March 2015 low

EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

MARCH 2015 || ` 75

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A COMPREHENSIVE RANKINGS LIST OF UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE GLOBE DREAM CHASERS

Taking the plunge into photography from a different background

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MUMBAI MEMOIRS: THE WONDER WOMEN A photo series on courageous women in Mumbai

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PRODIGY Bowled Over Ex-cricketer Isa Guha talks about her life as a woman cricketer and the Indian women’s sport scene

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WORKPLACE HACKS Cupid At Work The pros and cons of pursuing your love interest under your boss’s nose

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AWARENESS ADDICTED The Chain Reaction An insight into why smoking is addictive and how to quit

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RELATIONSHIP Handcuffed In Love Who would you watch Fifty Shades of Grey with?

FITNESS Ready, Surf-set, Go! Check out the wonders of Surfset Fitness, a new kind of intensive core workout POINT OF VIEW The Social Cause Celebrity columnist Nisha Jamvwal throws the limelight on the quirks of the socialites of Mumbai FASHION Fashion bloggers to follow this summer Get amazing style tips and fashion secrets from these fashion and lifestyle bloggers BEAUTY ‘No Makeup’ Makeup look Get the perfect nude makeup look with these tips Page

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Volume 4 Issue 9 March 2015

Editor's

note

Editor-in-Chief NITISH SHAH nitish@youthincmag.com

It’s time again for the annual Global University Rankings 2015, where we bring you a methodical ranking of the top 100 universities from around the world. As we’ve seen over the years since the inception of this idea in 2011, these rankings have helped students get a fair idea of the best college to pursue their higher education. Our list also includes four universities from India, which have risen in their ranks, promising a brighter future for students in our country.

Taking cue from our newly appointed Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who was a former IRS officer and now a politician, we call out to all budding artists out there, who are stuck in courses that are miles away from their passion to follow your heart.

In Dream Chasers, we pay a tribute to those daring youngsters who chose to ditch high paying careers in management or engineering, to pursue their passion for photography. These selftaught pioneers have braved the odds and dodged self-doubt and persevered to make their mark.

I watched the much talked about Fifty Shades of Grey, and felt that it wasn’t worth the hype. Besides showing some BDSM scenes, there wasn’t much that the film had to offer. However, it’s time to accept that all people are wired differently, and they all have different expectations, be it in love or in bed, as I’ve mentioned in Handcuffed In Love, our Relationship special.

This March, as we celebrate the spirit of women empowerment on Women’s Day, we take a glance into the lives of women who have conquered tough times to shine bright in Mumbai Memoirs: The Wonder Women.

Mumbai being a microcosm of India, a city where people from all walks of life from all over the country live together in glorious harmony that is unmatched to any other city in the world, it is but obvious that these stories would resonate with everyone, anywhere.

Wishing all the incredible ladies a Happy Women’s Day!

Nitish Shah

Chief Operating Officer CAROLINE SAMSON coo@youthincmag.com

Editorial

AAYUSH AILAWADI NEETI VIJAYKUMAR NANCY B VARGHESE

Editorial Interns

ADITI DHEKLE JANVI MANCHANDA RUCHA PAWAR

Art & Design

MOULVI ABBAS HASAN

Ad Sales

NANDINI BARJATIYA ALEIFIYA B NIKUNJ RAMAIYA

Marketing

PRATHAMESH DESHPANDE PERSIS SHROFF MANIL S DODANI digital@youthincmag.com

Marketing Interns HARSH MEHTA AJAY MELWANI KARTIK AHUJA LOHIT MADAAN SIMRAN MANSINGHANI

Circulation

SHANTARAM AMBERKAR NISHANT SHINDE

Administration GEETA NAIK

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: Repro India Ltd Plot No 50/2, TTC MIDC Industrial Area, Mahape, Navi Mumbai 400 710, District Thane All content in print and online is owned by Splash Publication Pvt Ltd under international copyright laws. No part of the content can be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of the publishers. Publishers will not be held responsible for the content of the magazine including accuracy and effects. All disputes will be subject to the jurisdiction of competant courts in Mumbai only.

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editorial c o n n e c t

Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com

SOCIALLY YOURS

YouthIncMag

@YouthIncMag

Students at SIES College, Nerul, with their copies of Youth Inc

Young & dynamic BJP leader Poonam Mahajan with a copy of Youth Inc

 DOWNLOAD THE OCUTAG SNAP

BLOGGER OF THE MONTH Omkar Khandekar

http://candid-lounge.blogspot.in/ Omkar Khandekar, 23, is a writer and journalist in Mumbai. He reads, rants, pets pets, and prefers coffee to cognac. His blog, Candid Lounge, features all of his journalistic pieces that have been published in several renowned publications. Expect non-fiction write-ups that are crisp, thought provoking, and well structured. On being featured as our blogger of the month, he says, “I would like to humbly accept this recognition on behalf of all the non guitar-players out there, the poor sods who never thought they would amount to much.”

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PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH

@ABCDEFU Izzy has a very matter-of-fact Twitter bio that says ‘knowledge is cool’ and taunts almost anything that catches his fancy. Or takes the fancy and makes it amusing. Sometimes both.

Used words like Shukriya and Meherbani in Delhi to show off my Hindi skills.

Delhi Airport is really big, could've had a couple of slums maybe Catch the driver nap while on the wheel and he be like, "Koi na, autopilot hai na ji."

Kala Ghoda is the new Shirdi.

If it were illegal to step on snails, you'd be tried for both destruction of property and homicide.

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A VARIETY OF DIGITAL CONTENT: VIDEOS, RELATED ARTICLES AND MUCH MORE

2/24/2015 9:36:45 PM

yi

educate

How to ditch your degree and switch to photography Page 18

K E E I PI N S D E 

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BOWLED OVER

CUPID AT WORK

THE CHAIN REACTION

HOW ISA GUHA LED THE ENGLAND WOMEN’S CRICKET TEAM TO WORLD CUP VICTORY

BE CAREFUL WHILE CANOODLING AT THE WATER COOLER

QUITTING SMOKING IS EASIER IF YOU KNOW HOW ADDICTED YOU ARE TO IT

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EDU NEWS

 The University of Sussex is offering scholarships for overseas students from India worth £3,000.  The students must be admitted to the full time Masters course at the University commencing in September 2015 and must be self-financed.  The scholarship will be awarded as a fee reduction, with the applications taking place online.  Deadline: 1 August 2015.  For further details: http://www.sussex. ac.uk/

NAROTAM SEKHSARIA SCHOLARSHIP  The Narotam Sekhsaria Foundation is awarding up to a maximum of Rs. 20 lakhs interest free scholarships to Indian students with an excellent academic record.  The scholarship is open to students pursuing postgraduate studies in humanities, pure sciences, management in Indian and international universities,  The application procedure takes place online.  Deadline: 23 March 2015.  For further information: http://pg.nsfoundation. co.in/

SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE RAVI SANKARAN FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

ASHOKA INDIA FELLOWSHIP

 This program funds three main pursuits: a small grants program for a research project, an internship and a Masters degree.  The program is open to Indian students below the age of thirty with a profound interest in conservation and wildlife ecology.  Applications must be sent by post by 15 April 2015.  For further details: http://www. ravisankaran.org/

 Ashoka India aims to award fellowship to social entrepreneurs that can provide solutions to the pressing global problems and challenges.  The fellowship does not require the applicants to meet any criteria such as age, gender, or education.  An access to the fellowship network and stipend will be awarded.  For further information: http://india. ashoka.org/

University of Sussex - Charles Rawding - commons.wikipedia.org

SUSSEX INDIA SCHOLARSHIP 2015

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PEARL ACADEMY INTRODUCES UG PROGRAM IN FASHION STYLING AND IMAGE DESIGN  Pearl Academy launched a four-year BA Hons Degree program, called Fashion Styling and Image Design.  The course aims to provide students with skills required in areas like entertainment, media, retail, fashion through modules like image development, fashion styling, business development, cultures and trends and fashion.  Students who have passed 10+2 in any discipline with minimum 50% marks are eligible.

BABSON GLOBAL COLLABORATES WITH BENNETT UNIVERSITY  A subsidiary of Babson College, Babson Global tied up with the Bennett University to promote an Indian university that is on par with global standards.  The partnership was announced by Vineet Jain, managing director of Bennett and Coleman & Co and Kerry Healey, president of Babson College.  The Babson Global will be helping the Bennett University in developing the faculty training programs and curriculum.  Bennett University offers doctoral, graduate and undergraduate degrees in applied sciences, media and liberal arts, design, law, entrepreneurship, management and technology.

 At a function held at Rashtrapati Bhavan, president Pranab Mukherjee presented awards for central universities for ‘Research’, ‘Innovation’ and ‘Best University’ for the year 2015.  The Cosmology and Astrophysics Research Group, Centre for Theoretical Physics, Jamia Millia Islamia received the ‘Research’ award for ground breaking research in the field of Astrophysics and Cosmology.  Dr Amita Gupta and Prof Vijay K Chaudhary of Delhi University won the ‘Innovation’ award for their invention of a diagnostic test for tuberculosis known as ‘TB Confirm’.  The University of Hyderabad won the award for ‘Best University’ for their academic excellence.

Marcello Casal - commons.wikipedia.org

Babson College - Daderot - commons.wikipedia.org

PRESIDENT CONFERRED AWARDS FOR CENTRAL UNIVERSITIES

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EVE N

IARY D T

Dolly Bindra with the winners of X-Factors

(L-R) Paul Marshall dancing with the contestants. SIES's Mascot Tambi dancing with judges of Expresso, Luke Kenny, Rajeev Paul, and Ashish Roy

Praneet Bhatt interacting with the crowd

SIES FANTASIES 2015

QUARK AT BITS PILANI Ian McElhinney, who played Ser Barristan Selmy in Game Of Thrones, enthralls the audience

Burnout event

(L-R) School students participate in School Bag, Robokombat in progress

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Participants at the vibrant fashion show event

Gondhal, depicting Marathi culture and literature (L-R) Various group dance performances kept the crowds entertained

VERVE AT VIDYALANKAR INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

VIVIDH 2015 Chirpy PR outings

The Show Night at SVKM’s Pravin Gandhi College of Law Crowd surfing, campus concerts couldn't get any better!

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Tata Institute of Social Sciences & Whistling Woods International team up to offer Graduate Degrees in Filmmaking, Media & Communication & Fashion What is the collaboration all about?

Two of the best institutes in India, Whistling Woods International (WWI) and Tata Institute of Social Sciences, have come together to ensure proliferation of Film & Media education, including it being brought into the mainstream and becoming a focus area for India’s leading institutions. TISS has built an impressive reputation through its highquality, progressive & socially relevant education in the social sciences. WWI in its 9th year, has already become India’s premier institute of Film, Communication and Media Arts as well as been rated as one of the Ten Best Film Schools in the World.

Give us a little background on Whistling Woods International.

Founded by one of India’s leading filmmakers – Subhash Ghai, Whistling Woods International (WWI) is one of Asia’s largest Media Arts institutes.

‘The Hollywood Reporter’ has rated Whistling Woods International as one of the Ten Best Film Schools in the world in 2014, 2013 & 2010. WWI offers courses that vary in duration from 1 year to 3 years catering to all major verticals of the Media & Entertainment industry, namely Acting, Animation, Cinematography, Direction, Editing, Producing, Screenwriting, Sound, Visual Effects, Media Management and Fashion Design.

What has the journey been like for TISS from its inception up until today?

Over the years, the institute has made consistent contributions to civil society and the development sector through its education, research, field action

and extension. Today, TISS has earned recognition as an institution of repute from different ministries of the government of India; various state governments; international agencies such as the United Nations; and the non-government sector, both national and international. A high degree of freedom and autonomy shape the positive work ethos and creativity in the institute facilitating strong linkages between education, research, field action and dissemination.

What are the placement opportunities a student gets post studying at WWI? Share a few details of those placed in the Media industry.

WWI is highly committed to ensure that its students move into the industry in creative and rewarding areas of employment. WWI alumni are currently working at several leading media organisations like Zee, Star, Phantom, Endemol, UTV-Disney, Dharma Productions, Virgin Releasing, Mukta Arts, Genesis, Madison, CAA Kwan, MPAA, Times Now, and Bling among others. With the highest package of Rs. 6,75,000 per annum, the latest batch of MBA in Media and Entertainment from WWI has been accepted into top companies like Star TV, Zee TV, NDTV Good Times, Sun TV, Phantom Films, Mavcomm, Adfactors, and CNN IBN among others.

