don’ts of the holy grail of entertainment and what makes them (and their subscribers) click 38 Youth Incorporated JUNE 2015
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How did you start off in the digital entertainment sector?
Prior to the inception of Culture Machine, I led the digital video and entertainment apps business at Disney UTV where I was responsible for building the digital media business for the entertainment channels in the company’s broadcasting portfolio, the mobile app business as well as getting all of Disney’s properties to leadership positions in social media. Prior to Disney Utv, it was setting up and building the digital video business at the Times Group.
How did the inspiration for culture machine come about?
“You don’t need to know someone to get your story out there” A graduate of University of Westminster, Sameer Pitalwalla co-founded Culture Machine digital video entertainment company along with Venkat Prasad that creates entertainment for the internet generation. Culture Machine runs 350 YouTube channels with videos that have get over 100+ million monthly views and sometimes more
Social platforms such as Facebook, Youtube and Twitter, have become essential utilities. All of these were evolving towards video. There is and will continue to be fragmentation in these platforms and new sub-cultures and communities that form around them. Entertainment unlocks media, and the time was ripe to build a media company that combined two common passions Venkat and I shared, technology and media.
Can you give me details as to how an organization like CM works? How do you choose whom to feature as part of your organization?
As core product, what we build is software. One form of it is in video, the other is technology product that helps us understand what to create for audiences and then to create at scale. We work with our youtube creators as well as our own brands to identify what audience will resonate with what programming and then determine basis that what content to create and who to create it with.
How far do you think has the YouTube generation evolved and how far do you think is it going to go?
YouTube has been a large brand for personas. Culture on the net defines a large part of what the youth
wants today. Kids from the 90s and onwards are going to be defined as the generation who started off and lived through the era of YouTube videos. With regards to the concept becoming obsolete, I don’t think anything ever dies. Everything survives. For example, television has been around for decades and still didn’t manage to kill print. They all find ways to evolve and adapt, they all are here to stay.
How does Culture Machine ensure that it stays on top even with several other companies doing the same thing that you do?
We tend to get bored of what we do faster than our audiences. This keeps us wanting to use our technology to understand and keep our fingers on the pulse of the audience.
D I P A R FIRE When it comes to comedy, what, if anything, cannot be joked about, at all?
Anything to do with right of centre ideologies. Which would you say is your favourite YouTube channel?
Currently, Epified
What is the biggest myth in the entertainment industry that you would like to dispel?
That you need to know someone to get your story out there. Portraying and breaking stereotypes: clichéd and overdone or necessary and relevant?
A bit of both. It depends on how you portray them. JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 39
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COVER STORY
What was it like coordinating with Culture Machine who had a major role to play in setting up your shows in India?
I am thoroughly impressed with Culture Machine. I feel like it’s very rare to get that interaction and organizing the meet and greet with the fans and they made it possible. Even their tagline “With <3 by Culture Machine” is very in line with my own brand and everything I work with has been so hospitable. In fact, all my dancers that are not used to Indian culture go “Everyone is so nice!” It’s been great working with them.
What inspired you to start your channel?
Personally, I was coming out of a real hard time in my life. So I decided to make videos to pick myself up, to cheer other people up. From a business point of view, I didn’t see another South-Asian female in the business. Even now, I don’t see as many, but at that time there was none at all and so I thought I should be that person. And now I am going to be that person.
“Keep your dreams in the stars and your feet on the ground” Stealing hearts and spreading one love to over five million subscribers on YouTube, we get up close and personal with Lilly Singh a.k.a Superwoman who gives us an exclusive on her life and her world tour, in her happy place Unicorn Island!
If you weren’t a YouTuber, spreading one love and unicorn hugs to everyone at Unicorn Island, what would you be doing?
When I started making YouTube videos, I had just finished my degree in Psychology and I was applying for my Masters degree. Who knows if that would have worked out, but I was applying. So I would have probably done something in psychology, maybe working with kids. But not being completely happy with it either because I love entertaining people from a young age.
Your finally met The Rock, setting off tears amongst your unicorns watching your vlogs all over the world! What’s next on your vision board? It’s actually interesting because a lot of things on my vision board are coming true. One of the things on my vision board said “Would you lik a world
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tour?” and now I am on my world tour! One thing on my vision board would be a puppy (laughs) but on a more sentimental note, I would love to do something in TV and film. I think it’s very exciting and challenging a prospect.
doing this. It’s a mental battle to stay grounded because to be honest, it is so easy for someone in my position or a bigger celebrity to not be grounded. But you have got to remind yourself to keep your dreams in the stars and your feet on the ground.
What keeps you grounded even when you’re surrounded by fame and stardom and more than five million subscribers?
Manjeet and Paramjeet are just as loved as you are(sometimes even more) in your videos. Have you taken pointers from your parents in any way at all?
I am very much a normal person! But honestly, I am a very spiritual person, so I talk to myself a lot. Every time before I go for a show (and people who know me have seen this), I do this thing where I don’t talk to anyone and I become very quiet. I close my eyes and tell myself that even though this may be my 100th show, for a lot of people it’s their first show and no matter how many times you’ve done it, you have to treat it like their first time. This is your one chance to make a difference in someone’s life. I remind myself every single day why I started
D R APIE FIR
A terrible habit you’d want to change in yourself
Blinking too much
Some of the clichéd things that they say like cleaning my room, getting married, getting a job , and “Why are you on YouTube all the time” are things that they have said to me. Some traits of Manjeet, like maybe showing off, is something that my dad does do sometimes. But A LOT of it is made up, taking traits from every auntyuncle and relative I have come across. My parents don’t dress like that at all and neither do they have that accent. They’re very hip and modern. So they (Manjeet and Paramjeet) are mostly
Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
It doesn’t matter to me as long as I am happy! I see myself on Unicorn Island, hopefully not broke and hopefully doing movies and music because I would really like that. So, as long as I am doing something that makes me happy, I will be content.
Best present you’ve ever gotten
If you had to be the best in the world at one sport, what would it be?
Grab my butt
Buttery popcorn
Kittens or puppies?
Puppies. But I don’t want to hurt kittens’ feelings! Your favourite thing about India
The best thing about performing on stage?
“Eh”
What’s the most Canadian thing ever?
Best thing to do on a first date
If you could switch lives with a person for one day, who would it be?
If you woke up one morning and
Most stylish celebrity, according
Get a first date!
He would say “Go to Punjab and eat jalebis for me because you’re in India!” (laughs) But on a more serious note, I don’t think he ever fully understood the concept of YouTube and the impact he had. He did of course do a couple of videos with me and even today a lot of gifts that I get are related to him. And if I could tell him something,it would be that he was in just two to three videos and yet he impacted people so much. So that’s amazing.
to you?
Gulab jamuns
People's reactions
What would Nana ji say?
realized that you’ve turned into Nicki Minaj, what would you do?
What’s the coolest thing about Toronto?
Its multi-culturalism
made up but there are elements that are true.
The Rock’s girlfriend
Deepika Padukone
Mac ‘n’ Cheese Eater
Your top five pet peeves?
Lying, rudeness, selfishness, unfunny and unsubscribing (me!) If not a unicorn, what would your spirit animal be?
Panda
What would you tell 16-year-old Lilly?
Everything is going to be perfect. What would you want your last words to be?
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COVER STORY
What inspired you to set up the channel? Did you have an agenda to follow when you started SnG Comedy?
It’s all because of Karan. We had all been performing individually and together for a while and Karan said that the next logical and imperative step would be to do sketches on YouTube. We all wanted to make sure that the channel reflects us and our sense of humour; irreverent, childish and sometimes, even socially leading. We just didn’t want to do anything that’s popular or ride on the wave of a fad.
How many members form the group and how often do you meet up to create videos?
There are now six people in the group: Karan Talwar, Varun Thakur, Brij Bhakta, Aadar Malik, Kautuk Srivastava, and Neville Shah.We try to do, 2-3 times a week. It isn’t necessary that all six of us meet, some of us do and then take on the lead for those projects. Our process is simple though. Someone has an idea. Writes a first draft. If we all like it, we do a table read, punch it up over the week or so and then go shoot it.
“We all wanted to make sure that the channel generating content for reflects IsYouTube a full time job or do you pursue careers apart from us and our this field of entertainment? sense of humour” With more than 1,20,000 subscribers, SnG Comedy is a group of hilarious stand up, improve and sketch comedians who aren’t afraid to explore bold topics that may otherwise be considered as taboo for an Indian audience
All of us are comedians and improvisers, so there’s that. Aadar, Varun, Brij, Kautuk do a lot of acting and writing work. Karan runs his business and a does a lot of consulting work for brands in the social media space. Neville works at Ogilvy and Mather as a Group Creative Director.
Have you ever received any negative criticism about your videos ? How do you deal with people like that?
Oh tonnes! Dealing with it is easy. Most times we ignore. But then there a few who just want to rile up, so we comment back to just get a reaction. It’s fun.
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a YouTube sensation? Regularity. Your own voice and opinion. Relevance.
Which other YouTube sensation would you love to collaborate with?
The Indian favourites: AIB, EIC, Kanan&Biswa, Abish, Anuvab, Kenny. Even Maati Baani we just spoke to for a collab. Jus Reign, Bo Burnham, Key and Peele, several others.
R A PI D FIRE
If you could gift a sense of humour to anyone in this country, who would it be and why?
Religious groups and politicians: Obvious reasons Name personalities who you think can take a joke sportingly.
Arjun Kapoor and Ranveer Singh, SRK, Vir Das, Ranvir Shorey, Vinay Pathak, Suhel Seth and many others What can absolutely never be joked about?