“A lot of thought and meticulous planning has gone into finalizing the curriculum, faculty & the practical nature of the education at WWI. It is regularly updated keeping international standards in mind. Associating with TISS, an institution of high academic pedagogy is a step in the same direction; to enhance the quality of programs offered at WWI.” - Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman – WWI

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dream

chasers

FOCUS FEATURE

Pursuing your passion is the hardest thing to do when life gives you a reality check and orders you to snap out of it. But for these artists who took the plunge and survived the storm, calm seas were not too far away, as Nancy Varghese finds out

I

n the forced silence of his stark white office cubicle, he is quietly typing away the last document he will be submitting for a while: his letter of resignation. There’s a spring in his step as he takes his last walk down the polished marble floors of the fancy glass building. The thought of his camera waiting to be cradled in his hands makes him smile all the way up to his ears. It is time.

Gone are the days when thoughts like ‘I wish I could dance for a living’ and ‘Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I was paid for my photos?’ were just silently wished upon a shooting star. In the fast paced nine-to-five desk jobs of the working

population, there emerges a wallflower every now and then, who is tired of being unnoticed. Not everyone has the courage it takes to take the first step to fulfilling their passion. But when they do, there’s very little anyone can do to dampen their spirits. Photographers, in particular, have it the hardest in today’s times. Not only are there several others before them who have already set the bar so high with their stunning images, but there’s also the question of what can they bring to the industry that hasn’t already been captured through the lens.

Furthermore, life altering decisions haunt them with questions: am I good enough? How much are my images

worth? Who will be willing to pay?

How am I going to feed myself and pay for a roof over my head? Am I not better off with a desk job that may be killing me on the inside, but pays my bills?

It’s a dog-eat-dog world for such artists out there, but you’re never going to know unless you try. Determination and perseverance in their field are the two things that save their love for their art. We bring you stories of such talented individuals who started off with prospective careers in fields that were miles away from photography, until the shutterbug bit them hard enough to ensure that they never went back that path again.

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karan

shah

Inspired by his father, Karan decided to eschew a clichéd 9 to 5 job immersed in Excel sheets and chose to venture into the spectacular world of photography

What is it like to manage your own photography company? Tell us what exactly it is that you do and what about photography excites you.

It’s a great feeling really, especially if you can go that extra mile and really make a moment in life even more memorable. If you were to pick me as your wedding photographer, you are selecting more than just an ordinary photographer for your one special day. I like to go to work thinking that my client has hired a wedding photographer that will be with them and their family all day on their wedding day and ensure that no stone is left unturned.

What excites me about photography is that everything changes with time.

Once time passes you can never get it back, but a picture is something that lasts forever. You want to make sure you capture everything you like in that particular moment, because you want to preserve your memories forever.

How was the transition from the field of management to photography? Why did you make such a drastic switch?

Karan Shah, Hetal Photo Art

learn and started working with my father and tried to improve on my photography skills.

Have you always been interested in photography since childhood or did this interest develop later?

As a kid, cameras always fascinated me, but I never took it all that seriously. But over the years, I started developing a keen interest in the field.

I guess I was inspired by my father, who has been in this profession for the last 33 years. Come to think of it, photography seems to be in our DNA! Maybe it was meant to be?

Did you do a specific course or did you learn photography all by yourself?

No, I haven’t done any specific course in photography. I have only learned on the job and by observing my dad over the years and worked with several top photographers – that has been my greatest learning! Practice truly does make one perfect and I am always open to learning new things.

Switching from management to photography was a drastic switch for me, but I like to believe it was because of fate.

During my days as a management student, I had already realized that photography was my calling in life, but I didn’t want to leave something in the middle and give up, so I decided to complete my management course instead. But, I took it upon myself to

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FOCUS FEATURE

rahul

dayma This 23-year-old photography enthusiast firmly believes that his computer engineering degree will never give him the happiness that his camera does

How was the transition from the field of engineering to photography? What prompted you to make the switch?

Rahul Dayma

Though it was pretty late, I realized that engineering was not my cup of tea. My disinterest for the subject grew by the day. I did manage to complete my course with a lot of ups and downs, but I didn’t want to do it anymore. Generally, people opt for their career before they graduate.

I, on the other hand, was among the few who made up my mind once I had graduation out of the way. I always had a soft spot for the arts and I figured I might as well give it a shot in that direction. I joined a start up company named Clickerhouse where I developed my interest for photography. That’s where it all began.

Have you always been interested in photography since childhood or did this interest develop later?

I’ve always been very keen on photography as a child, but perhaps never enough to think of it as a viable career option. I explored the various concepts and styles of photographs, as well as exposed myself to the details and the technical aspects of the art. But once I picked up the camera, I was glad to know that there was so much more to learn while I am on the field.

Did you do a specific course or did you learn photography all by yourself?

I haven’t done any courses in photography and neither do I believe in doing one. I spent four years doing a course in engineering and learnt absolutely nothing towards the end of it, primarily because I was never interested in it to begin with. I firmly believe that the only way to learn what you love to do is to go out there and do it. Initially, my photographer friends helped me learn and eventually, I started exploring new territories with every moment I spent with my camera.

Do you have any tips for our readers who want to take up photography full-time even though they haven’t done a course on it?

It’s the oldest tip in the book, but it’s the one I’ve adhered to and has worked for me: stick to what you love to do and know that people will tell you all kinds of things to throw you off the track. A lot of people had a lot of things to say to me for taking up photography after engineering. I think you can take up your passion full time even without having to do a course on it, as long as you decide to eventually become really good at it.

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rhythmic

The brainchild of Saif and Sneha, the dynamic duo that transformed their hobby into a brand in itself

focus How did the idea for Rhythmic Focus come up?

It started with an idea of photo walk group. We went out on outdoor shoots every weekend, as a hobby project back then, but with the intent to become the best photographers. Soon, we earned fame among our friends for being good with photography and with that tag we used to get small assignments with NGOs and local colleges. We were on the verge of looking for jobs in our respective fields. But then, we got a big wedding assignment, and that is where it all started.

How was the transition from the field of engineering to photography? What prompted you to make the switch?

I wasn't looking for a switch at all. It happened in the course of my drop year when I started to wander with my Xperia phone camera more often than clinging onto my books. I was found editing the photos I clicked and I barely enjoyed coding/studying.

I got hired by a start-up as a product photographer and video editor and that gave me a taste of what it’s like to be in this field. That’s when I decided to become a professional in photography and videography. That job paid me enough to buy my first DSLR all by myself.

When you look at numerous engineers making a switch to photography, you will tend to relate me to Farhan of 3 Idiots and think it is THAT easy to convince parents to agree to your decision. Mine didn’t. I had a fair share of struggle, convincing my Dad that I’ll do something with

Saif and Sneha, Rhythmic Focus

my camera that will credit me well, pay me enough to start my family someday and make him proud. It took three assignments and 5KTs to get my message through.

Have you always been interested in photography since childhood or did this interest develop later?

I was always spotted with my point and shoot whenever there was a family occasion and for the rest of the time, I was happy shooting abstracts and nature. I also attended various events happening in the city which I still enjoy shooting. It came to me as a habit to have my camera around with me all the time.

Did you do a specific course or did you learn photography all by yourselves?

We learnt everything through trialand-error over the course of two years in the business. It’s the most interesting way to learn and that we tend to explain the terms with respect to practical usage. I’ve learnt about everything related to photography on my own. I tend to never miss a shot irrespective of camera or lens because I know my settings right. When shooting people, I love to make them smile and I usually would crack a joke to get energy of my shot. yi

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BOWLED PRODIGY

OVER

A high acheiver in women's cricket, Isa Guha is an icon to look up to. Nancy Varghese chats with the ex-cricketer about her thoughts on women's sports in India

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When was the first time you realized you wanted to become a cricketer?

I grew up in High Wycombe with my parents and a brother who is seven years older than me. I was an energetic child so my parents kept me stimulated by introducing me to lots of outside activities. I did ballet and tap from the age of four and my parents also noticed my interest in cricket after I kept chasing after the ball in the back garden. They took me down to the local cricket club where I enrolled with the boy’s colts, aged eight. I basically copied everything my brother did, so I joined a tennis, badminton and hockey club too. As I got older, I decided that I enjoyed cricket and badminton the most so I gradually dropped the other sports.

I was always going to be drawn to cricket though through my Indian roots.

Ashes Test at the Bradman Oval. I couldn’t sleep the night before and was full of apprehension for the next day. I remember turning up to the ground where it was overcast and there was a cool chill in the air. I’ve always enjoyed bowling with the red ball and I found some nice rhythm early on due to the conditions. The ball shaped away nicely and I got the odd one to nip back which caused a few problems for the Aussies. It was one of those rare moments in sport when the stars align and everything goes your way; I felt I was going to get a wicket every ball. We ended up winning the match and was only the second time England women had won the Ashes Down Under (England recently did it again). It was a memorable time and kick-started a real purple match for my career.

What was your reaction to winning the Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2009?

There have been many special moments but the year of 2009 was by far the best. We won the World Cup, World 2020, whitewashed the Aussies in an ODI series and won the Ashes and became the most successful England cricket team in history.

What made is so much sweeter was the journey that we had all been on to get to that point. When I first got into the side we were not even close to beating Australia and New Zealand, who were the best in the world, but after seven years of hard work, highs, lows, setbacks and successes we achieved something really special.

There’s also nothing greater than winning the World Cup and I’m so glad I had the opportunity.

If you could name your most memorable moment on the field, what would it be?

Bowral, 2008, was a big moment for me personally. Having been left out of the side for much of the ODI series, I was given a chance in the one-off

of opportunities for young girls wanting to play cricket.

You were recently appointed as the first ever female expert summariser on the Radio 4 cricket programme. What has the experience been like?

At first, I was pretty apprehensive on the inside as I had no prior training but I just decided to embrace the opportunity and I realised that no one would question my cricket knowledge. I was fortunate to have many opportunities off the back of it including Sony Max Extraaa Innings and presenting for Ten Sports alongside regular for the BBC, Sky and Star Sports now. The experience I've gained over the last few years has helped me to improve and I certainly feel more relaxed in front of the camera. Working on the England v India Test series was a real dream come true and I hope to go from strength to strength.

What would you advise budding sportswomen out there who want to pursue their dreams of playing cricket on an international platform?

What are your thoughts on the participation of women in sports, particularly cricket?

The pathway to get to the professional stage is a lot simpler and the opportunities for young girls these days have improved out of sight. The attitude towards women in sport is also changing in a positive way, which has been led by several trailblazers in the women’s game. I think in India, it is difficult unless you are blessed with support to help you on your way from an early age. There is no shortage of interest but the conversion rate to the number of girls who actually play the game is very small. Better pathways and infrastructure in India would make a huge difference to the number

I still think the majority of Asian girls who play sport in the UK give up in their teens because of lack of support from parents or because they are pulled towards studies. I always try to get the message across that it is possible to do both. I went to university while I was playing for England and many other girls have done the same. Things might change now that the England team has recently gone professional, which is a huge step towards women's cricket in this country. In India, I think there is still a traditionalist view that women playing sport is not a feminine thing to do. However, it keeps you fit and healthy and goes a long way to introducing core values like teamwork, dedication and leadership at an early age, which can be used in daily life. yi MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 23

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WORKPLACE HACKS

Cupid at

work

Spotted potential eye candy at work but afraid of dipping your pen in the company’s ink? Nancy Varghese brings you the good, the bad and the ugly sides to love at the workplace

My love for you is none to par, You’re the twinkle to my star.

I can’t explain, it’s just bizarre, Please don’t report me to HR

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I

t’s hard to forget a charming Rahul Khanna inviting the newgirl-in-the city, Konkona Sen, for an evening of fine wine and jazz music in Wake Up Sid, convincing her that falling in love with her boss may not be the worst thing she can do in the ‘City of Dreams’. But rom-coms apart, how often does one pause to analyse the repercussions of dating your colleague, boss or subordinate at the workplace? While some firms choose to highlight their intracompany dating policies, you never know if dating that cute guy or girl at work may be subjected to raised eyebrows at your workplace. Here are both sides of the scenario that will help you get a clearer idea on whether you must chase your office romance or highlight the fine line between your personal and professional life.