As a group, we don’t think there should be anything you can’t make a joke about. You just have to be careful and handle it sensitively. To quote Carlin, ‘it depends on what the exaggeration is.’ But principally, we won’t do anything that is distasteful Finish the sentence: Indians on the Internet are always
hiding under the guise of anonymity?
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I’d like to point them in the direction of more famous people. I think it’s wasted on me a little bit.
What inspired you to set up your channel?
“I wish we, as Indians, would let up a little bit” Our local heartthrob, the one with the funny one-liners and witty comebacks, the Pretentious Movie Reviews guy (along with Biswa) who introduced us to movies like Prem Aggan and gave us a new perspective of Jaani Dushman, Kanan Gill’s channel on YouTube has more than 2,30,000 subscribers. After quitting a career in software engineering (fortunately) to take up stand-up comedy (Hallelujah!), he talks about how it all happened
I think the first time that I saw a YouTube video in 2007, I thought, “I need to do this.” Although it took many years after that for me to finally start, the seed of the idea was really planted there. I didn’t really have an agenda to follow; I just wanted to put out things that I thought were funny.
Is generating video content a full time job for you?
YouTube is a part time job for me. I spend most of my time doing live stand up comedy, and then spend the remaining time on YouTube. I’m trying to shift that balance a little bit now. I’d like to focus more on YouTube.
How long does the process take from ideating for a video to planning and executing it?
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a YouTube sensation? I wish I knew; I’d put out more videos.
Which other YouTube sensation would you love to collaborate with? It’d be fun to get in on a Collegehumor YouTube video.
Have you ever received any negative criticism about your videos? How do you deal with people like that?
A lot! That’s the nature of the internet. All common sense points to not letting hate get to you, but it still does, always. I think a big part about becoming experienced on YouTube is being immune to hateful comments. Negative criticism is helpful, though. But I’d say there’s not too much of that, it’s easier to hate.
R A PI D FIRE
For some videos, a couple of weeks, and for some a couple of hours. It really depends on the treatment I’d like the video to have. There’s a series on my channel called ‘Dudes’ which goes straight from ideation to filming to editing and it’s out, in contrast to movie review, which we sit on for a much longer time.
If you could gift a sense of humour to anyone in this country, who would you choose and why?
If you weren’t a comedian, what would you see yourself doing?
Karan Johar, Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor - we all saw this
I used to write software before this, so that’s not a bad option. I’m fascinated by design and I’m a bad musician, so maybe one of those?
How does it feel to be recognized by people (especially screaming fangirls) as ‘the guy in that YouTube video’? It’s nice and odd at the same time. It’s surreal to have fans of anything on any level, although sometimes when people get excited to see me in public,
Politicians. So they get to be likeable and liberal in one fell swoop
Name three personalities who you think can take a joke sportingly.
What, according to you, can absolutely never be joked about or made fun of?
Nothing at all. Everything that can be talked about, can be joked about Finish the sentence: Indians on the Internet are more judgemental of
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COVER STORY
‘Use comedy to address the darkest issues with a pinch of salt’ Manned by the country’s funniest people, East India Comedy, formed in 2012, takes the notion of bold sarcasm on to a different level and puts our thoughts into words way too accurately. Sapan Verma tells us about EIC, and its sketches 44 Youth Incorporated JUNE 2015
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What inspired you to set up the channel, which now has more than 1,58,000 subscribers?
We're stand-up comedians by profession, so we started our channel as a means to just get our comedy out to more people. There wasn't any agenda initially, but slowly we realised that we're reaching to millions of people across the world. And then those people started coming for our live gigs, which boosted the ticket sales. So, say, if last year we were struggling to pull in a crowd of 300 people, this year we've managed to sell out an 800-seater in pretty much all big cities across India. So we consciously started pushing ourselves to work harder for our channel.
How many members form your group, permanently? How often do you meet up to create videos? Seven of us. EIC was started by Sorabh Pant, Kunal Rao, Sahil Shah and me. Then Azeem Banatwalla, Angad Ranyal and Atul Khatri joined in. We're all full time comedians. As for the production team, we work with some of the best DOPs, editors and music producers on project basis.
Is generating content for videos a full time job or do you pursue careers apart from this field of entertainment?
As I said, we're comedians first, YouTubers second. So we all do about 10-15 gigs a month each. These could be public gigs, corporate events or college shows as well. This is where we make most of our income from. We do some script writing assignments as well. Like this year our team is scripting the IIFA Awards taking place in Malaysia, hosted by Ranveer Singh and Arjun Kapoor.
How long does the process take from ideating for a video to planning and executing it? Totally depends on the video. Some small scale videos have been written, shot, edited and released within a week, and some big scale ones have
taken over two months. It totally depends on what you're doing in the video.
If you weren’t YouTubers, what would you see yourselves doing?
Live comedy gigs, writing for films/ ads and maybe even acting in films. Also, walking around in public all day hoping that someone would recognise us and beg for a photo.
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a sensation? Any tips for upcoming creators?
As cliché as it may sound, be yourself. Be different. Don't look at what others are doing or what the trend is, and try to ape that. If you strongly believe in something, or have a particular style, just do it, and do it consistently. A couple of months or even years later, you will build a niche for it and all other things like fan following, money, success etc will follow.
Which other YouTube sensation (Indian or international) would you love to collaborate with?
We're already collaborating with a bunch of comedians. Apart from the usual gang of AIB, TVF, and Kanan, we'd love to collaborate with someone from a completely different field, like musicians, beauty bloggers, tech reviewers, and chefs, among others.
How do you deal with people who throw negative criticism at you like it’s their raison d’être? We've even started a web series called No Comments where we read out the negative comments that we get and make fun of them. But usually, the good comments overpower the bad ones by a long shot. So we don't even notice them. And if your video is full of bad comments, then it must've really been quite terrible.
R A PI D FIRE
If you could gift a sense of humour to anyone in this country, who would you choose and why?
The policy makers and the guardians of our so called 'Indian culture'. There's too much censorship and bans happening in the country. Chill out, let people be. Don't try to teach them your moral values
Name three personalities who you think can take a joke sportingly.
Ritesh Deshmukh: He came for The Ghanta Awards last year and sportingly accepted an award. James Blunt: You have to check his twitter account, it's hilarious. Arvind Kejriwal: Every time someone makes a funny video about him, he laughs and shares it as well! What, according to you, can absolutely never be joked about or made fun of?
Nothing. Everything should be spoken about in comedy. That doesn't necessarily mean you have to "make fun of it" Finish the sentence: Indians on the Internet are
mostly armchair critics who believe that putting their opinions across as YouTube comments can change the world JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 45
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COVER STORY
What inspired you to set up the channel? Did you have an agenda to follow when you started Being Indian?
YouTube is a perfect platform to tell stories that have no place in the mainstream media and to connect with the audience directly without any intermediary. The agenda of Being Indian is to make people smile, laugh and to present the youth with content that they can relate to.
How long does the process take from ideating for a YouTube video to planning and executing it?
“India needs more funny midgets running around” With over four lakh subscribers and a staggering 44 million views, Being Indian has always been one of India’s absolute favourite YouTube channels. Creative Director of Culture Machine, Karl Katgara, gives us the details of the job
Trends come and go every day and it is just left to our gut feelings to pick and choose. One of our most successful videos, Vague Manpower, which spoofed the Vogue Empower, released within three days of the original. It is very tough to quantify how long does it take for a germ to become a finished product as every idea is dealt with on its merit.
Has there been a noticeable change in the way Indians stereotype people after your videos have been shared extensively on social media?
One thing that we did notice is that a lot of people now get the idea of laughing at each other, laughing with each other and laughing at ourselves. Peace and love for all.
Which other YouTube sensation (Indian or international) would you love to collaborate with? There are so many YouTubers in India and abroad who are putting up excellent stuff. Amongst Indian creators we love the work of Put Chutney and would love to collaborate with them. Internationally we look up to this French channel called Golden Moustache.
Have you ever received any negative criticism about your videos? How do you deal with people like that?
Negative criticism comes in plenty. Everyone has their opinion and is free to criticize what they want. The best way to deal with is to not engage but ignore. A lot of times people are right too. We try to take it in our stride and make the best of the negativity.
R A PI D FIRE
If you could gift a sense of humour to anyone in this country, who would you choose and why?
Midgets! India needs more funny midgets running around Name three personalities who you think can take a joke sportingly.
Sonam Kapoor, Rishi Kapoor and Sajid Khan Just kidding – Sajid can’t take a joke What, according to you, can absolutely never be joked about or made fun of?
Dignity of people. There is a thin line of difference between a joke and an insult and irreverence comes with a price. We don’t get it right 100% of times and are quick to admit if we take a fall Finish the sentence: Indians on the Internet are free from the
ridiculous censorship of TV and cinema
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anywhere between a week to a month. The writing part is what needs the maximum focus.
Has there been a noticeable change in the way Indians stereotype people from the south after your videos being shared extensively on social media?
“A combination of the right content and marketing” Enna Da Rascalas, an upcoming YouTube sensation with nine members from down under, tells us what it’s like to make videos celebrating stereotypes
What inspired you to set up the channel? And why the name ‘Enna Da Rascalas?
We started out as a theatre company, our parent group being Stray Factory. We see this as an extension of that. Enna Da Rascalas was a fun term coined just to poke fun at how people assume folks down south actually say 'Enna Da Rascalas'. We didn't put much thought into it at the time; right now we're happy calling ourselves Rascalas. Sounds a tad rowdy doesn't it?