PRO: Spending all that time together

Imagine getting to spend time with your special someone without having to blame your working hours as an excuse for your crumbling relationship. Working with them will allow you to have lunch together, catch coffee breaks and even travel to and from work with each other every day. No distance is too far, and if you work in the same department, being in each other’s vicinity is a beautiful bonus.

CON: Spending too much time together

After a long day at work, you’d like nothing more than to go home, kick off your shoes and perhaps spend some quiet quality time by yourself.

But since the two of you are spending the day working yourselves tired, it becomes almost mandatory to do something together as a couple post work. After a while, it can get extremely exhausting from having to spend every waking hour with each other. Whatever happened to personal space?

PRO: Ideal meet and greet

Nothing beats the happy realization that the person you are interested in has similar tastes in the profession as you. This also allows you to observe the person in a professional environment, dealing with problems with fellow co-workers and hence perceiving their methods of interacting with the crowd when they’re not looking to please the other person.

CON: Worst break-up ever

Nobody, in the initial stages of their relationship, can gauge the lengths to which it is capable of lasting.

Sometimes breaking up with the person is inevitable and that is when the problem creeps in. The fact that you will have to face the same person at work the next day, irrespective of the personal equation you share with them, is going to be awkward and not something you can control. This will give rise to conflict and discomfort for not only the two of you but everyone who works in the same space as you do.

PRO: Letting off the steam

Every professional environment brings with it the frustration and stress of

co-existing with unreasonable people or situations. You can only go so far in explaining the problem to your loved one and expecting they would understand.

Here is where your workplace date comes in. Perhaps, a shoulder for your worries and mutual dislike for your irrational boss? What could be better?

CON: Playing the blame game

Maintaining a strict professional relationship at work will mean being as objective as possible, even when it comes to your partner. This can cause tension and problems in your professional but more so in your personal life. It becomes a lot more complicated if either of you is at a higher position of authority at the work place than the other. There will come a time when you will have to draw the line between work criticism and personal problems and that can cause a rift in your relationship.

While there can be several reasons for you to sever the possibility of a blooming office romance, it depends entirely on the kind of work atmosphere you are in and at the end of the day, you call the shots. Love doesn’t pay the bills but a paycheque doesn’t solve all the problems in the world. That being said, be wise and spend adequate time in taking the right call. May the odds be ever in your favour! yi MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 25

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24-02-2015 19:23:26

AWARENESS:-ADDICTION AWARENESS ADDICTED

It’s a commonly seen dependence which has many facets to it; but what is it about smoking that makes it so addictive and harmful? Nimi Jayachandran brings forward the facts about smoking addiction

26 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2015

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2/25/2015 7:23:51 PM

Stages of Addiction

According to a study done in Auckland, New Zealand, the stages of smoking addiction can be commonly expressed as follows:

i. The Experimental Stage

It’s an accepted fact that a first time smoker may become immediately addicted to smoking due to the euphoria experienced at the first instance itself.

While some people get addicted to smoking at this stage, many others, particularly teenagers and young adults, end up only trying it for a short time period due to peer influence and pressures.

Smoking Cessation Clinics and Resources in India Energysense Holistics and Well-Being, Maharashtra Aarit Recovery Center, Chennai Dayaneeta Welfare Society, Delhi Oxygen Institute of Psychiatry, Hyderabad http://iquitsmokingindia. com/how_to_quit.html ii. The Realization Stage

The realization stage is described as that at which a smoker, who has completely embraced smoking and the accompanying lifestyle, finally realizes the extent to which they are dependent upon smoking and have become chain smokers.

iii. Self Disgust

This is the stage at which the smoker continues to smoke without feeling the rush of excitement that they used to receive during their former smoking days. The smoker feels a sense of being overwhelmed by the addiction and is no longer able to savor the moment as during the experimental phase.

iv. Quitter’s Stage

Smokers resign themselves to being labeled a smoker; four in five smokers eventually regret their decision to take up smoking and one of them may even succeed in giving up smoking.

Research has shown that nicotine acts on the brain to produce many effects. Nicotine withdrawal produces a range of symptoms like irritability, craving, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and more. These may start a few hours after the last cigarette, which drives people to smoke quickly. Symptoms peak within the first few days of smoking cessation and usually subside within a few weeks. For some people, however, symptoms may persist for months. It is essential, albeit difficult, to wean oneself off of nicotine in order to improve the chances of completely quitting smoking.

People find it useful to go to behavioral therapy sessions with a professional counselor. The sessions are designed to help find personal triggers, which they will then work with you to learn to control. Nicotine replacement therapy, through the use of nicotine gums and patches, work by providing the nicotine fix without actually having to use tobacco. In combination, this method has been proven to be up to 75% effective in quitting smoking.

Despite our nation’s many attempts to spread awareness about smoking, there are so many people who become addicted to its allure. It is vital that people understand how harmful even one cigarette really can be.

Those who are chain smokers need not give up. With the right attitude and determination, it is very much possible to quit smoking and reap the benefits of living a healthier life.

There are plenty of resources available to help anyone who is looking to quit smoking. yi

Quitting and What Makes It So Difficult

The decision to stop smoking in itself is not an easy one to make.

It requires a lot of willpower and patience. It is difficult, but it can be done.

MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 27

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Airman 1st Class Brittany Perry - commons.wikipedia.org

S

moking is one of the leading causes of preventable death and disease world-wide. The harmful effects of smoking cause not only long term changes in the body, but immediate ones as well. According to the Center for Disease Control, smoking harms nearly every organ of the body. It causes problems ranging from discolored lips and teeth to cancer of almost any organ in the body. Furthermore, smokers are at a higher risk for developing all types of lung diseases.

It’s important to realize that smoking is not a physiological addiction but more a psychological one. According to Dr A Gokul, an ENT surgeon at Sri Ramachandra Hospital in Chennai, “A chronic alcoholic will show physical symptoms such as shaking hands when he stops drinking. A chain smoker finds it difficult to quit because his dependence is linked to the mind. This makes it difficult to treat.”

So what makes someone psychologically crave a smoke? “The nicotine found in cigarettes alters chemicals in the brain, mainly dopamine and noradrenalin, when nicotine is inhaled it immediately rushes to the brain and affects it. This produces a sudden surge of pleasure and reduces stress and anxiety. This rush of good feelings is what makes people become addicted to nicotine,” says Dr. Bamathy, a Medical Officer at SRM Hospital in Chennai.

24-02-2015 19:30:23

COVER STORY

GLOBAL UNIVERSITY RANKINGS

2015

Top 100 universities worldwide

Top US, European, Asian and Australian universities Business programmes Engineering programmes Life sciences and medicine Humanities

Pure sciences

Best value for money Recruiter satisfaction Campus facilities Innovation in teaching methodologies Career services

28 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2014

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Media Partner

Online Partner

After having conducted expansive research by contacting 1600 institutes and over 9000 recruiters around the world, Youth Inc has ranked the top 100 universities in the world to pursue an undergraduate programme

W

elcome to the Youth Incorporated, Education Times and Rediff.com Global University Rankings 2015.

Continuing with our yearly rankings for the best global universities, we have conducted widespread research work spanning several months to sort through extensive raw data and bring out a finished analysis that is practical and can be helpful in the selection process for students looking to enrol in the top programmes the world over.

We got in touch with 1600 institutes to gauge their responses to dispassionate questions that would assist us in evaluating the quality of the educational experience provided by them.

We also considered the responses from the current students attending the universities along with official responses from their respective administrative bodies. We also thought that in order to make our rankings most relevant and credible it was important that we accumulated responses from alumni of the institutes. In addition, we

procured information from 9000 recruiters that have previously recruited graduates from the institutes considered in the surveys.

Once an adequate amount of data was gathered, we broke down the information by placing emphasis on the most important criteria a student considers when taking admission at an institute.

Factors such as value for money, student and recruiter satisfaction, infrastructure and facilities, teaching methodologies and much more were considered to rank the institutes.

This scrupulous method was employed by us to bring out the rankings of the top 100 universities worldwide. We were also able to provide rankings based on regional distribution and streams of study.

To give the readers a holistic view of how a particular institute has fared over the years, the ranking for this year was placed against our previously conducted annual rankings. We hope our in depth survey will guide students in making the right choice yet again!

MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 29

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24-02-2015 19:43:39

COVER COVER STORY STORY

We present to you the rankings of the top 100 colleges in the world, collated from opinions by students, faculty and recruiters of more than 1600 institutes from around the world

TOP 100 RANK

INSTITUTION

COUNTRY

SCORE

2014

2013

1 2 3 4

Harvard University Stanford University University of Oxford Massachusetts Institute of Technology University of Pennsylvania University of Chicago Columbia University Princeton University Cornell University Yale University California Institute of Technology London School of Economics Imperial College London IE University University of Tokyo University of Cambridge University of Waterloo New York University Brown University Indian Institute of Technology Bombay University of Michigan Ann Arbor Carnegie Mellon University École Normale Supérieure University of California Los Angeles National University Singapore

USA USA UK USA

100 99.3 99 98

1— 2— 4 5

1— 2— 3— 4—

USA

97

3

3

USA USA USA USA USA USA

96.5 96 95.4 95 94.3 94

6— 9 10 8 7 11 —

6— 8 9 10 7 12

UK

93

13

16

UK Spain Japan UK Canada USA USA India

92 91.5 91 90.5 90 89.5 88.2 88

12 25 15 — 14 17 — 21 16 24

13 — 29 17 11 15 23 14 19

USA

87

20

20

USA

86.5

19

22 —

France

86

26

25

USA

85

18

21

Singapore

84

23

26

5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

HOW HAVE THE INSTITUTES FARED COMPARED TO 2013 AND 2014?

P

lacing 2015’s rankings against those we conducted in 2013 and 2014, a comparison of the performance of the institutes over the years is clearly visible.

13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

RANK

RANK

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UNIVERSITIES RANK

26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50

INSTITUTION

University of Melbourne Australia India Indian Institute of Technology Delhi China Hong Kong University of Science & Tech USA University of California Berkeley Germany Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München USA Northwestern University China Chinese University of Hong Kong USA Duke University UK University College London USA Emory University Switzerland École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne USA Johns Hopkins University USA University of Virginia Brazil Universidade de São Paulo USA University of Texas at Austin UK Kings College London Switzerland University of Zürich Denmark University of Copenhagen USA Rice University University of British Columbia Canada USA Dartmouth College France HEC China Peking University Finland University of Helsinki Australia University of Sydney

Same as compared to 2015

28 Cover story.indd 31

COUNTRY

—

Risen as compared to 2015

SCORE

2014

2013

83 82

22 27 —

24 27 —

81.5

29

33

81

30

31

80.5

32

32

80 79.5

28 31

18 30

79 78.6

33 — 37

28 37

78.3 78

38 36 —

35 — 36 —

77 76.5 76

35 41 39 —

34 39 41

75

40 —

45

74.5 74 73.5

43 42 — 45

43 42 — 40

73 72.5 72 71.7 71.3 71.1 69.6

44 — 46 34 50 48 — 49 — 51

44 — 46 38 53 47 51 52

RANK

Fallen as compared to 2015

RANK

Harvard University and Stanford University have retained their respective positions as the top two universities, while University of Oxford and Massachusetts Institute of Technology came back to the third and fourth positions respectively as in 2013, knocking off University of Pennsylvania to fifth place.

The top 10 of 2014 have managed to stay at the top of the table with a few universities improving on their previous rank and a few dropping by a rank or two. The top 10 continues to be dominated by American institutes with the only exception being University of Oxford.

Among the Asian universities, University of Tokyo is the highest at 15th place, which has remained steady from its 2014 rank. It’s followed by Indian Institute of Technology Bombay at 20, which has come up from 24, and National University of Singapore, which has slipped to 25 from 23.

As is evident, most universities in the top 100 seem to show a consistent performance over the years with similar rankings.

MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 31

24-02-2015 19:44:08

COVER STORY COVER STORY

The India Story

RANK

51 52 53 54

T

his year, the four colleges from India that have always appeared in our rankings have actually risen in their ranks. IIT-Bombay is the only Indian college that has managed to reach the top 20 of the world. IIT-Delhi has maintained its position at 27 for the past two years, showing considerable consistency. However, IITKanpur and University of Delhi are also climbing up, although they have a long way to go.