How long does the process take from ideating for a YouTube video to planning and executing it? We've made videos overnight when it's really exciting and that's a high on its own. However, a good video does take planning and needs good technicians and actors and that process can take
Not really, we're not in a position to judge but we have been written to from the south saying that they feel like we've voiced their opinions and they are happy that we've shared the diversity from down south. Although, I must say the video was never intended to mock stereotypes but more celebrate our diversity and share that with our friends and fellow Indians.
If you weren’t YouTubers, what would you see yourselves doing? We'd be writing, performing and acting on a platform that allowed us to do so. Outside of entertaining and generating conversations we don't see ourselves doing anything else.
How do you deal with hate speech/negative comments on your videos?
It's taken us a while to understand how this works, we initially didn't reply to comments negative or positive because we weren't sure. However, now we've taken it upon ourselves to be more proactive. As far as negative comments go, if there is constructive criticism we reply, if someone is misinformed we try and generate a conversation, if someone is being a troll we do reply. We've realised that we need to believe in what we're saying and there's no reason to feel apologetic about the same. In rare cases where it's just brute hate and the person is unreasonable we delete it and mark it as spam because that's what haters are.
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a YouTube sensation?
It’s a combination of the right content
and the right marketing of the content. As content creators, one must be honest and talk about the things you want to talk about and not pander. Yes, there may be times and reasons to make a couple of videos to set things right but that's it. Have a voice, an original voice and the rest will follow. Whereas when it comes to hitting the right notes with the audience, a lot of things like timing, distribution, communication among various other things matter. It is here that Culture Machine’s support helps us reach our goals, video on video. The team walks with us right from the inception of an idea to the final delivery and that is what every creator really needs.
R A PI D FIRE
Any true stereotypes about South Indians?
We're all good at Mathematics, the rest start channels on YouTube for a living If you could gift a sense of humour to anyone in this country, who would you choose and why?
The Angry Young Indian
Name three personalities who you think can take a joke sportingly.
Arvind Kejriwal, Enna Da Rascalas
Finish the sentence: South Indians are your
cool neighbours you should get to know
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COVER STORY
What inspired you to set up YouTube channel?
I used to follow a lot of YouTube channels who used to independently create content which used to appeal to me more than television did. And I had a bunch of ideas that I wanted to create and share. But there was no game plan other than “put funny content”.
How long does the process take from ideating for a video to planning and executing it?
‘‘I would have loved to be a detective in the NYPD’’ We’ve seen the multitalented Abish Mathew with nearly all of our other favourite acts – from Kanan Gill to AIB and more – and we love him in the Son of Abish, where he calls people on his show to ask them amusing questions, the answers to which, sometimes, are a dig at his own personality. He shares with us his views on being a comedian
If you are a procrastinator, this process takes from "Oh damn next week is my deadline" to "Death". But if you're serious about this craft, it'll take from three days to a week. But my friend Kenny Sebastian makes a video and uploads it, all in five to six hours of ideating it to sharing it.
If you weren’t a comedian or a YouTuber, what would you have been?
I would have loved to be a detective in the NYPD. Effects of pop culture on children, eh? But most likely, if I wasn't doing comedy+YouTube, I would have been struggling in bars trying to make my super hip fourpiece band get a gig.
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a YouTube?
Someone once told me, “When you want to say something profound, start with ‘Someone once told me.’” The mantra is to keep putting YOUR work that YOU think is funny and cool, and there are millions of people out there who have a similar sense of humour and think the same things are cool.
Which other YouTube sensation would you love to collaborate with? I collaborate with my Indian
favourites all the time. Internationally, I'd love to collaborate with Julian Smith, Barats and Bereta, Jus Reign, Taylor Ward, and consistently keep collaborating with Freddie Wong.
How do you deal with negative criticism?
As far as dealing with people like that is concerned, you keep what you can use and throw away the abuse.
R A PI D FIRE
If you could gift a sense of humour to anyone in this country, who would you choose and why?
I will not answer that question because I haven't been able to give them a sense of humour yet and if I give you a name they might not take it in the right spirit of humour and I will end up dead. You see the paradox in the question? Nolan should have come to me What, according to you, can absolutely never be joked about or made fun of?
I'm still struggling with that one. I'll keep you posted Finish the sentence: Indians on the Internet are
Amazing :) (It's absurd you'll expect me to say anything other than a positive answer, they're my bread and butter)
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‘‘Every day brings a strong creative energy with it’’ How did the inspiration for PING Network come about?
The founding team at PING are from broadcast backgrounds: Govindraj Ethiraj and Prashanto Das both worked together at Bloomberg-UTV. The first person to join them was Anagha Radhyadaksha who heads up our talent and acquisitions piece. They all have had stints in television networks and when PING was started, the idea originated from the need be able to create content that talks to the audience of tomorrow. More so this also coincided with YouTube’s own interests in actively working with creators to build the content eco-system. Thus began our journey.
How does PING Network function?
We work with creators who are already online and provide them with multiple services which helps them grow their audiences and also monetize better. The second set of creators we work with are professionals, very skilled individuals within their category, and we believe audiences would connect with them. For instance, food chefs like Vicky Ratnani or Michael Swamy, Atul
Rajeshree Naik, co-founder and director of PING Network, had foreseen the shift in media consumption into the digital space. “It would not be about digital marketing, but marketing in a digital world,” she says, owing to her experience as Head of Marketing at De Beers and a year’s stint at INSEAD, before turning to the entrepreneurial world. Joining the PING network, she says, “seemed like a natural fit.” With 450 channels, they also work with young talent to build their own television front-ends. She tells us about the excitement of the digital media sector Kasbekar in photography, Yasmin Karachiwalla in fitness, or DJ Suketu in music.
How does one go about getting YouTube certified?
This is done through YouTube. You can register for the YouTube Certification course and once you get an invite to go through the programme, you need to go through modules and do some online tests. On successful completion, you get awarded your YT certification.
How does PING Network ensure that it stays on top?
The good thing is every company has naturally carved a niche for itself. So actually, each of the six Multi channel Networks (MCNs) are quite different. At the DNA of PING is our creation capability. We have also carved a niche for ourselves in categories such as food, education, and gaming. More importantly, all the content within our network stays true to our core of utility, information and knowledge. The other niche we have carved for ourselves is in news. Boom, our news product, is India’s first digital video news network.
R A PI D FIRE Which would you say is your favourite YouTube channel?
Without a doubt, India Food Network
Portraying and breaking stereotypes: clichéd and overdone or necessary and relevant?
Necessary and relevant
Things that the Indian media needs to improve on, professionally?
TV News doesn't exist anymore, it’s now entertainment. For TV news, look to government channels like DD, Rajya Saha TV and Lok Sabha TV. For news, you will need to find an alternative JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 49
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COVER STORY
‘‘I wanted people to see me changing to change themselves’’
Leading the young Indian to a healthier lifestyle has been Mangalore-based Shreyas Kamath’s aim through his channel, Teen Bodybuilding India. An International Sports and Sciences Association (ISSA) certified personal trainer, this 21-year old’s channel has more than 13k loyalists. He tells us how determination led him to begin this journey a year back
Do you ever get negative comments for your videos? How do you deal with them?
I get negative comments all the time. I had deactivated my channel in February 2013 because of it. I started back the channel six months later. Things didn't change. There were a lot of admirers but a handful of people who disliked and criticized my content. But then I realized that I had to do this for the people who like my content and for myself. People made fun of my accent, the way I speak English. But I knew that if my content is truthful, then people will like me and that is what is happening now.
What inspired you to start your channel? More than inspiration, it was determination. When I started working out, I was misguided many times by people. I was an unhealthy person myself when I started the channel. I wanted people to see me changing and start changing themselves. YouTube was a platform that I could use not only to spread a word about fitness, but also fulfil my dreams.
Have you inspired people through your videos?
There are so many instances where people have told me how this channel has motivated them to get off the couch and lead a healthy lifestyle, especially people who are above the age of 35. I started this channel hoping to motivate the youth, but I have realized that my voice is being heard by people of all ages.
How important is it for the young Indian audience,
especially girls, to take to fitness today?
It is very important for the youth because nowadays most of the people don't even think about their health. They forget that human body is meant to work, not rest. We are supposed to 'eat to live, not live to eat.' Also, my message for the young girls and women of this country is to GET STRONG. The only way a woman can look like a man is through testosterone and you don’t have enough of it. So, lift weights for your overall health and forget about all the myths that you have heard.
R A PI D FIRE
Who is the fittest celebrity in the country?
I personally feel Bipasha Basu has been very fit from the time she landed in Bollywood. I am not taking the names of sportsmen because they are supposed to be fit A person whom you’d love to have the chance to physically train?
I would really love to train an athlete because training a person for performance and injury prevention would be a great challenge One common mistake every person undoubtedly makes on their first day in the gym?
The biggest mistake that I find beginners making in the gym is thinking that MORE IS BETTER. They spend hours in the gym from the first day itself forgetting that beginners are meant to give their body enough rest since your body is doing something for the first time
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how and why did you start your YouTube channel?
‘‘Be original and create content which you would like to watch’’ A resident of Mumbai, Omkar Bhagat runs The Curious Engineer, an edutainment channel where he uses doodles to explain complex topics. It has a huge fan following of more than 30k subscribers, and you only have to see it to know why. Currently in his final year of computer engineering, the witty artist takes out time between exams to tell us all about his channel
I started my channel two years ago when I used to follow channels like thenewboston. It changed my view about YouTube and I thought to myself that even I can create video tutorials about programming languages to help my class. Minutephysics inspired me to make illustration based edutainment videos which help to convert complex/ boring topics into simple and entertaining ones.
How do you simplify concepts to ensure that the learner understands it through the video?
To be honest, I like to simplify things because I usually don’t get it in the first place. So I try to put it in a way that I can understand, and illustrations help me form stories and connect the dots, making learning even more fun.I try to assume that the viewer has zero knowledge about the topic and I try to build a story around it. If it’s fun to watch, it becomes easy to learn.
Do you collaborate with anyone?
I collaborate with Untamed Science (Haley and Rob). They help me with the narrations as my accent isn’t really great for global audience. I’m open to collaborations but time is a constraint so I’ve kept all those on hold till I’m done with my engineering and get my channel back to life.
How has the journey on YouTube been?
Everything has been awesome (even when I’m not too active on my channel). I have been invited to Google Office and YouTube events, hired by MinuteEarth (second channel by MinutePhysics), invited to talk about my story in engineering colleges, get my video shared by, get my story published in Maharashtra times, and plenty of other good things.I can say I have learned a lot
more than what my engineering degree would’ve taught me.
What has the feedback been like over the years?
The feedback in YouTube comments is always a mixture of good and the bad. But overall the response is awesome. It feels great when your video helps viewers with their home work or when it makes them more interested in a particular topic. But it’s much more flattering when a professor appreciates your work or when ISRO shares your work for its accuracy.
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a YouTube sensation amongst the already existing videos as well as the millions being uploaded every day? The mantra is to be original and create content which you would like to watch. And keep improving with every new video. If your content is worth watching, you’ll be noticed eventually.
R A PI D FIRE A webcomic that you follow
Cyanide and Happiness
Your role model/ someone you look up to
Neil deGrasse Tyson
A book, movie or tv show that inspires you
Suits (TV Show)
In an alternate universe, what would you be doing right now?
I would be a pilot
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“It’s important to review negative comments too” COVER STORY
The cheery musician with the voice of an angel, Vasuda Sharma began her musical expedition with the band Aasma. She tells us all about her experience as an upcoming YouTube starlet How long does the process take from composing to executing for YouTube?
How has the journey been since Aasma?
Aasma was an incredible experience. Over the years, the band grew, we all grew as artists and followed our individual paths and pursued things we wanted to. My passion to write and sing my own songs made me an indie musician and I am really happy with the way it has turned out.
What inspired you to become a singer? I have been singing since I was four. My aunt introduced me to music at a very early age and my childhood has been full of learning Brij folk songs and rasiyas. I took up Hindustani vocal training and learned at the Berklee College of Music much later. Taking it up as a career option was something that wasn’t planned.
My song writing process varies. Sometimes I come up with a song in a day and build on it later. Sometimes I just get a hook or a melody but no words. Once the idea is laid down, I keep building on it and give it a week to be sure before I lock the arrangement. Once the audio is done, I think of a video and the concept. I sometimes also sit and brainstorm with my production team. Once all that is sorted, we shoot it, edit it and release it with the support of the team at Culture Machine.
Which is your favourite: Live performance or a recording session? Why?
Live performance is instant gratification and then it’s over. Studio recording and production is extremely satisfying when the song is finally completed. It’s hard to decide coz I love performing and composing both. But I think If I were to choose, it would be studio session coz I love ideating and laying down stuff and creating new things.
Which is your favourite: Live performance or a recording session? Why?
Live performance is instant gratification and then its over. Studio recording and production is extremely satisfying when the song is finally completed. It’s hard to decide because I love performing and composing both. But I think If I were to choose, it would be studio session because I love ideating and laying down stuff and creating new things.
R A PI D FIRE
A band or a singer that you would love to compose for?
I’ d love to compose for this fabulous singer I discovered recently – Kalpana Patowary from Aasam. I think she has an impeccable voice
Best part about being an independent artist?
I am my own boss and it helps because I am eccentric when it comes to my music A genre you haven’t explored yet but love to do so in the near future?
Electronic music
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Indie pop singer, songwriter and performer, Reenie Mansata is known to create the balance of catchy tunes and meaningful lyrics with her songs. She gives us a peek into her life as a YouTuber
“Constructive criticism is not a bad thing” What inspired you to set up the channel? Internet platforms for video content such as YouTube have clearly taken over television in terms of their accessibility, convenience and most importantly worldwide coverage. Being an artist, setting up my own YouTube channel was a must.
Have you ever received feedback on your videos?
Yes, I've occasionally had people walk up to me in person at events to give me their views on something if they feel strongly about it. It's endearing and I love the personal responses that my followers have.
How do you deal with criticism? Everything in life has two sides to it and while there are loads of fans and people who love you and love what you do, there are always a few who feel otherwise. Besides, constructive criticism is not a bad thing. It is helpful in keeping things in check and preventing you from getting complaisant.
What’s your USP?
One of the few key factors in ensuring that you have your audience interested and increasing in numbers is to stay connected with them by uploading videos on your channel on a regular basis, ideally at least once a week.
My USP is that I have a very real and genuine approach to creating my videos and I showcase intriguing and inspiring people on my show who are real life heroes. Normal, real and excessively talented people who have something to share with the world and I am that person who gives them the exposure they need or deserve. As far as the music is concerned, I do original songs and support them with videos that complement them. I've been blessed with positive and encouraging responses for the most part and always strive to push my boundaries and improve.
R A PI D RE I F Your favourite channels that you regularly watch or subscribe to?
Daniela Andrade, Kygo, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Kimmel, SuperWoman, FoodFood, and Humansofny
When you aren’t making videos you love to...
Travel, cook and watch YouTube
Which other YouTuber would you love to collaborate with?
That's a tough one, but totally Beyonce
Finish the sentence: Indians on the Internet are evolving
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COVER STORY
Since when did you start making YouTube videos? What inspired you to set up the channel? I started my channel back in March 2011, I used to see other YouTubers’ videos and thought this is something interesting, I love both art and technology, I can do this!
Is generating content for YouTube a full time job or do you pursue careers apart from this field of entertainment?
“I am blessed with an amazing audience” With over 30 million views and one lakh 75 thousand subscribers, Shruti Anand is a style and make up guru who has inspired divas and fashionistas alike. She speaks about her journey
It depends on what kind and how much content you are planning to develop. I usually make two to three videos a week and work around 45 hours a week. When I started, I was doing a full time IT job along with YouTube for almost two years. Later, I shifted back to India and since then I am working on YouTube full time.
How has the journey of four years on YouTube been for you? What have you learnt and how do you identify with your audience today?
It’s been an amazing four years. When you work for so many people and interact with them, it automatically makes you calm and secure in life. I have learnt a lot from YouTube, and I try to understand others perspective before judging them.
How does it feel to be recognized by people you meet as ‘the girl in that YouTube video’? It’s exciting and at the same time when people start staring you it feels like you’re exposed. You won't believe this. When I was hospitalized last week, the nurse who was giving me an injection said “you make hairstyle videos on YouTube, right?” I was shocked and happy at the same time!
What’s the mantra to getting noticed and becoming a YouTube sensation amongst the already existing videos as well as the millions being uploaded every day? You need to practice before you preach. While you’re practicing for a makeup look or a hairstyle to make your work easy, teach yourself tips. Make a list of them and share it. Also, signing up with Culture Machine has immensely helped my channel and its growth.
R A PI D FIRE
Name three personalities who you think are the most glamorous in India.
Sonam Kapoor, Jacqueline Fernandez, Priyanka Chopra If you could collaborate with any other (Indian or international) YouTube sensation, who would it be?
A tough one, but my favorite is shaaanxo Which is India's fashion capital?
Mumbai
A beauty hack to transform yourself from work makeup to a party look?
Dramatic eyeliner and bold lipstick
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“Make videos about what you’re passionate about” What inspired you to set up your channel?
How does it feel to be recognized by people as ‘the guy Initially my YouTube account was just in that YouTube video’? to view other YouTube videos, like everyone else. One day, I decided I was going to upload a video to give my blog readers a better idea of a phone. That was years ago, but I’ve been doing this ever since. Of course my quality is much better now though! The main reason why I decided to make these videos was to help people make a better informed decision as to which smartphone to buy.
I honestly, seriously cannot get over that. Everytime someone comes up to me and says “Hey, aren’t you that guy that talks about phones on YouTube?”, I get really excited and nerd-out. It’s not something you can ever really be prepared for. But the times it happens, and the times I get someone saying “Hey, thanks for this phone recommendation!” it just generally feels awesome.
What clicks and what doesn’t?
What’s the mantra to getting noticed on YouTube?
It really depends on the type of channel you have, but it always pays to be aware of the current trend. For example, when the photo of “The Dress” was taking over the internet, a couple of clever YouTubers made a video explaining why some people saw it as Blue-and-Black, and why some saw it as White-and-Gold. Similarly, as a tech YouTuber, I try to make videos of the latest phones or products. It also definitely helps to be just be yourself on your channel. Everybody has an amazing quality about themselves, you just need to show your viewers that side of you.
How long does the process take from ideating to executing it?
Generally for phone reviews, I’d take two-three days just to write a script, a day to film everything, and another day or two to edit it.
If you feel really passionate about a certain topic, you just need to start making videos about it. It could be tech, a cooking guide, you singing or playing an instrument, or just a vlog about situations you’re going through in life. Like with my videos, I’m very honest and detailed about what I think of a product, but I also try to make them a little funny too.
How do you deal with negative criticism?