India, today, is a young country, with more than 50 percent of its population below the age of 25, much higher than its more developed counterparts around the world. There is a high demand for quality education in our country today, but how much of it is available to those who need it? With just four Indian universities in the top 100 global rankings, it’s no wonder that several students aim to study abroad and then come back to work here. The deciding factor, it seems, comes down to infrastructure and placement opportunities.

And yet, the ground

55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72

INSTITUTION

Technische Universität München Universität Heidelberg Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile University of Southern California Vanderbilt University Fudan University Universidad de Buenos Aires Australian National University University of Warwick Tokyo Institute of Technology Nanyang Technological University Seoul National University University of Birmingham École Polytechnique Monash University University of Wisconsin Madison Erasmus University Rotterdam University of Edinburgh University of New South Wales Paris Dauphine University University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

2014

2013

47

50

69 68

52 — 53 —

49 48

USA

67

57

61

USA China Argentina

66 65 64

62 56 — 55

54 57 55

Australia

63.5

58 —

58 —

UK Japan

63 62

61 59

62 59

Singapore

61

54

56

Korea

60

60

60

UK

59.5

66

66

France Australia USA

59 58 57.8

68 65 — 64

64 — 65 — 63

Netherlands

57.5

67 —

67 —

UK Australia

57.2 57

70 69 —

70 69 —

France

56.3

73

85

USA

56

71 —

71 —

Mexico

55

72 —

68

COUNTRY

SCORE

Germany

69.5

Germany Chile

RANK

RANK

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RANK

INSTITUTION

COUNTRY

SCORE

2014

2013

73 74 75 76

University of Queensland Tohoku University University of Surrey University of Auckland

54 53 52 51

76 78 75 — 63

77 73 84 72

77 78 79 80

Australia Japan UK New Zealand China Netherlands Switzerland India

Tsinghua University University of Groningen University of Bern Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur USA University of Rochester USA Georgia Institute of Technology Sweden Uppsala University Taiwan National Taiwan University Spain Esade Business School Australia University of Adelaide UK University of York France Ecole Centrale de Paris USA University of Washington India University of Delhi USA Purdue University Sweden Stockholm University USA University of Sciences Philadelphia University of Amsterdam Netherlands USA University of Pittsburg Bradford USA Bradley University USA University of Hawaii Hilo France Grenoble Ecole de Management USA Washington University St.Louis UK Heriot-Watt University

74 82 83 86

74 81 82 79

81 — 77

80 76

45.6 44

80 79

75 78

43.8 43.5 43.2 43 42.7 42.4 42.1 41.8 41.5

88 84 87 — 85 89 — 97 91 — 95 90

NEW 83 91 86 89 — 99 96 87 95

41.2

94 —

90

41

93

93

40.7 40.5 40.2

98 100 99

98 NEW 100

39.7

92

92

39

96

97

81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

50.5 50 49 48 47 46

RANK

RANK

reality might be a little different. Even if most Indian universities don’t feature in the top 100 rankings, the fact remains that the student success rate at these universities might be almost as high as those from Harvard or Oxford. In a study that tracked alumni of the top universities who went on to becoming billionaires, University of Mumbai came in at number nine, with 12 billionaires, outperforming the likes of LSE, Columbia and MIT; Harvard was at the top spot with 25 billionaire alumni.

Of course, there might be a lot for the Indian universities to catch up on when it comes to infrastructure and global viability, but things aren’t as glum as they seem. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi coming in to the picture, there are great expectations amongst the public that he will work on improving the education sector to match international standards and see more Indian universities being featured in global rankings.

He acknowledges the shortfalls in the educational sector in India, as he remarks, “Our education apparatus can't be one that produces robots. That can happen even in a laboratory.

There has to be overall personality development.”

If one was to consider our top 100 rankings as a yardstick, then it’s pretty clear that the only way is up for the up-and-coming Indian universities.

MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 33

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24-02-2015 19:44:46

COVER STORY

2015

BEST REGIONAL UNIVERSITIES

Top European Universities Rank

34 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2014

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University of Oxford

Institution

Country

1

University of Oxford

UK

2

London School of Economics

UK

3

Imperial College London

UK

4

IE University

5

University of Cambridge

6

École Normale Supérieure

7

Ludwig-MaximiliansUniversität München

8

University College London

9

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Switzerland

10

Kings College London

UK

Spain UK France Germany UK

24-02-2015 19:46:10

Unive

Top US Universities Institution

Country

1

Harvard University

USA

2

Stanford University

USA

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

4

University of Pennsylvania

USA

5

University of Chicago

USA

6

Columbia University

USA

7

Princeton University

USA

8

Cornell University

USA

9

Yale University

USA

10

California Institute of Technology

USA

InSapphoWeTrust - Flickr

Rank

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Top Australian Universities Rank

University of Sydney

Institution

Country

1

University of Melbourne

Australia

2

University of Sydney

Australia

3

Australian National University

Australia

4

Monash University

Australia

5

University of New South Wales

Australia

6

University of Queensland

Australia

7

University of Adelaide

Australia

Top Asian Universities Institution

Country

1

University of Tokyo

Japan

2

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

India

3

National University Singapore

4

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

India

5

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

China

6

Chinese University of Hong Kong

China

7

Peking University

China

8

Fudan University

China

9

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Japan

10

Nanyang Technological University

28 Cover story.indd 35

Singapore

Singapore

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

Rohan Sethi - commons.wikipedia.org

Rank

24-02-2015 19:46:25

TOP UNIVERSTIES IN D COVER STORY

LIFE SCIENCES & MEDICINE Rank

Institution

Country

1

Johns Hopkins University

USA

2

Stanford University

USA

3

University of Cambridge

UK

4

Harvard University

USA

5

Yale University

USA

6

University of Oxford

UK

7

University of California Berkeley

USA

8

Cornell University

USA

9

University of Pennsylvania

USA

10

Imperial College London

UK

Johns Hopkins University PURE SCIENCES Rank

Institution

Country

1

Harvard University

USA

2

Stanford University

USA

3

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

4

National University Singapore

Singapore

5

Princeton University

USA

6

University of Oxford

UK

7

Yale University

USA

8

Cornell University

USA

9

University of Cambridge

UK

10

University of Tokyo

36 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2014

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Japan

Stanford University ANDREW DUNN, WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

24-02-2015 19:46:53

N DIFFERENT STREAMS ART & HUMANITIES

Country

1

Harvard University

USA

2

University of Cambridge

UK

3

Stanford University

USA

4

Yale University

USA

5

University of Oxford

UK

6

Princeton University

USA

7

National University Singapore

8

Columbia University

USA

9

University of Tokyo

Japan

10

Cornell University

USA

Singapore Princeton University BUSINESS PROGRAMMES

Andrew Dunn - commons.wikipedia.org

Rank

University of Cambridge ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES Rank

Institution

Country

1

California Institute of Technology

USA

2

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

3

Stanford University

USA

4

Imperial College London

UK

5

National University Singapore

6

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

India

7

Cornell University

USA

8

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

India

9

Georgia Institute of Technology

USA

10

Columbia University

USA

28 Cover story.indd 37

Nouhailler - Flickr

Institution

Institution

Country

1

Harvard University

USA

2

Stanford University

USA

3

IE University

Spain

4

National University Singapore

5

Cornell University

USA

6

Columbia University

USA

7

University of Cambridge

UK

8

London School of Economics

UK

9

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

10

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

USA

Singapore

California Institute of Technology

cannon.vs.nikon - commons.wikipedia.org

Rank

Singapore

MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 37

24-02-2015 19:47:09

WHAT

STUDENTS

COVER STORY

WANT

BEST VALUE FOR MONEY Rank

Institution

Country

1

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

India

2

Indian Institute of Technology Delhi

India

3

National University Singapore

Singapore

4

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

China

5

University of Tokyo

Japan

6

Universität Heidelberg

7

Cornell University

USA

8

IE University

Spain

9

Columbia University

USA

10

University of Chicago

USA

Agree 40%

5% Unable to Rate

Strongly Agree 10% Strongly Disagree 30%

Agree 20%

Germany

Most teaching faculty often use innovative ways to teach subjects

Strongly Agree 25%

I applied for and received a satisfactory scholarship to attend my institution

Disagree 40%

INNOVATION IN TEACHING METHODOLOGIES Rank

Strongly Disagree 20% Disagree 10%

Institution

Country

1

Princeton University

USA

2

Harvard University

USA

3

Stanford University

USA

4

Brown University

USA

5

Northwestern University

USA

6

IE University

Spain

7

University of Cambridge

8

École Normale Supérieure

9

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

10

University of Chicago

UK France Germany USA

38

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24-02-2015 19:48:18

While conducting the analysis of the best universities in the world, we ranked them according to the individual factors students consider to be a bench mark of a prestigious university. Here are the ratings according to the responses of current students of the institutes

5% Unable to Rate

Overall, I am very satisfied with my institute

Strongly Agree 25%

STUDENT SATISFACTION Rank

Strongly Disagree 10%

Disagree 20% Agree 40%

Institution

Country

1

Stanford University

USA

2

Brown University

USA

3

Harvard University

USA

4

University of Chicago

USA

5

University of Pennsylvania

USA

6

IE University

Spain

7

École Normale SupÊrieure

France

8

Oxford University

UK

9

Columbia University

UK

10

Yale University

USA

My institution provides very good campus support including housing CAMPUS FACILITIES Rank

Institution

Country

1

Stanford University

USA

2

Harvard University

USA

3

Cornell University

USA

4

Princeton University

USA

5

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

6

University of Oxford

UK

7

University of Cambridge

UK

8

National University Singapore

9

University of Chicago

USA

10

Dartmouth College

USA

Strongly Agree 10%

Agree 50%

Strongly Disagree 10%

Disagree 30%

Singapore

39

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24-02-2015 19:48:30

COVER STORY

Strongly Agree 30%

Strongly Disagree 20%

Disagree 30%

Agree 20%

My institution encourages me to participate in extracurricular activities

Strongly Disagree 20%

Exchange programmes

Agree 20%

Rank

Institution

Disagree 20%

Country

1

Harvard University

USA

2

Stanford University

USA

3

Columbia University

USA

4

Cornell University

USA

5

University of Pennsylvania

USA

6

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

7

Carnegie Mellon University

USA

8

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

India

9

Dartmouth College

USA

10

Princeton University

USA

Strongly Agree 30%

5% 5%

Extracurricular activities

Unable to Rate

5%

Strongly Agree 35%

CAREER SERVICES

Unable to Rate Str Dis ong agr ly ee

My institution has a career service cell and is well known with recruiters

Disagree 20%

Agree 40%

My institution has many exchange programmes with other institutions and I have taken or will take part in such exchange programmes

40

28 Cover story.indd 40

24-02-2015 19:49:28

There is sufficient international diversity in my class

Strongly Agree 15%

International diversity

Strongly Disagree 10% Disagree 10%

Strongly Agree 40%

Strongly Disagree 15% Disagree 20%

Agree 50%

Programme innovation The programmes taught in my institute are innovative and include company visits

Agree 40%

Strongly Agree 20%

RECRUITER SATISFACTION Rank

Institution

Country

1

Harvard University

USA

2

University of Chicago

USA

3

Stanford University

USA

4

University of Pennsylvania

USA

5

IE University

Spain

6

Indian Institute of Technology Bombay

India

7

Hong Kong University of Science & Technology

China

8

New York University

USA

9

Columbia University

USA

10

Carnegie Mellon University

USA

Agree 25%

Strongly Disagree 25%

Disagree 30%

My institution encourages real life learning and helps organise internships with companies MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 41

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24-02-2015 19:49:42

COVER STORY

RANKING METHODOLOGY We chose institutes across the world after having discussions with thousands of students, recruiters and faculty. Youth Inc’s Research Unit (YRU) also studied domestic rankings in various countries to find the best institutes.

10%

55%

Careers, recruitment and industry viability of students

10% Innovation

Diversity and international outlook

15%

10%

Money, student satisfaction

Campus, extracurricular activities, exchange programmes

42 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2014

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24-02-2015 19:51:26

W

e sent survey links to 1600 institutes and provided them with unique codes so that they could submit their responses online. Institutes were also provided links to online surveys where their current students were asked to rate specific statements that pertained to the factors considered in this ranking. Institutes also sent separate survey links to their recruiters who in turn rated the institute’s career management cell as well as student employability.

Over 9000 additional recruiters were sent emails with a survey link. The recruiter list was prepared from the responses of the institutes and also included internationally reputed recruiters.

Below are the factors we considered and the overall weightage assigned to them: • Careers, recruitment and industry viability of students – 55% • Diversity and international outlook – 10% • Innovation – 10% • Campus, extracurricular activities, exchange programmes – 15% • Money, student satisfaction – 10%

most important criterion to select institutes is the student’s industry viability after graduation.

Recruiters were asked to list and rate the institutes that they were most likely to recruit from. They were asked the likelihood of recruiting again from the same institute and their satisfaction with the institute’s career cell. Recruiters rated students on various factors including analytical and problem solving skills, leadership potential, communication and interpersonal skills and so on.

Institutes and students were also asked about the availability and functioning of a career service cell on campus and how active such a service was. We also considered what percentage of students were actually placed, both domestically and internationally, through the institute’s career service cell. Students reported the availability and ease of obtaining internships.

This category significantly impacts the overall score of an institute since it is the most weighted factor. One of the

Institutes were asked to report the total number of students on campus and what percentage of them was

Diversity and International Outlook – 10%

This category looks not only at diversity of faculty but also at diversity of students in class. The international outlook includes international students that are attracted and retained by the institute.

MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 43

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COVER STORY international and could speak two or more languages.

Gender diversity of the students was also considered.

Institutes also reported the percentage of the faculty that were international, held a doctorate degree and accredited with their own publishing material along with the gender diversity of the faculty.

Students were asked to rate the student and faculty diversity in their class.

Innovation – 10%

This category looks at the innovation used to construct and teach programmes and how the faculty engage the students; an important factor in the overall perception of an institute.

We considered the different ways in which an institute constructs programmes. Institutes were asked to select from a list, the different teaching methodologies that we considered innovative – some of these included company visits, dual or multiple majors and course collaborations between different departments at the institute. Our list was made after surveying students across different campuses worldwide.

Students were asked to report how satisfied they were with faculty, who use innovative ways to teach subjects.

Campus, Extracurricular activities, Exchange programmes – 15%

Diversity of Students Innovation of Programs Innovation in Teaching Methodologies Campus Support Extracurricular Activities Exchange Programs Value for Money Student Satisfaction

Money, Student Satisfaction – 10%

This category takes into account a critical part of college education today – finances. More importantly, it touches upon how satisfied a student is with the institute.

We considered students’ opinions on whether a particular institute was perceived as ‘value for money’. We also asked institutes to state the percentage of students who received some sort of funding from the institutes.

Students were asked to rate their institutes on various factors including attitude of staff and professors, location, course content and so on and institutes were asked to report the graduation rate of students enrolled and what percentage of students opted to transfer out of the institution.

Scores

This category considers the support that the students receive on campus and the availability of extracurricular activities. The exchange programmes offered by the institute and how actively students are encouraged to opt for such programmes was also considered.

We asked the institutes to select the different types of

Career Service Diversity of Faculty

assistance provided by the student office or a similar body on campus. Our initial list was selected after surveying students across different campuses worldwide.

Students reported if they were encouraged by the institute to participate in different extracurricular activities on campus or not.

Institutes were asked to report the percentage of students that opted for exchange programs. We also considered the exchange students present on the institute’s campus itself.

We calculated the standard deviation and standard scores (Z scores) so that we could combine and analyse the data with more accuracy and reliability. Below is a summary of the factors and the weightage given to each factor when we ranked the institutes. Each factor was made up of a set of questions. The total percentage attributed to that factor was based on the average score of the responses multiplied by

INSTITUTE 3% 3% 3% 3% 3%

CURRENT STUDENTS 2% 2% 2% 2% 2%

3% 3% 3% 3% 3% 30%

2% 2% 2% 2% 2% 20%

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Recall of institute where to recruit from Likelihood of recruiting from same institute again Satisfaction with institute career cell

the assigned weightage. The total scores were then sorted from highest to lowest. The institute with the highest score was ranked first.

Not just numbers

After we calculated the total computed scores for the institutes, we subjectively analyzed the data provided by the institutes, current students, and recruiters. If we found discrepancies in the satisfaction scores and the subjective descriptions, we omitted the data. This happened in the case of 3 institutes.

Missing Data

In a few rare occasions, some institutes did not supply data for all the questions in the survey. When data was missing which affected factors which were low-weighted such as value for money or campus support, we entered an estimate between the average and the lowest value reported by the institute.

Recruiters 20% 20% 10% 50%

By following such a practice we did not excessively penalise an institution with a ‘zero’ for data that it could not provide. At the same time, the institute was not unduly rewarded as well.

Exclusion of Institutes

Our requirement was that at least 20% of the class (of any specific institute) should answer the student survey.

Hence, some institutes were disqualified from our ranking because of lack of responses to the student survey.

Institutes that did not fill out the survey reports in time Out of 1600 institutes that were contacted, 17% of the institutes did not complete the survey on time or did not respond. We used publicly available information on some of these institutes to include them in our ranking.

We also contacted current students and recruiters of these institutes and compared the data we received with the data from institutes that participated in our survey. yi MARCH 2014 Youth Incorporated 45

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COUNSELLOR Q&A

JAYANTI GHOSE

Samriddhi

ANSWER ANSWER

Geography uses information from the physical and social sciences to understand the human condition and its relation to the environment. Opportunities for employment for geographers lie in academia, research, the public sector, civil services, education, commerce, industry, transport and tourism.

Geographers often use specialized software known as geographic information systems (GIS) to construct various types of maps and evaluate information they contain. These allow geographers to analyze information and offer advice on topics such as land use, building or infrastructure location, or environmental impact. Specialist prospects for geographers could be as surveyors, cartographers and photogrammetrists, surveying and mapping technicians, urban and regional planners. A geographer’s excellent transferable skills allow them to diversify into careers in business management, finance, and consulting. Examples are indicative.

IRELAND What would be the procedure for post graduate admissions in any university in Ireland?

Apoorva ANSWER ANSWER

You need to apply directly to the international office in your preferred higher education institute for a postgraduate programme. Some higher education institutes will ask you to apply through the Postgraduate Applications Centre (http://www.pac. ie/). All postgraduate courses are given in English and students applying for degree courses whose native language is not English may need to present at least a TOEFL score of 220 (computer-based test) 550 (paper-based test) or IELTS Composite score of 6.5 with not less than 6.0 in any one component.

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PUBLIC RELATIONS What is the importance of public relations? What are the relevant qualifications and skills for a career in PR? Ashwini PR professionals design media releases to shape public perception of their organization and to increase awareness of its work and goals. PR is not confined to business or commercial fields but is equally important in government and politics. Good verbal and written communication skills, an ability to multi-task and manage your time effectively, a good level of organization and planning, an interest in all forms of media and flexibility are useful qualities and skills for a career in PR. Post graduation in mass communication, journalism, business administration, communications management or equivalent qualification would provide more scope for advancement.

ANSWER ANSWER

GEOGRAPHER What are the employment prospects of a geographer?

NEW ZEALAND What are the English language test scores required for studying in New Zealand? What are the work prospects after completing my studies there?

Neha A minimum score of 6.5 in IELTS or TOEFL (iBT) with minimum score 90-100 is usually required for admission at the graduate level. Each university provides details of its own requirements.

After completing your tertiary study in New Zealand, the Post-study Work Visa - Open gives you up to 12 months to find a job that is related to your studies, while the Post-study Work Visa - Employer Assisted lets you work in a specific job related to your studies for two more years. However, you should verify the criteria and prospects of employability closer to the time of your application. Your chances of getting further work there are greatly improved if you have the skills that New Zealand urgently needs (visit http:// skillshortages.immigration.govt.nz/ for insights).

ANSWER ANSWER

STUDY ABROAD

STUDY IN INDIA

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

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WISE UP

1

2

R

D 1

3

O N Z 1

1

2

- By Niloufer Gandhi

1

E

O W

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

1. perky (pur-kee)

With her ____ disposition, the news anchor changed the boring discussion into a lively debate. (a) smart (b) eccentric (c) lively

2. feisty (fahy-stee)

Although she had a few nasty wounds, Kiera was ____ enough to defend herself and escape from the clutches of her kidnappers. (a) courageous (b) dangerous (c) nimble

GIRL POWER! Celebrated on 8th March every year, International Women’s Day not only acknowledges women's economic, political, and social achievements but also creates awareness of the struggles of women worldwide.

3. winsome (win-suh m)

It was the general belief that the opposition party’s eloquent and _____ candidate would surely capture attention and win votes. (a) charismatic (b) victorious (c) confident

4. resolute (rez-uh-loot)

After a heart-breaking performance in the preliminary tests, Holly was more ____ than ever to score a first class in the final exams. (a) complacent (b) adamant (c) reluctant

5. duteous (doo-tee-uh s)

Answers:

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

Mother Teresa has frequently been described as an exemplary missionary, abstemious, dedicated and _____. (a) dutiful (b) uncertain (c) tactful

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 R 1. ‘Are’ in SMS language

Answers:

RE

10. Popular vegetable also known as Okra

ERG

9. Undertaking or paying all or part of a cost

DREG

8. The act of preparing

GRADE

7. To arrange soldiers for a battle

GANDER

6. A male goose

DERAIGN

5. A level or standard

READYING

4. A sediment of any liquid or a small quantity

DEFRAYING

3. An area of shifting sand dunes

LADYFINGER

2. A popular track from ‘The Sound of Music” Do __ Mi

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yi

entertain The consequences of Fifty Shades of Grey on couples and their expectations Page 54

K E E PI N S I D E 

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Pg56

Pg58

Pg64

READY, SURF-SET, GO!

THE SOCIAL CAUSE

SNAPCHAT DISCOVER

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SURFSET FITNESS

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF MUMBAI’S SOCIALITES

IS THIS THE BEGINNING OF A NEW KIND OF JOURNALISM?

24-02-2015 19:53:49

Mumbai skyline by Jeet221990 - commons.wikipedia.org

ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Mumbai Memoirs: The Wonder Women

Mumbai is a city, but Bombay is an emotion, and every woman in this city is a reflection of this emotion

A

nyone who has ever walked among the dark and dingy lanes of the city or lovingly watched the setting sun on Marine Drive can pledge their lives on the fact that you can take the Mumbaikar out of Mumbai, but you can't take Mumbai out of the Mumbaikar. It’s a city where, if you stay very still, you can hear the murmured prayers of a million struggling artists hoping for their lucky break as the next superstar. A city where every festival must be ear-splittingly joyful. A city that reels you in with her charm one day and shatters you with her poverty the next. You love her, you hate her and no matter how hard you try, you can’t shake her off. But what makes Mumbai what she is? The people that make up her very soul. The humans of Mumbai.

Karishma Mehta is a 22-year-old resident of Mumbai who began the heart-warming Facebook page Humans of Bombay (HOB), as a part of a photo series inspired by the wildly popular Humans of New York (HONY). The page

features a collection of photographs of people that the team meets in and around the city, who share their stories with the readers of the world in less than 300 words, which are featured as captions for the images. The beauty of HOB lies in the fact that these are the nameless storytellers of Mumbai that could be anyone’s story anywhere.

“The page strives to make people feel more connected”, explains Karishma. “So today, if you share your story, there will be people around you who are going through the same thing. You build a community where you don’t feel alone at any point in time. You feel that there are others with you.

And that’s the basic idea of ‘HOB’ – to make one person feel connected to the next person.”

With March being the month we celebrate International Women’s Day, here we feature some of the countless incredible women of Mumbai whose stories have tugged at our heartstrings and whose photographs, undoubtedly, speak more than a thousand words.

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"I am grateful"

"After my daughter passed away a few years ago, I was very upset for a long time. I wasn't working back then, so the more I stayed at home; the more upset I got over time. Finally, my husband pushed me into getting out of the house. Since five years, he has been catching the fish and I clean them and come here to sell. We have a proper partnership, where I get some money from whatever I sell for my own expenditures."

"What is your happiest memory with your husband?"