I don’t think there’s a single YouTuber out there who hasn’t got negative criticism. Sometimes it is constructive criticism, like this one time when my viewers told me I needed a better backdrop to my videos. But sometimes it’s just pure hate, and you just have to make like Taylor Swift, and shake it off. yi
Tech reviewer Clinton Jeff has been a favourite among the tech circles for the past few years, both for his blog, UnleashThePhones. com, and his eponymous YouTube channel. Currently a Product PR Lead for India at Xiaomi, where he also runs their YouTube channel (a professional YouTuber, if you will), he resides in Bengaluru and tells us about his channel
R A PI D FIRE What phone do you own (currently)?
A Xiaomi Mi4
Someone you look up to?
Ray William Johnson, he’s definitely one of the coolest YouTubers on the planet In an alternate universe, what would you be doing right now?
Probably coding behind a desk in a cubicle somewhere
A book, movie or TV show that inspires you?
This is going to sound crazy, but I really thought “The Devil Wears Prada” was hugely inspiring
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HEALTH
STAND TALL, SIT PRETTY
1
SITTING RIGHT
The best way to sit is to keep your back straight and shoulders back. Distribute your body weight evenly on both hips and keep your ankle below at the hip level. Keep your feet flat on the floor and avoid sitting in the same position for more than 30 minutes. When selecting a chair for your study tables choose the one with the firm back and get up and stretch frequently. These are small things but if you consciously make an effort to sit like this your posture will improve.
STANDING TALL
2
Keep your feet shoulder width apart and let your arms hand loosely down the sides of your body. Stand tall and proud, push your shoulders at the back and suck your stomach in, keep your head in line with your shoulders. Shift your
weight from your toes to your heels and from one foot to the other if you have to stand for a long time.
LYING DOWN PROPERLY
3
Find a correct mattress for you- though firm mattress is recommended, some people may prefer softer ones. Comfort is important. Always sleep with a pillow to make your head level with your spine; special pillows are also available to help with poor sleeping positions. Sleep on your side with your knees bent or sleep on your back, avoid sleeping on your stomach.
LOOK GOOD, FEEL GOOD
4
Standing up straight can take up to 2 kilograms off your body frame, so using a good posture is an excellent way to improve your look. The moment you can improve your
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,
When work life gets stressful, health problems are not too far behind. One of the most overlooked health problem is the incorrect postures that we sit or stand in as we work . A person’s posture has a profound effect on how they feel, function and overall well being. Deeksha Khanna brings you important postural tips to keep in mind twenty minutes when you work at a computer screen. Keep the computer screen 15 degrees below your eye level and get up and walk around after every hour.
SET REMINDERS
7
Make sure to set reminders when you are at work to remind you to take breaks and stretch. The workplace is where most people mess up their posture the most, so it’s necessary that when you are sitting for hours to remind yourself to sit up straight.
JOELOONG, FLICKR.COM
SMALL EXERCISES
5
posture you can instantly see a difference in the way you look, people look more attractive when they stand tall.
ENERGY CONSERVATION
A good posture influences a number of things, such as lesser back pain, greater energy levels and better levels of concentration. When a person slouches, less oxygen goes into their body, which can be a primary reason for fatigue. When you have a proper posture, your lungs will open up and more oxygen will enter your body, enhancing your energy levels.
6
WORK BETTER
Good postures allow the muscles to work more efficiently and helps prevent muscle strain, overuse disorders and even back and muscular pain. Take 1-2 minute break after every
8
To help relieve your muscles and help your postures do small exercises. You can lie down on the floor and press your back as hard as you can on the floor and squeeze your stomach and hold it there for twenty counts. After which you release and repeat for four to five times more. This will help you get better control over your postural position and train your body so that you make obtain better overall body posture.
WORKING OUT
When you workout also make sure you do back muscle exercises too, to strengthen your back. Good back building exercises include – bent over rows, pulls ups, pull downs, single arm rows and also reverse hyperextensions. These will strengthen the muscle that is required for a good posture, so you won’t be fatigued while maintaining it. Also do exercises to strengthen your core, as a good core is important for posture management.
9
CORRECTION BETTER THAN CURE
10
Long-term postural problems will typically take longer to address than short-lived ones, as often the joints have adapted to your long-standing poor posture. The correct posture for standing, sitting, and lying down will gradually replace your old posture. This, in turn, will help you move toward a better and healthier body position. It’s never too late to improve your posture and in case of most things, the sooner you take care of the better. yi
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POINT OF VIEW
Women who are subject to domestic violence often hide their plight from society. Nisha JamVwal urges women to come out and let the world know the truth, and walk out of the relationship 58 Youth Incorporated JUNE 2015
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T
he recent breakdown of the ‘Ek Duje Ke Liye’ beauty Rati Agnihotri’s marriage after a 32-year innings has led to a lot of speculation. She is a close friend, but I was afraid to call her after her public declaration of her abusive marriage. I was worried it might not be what I was hoping it was: a spat blown out of proportion, that all I’ve been reading might be true, that she was indeed subject to violence and abuse. Something within me was hoping that it was untrue. Had she actually come out and decided to call an end to abuse and domestic violence or was it a passing phase? Sadly what I’d hoped was by some miracle untrue turned out to be true. It was 32 years of abuse and violence, accepted and lived through for the love of her only. For most women, no portion of putting up with the pain is because of the hope that the trauma will magically vanish, that it is ‘a passing phase’. I had met Rati 18 years ago on a flight back from New York. Some years ago, she hosted a party to celebrate the launch of her son Tanuj into movies. She looked radiant and was her usual ebullient self, greeting her guests warmly. I thought, looking at her youthful face, with not a wrinkle or laugh line. Happiness does that, I mused. How looks can deceive. Now we know what a harrowing life of mental and physical abuse hers has been, since the last 30 years. I've known her all these years and never guessed even when she always made excuses for birthdays and dinners. “I’m accident prone Nisha, I’ve hurt my ankle. I’ve hit my head on the bedroom door in the dark.” If it had to culminate to this, why did this lady who had it all - name, fame, and financial independence waste the best years of her life on a situation worse than a dead end? A situation that drained her peace of mind her finances her family life and surely must have been traumatic for her son? The mystery is not just with
Rati. Social counsellor's files are full of cases where the victims waste their lives by not taking a course that leads them out of their tortured existences. I met famed counsellor, who said, “Indian women have more often than not been subjugated since childhood. It is not to do with financial independence but with your courage to get out of an abusive relationship. Women are not often encouraged to speak up and stand up for themselves, and if they do they are given labels of ‘aggressive, too independent’ or told that “because you are financially independent you think you can do what you want.” What transpires in the mind of these women who put up with years of abuse? Shame and a sense of failure. Even parents say, “bide your time, be patient avoid conflict”. Trust me, it will not. It will get worse. And habitual abusers are pathological offenders. Get out while the going is good and you have the youth and energy and the opportunity to still get a life. Never mind what people say, what parents wish, what you hope. Every women subject to abuse owes it to her self-respect and importantly to her self-esteem or both will crumble beyond repair and she might cringe through life till probably 'death do them part'! There is something called the
"Stockholm Syndrome" which works inexplicably upon the victim where she gets habituated to bondage so that she does not even want to get out of the situation. Strange indeed, but the mind in abnormal situations, can and does behave outside the fold of rationality. Any determined action requires courage of conviction, of looking the consequences in the face, of going through immediate difficulties for eventual betterment. I do wish our so-called educated society would not disparage approaching counsellors when there is a need. We all know friends are “good time" folks that fast disappear at the first sign that you might turn to them, parents succumb to their vulnerability of age, uncles and aunts if they exist, are relatives in name. Today there is need for sharp awareness, and self-reliance, especially in the youth. Everyone entering a relationship must know that no mistake of theirs warrants physical abuse. Let your partner walk out on you but do not allow your partner to hit you physically and get away with it. yi Nisha JamVwal @nishjamvwal Write in with your thoughts to nishajamvwal@gmail.com JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 59
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BEAUTY
Who doesn’t love wearing cologne? Men, especially, are very particular about the kind of scents that they choose to wear. From floral to strong woody scents, we have come a long way and it’s very important to smell good these days. Parth Shah explores the science behind scents and how smelling great and having your own individual scent is essential
One should always wear a scent for the mood and the occasion. Men mostly prefer strong scents but going overboard with strong colognes is a cardinal sin and wearing a faint one is like wearing none in this country. It is very important to strike the “right chord”. Speaking of chords, scents can be compared to music notes in a very fascinating way.
Head note is the aroma, which is apparent. It’s like the first impression of the perfume and it’s the first scent you get when you open the perfume bottle.
Heart note, as its name reflects, is the body of the perfume. It is the scent that characterizes the perfume and the one that persists.
The base note surfaces with the submergence of the heart notes. In more common terms it can be called as the trail of the perfume; the last traces of the scent.
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Eau de Cologne or colognes are low priced and nominally fragrant and the weakest form of perfumes. The scents fade off in a few hours as the essential oils are weak in concentration. Fun Fact: This type of perfume was invented by the great Napoleon Bonaparte.
Perfume or Eau de Parfum contains the highest concentration of essential oils and flower extracts. They are expensive and obviously they are the best and persist for days.