"One day he took me fishing with him in the early hours of the morning - it was a beautiful sunrise. That morning, he caught the biggest fish I'd seen yet and as soon as he did - he put it on my lap and said, 'this is not for sale - this is a special fish for dinner with my wife.'

He kept his word and cooked dinner for me that night and even though I eat fish almost everyday, that was the best meal I've eaten all my life."

"I learnt to be strong"

"I lost all four of my children when we moved here during Independence. My husband was the only family I knew for decades after...and I loved him immensely. We knew each other since we were growing up so he was my friend, my companion and the only person who understood what it felt like to lose your entire family. He passed away a few years ago, but he made me strong enough to deal with that too. I keep myself busy - I come here to overlook our shop, fend for myself and continue being strong. I miss him, but I know I'll be with him again soon."

"I am my own person"

"I like fusions, so I dress this way. I love art, so I want to look like art itself. Some people don't understand that, but why worry about people who don't get how magnificent you are? This is me and I'll never change myself to please those who don't understand what I'm about."

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ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

"I will go on for my son" "I got married at the age of 21 to the man I really loved.

At 24, my son was born and I felt like our family was complete. I knew my husband used to drink occasionally, but overtime that increased to everyday till the point where he couldn't work because he was under that alcohol influence. We tried really hard to get him out of it but it didn't work. At that point, my priority was my son and to ensure that none of this affected him. I would take science classes at seven in the morning, go to school all day till four and then work again at a third job - only to return home by 10 at night; all this in addition to cooking and managing the house because I couldn't afford the help. There came a time when I was tutoring over 150 students - and I never complained.

In 2006, my husband passed away. I feel sorry more than anything else, because he was such a nice man and I really loved him. So many people told me to remarry and send my son to a boarding school but that thought never even crossed my mind. I'm the mother - he's my flesh and blood and he will always be my biggest priority."

"I made it happen" "I've grown up listening to women around me saying something needs to be done for women and to protect women, but instead of waiting for that to happen I just decided to make myself strong enough to never need anyone else to protect me."

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"I believe He has a plan"

"My parents passed away when I was eight years old and I came to Mumbai with a relative of mine with two pairs of clothes and no money. People are always saying that child labour is horrible, but the only reason I'm alive today is because of that family who gave me work and a chance to survive. They gave me three meals a day, a roof over my head and most importantly made me feel like I wasn't alone. My saheb even partly paid for my wedding. I feel like this family was God sent for someone like me. I really believe that Allah, God, Jesus are all one and in so many ways they take a human form - they're all around us. How else do you think a lost, uneducated eight year old girl could have children and grandchildren who are all educated and working? There is a higher force, not necessarily in a temple or a mosque - but within us as humans and our tremendous capacity to give strength to other humans when they most need it."

"I will be there for him" "We have a small box at home, where we put away a part of my husband's salary every month towards our children and their education. After all our daily expenses, the amount we saved was very little."

"How did you begin doing this?"

"My entire neighbourhood loves my tea! Every afternoon, someone or the other would come home and say, 'Chaachi make some of your special tea.' Finally, I decided one day that I can actually make some money out of it and add to my children's education fund as well - why should all the pressure fall on my husband?

Today, he's the one who proudly says - 'my wife makes the best tea in all of Mumbai!'" yi MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 53

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RELATIONSHIPS

As Fifty Shades of Grey hits the cinema screens, we take a look at how the film would impact couples. Would it encourage a healthy discussion or does it raise new expectations among them?

I

t'll be hard to find a girl who hasn't heard of Fifty Shades of Grey and what it's all about.

Whether they like it, secretly or openly, or judge the book or anyone who likes it, or think it's absolute trash, the fact remains: there isn't a woman who has read or tried to read the book. They may not admit to it out loud, but it’s true.

Of course, back when the trilogy hit the top of the must-read charts, and men (the ones who read, at least) read the book, they were disappointed. It wasn't what they expected. Written from a woman's point of view and in Anastasia Steele's naive and bemused voice, it failed to arouse their interest, much like Twilight's Greek god-like Edward Cullen.

How many of them would go on to watch the film? Whatever the story, the point of view is not from a man; directed by Samantha TaylorJohnson, the lingering gaze is that of a woman’s, focusing on Grey’s hotness, and how Ana melts (and later turns repugnant) in his arms, when he touches her, when he commands her, or when he looks at her. Compare this

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to Basic Instinct to get a better idea.

Now that's one film men (still) watch alone or with their guy friends, much less for the story.

It’s a sticky situation when your girlfriend asks you to watch the film with her, especially if you think the movie is 'porn for mommies'. But, think of all the times you've taken her to watch that bald guy blow up cars and helicopters, and give this one a try. It’s not probably all that bad.

Maybe the two of you would end up hating it together. That’s good for your relationship too.

The interesting outcome could be the fact that you would probably feel more comfortable talking about what’s at the core of the film: sexual creativity in the bedroom, to put it mildly. It’s healthy to discuss wanting to move on from conventional practices and try something different. In the US, sales of bedroom toys shot up ever since the books hit the market. People were talking and opening up about their own desires and fantasies without being ostracized as a creep, and it seemed acceptable to be ‘into’ the ‘kinky stuff’.

warm and let her cuddle with him.

He doesn’t, of course. He has made it clear to her in the beginning that he isn’t cut out to be the romantic guy who would take her out on dates and dinner. This resonates with women all around the world, as they try to deal with commitment-phobic men, which is also something that led to the success of the book besides its erotic content.

FANTASTIC MR GREY

But then again, this has the potential to go very wrong. It’s a decision the two of you have to make together, with a mature discussion that sets clear boundaries and limits.

If either one of you are uncomfortable, it’s probably not a good idea.

Would you go watch it with the one you love? Yes you would, you can’t deny that; whether it’s to satiate your curiosity or, well, get ideas.

Christian Grey, to the women who have read the book (and managed to not throw away in disgust at the language), is something of an eye candy, a dream, a fantasy. Here’s a rich, young, suave and passionate man (when it comes to women, not ambition), who showers all of his attention and expensive gifts on Anastasia. To see him on the big screen would just mean putting a face to your fantasies.

For the ladies out there, it’s understandable to think that taking your boyfriend along for it could get awkward, especially if you’re in the early stages of the relationship. And yet, while watching it with your gaggle of girls would mean fun and dirty jokes, you should probably try going on a Fifty Shades movie date with him.

WIRED DIFFERENTLY The film (and the book) talks about another often retold dilemma about expectations and disappointments: Ana, who’s smitten and head over heels in love with him, hopes that his steel cold heart will one day go

A craftily made film, it paints the story of Anastasia and Grey in a very romantic light.

Our editor happened to catch the film before it released in India, and this is his verdict: "It’s time to accept that all people are wired differently, and they all have different expectations, be it in love or in bed.

It shows that how, in relationships, people expect or hope that other one would change but clearly, life is not that simple." yi

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FITNESS

Ready, SURF-set, Go! If you’re a gym buff and are obsessed with different workouts, then you’d know how vital a core workout can be. Surfset Fitness targets just that, ensuring you stay fit and surf away those calories. Aayush Ailawadi introduces you to this novel surf-inspired workout

Team YI at the Surfset Studio in Mumbai 56 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2015

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What is it?

This innovative workout is the brainchild of former professional hockey player from the US – Mike Hartwick. The whole concept was born when Hartwick realized that surfing each day gave him better results in terms of his physique and sports performance than the intense workouts in the gym. So, he got together with his partners Sarah Ponn and Bill Ninteau and developed a surfboard that enables you to surf on land, after which he designed a unique surf-style work out on this board called ‘The Surfset’. The rest is history.

Surfset Fitness is a fun and extremely intense surf-inspired workout that mimics the movements of surfing without the water.

No Pain? No Gain

Personally, I am quite regular at the gym and like to split my routine into different muscle groups, whilst still dedicating a day to cardio and a core workout. So, obviously I thought a Surfset session would be a bed of roses for me. But, after a gruelling one hour session at their Santacruz studio, I realised my presumption was way off the mark!

Caveat: Surfset is no walk in the park! Like the saying goes “No pain, no gain,” if you want to lose 800 calories and strengthen your core in an hour, then you will have to put in quite a bit of effort. But the studio setup, along with the whole concept of a surfboard on stability balls and the incredibly affable trainers go a long way in motivating you to achieve your fitness goals.

Based on my fitness levels, I was given an intermediate workout which consisted of familiar exercises tweaked a little in order to be performed on a surfboard. Within a few minutes of beginning the workout, the fatigue begins to set in and that’s when the trainer’s inspirational words come in handy pushing you to go on and ensuring you don’t give it up prematurely. Having attentive and dedicated trainers was the best bit

about this workout, since it obviates the need for a personal trainer like you would require at an ordinary gym.

Nobody said it was easy

A single Surfset session will work towards creating a six-pack powerhouse through instability training and this requires immense focus and control on your part. The Surfset Board is adjustable for all levels, even for a rookie with less than ideal balance and a much lower fitness level.

Although I’m quite the gym buff, this workout reminded me that one can never be fit enough because as soon as you start with the lunges and planks, the board begins to vibrate and so, maintaining your body balance becomes a tough task. But, like most things in life, it only gets better with practice and over time. Your muscles and your mind get conditioned in such a way that balancing yourself becomes a lot easier after a few sessions.

That’s probably because the showoff muscles get all the acclaim but it’s important to realise that they'd be nothing without the supporting cast of smaller stabilizing and assisting muscles. If you ignore them, then you'll eventually pay the price. Workouts like Surfset work on our body's most neglected muscles and so it’s vital for us to strengthen them for an injury-free physique.

The Verdict

To be honest, if you’re really keen on staying fit and strengthening your core, then Surfset is an absolute must for you!

If you want to latch onto the newest fitness craze in town, then yet again, Surfset is for you. If you’re lethargic and not participating in any fitness activity, then Surfset is a perfect start. But, if you’re in it for the massive muscles and the chiselled look, then I’d reckon that you’d need to supplement this workout with some weight training as well.

Obviously, a workout is not a panacea for all your fitness problems and must be accompanied with a healthy diet, with a whole lot of lean and mean protein! yi MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 57

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POINT OF VIEW

The Social Cause

Anders Adermark - Flickr

Nisha JamVwal gives us a peek into the lives of the elite socialites of Mumbai and why on Wednesdays, they wear Pashmina

There are sniggers in the kitchen.

“It’s always a riot when madam returns home after her parties and that’s generally sir’s cue to slink away into his hole and keep a passive face behind his newspaper.”

If only Rosie wasn’t so engrossed with her narrative and had her head turned away from the living room.

Madam Dudlani was spewing venom and flapping about in fury.

It was quite a sight. At the party, her carefully crafted New York Luxury

trip story had been butchered by Ms Silky Sood’s new mauve Lamborghini glinting in the driveway, which was all anybody could talk about. This little anecdote is a reflection of the times that are, and of the aspirational section of Mumbai life called "Society".

It’s well recognized that this society bows to the well-endowed, never mind how the well-endowed acquire their stuff. And this very society is the self-appointed code setter of ‘the who’s who of Bombay’ and dictates your residence, your designer clothes, your holiday destination and more importantly, what you

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must not do. Mumbai society lives by the mantra: you got it, you flaunt it. Even if you don’t have it, you pretend like you do and you flaunt it anyway. And if you can’t make it then fake it, mortgage, beg, borrow or import the fakes from China.

‘YOU CAN’T SIT WITH US’

The likes of Madam Dudlani, Silky Sood and their posse, draft a to-do list for their dedicated followers, which states the qualifications to belong to the socalled 'Society'. These aspirants go to any lengths to strut their stuff on the internet because they couldn’t make it to the Page 3 in the morning papers. That, however, is only the beginning. There are limited editions, collector’s series, cars, yachts, penthouses, holiday homes in the Mont Blanc, private jets. You can’t pronounce Champs-Élysées or Saint-Germaindes-Prés, but you claim that they are your weekend getaways from Mumbai?

While catching a single malt with me at the bar once, a friend confided, “My wife is the happiest when she’s getting me all dressed up in branded wear and labels, from head to toe and parading me around. I quite feel like a monkey.” Though men like to think that this society thing is a woman driven affair, it can’t be farther away from the truth. Men sum up social worth with their own parameters as well- the whiskey and cigars, the stable of cars or horses, the properties and the homes. They’re equally insecure about losing their footing there, because ‘Society’ can quite nonchalantly drop you when the bank balance dips.