Ever wondered what the words “eau de toillete” meant on the perfume bottle? Every perfume contains essential oils and alcohol; their concentration makes all the difference.
yering Perfume la e c n or fragra is g in il cockta ixing m f o rt the a two or more ate re scents to c and e n o r e a bett ng the ti a m a lg ama f one o attributes other. n a to scent in ke li t s o It’s alm hybrid. creating a ts en c Custom s d to e d n inte scents are d and vibe. g in d n le B ur moo iduality. reflect indiv nt that truly echoes yo very experiment e e c h s create a tr y and wit ing wrong with the ke chemis o It’s much li t, there is a risk of g sult. c re je s b u u s o tr e isas in th having a d d n a la u form y scents l and wood otes. ra o fl t a th n make sure with citrus es with One should e mixed with scents m u rf e p h it w b mixed e b ’t should not binations n m ld o u ferent c nts sho if e d c s h y it d w o o d W un eral rule of s. Play aro t! As a gen strong note afraid to experimen rayed first so they e sp and don’t b ier scents should be here is no limit on v T a . e s h e , n b o r m thu ring but ghte use in laye nd ower the li u rp e yo v t o a ’t th n o s d e te r of perfum e; you migh the numbe rboard in this practic been rescued from e s don’t go ov ke someone who ha . li s g il o in l ll a e ti m n s e up of ess l o o p a in drowning
Eau de Toilette is a tad cheaper than the ones mentioned before and are meant to be applied on the neck, wrist and ear lobes. Although, one can just apply them anywhere. The base notes also fade away in a day or even within a few hours when the weather’s humid. yi
• Chypre scents: DK Unleaded by Donna Karan • Citrus scents: Armani by Giorgio Armani • Fougere scents: Boss No.1 by Hugo Boss • Lavender scents: Ungaro by Ungaro • Leather scents: Pour Lui (Oscar) by Oscar De La Renta • Spicy scents: Bijan by Bijan Fragrances • Woody scents: Safari by Ralph Lauren
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FASHION
As fashion changes every season, you can’t always be expected to buy everything new. Deeksha Khanna explores some street style hacks that you can use to revamp your wardrobe to the latest trends this season
NEUTRAL COLOUR CROP TOPS
With printed lowers being the in-thing this season, the best thing is to team up your expensive lowers with a plain neutral crop top. Crop tops are a must nowadays in everyone’s wardrobe, so pick up black or white crops from the market and team it with your printed skirts and trousers.
COLORFUL DUNGREES
If you go to buy one of these oh-so-comfortable pairs of clothing in a big brand shop, it will cost you a bomb, but once you venture out on the streets looking for one, you will find it in abundance. Dungarees are available at street shops at affordable prices and in all shapes and colours.
PALAZZOS
With the Mumbai heat getting intense every day, jeans and tights seem to just be increasing our woes. But palazzos have found a way in; this comfortable non-stick, flow-y pant is a boon for us in this hot weather. The streets are filled with vendors selling these pants in different materials, different patterns, colours and sizes, no surprise they are affordable too.
KOHLAPURI
Comfort is the key but the choice between comforts is a tough choice to make; Kohlapuris are the way out. This ancient footwear has been transformed into modern wear and is
MAEGANTINTARI, FLICKR.COM
the most affordable and comfortable pair of summer footwear you will find. Some have heels, others are flat, some have two colours and some are just single colours. There’s a huge variety to choose from and they go with practically every outfit, giving that touch of Indian wear.
ACCESSORISE IT
The jewellery pieces that you may need to funk up your look are available with street vendors at reasonable prices. These accessories range from heavy beaded necklaces to gothic rings; accessories for hair are also availabledifferent styles of hair bands and clips. Scarves of different patterns are also a hit, as they can be paired up with anything. A plain everyday look can also be made much more trendy with the right accessories. yi
Palazzo and crop top from Jabong.com
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G-SPOT the
Gadgets Gizmos Geeks By Manil S Dodani
GAME CHANGER MAKARISTOS, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
"You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t improve what you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t measure"
SPORTS AND TECHNOLOGY
Technology, they say, is a game changer. In my opinion, the validity of the aforesaid statement has been established many times over. How? Well, for one, phones are getting smarter and the very people who created them, dumber. So there you go: game changed. It is needless to say that technology now defines everything that we do, and this infusion needs to be judged without being too judgmental. Playing a sport professionally now is a lot more complicated, owing somewhat to the blending of technology on the field, the stadium, the courts and even the table. JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 63
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When the Olympics started in 776 BC, it primarily represented combat skills, a show of strength to be precise. Gladiators and slaves were hired, in order to represent the councils. Their win was that of his council or state. Sheer physical brilliance was the winning criterion. Today, the governing bodies of various sports use technology to measure, gauge, analyze and reanalyze the outcome of a sport.
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE CAVEAT
Technology is now being used (or abused, you decide) to enhance performance at different levels. The instances are many - from synthetic tracks that help athletes run faster, Astro turf surfaces and fibre glass hockey sticks that redefined the way India plays its national sport, Luxilon technology used in racquets for getting serves of 200 kmph and endless rallies in tennis, swimsuits to create world records in temperature controlled pools. Sachin Tendulkar once upon a time smashed those boundaries with a custom designed bat. It wasn’t a style statement from the God of cricket, it was the precursor to a norm, adherence to which can lead to better performance delivery and just that perfect reverse swing, sweep or the magnanimous yet super effective helicopter shot. No kidding. Besides performance enhancement, technology has helped make sport unbiased, unprejudiced and occasionally trump human judgment in order to deliver an accurate decision. Instadia displays and slow motion cameras help increase spectator participation as well as decide on the upper hand in case of a close finish. But how did so much technology come into play in the first place, quite literally turning the motto of the Olympics – Citius, Altius, Fortius (faster, higher, stronger) – upside down?
There are two prime contributors to this high-tech mess – first is the over commercialization of sports and second is the power of broadcast media. In the 1936 Olympics held in Berlin, Germany was the first ever live televised sporting event. Germany wanted to show the world how Berlin was a world class city with the latest in technology and support systems. Filmmaker Leni Riefenstahl was commissioned by the German Olympic Committee to film the Games. Her film, entitled ‘Olympia’, released in 1938, introduced many of the techniques now common to the filming of sports. Live, and now repeat telecasts, are bringing in a whole new set of audience to watch sports, those who were not in the arena, but can still watch it from the luxury of their homes. This has spewed a whole new opportunity in the form of advertisers who can sponsor the games and reach out to potential customers and sometimes their actual target audience. The focus today seems to be more on the angles that the opening and closing ceremonies can be filmed at, and how much ad time can the channel programming guys can squeeze in. Telecast times are at odd hours in different time zones with very short buffer periods are forcing players to deliver bursts of performance rather too quickly. The Beijing Olympics had eight official sponsors, all engaged in oneupmanship sometimes their spirit outmatched that of the players, so much so that we remember those 8 sponsors but not the number of medals won by individual countries! Integrating with social media platforms has meant that the experience of watching a sport is highly invasive and targeted. Is the sporting universe willing to pay this price for a fair game and maybe some more fan engagement? The numbers say yes, the fans
TECHNOLOGY NOW DEFINES EVERYTHING THAT WE DO, AND THIS INFUSION NEEDS TO BE JUDGED WITHOUT BEING TOO JUDGMENTAL. TODAY, THE GOVERNING BODIES OF VARIOUS SPORTS USE TECHNOLOGY TO MEASURE, GAUGE, ANALYZE AND REANALYZE THE OUTCOME OF A SPORT hoot no. We want a way out of this, sport where a “Review” cannot trump an umpire’s index finger maybe? One of the ways out of this is to have two categories of sports – Amateurs (like Olympics) and Professionals (like the ATP Tennis tournaments). Let us at least spare the amateurs to participate in the pristine without using any technology. The professionals can vouch for their prized purses by using as many performance enhancing techniques as they please hopefully making a contribution to promote their sport at amateur levels. And sure, there is hope. FIFA and its President have probably understood this as well, and despite the fact that a chip was introduced to be fitted in the ball for goal line decision, they want the human element to remain in this competitive yet beautiful game. The same goes with Wimbledon, the finals are always held under natural light as they believe it is an outdoor sport, and the Indian cricket team that is opposed to the UDRS system and wants the human element to remain intact. Technology might seem to play a more important role than the sport itself. Gladiators, keep heart! yi
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APPS
TOP 5 APPS FOR ULTIMATE CONNECTIVITY
of the
Get these cool new apps that channelise the inner geek in you and take your reality to a whole new level
MONTH
Platforms : Android Gmote is made to act as a remote for your computer. It lets you seamlessly control movies and music as well as play powerpoint presentations and image slide shows. It can also launch websites, while acting as a touchpad to navigate. FLICKR_SIMONWHITAKER
FLICKR_DYAHAYUSUSILWATI
GMOTE
DROPBOX
REMOTE FOR ITUNES FLICKR_ADOLFOMIRANDA_GMOTE
Platforms : Android, iOS, Blackberr, Kindle Fire Dropbox requires a desktop installation before you can start. After you install Dropbox on your computer, any files that you save on drop box will be available via cloud access. You can access all your data from your mobile devices or other computer by signing into Dropbox. The app also lets you share your files with friends.
PUSHBULLET
SPLASHTOP 2
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows Phone
FLICKR_TATSUOYAMASHITA
FLICKR_ARCAVIAN_SPLASHTOP
Platforms: Android, Windows Phone, iOS, Kindle Fire Splashtop lets you connect your mobile device to your computers over WiFi, by providing full access to all applications, documents, games, emails and browser. It can connect upto five devices. You can also access your music and video library stored on your computer. With an in app purchase, you can access everything over the internet as well.
Platforms : iOS, Android, Windows Phone If you are an Apple user, then this App will let you remotely control your iTunes library of music, videos, playlists and Apple TV. You can control your music from anywhere in the house, over your WiFi as long as it’s added on iTunes library. It works on all Apple devices and variations of the App are available on other mobile operating systems.
Pushbullet is an easy to use that let’s your computer mirror your phone. Your computer can receive your phones notifications and also perform functions like snooze alarms, archive emails, dismiss Facebook alerts, or mute notifications. For android users, there is an extra benefit of syncing across multiple devices and texting from your computer. JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 65
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IN CONVERSATION WITH
Witty and well-read Sriram Karri is out with his next novel: the powerful and intriguing Autobiography of a Mad Nation, a story of patriotic friends in a nation that is descending into madness. Neeti Vijaykumar catches up with him in an exclusive print and online interview
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Where did you get the idea to write Autobiography of a Mad Nation? It was a random statement made by me one day at a public discussion – I was born in a mentally retarded country. I felt it deserved more; that it had weight to start a book. But to create a theme strong enough to create a novel worthy of intelligent readers, I had to bring in another statement – if I had tochoosebetweenbetrayingmyfriend or my nation, God, give me strength to betray my country. This gave me the theme. The plot had to do two things – more than a plot alone, I had to create a literary device – wherein, the book would on one hand had to be a racy murder mystery and political serial deaths and an investigation. On the other strand, like a DNA helix, was an intellectual series of essays, a reflection on India’s history between Emergency to Godhra. All along, it was necessary not to weaken the plot or flow of story by the temptation to analyze history or politics. I borrowed heavily from several classics to create the structure - Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged - and the story of friends, but keep them hidden till later; and start the story from another set of protagonists, before unveiling the heroes. It was fun because it was so complex, and when successfully completed, the simplicity is beautiful to read. Sorry, I cannot say good things about my own book, right? You make many references to Rushdie and Orwell. Are they your favourite authors? Who else do you enjoy reading and take inspiration from? The book has references to many writers – Dostoevsky, Oscar Wilde, Rushdie, Camus, Kafka, Salinger, Alexander Dumas – a very long list and I loved their writings. I read a lot, but my inspiration is largely the Romantic School of Literature, especially Ayn Rand. How did your career span as a journalist and corporate brander assist you in writing? It kept me going, paid the bills,
allowed me to read and dream on. It kept me angry and frustrated enough to want to go back to writing after a tough day or week of work. It taught me details of planning and discipline to focus on deadline and try and keep them as much as possible. It showed me that success was possible after a long struggle. But otherwise, these were independent identities and lives at large. Felt like superman in that sense – day job of a journalist or tech brander – post work, the secret mask as a novelist.
Are you articulating your reaction to the nation and its people’s actions through your writing? Or is it just fiction? Just fiction. My views as a journalist and my opinions are too unimportant to the story I have weaved and told. However much I would like to say a lot to my countrymen – it won’t be more important than what I can tell them as a storyteller. My stories are more important than my views. Do you brand India as a hopeful nation or a mad nation? I see no contradiction. In that sense, I like the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in Seoul – people used to be ashamed of being
born in India, now they are proud to represent it. I am not supporting him, merely the nature of his statement – a transition, a pride born of seeming shame, not to be taken literally. In that sense, maybe he was quoting my spirit of saying – I was born in a mentally retarded country. The madness has hope, the hope has madness – we contain contradictions – we are the multitude. It was fun and frustrating to be born and to grow up in a mad nation. When the nation came at you – like during the 1984 Anti-Sikh riots, or Godhra, antiMandal agitations or Mandir-Masjid riots – you wonder why it is so easy for civilization to go on a vacation in India. But otherwise, it was fun. What message are you trying to convey through your book and your writing in general? Read better, demand better as consumers of art and don’t compromise for the drivel of Bollywood, or its equivalent in writing – your soul needs some food. Find it in great writers like Victor Hugo, or Dostoevsky, O’ Henry and don’t settle for less. Great stories are more important for your personal sanity and being human than anything else. Listen to great music, see great paintings, observe great sculptures – to me the fall in standards of art and aesthetics in India – is far more damaging to the country and its people than the fall in ethics. My problem is not you tolerate bad politicians as much as the way you tolerate bad writers, and movie makers. What would you like to tell our young readers about creating literature? Unlike anywhere else or any other aspects, don’t compromise. Demand the best and seek nothing less – it is amazing how easily this will permeate to every aspect of life. yi
To read the rest of his interview and a review of the book, log on to www.youthincmag.com right away JUNE 2015 Youth Incorporated 67
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iMHO BEST OF
M o v i e s
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AMITABH BACHCHAN
The Bollywood superstar turned game show host with Kaun Banega Crorepati. With his humble personality and deep baritone, it’s safe to say he was solely responsible for the show becoming such a hit. Contestants would hug him, cry and touch his feet, and the gentleman that he is, he took it all in with a smile. Running from 2000 till date, KBC has become synonymous with Big B.
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Undoubtedly one of the most famous TV show hosts, Oprah’s The Oprah Winfrey Show aired for 25 seasons till 2011. The first woman to host her own television show, she is known for her diverse interviews and her influence over the American audience. Her strong personality and her racial pride were important in making her show a success. From interviewing celebrities to cancer patients, to hosting a book club and starting a magazine, Oprah has done it all, and how!
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With the world glued to their television sets as a permanent side activity, countless TV shows have made their mark. Abha Pandit lists out some of the best hosts television has seen
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Christened by AIB as an ‘NRI Emotion Exploiter’, he hosts the talk show Koffee with Karan, on which the who’s who of the Hindi film industry make (often multiple) appearances. His gossip generating devices, such as the lie-o-meter, have gained the show high TRPs. Karan Johar’s sassy attitude coupled with his controversial questions, is what makes the show what it is, whether we love it or hate it.
DAVID LETTERMAN
Host of Late Night with David Letterman, he has been in the business since 1980, retiring this year. His couch has been home to many big celebrities, who talk to him about their lives and careers. Funny man David also owns a production company called Worldwide Pants.
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Animal lover, Emmy award winner and comedy queen, Ellen Degeneres, host of The Ellen Degeneres Show, has won hearts all around the world with her hilarity and spontaneity. She is known for giving away expensive gifts to her studio audiences as a regular feature of her show. Ellen also gets bonus points for being openly gay and standing up for LGBT rights.
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ELLEN DEGENERES
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O I D U
Coke studio India brings to you a combination of musical influences from Hindustani, Carnatic and Indian folk to contemporary hip hop, rock and pop music. Each hour-long episode features six songs, compositions by new musicians, recreated Bollywood tracks, and a special song created on the show. Best season: Season 2 Favourite songs: Zariya, Madari, Jiya Laage Na Top artist duo: Sonu Kakkar and Vishal Dadlani
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The magic of live recordings and performances come to life as Coke Studio provides a musical platform which bridges barriers, celebrates diversity; where we delve into an exceptional journey of how the meeting and mingling and experimenting has led to the creation of something that is far greater than the sum of its parts. Christine Rodricks compiles a list of the best Coke Studio productions around the world that you mustn’t miss
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PAKISTAN
K O C F O
Bringing together 24 artists from eight countries, Coke Studio redefines the sounds of Africa, taking the old into the new and connecting young people and exploring a diversity of genres through musical experiments and fusions. Thumbs up to their electrifying performances through their blend of powerful elements! Best season: Season 1 (especially episode 2) Favourite songs: Modogo Modogo, Diving Sorrow, I’ll Fly, A HI DZIMENI Top artist duo: Yemi Alade and Diamond
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AFRICA
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Together with established Arab and international artists, they bring you original fusion songs meshing two or more unique genres of music. Even if you aren’t a dancer, close your eyes to the sound of this music and you’ll be on a belly dancing safari. Best season: Season 1 Favourite songs: Hali Hal, Moustafa Ya Moustafa, Fok el Nakhel Top artist duo: Nancy Ajram and Jones Galves
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Known to have the best performances of Coke Studio, their music gives goosebumps on every note and is defined by raag-based melody layered with western orchestration influenced by eastern classical, folk, qawwali, bhangra, Sufi and contemporary music in Pakistan. Best season: Season 2 Favourite songs: Saari Raat, Panchi, Raaba Ho, Chup Top artist duo: Zeb and Haniya
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S I L E N C E D C I N E M A ,
This Brando-starrer, which is often mentioned as Bertolucci’s finest creation, explores the relationship between a grieving American man (played by Brando) and a young French woman (played by Maria Schneider), both of whom later accused the director of “emotionally manipulating” them and also shooting erotic scenes not mentioned in the screenplay. The film was praised as fine cinema, but received criticism for raw eroticism and was called “self-serving pornography”. This led to Bertolucci being painted as a criminal in Italy and the film being banned in many countries.
PERSEPOLIS (2007) THE INTERVIEW (2014)
The latest and most talked about film on the ‘ban’wagon, this comic caper, starring James Franco and Seth Rogen, was meant to trigger a laugh riot, while a series of controversies and a diplomatic crises came as a bonus. The film not only irked the North Korean government, prompting them to issue a warning of ‘merciless’ retaliation against America, but also received criticism back home and from the UN for its depiction of a CIA plot to assassinate North Korea’s supreme leader Kim Jong-un.
Iran, like many Middle Eastern republics, is not very well known for freedom of expression, so when an expat like Marjane Satrapi decided to convert her autobiographical graphic novel into a film depicting life in pre-revolutionary Iran and her struggles before moving to France, waves were bound to be created. It faced an outright ban in Iran and Lebanon for inauthentic depiction of events, but later on was released with certain “sexual elements” removed. In Tunisia, a private broadcaster faced flak for airing the movie which was said to be going against “sacred values”.
C I N E M A ,
BATTLESHIP POTEMKIN (1925)
This one is more of a surprise, as it’s hard to believe that a movie from the silent era could provoke the establishment to the extent of banning of it. This movie, often touted as the most wellmade propaganda film, told the story of the 1905 Potemkin mutiny against the Tsarist regime in a cinematic marvel beautifully crafted by highly acclaimed director Sergei Eisenstien. Nazi bigwig Joseph Goebbels described it as a movie that could make a politically undecided individual embrace Bolshevik principles. Naturally, it was banned in many countries, including Germany and France.