LOSING OUR CHARM

I wonder about the Bombay that boasted about a cosmopolitan, cultural and achievement oriented elite. When watching plays in a theatre or reading books rather than the carats on a diamond and spending afternoons at the Jehangir art gallery was not a rarity. Have we lost the ability to live life for the special moments, and laugh for the sake of it? Are we allowing society to lead us by the nose? Is it really so important to try and fit in to this something that is so elusive and never fully achieved?

Four-year-old Goldie won a cup in the sack-race at school. The celebration is at the "Wasabi". The night's hero surreptitiously slides the raw sashimi slices under table covers and gags over the sea weed, while Papa, with a triumphant smirk, pretends to be outraged at the excessiveness of the six figure bill. yi nishajamvwal@gmail.com @nishjamvwal nishajamvwal.blogspot.in INSTAGRAM NISHA @nishajamvwal

Form IV STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP Statement about the ownership and other particulars about newspapers entitled ‘Youth Incorporated’ as required to be published in the first issue of every year after the last day of February.

1. Place of Publication : Mumbai 2. Periodicity : Monthly 3. Printer’s name : Nitish Shah Nationality : Indian Address : 9 Forjett Hill, British

Express Building,

2nd floor, Mumbai 400036 4. Publisher’s name : Nitish Shah Nationality : Yes Address : 9 Forjett Hill, British

Express Building,

2nd floor, Mumbai 400036 5. Editor’s name : Nitish Shah Nationality : Yes Address : 9 Forjett Hill, British

Express Building,

2nd floor, Mumbai 400036 6. Names and addresses of individuals who own the newspaper and partners or shareholders holding more than one per cent of the total capital : Splash

Publication Pvt. Ltd.

Directors Aarti Asrani

and Nitish Shah I, Nitish Shah hereby declare that the particulars given above are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Date: 1.03.2015 Nitish Shah

( Signature of Publisher) MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 59

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FASHION

Want to know what’s going to trend this summer before the others?

Hear it from the experts and keep an eye on their blogs for more ideas

The Shopaholic Diaries

http://www.theshopaholic-diaries.com/

The Girl at First Avenue

http://www.thegirlatfirstavenue.com/ Fashion blogger Chandana Munippale is a fashion consultant, a finance graduate and an avid traveller. What started off as a personal blog soon turned into a fashion and lifestyle diary. Follow her for a fun insight into her travel escapades and what’s trending.

“Neutrals, soft blush and gladiator sandals are trending this summer.”

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If you’re a shopaholic, check out Nitika Bhatia’s blog for fashion updates and shopping tips. She started this blog three years back and regularly organises giveaway contests. Her fashion and beauty brand reviews and style guides are immensely popular with readers.

“This summer is all about playful prints.

Go for floral, stripes, or graphics in vibrant colours and pastel hues.”

24-02-2015 20:20:00

FASHION

The Style Cocktail

http://www.thestylecocktail.in/

Stylish By Nature

http://www.stylishbynature.com/ Based in Bengaluru, Shalini Chopra says that her fashion and beauty blog is aimed at showing you how everyone can be beautiful and stylish in every sense. She hopes to be a source of inspiration for everyone who believes in fashion.

“Denims - for every mood and every day, there is a denim jacket and a skirt or shirt.”

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Sayli Patre is a social media campaign manager during the weekdays and a fashion and lifestyle blogger by weekend.

She strongly believes in being stylish and thinking stylish. Heavy on visuals, it’s a treat to scroll through her blog and pick out your favorite style tips.

“My summer wardrobe this year will see ample of bohemian touch and the whole Normcore trend.”

MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 61 24-02-2015 20:20:19

BEAUTY

‘No makeup’Makeup look

Ever wondered how to stick to the bare minimum make up essentials and pull off the perfect nude makeup? It’s all about cheating and using the right kind of products in the following basic steps Dot a little cream blush on the cheeks and lips for a natural finish. Next, patch on the pot rouge your cheeks and then blend that in for proper blush, use it on your lips for slightly enhanced but natural lip color. Use brightening powder over it.

Step 2

Step 1 Apply a sun block and blend it in well.

Follow up with tinted moisturizer or mix a little foundation and apply lightly to even out complexion.

Use cream concealer on spots and blemishes to cover them up. Follow up with a highlighting concealer down the bridge of your nose and chin, by blending it with fingertips.

3 p e t S

Start by curling your eye lashes using an eyelash curler; follow it up with fiber mascara that helps your lashes look longer.

Use the eye shadow to fill in the gaps of your eyebrows. Since it’s the no makeup look, your eyebrows don’t have to be so defined. Highlight the ends of the eyelid using a pencil liner so that your lashes look thicker.

Step 4

Touch up your neck so that it doesn’t look pale compared to your face. Now get ready to step out with your no makeup look.

Products

• L'Oreal True Match Foundation Super Blender • L'Oreal True Match Concealer • Star Cosmetics pot rouge (powder pink or peach) • Maybelline Pure Minerals BB Cream Base • Faces Glam Creme Blush (hint of pink) • Revlon Moisturising Powder • Oriflame Eyelash Curler • Maybelline Volume Express Mascara • L'Oreal Paris Pencil Liner • Maybelline Diamond Glow Eye Shadow

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G-SPOT the

Gadgets Gizmos Geeks

By Manil S Dodani

SNAPCHAT DISCOVER – A GIANT LEAP FOR MAINSTREAM JOURNALISM?

Screenshot from www.youtube.com/user/OfficialSnapchat

An app that would probably revolutionarise the way we look at and consume news, Snapchat Discover might be the next big thing for journalism. Manil S Dodani explores the possibility

Every once in a while a piece of technology comes along, that changes our ways of doing things. WhatsApp revolutionized the way we message, Bluetooth technology paved the way for wireless file transfer, and good old Twitter introduced the planet to micro-blogging. Now comes along Snapchat Discover. For those of you who are new to the Snapchat bandwagon, it is a messaging service

that allows users to share photos and videos with friends that deletes itself after a few seconds. The app provides a way of sharing a specific moment with someone, just for a few moments, after which the ‘snaps’ will disappear unless you’ve captured or taken screenshots of them.

If you think this is pointless, there are at least 100 million monthly active users out there on Snapchat, 70% of whom are women and 71% are below 25 years old!

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Discover

So what is Snapchat Discover? Notice the purple dot in top right corner of your ‘Stories’ tab? Probably not.

Amidst your quest to take the best food photo or your best selfie you haven’t touched the humble purple dot silently pulsating in the corner, or maybe you touched it, thought that it was an ad platform for the news guys and conveniently hit the back button. Trust me, Snapchat discover is something totally different and totally awesome, if I may say so myself.

Snapchat Discover features interesting content from across the world in a new video and news format that is updated every day much like any social network. Touch any one of those round icons and your screen will instantly transform into a colourful video. To read more about something, simply swipe upwards or if something doesn’t interest you just swipe to the right for another story. The interface is minimalistic, clever and vibrant.

No painful thumb holding required either! Channels generally feature about five stories every day, however, on some occasions, I’ve seen up to nine stories. Admittedly, these are articles either repackaged from other websites or stories mixed in with cleverly shot videos (National Geographic is pure nature lovers’ indulgence) and sometimes teeny headlines and fonts.

Discover features a collection of Snapchat’s partners namely

CNN, Vice, National Geographic, Cosmopolitan, b/r (Bleacher Report), Food Network, People, Fusion, MTV and of course, the Daily Mail. Still in its initial phases, the Discover feature doesn’t fail to impress.

Snapchat promises that Discover will be an all exclusive feature, not linking anywhere, either to Facebook or Twitter, and everything will be contained within the app. Sharing or liking is not an option here. It is the user’s discretion to consume a particular publisher’s content at any time they like. But remember, content gets updated every 24 hours. So if you miss it, it’s gone! Snapchat has been very fussy and choosy with who gets to publish content on Discover, thereby curating/creating quality content for publishers has become a must.

You cannot choose who gets on your Discover either, something we’d like to see in the future.

Discovering the possibilities Snapchat Discover has opened door to a whole new range of news filtering, delivery and interaction opportunities.

Content is yet to be location filtered, which means don’t be surprised if you see something about an international sensation on the MTV Discover channel that you can’t make head or tail of. If you’re on the other side of the news room, lend me your ears, for good news has arrived for you, sir. Snapchat has allowed these digital publishers

who share such ‘oh-my-gosh-it’s- sobeautiful’ content to share in the monies the app generates! So, if you can sell an ad on Snapchat Discover, you can keep 70% of the dough and 50% if you allow Snapchat to sell ads for you. With more than two-thirds of users accessing the app every day, the exposure funnel is massive. Also, with no distracting links or other ‘clickable’ material within the app, the probability of user views becomes larger. This is faster than any form of broadcast media; millions of views are being registered every single day. Since content upgrades every day, a new (advertising) opportunity is created simultaneously. With user attention and engagement spans getting shorter and shorter with the advent of more apps and newer technology, it has become increasingly difficult to deliver content. With the world’s leading news agencies condensing news stories into easily readable bites of information, Snapchat Discover takes a step ahead and fuses video and text seamlessly. Videos here last for no more than about 2-3 minutes on average.

To conclude, every social network has its own shelf life, and user migration from one network to another is lightning fast. Against a backdrop like this, Snapchat Discover is like a breath of fresh air in a claustrophobic room. Honestly, go for it ASAP! yi

MARCH 2015 Youth Incorporated 65

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PS FREE AP

TOP 5 FREE CROSS PLATFORM PHOTO EDITING APPS All the filters and adjustments that you need, to make your images look nothing less than selfie-perfect

of the

MONTH

VSCO CAM Platforms : iOS, Android For all you special effects and frame junkies out there, VSCO more than fits the bill. Comes with multipurpose presets that you can use with strength sliders to individually correct brightness, contrast and hue intensities.

PHOTO EDITOR

BY AVIARY PIXLR EXPRESS

Platforms: iOS, Android Much like the stock Android photo editor app, Aviary photo editor features a very handy slider interface that lets you illuminate, darken, sharpen and add amazing effects to high definition smart phone photos.

Platforms : iOS, Android This one is for the amateur photo editor, and covers all basic features like simple resizing, cropping and the much needed background focus blurring.

INSTAGRAM SNAPSEED Platforms: iOS, Android Perfect mix of power features and user interface, MOBILE Snapseed features single touch enhancement Platforms: iOS, features with availability of a ‘boost’ feature to pop out those colors and brightness.

Android

How can we even miss this one? Instagram photo editor app is a brilliant letting you make all those #instafilter photos for the world to see.

If you can’t bother downloading any external app, stick to this one. It’s handy and yet powerful.

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2/24/2015 9:04:56 PM

T V

/

M u s i c

/

B o o k s

Donna is one of the most dynamic characters on Suits.

Extremely perceptive, equipped with the knowledge of all the happenings at the firm and a razor sharp wit, Donna is respected and loved by associates and partners (especially Harvey) and she's not afraid to wield that power when it suits her.

T V

CLAIRE UNDERWOOD FROM HOUSE OF CARDS

C A N ' T

C A N ' T

S H O W S

The Francis and Claire Underwood relationship is the epitome of the quote, “Behind every successful man is a woman.”

Strong-willed, calculating and immensely intelligent, she always has her emotions in check and thoughts in order. She encourages Francis, disapproves of his weaknesses, and is his pillar of support, even though they hardly spend any time together because of their busy lives.

SKYLER WHITE FROM BREAKING BAD

Skyler White worked as a bookkeeper till she got married to Walter White and was in the middle stages of pregnancy when he was diagnosed with lung cancer. She comes off as controlling and self-centred, but as the series progress, you realise that she’s only doing whatever she can to save her family, from taking on odd jobs to nearly committing felony.

EMILY THORNE FROM REVENGE

Emily returns to her hometown after her studies to avenge her father’s death. She usually appears calm and cold while dealing with difficulties, but as the problems progress, she begins to reveal her vulnerabilities and reacts emotionally to situation.

D O

CARRIE MATHISON FROM HOMELAND

W I T H O U T

Carrie was an Arabic language student at Princeton University, where she was recruited into the CIA by veteran officer Saul Berenson. In college, Carrie was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, for which she secretly began taking clozapine. Carrie considers the death or capture of terrorists to be a higher priority than her own life.

W O M E N

W O M E N

DONNA FROM SUITS

W I T H O U T

/

D O

M o v i e s

S H O W S

BEST OF

T V

iMHO

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MUSIC FESTIVALS TO LOOK FORWARD TO

The most happening music festivals for enthusiasts, party animals or adventure lovers alike

JODHPUR RAJASTHAN INTERNATIONAL FOLK FESTIVAL, JODHPUR: 23-27 OCT This festival held at the Mehrangarh fort in Jodhpur is an event that no folk music aficionado should miss. With their schedule coinciding with the brightest full moon of the year in North India, a charming atmosphere has already been set. In addition, the best of the Rajasthani folk artists collaborate with global musical maestros. The result is an incomparable soul stirring experience like no other.

Varun Shiv Kapur - commons.wikipedia.org

ENCHANTED VALLEY CARNIVAL, AAMBY VALLEY: TBA

The Enchanted Valley Carnival features artists from various genres like dubstep, rock, fusion, EDM, trance and techno. Along with some great dance music, EVC also has activities like water sports, adventure sports, campfires and a flea market.

ZIRO FESTIVAL, ARUNACHAL PRADESH: SEPTEMBER TBA

The Ziro festival is a four day event that features some of the best indie acts from India and across the globe. What sets this fest apart from the rest is that it provides an insight into the culture of the North East by featuring the best folk artists, cycling trips, bird watching treks and heritage walks.

NH7 WEEKENDER

Noel Braganza - commons.wikipedia.org

This three day festival is organised by Only Much Louder.

The festival first began with an intention to bring together fans and artists of various genres at one place. With platforms like the Dewarists stage, Bacardi Black Rock Arena and Eristoff Wolves Den that feature a diverse range of artists, this NH7 Weekender meets its objective every year.

SUNBURN

Considered as Asia’s largest music festival, Sunburn is an EDM festival held every year at Goa for three days.

Since this event is held at the country’s party destination, it attracts thousands of EDM fans who want to have a blast.

Pdmsunburn - commons.wikipedia.org

THE GREAT INDIAN OCTOBER FEST, BENGALURU: OCTOBER TBA

Inspired by Munich’s Octoberfest, TGIOF is a three day event that celebrates music and beer that takes place in Bangalore every year. This fest not only offers you a diverse range of line up of artists, but also an art festival, a fashion show with an incessant supply of beer and food throughout.

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COLOURS OF ROMANCE

For the day when love and colours create the perfect Bollywood playlist, without which our Holi celebrations would be incomplete

HOLI KE DIN

There is no way that this song could not make it in this list because of its relevance to the festival. This song from the legendary movie Sholay sums up the significance of this festival – to let go of the past and start afresh. Furthermore, Jai and Veeru’s victory over Gabbar Singh emphasises the most important lesson to take away from Holi – good always wins over evil.

RANG BARSE

This 1981 hit from the movie Silsila remains a hit even three decades from its release.

The song is said to have been adapted from a Rajasthani folk bhajan and there is never a Holi without a memory of Amitabh Bachchan’s charming voice serenading to a beautiful Rekha on the festival of colours.

LET’S PLAY HOLI

This song is from the 2005 movie Waqt, sung by Sunidhi Chauhan and Anu Malik. The tune is catchy and the music will always make you want to dance. No wonder this song’s a favourite at every Holi celebration in India.

BALAM PICHKARI

If Rang Barse is a hit from the past, then Balam Pichkari is a hit of the present for the youth. Moreover, Deepika Padukone and Ranbir Kapoor’s chemistry in Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani will ensure that this song remains a Holi hit for a long time.

HORI KHELE RAGHUVEERA

Hori Khele Raghuveera is yet another song by Amitabh Bachchan as well as Sukhwinder Singh, Udit Narayan and Alka Yagnik. The song celebrates the spirit of celebrating Holi with your loved ones, and the mischievous yet charismatic on-screen chemistry between Hema Malini and Amitabh Bachchan warms your heart to this date.

SONI SONI

This song is from the movie Mohabbatein, sung by Udit Narayan, Preetha Mazumdar and Shweta Pandit. The reason this song makes its way to Holi celebrations is because of it being the perfect song for a dance-off between the girls and the boys, as well as to spark the love blossoming between the two 70 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2015

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W O M E N

Popularly known for her first book, The Zoya Factor, she is usually categorised as a chick-lit writer, though critics would argue that the characters in her books actually have more depth than the run of the mill romantic dramas in that genre. With a sharp and witty voice, she has found her way into the bookshelves as ‘the only Indian writer of popular fiction really worth buying’, according to Mint.

With a recent release, Those Pricey Thakur Girls, she is also a successful screenplay writer.

N O V E L I S T S

Jhumpa Lahiri

Lahiri made her debut into the literary world with her collection of short stories titled ‘Interpreter of Maladies’ that won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in the year 2000.

She penned down her first novel, The Namesake, in the year 2003 which was later adapted into a movie of the same name. She has been praised for her writing style by the New York Times citing it as ‘uncommon elegance and poise’ and her other works include The Lowland (2013) that was also shortlisted for the 2013 Man Booker Prize.

N O V E L I S T S

Anuja Chauhan

She is an Indian American poet and author who has published novels in several genres including magic realism, historical and realistic fiction as well as fantasy. Her most popular book, Mistress of Spices was short-listed for the Orange Prize and adapted into a movie with the same name starring Aishwarya Rai as the female protagonist. Her other works include Sister of My Heart, The Word Love, Queen of Dreams, One Amazing Thing, Oleander Girl and many more.

W O M E N

Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni

T O P

T O P

Having spent most of her childhood in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, Arundhati Roy is known for her gifted ability to draw perfect word paintings for her readers through her novels. The 1998 Man Booker Prize winner, The God of Small Things, can be described as Roy’s masterpiece, which talks about how the small things in life are often capable of affecting people’s behaviours and their lives. Some of the important themes she covers in her narrative include Indian history and politics, social discrimination and cultural tensions.

Anita Desai

If publishing her first story at the age of nine wasn’t enough, Anita Desai has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize three times and won the Sahitya Academy Award in 1978 for her novel ‘Fire In The Mountain’. Her other famous works include ‘Clear Light of Day’, a novel set in the city of Delhi with themes revolving around importance of childhood, forgiveness, status of women and the roles they play in a family.

I N D I A ’ S

I N D I A ’ S

Arundhati Roy

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_AFTER DARK

hangout  

PLACES AND EVENTS FOR THE MONTH

AQABA, MUMBAI

Located at Peninsula Business Park, this elegant dining spot offers both great ambience and fine dining for those would love to sample Lebanese and Greek ethnicity on a plate.

CUISINE: Lebanese, Mediterranean, Greek BITES AND BOOZE: Almost everything on the menu is worth giving a shot because of the explosion of flavours it brings to your taste buds.

The Watermelon and Feta Salad is a must try on the menu. The cheese and the sweet watermelon wrapped in a crisp leafy layer of the salad cleanses your palate to make plenty of room for your main course dishes.

The vegetarian Mezze Platter offers you a choice of six different kinds of dips including Hummus and Tzatziki served with falafel and fatayer on the side; something you must definitely opt for on the menu. A personal favourite among the soups would be the Smoked Minestrone Soup, which is a Tuscan specialty with fagioli, zucchini, basil and cheese croutes. If you’re a meat lover, don’t skip Chicken Sauvlaki, the perfectly cooked skewered char grilled

`2000o for tw

tender chicken chunks marinated with Arabic spices and served with pickled veggies and garlic sauce.

Moving on to the sweeter side, one cannot say no to the deliciously sinful Chocolate Fondant, which guarantees the hot chocolate ganache to artfully ooze into your plate and picked up with a spoonful of vanilla ice cream, which creates the perfect symphony to your senses. For the fruit lovers, there’s always the traditional baked cheesecake served with strawberries and orange slices for the slightly tangier dessert option you’re looking for. Reasonable portions and great service, this is a place you can visit when you’re feeling particularly generous and are willing to splurge on good food. Beautiful interiors, spacious outdoor dining and the perfect ambience add to the charm of the place.

FAB OR DRAB: Though this may not be the ideal choice for regular dining, Aqaba is definitely one of the places you must visit for a cuisine that isn’t your typical Indian food.

It’s pleasantly different and caters as close as it possibly can to the authentic Lebanese and Greek cuisine that it offers. We'll definitely go back for more.

Club House, Level P5, Peninsula Business Park,

Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai – Nancy Varghese 72 Youth Incorporated MARCH 2015

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GO PANDA, MUMBAI

This quick service pan-Asian hotspot in Lokhandwala, Andheri, was started by Yash Chandirami, Nikhil Rochlani and Sachit, who are all under 25, and is perfect for those days when you’re craving Chinese takeaway that’s ample in portions and quite affordable.

CUISINE: Chinese, Thai, Burmese, and all kinds of mouth-watering Asian varieties that’ll keep you wanting to come back for more.

BITES AND BOOZE: For starters, try their honey garlic tangy sauce based Phathimlai Chicken, or the delectable Asian Prawns Nest with sweet chilli drizzle. Next, check out the Asian sandwiches, especially the Vietnamese Smoke Chicken in cheese and brown onion, which is a somewhat unique concept that cannot be missed. Fish lovers can gloat over the Fish in Mustard Sauce pot meal, while the Burmese Khau Suey will leave you satiated. The portions are just perfect, served in clay pots or disposable cutlery.

FAB OR DRAB: The prices are easy on the wallet and there’s a generally young and cool vibe to the place. It’s your go-to option for lazy Sunday afternoons or a quick pit stop in between meetings.

Shop 7, Grenville Building, Near Mala Tower, Andheri Lokhandwala, Andheri West, Mumbai

– Neeti Vijaykumar

EVENTS THIS MONTH THE GREAT FOOD SHOW The second edition offers a day of food, including everything from experimental to classic cuisine. Learn signature dishes; attend the farmer’s bazaar, avail exclusive discounts and play fun games.

15 March Venue: Bengaluru, Karnataka http://www.thegreatfoodshow.in/the-show/

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RANG BARSE

Let the colours of Holi this year spread the message of peace and happiness all over. A lot of adventures and fun followed by a rain dance and special surprises for children is bound to make your day memorable.

5 - 7 March Venue: Rishikesh, Uttarakhand https://in.explara.com/e/rang-barsec2 df5cccf842f98634488f45527d9baf

THE LOST PARTY A party happening on the Holi weekend is a mixture of optimism for youth, great music accomplishment of human spirit and dance all day and night for people who are lost in a blend of arts, technology and music.

6 - 7 March Venue: Pune, Maharashtra https://www.facebook.com/events/947459705267109/

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GRAFFITI

Trends Of The Month Asaram Bapu’s alternative to Valentine’s Day Our self-proclaimed moral custodian

AIB roast controversy

The AIB Knockout sparked quite a controversy this month. While Aamir Khan and Twinkle Khanna voiced their opinions against the contents of the video, most others have been against the attack on AIB. While some people found it funny and some didn’t, the point that most people seemed to have missed is that a roast means ‘insult comedy’ to begin with and it was only meant to be taken in good humour.

of Indian culture proposed that instead of Valentine’s Day, we should celebrate ‘Matru Pitru Pujan Divas’, a day to worship parents. To top it, he even published a booklet on how to worship parents. Actually, he has been on about this for more than five years, and finally broke into the media limelight this year.

Proud Rapist short film

by PuraniDiliTalkies

A guiltless rapist finds himself injured in the hospital and is devastated when he finds out that he has been castrated to stop him from doing what he finds nothing wrong with. Is a deterrent punishment like castration the only solution to prevent crimes against women? That's something to think about.

Hindu Mahasabha threatens to marry off couples on Valentine’s Day

The Hindu Mahasabha came up with an ingenious idea to prevent the youth from adapting the Western culture and safeguard the Hindu culture: marry off couples on Valentine’s Day if they are caught kissing or hugging. Moreover, if one of the partners is not Hindu, they would be asked to convert themselves to Hinduism. Wedding bells are ringing!

By Lavanya Karthik

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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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Marco Grigoli, Yu Lee, Sofia Castegren, Istituto Marangoni students.

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