UNFREEDOM (2015)
The latest contribution to India’s image as “Banistan” and a country lacking freedom of expression is this film by Raj Amit Kumar, which has been banned even before the trailer came out. This film, dealing with violence through Muslim and LGBT identities in two parallel storylines, was not cleared by the censor board. The reason provided was that it can cause communal tensions and also ignite “unnatural passions” because of homosexuality being the subject matter.
S I L E N C E D
B R I L L I A N T
LAST TANGO IN PARIS (1972)
B R I L L I A N T
In recent times, the government in our country seems to have set out on a banning spree, and the media, including cinema, has predominantly been at the receiving front. Ayub Dawood lists out those instances when cinema found itself silenced by the system
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T I M E
AYN RAND FOR ATLAS SHRUGGED
T H E I R O F
OSCAR WILDE FOR THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST
GEORGE ORWELL FOR 1984
While recounting those ahead of their time, it only seems fitting to end our list with The Bard of Avon. Aristotle once said, ‘No great mind has ever existed without a touch of madness.’ And hence, despite Shakespeare’s distinct dialect and eccentricity, his works are the only ones that are a complete embodiment of human nature. Be it the rudimentary theme of appearance versus reality, or gender issues (in the 16th century!) his works are truly allencompassing. So if you haven’t read any of his works yet…
T I M E
Published in 1949, but titled 1984, this one is an obvious contender in the list. Orwell has presented the dynamics of Totalitarianism by creating a technologically advanced world in which fear is used as a tool for manipulating and controlling individuals who do not adhere to the prevailing political orthodoxy. While the year 1984 has come and gone, Orwell's narrative is timelier than ever. 1984 presents a ‘negative utopia’, that is at once a startling and haunting vision of the world — so powerful that it's completely convincing from start to finish.
SHAKESPEARE FOR….ALL OF HIS WORKS
T H E I R
A H E A D
Writing in the Victorian Era where Utilitarianism was the code to abide by, Wilde portrays an array of characters caught up in ‘what ought to be’ rather than ‘what is’. And amidst such a setting of properness and conformity, the satirical character of Algernon seeks to mock the unthinking beliefs and traditions of their society. His work, being unique from anything ever published in that age, automatically became a victim of disdain, only to later pave the way for individuality.
O F
W R I T E R S
A H E A D
This Russian-American writer and philosopher first propounded the term ‘objectivism.’ Objectivism is the collective term used for Realism, Reason, Capitalism and Egoism. In fact, Rand is one of those few people who has portrayed an egoist as her protagonist. Her ideology taught men to love oneself before another, to ditch altruism and accept egoism. Now, one can only imagine what sort of sentiments that would’ve stirred. However, her novels, such as Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged, once read, will completely change your take on life and yourself.
W R I T E R S
While our societies even today beg conformity, it is to the grace of those few who refuse conventionality that we can attribute the world’s principles to. Maithili Modi looks at a few such writers whose different perspectives are ruling the world today, despite being disregarded and denounced in their time
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_AFTER DARK
hangout
PLACES AND EVENTS FOR THE MONTH
LA PLAISIR, PUNE
CUISINE: European, Desserts BITES AND BOOZE: If you’re a fan of petit cafés and have a sweet tooth, Le Plaisir is the place for you. With an option between sandwiches, pastas, salads and savoury crepes, they’ve got your main course well covered. No matter what you get, a side of their Cheesy Garlic Bread is an absolute must eat. The place doesn’t serve alcohol, but their House Iced Tea and Lemonade more than make up for it. Better than their food, are their desserts. The macaroons are delicious and come in five or six different flavours, salted caramel being one of the best. The Non-baked Hazelnut Cheesecake is rich and creamy and topped with a generous layer of Nutella, a perfect end to your meal. FAB OR DRAB: Nestled between shops on a busy street, it’s a small bistro that is easy to miss. The feel of the place is very homely, and an entire wall is dedicated to their customers’ doodles. But with a capacity to seat only around 20 people at a time, be prepared to wait for a table. Shop No. 4 B, Lane 6 Intersection, Bhandarkar Road, Deccan Gymkhana, Pune, Maharashtra 411004 -Abha Pandit
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MAV’S CAKES AND BAKES, MUMBAI
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CUISINE: Continental, Desserts BITES AND BOOZE: In a world of loud music and clubbing nights where you want to numb your soul and dance the night away, there exists an alternate universe where you can walk in to immediately be transported to your happy place. Mav’s Bakes and Cakes is a beautifully comforting cafe where the food makes you feel right at home, while giving your taste buds the experience you walked in for. Some of their absolute meaty delights are Kheema Pao, Pork Chops, Choris Pao, Sorpotel and Bacon Explosion. Their weekend menu also includes all day breakfast with pancakes and French toast, a sure-shot way to lure in the hungry and not-so-morning people on a bright and chirpy Sunday. The chocolate, vanilla, red velvet and coffee cupcakes are absolutely divine and some of their best desserts include the Dark Chocolate Cake filled with Hershey’s Cookies and Cream, Chocolate Fudge Cake with Dark Chocolate Ganache and the gooey Fudge Chocolate Brownies. So much chocolate to die for! FAB OR DRAB: Mav’s is a beautifully homey place with bean bags to sit and stretch out on, and Archie Digest comics placed on every table, giving you the perfect ambience and the perfect food that will have you reminisce your lazy vacations back home. Bon apetite! Hill Road, Bandra West, Mumbai -Nancy Varghese
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’s e buds eaty el l day to lure chirpy kes e the Cream, the e for! bean aced fect home.
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ME SO HAPPI, MUMBAI
CUISINE: Italian, Asian, Continental BITES AND BOOZE: At this aptly named delightful little diner, start with a warm bowl of soup, maybe a Bruschetta, Happi Mushrooms or the very fiery Dynamite Prawns. Don’t miss out on Meat on Top, which is basically chicken or lamb at the top of layers of soft mash potatoes, a personal favourite. Cheese lovers, go for the Mighty Melt burger, which also has bacon and eggs. The pasta and lasagne are also worth a mention, especially the chicken-bacon-ham lasagne for meat lovers. While you wait for the food, pull up a board game from their shelf or walk over to the dessert counter to see what sinful delight to pick for the evening. They also whip up some delicious cocktails on weekends. FAB OR DRAB: Located off the Linking Road in Khar, this chic food heaven will become your favourite the moment you step in and take a seat. Everything, from the snazzy interiors to the amazing food and the friendly staff, will certainly bring a smile to your face. Me say, you go there now, ok? Shop 2, Ground Floor, Kusum Kunj, Near Guess Showroom, Khar-Linking Road, Khar (West), Mumbai -Neeti VIjaykumar
`1500o for tw
EVENTS THIS MONTH
A STATE OF TRANCE MUSIC FESTIVAL
DANCEWORX SUMMER WORKSHOP
Dance-lovers, listen up! A jazz dance workshop by Danceworx could get you a chance to show off your skills on stage. The workshop lasts a month. Begins 7 June Where: Morya Classic, Andheri West, Mumbai
DHARAMSALA FILM FESTIVAL Dedicated to celebrating consciousness and creativity in film, this is one festival in the serene town of Dharamsala that you mustn't miss. 11 – 13 June Where: Dharamsala, Himachal Pradesh
The most exciting music festival after Sunburn, the artist line up this time includes Armin Van Buren, Cosmic gate, Orjan Nilsen, Simon Patterson, Super 8 and Tab. 6 June Where: NSCI, Mumbai, Maharashtra
PUMA URBAN STAMPEDE Work up a heat this summer. Take part in marathons of 5 km, 10 km and corporate relays of 5 km. 7 June Where: Pune, Maharashtra
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GRAFFITI
Trends Of The Month Drop the beat, not the fries!
Hi-Rez, A New York rapper entered McDonalds, walks up to the cash register and rattles off every item listed on the menu. Did he get all of it? How much do you think the cost came up to? Nonetheless, Lil Wayne definitely posted this up his Facebook page and you definitely can’t miss this one!
Tetris on street
Veteran prankster, Remi Gaillard, takes Tetris, our very own old school game to the streets. From traffic to infuriating strangers Gillian’s game is much more intense than the computer game we remember. We don’t recommend trying this at home.
A little fast, A little furious
This action-packed parody trailer released by DreamWorks TV is complete with kiddie car chases, Nerf gun fights and mini versions of Vin Diesel and The Rock donning bald caps. This one would definitely give ‘Fast and the Furious 7’ a run for their money at box office.
Meeting Murilo
The short film, titled “Meeting Murilo,” was made by Huggies Brazil as part of an ad campaign. It follows Tatiana to her 20-week ultrasound exam, where she has no idea she is about to be presented with a 3D printed image of her son, Murilo.
Come on, Mittens! What the heck are you doing with your life? Sharma ji's cat has over 12 million views!
Dubsmash
Chances are you’re one of the millions of people who have fallen victim to the addictiveness and utter ridiculousness of Dubsmash that’s consistently entertaining us since it was launched. But what we really love is watching celebs from Hugh Jackman, Khloe Kardashian to Rihanna try nailing the perfect dub.
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RNI Number: MAHENG/2011/38909 Postal Regd. No: MCW/293/2015 - 2017 Posted at Mumbai Patrika Channel Sorting Office GPO, Mumbai 400001 on 4th & 5th of every month Date of Publication: 1st of every month
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