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Volume 1 Issue 11 May 2012
Editorial
Editor's
note
Editor-in-Chief NITISH SHAH Executive Editor SHRADDHA KAMDAR Managing Editor MINAL PATODIA Sr Correspondent BEVERLY PEREIRA Fashion Contributor ANU CHOWDHARY
Art & Design
BIPIN BALAKRISHNAN MOULVI ABBAS HASAN
Ad Sales
NIKHAT ALI NAHIDA COELHO sales@youthincmag.com
Marketing
ANYA GONCHAROVA ZAINAB SIDHPURWALA SAGAR SHAH marketing@youthincmag.com
Circulation
NISHANT SHINDE SAMEER LONDHE
Administration
FATEMA BISMILLAH For Advertising, Subscriptions and Circulation mail@youthincmag.com +91-22-2351-6622 / 6609 Printed and Published by Nitish Shah on behalf of Splash Publication Pvt Ltd Published at: 9 Forjett Hill, British Express Bldg, 2nd floor, Mumbai 400036. Editor: Nitish Shah
Admin office: F9&10, Commerce Centre, 6th Floor, 78 Tardeo Road, Mumbai 400034.
Printed at: Repro India Ltd Plot No 50/2, TTC MIDC Industrial Area, Mahape Navi Mumbai 400 710. District Thane
Cricket, cricket, cricket – these are the three most popular words for most youth today. Not just the youth, the entire nation and even sub-continent is obsessed with this sport. Now it all makes sense. After watching the IPL for 4 years, my entire perspective has changed. I can now sit through 4 hours of extreme excitement amongst all the bonhomie and cheering. The marriage of cricket and Bollywood is such a heady concoction that it leaves us asking for more. With every star or corporate giant owning these IPL teams, cricket has become a mega spectacle. In this issue, we look at the highs and lows of the IPL since its inception. What better way to spend the summer than listening to music? This ‘Indie Bands’ music issue has been long awaited by all of us here at Youth Inc. Listening to these live bands jam in schoolrooms, tour for their album launches and perform at festivals has been an eyeopening experience. Artists will truly go to incredible lengths to have their voices heard. The challenges facing young bands starting out are many, from getting a studio space to mix their first album to getting a platform for playing their music. But with Indian bands coming of age in all kinds of different genres, it’s inspiring to hear the stories of these bands finding success across the country. In today’s digital age, we are all connected. Our smartphones ping every two minutes with messages, tweets, Facebook updates and so on. Even while studying for exams, students are constantly messaging each other. There is serious information overload. We play the devils advocate and bring you two interesting stories about how technology can be used to your academic advantage by mapping in classrooms and on on the flip side how it can make you dumber in the technology trap. Decide for yourself how you wish to incorporate these amazing technologies to your life. To end with, we've all heard stories of elevator pitches leading to tremendous success. I have personally experienced this. Its never certain who and when are we going to meet that one life changing person so be sure you have an idea ready at all times, and cheers to your success.
Nitish Shah
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 subject to the jurisdiction of competant courts in Mumbai only.
MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated
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contents MAY 2012
16
Also on the
COVER
TO THE TOP
A handy guide to creating the perfect elevator pitch that will help you grow your business
22
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Interested in making movies? Try one of these short summer courses in film overseas
35
INTO THE MIND
Delve deeper into the scientific study of the mind with a rewarding career in psychology
56
CAN YOU DATE YOUR BEST FRIEND?
PAGE
48 Cover Story
THE INDIE MUSIC SCENE India’s music culture is experiencing a revolution effortlessly deviating from all things mainstream. The indie scene is here to stay with young bands creating a high-spirited space in which this subculture can thrive. With the host of platforms that bands have access to today, it's no wonder that the music scene is alive and kicking. Get to know some of the hottest acts that are making waves in India, giving a much-needed boost to the country's live music culture.
2
Our relationship guru delves into the complexities of getting involved with a close friend
(Educate) SPECIAL FEATURE On the radar
10
How mapping technologies can be used for learning in the classroom
FOCUS FEATURE Incubating ideas
12 14
26
As technology gets smarter, are we getting lazier and more anti-social?
OUT OF THE BOX Raising the Bar
32
Educational institutions support students’ entrepreneurial ideas through incubator cells or bodies
Finance focus Find out how The Union Budget 2012 affects students
WALK OF LIFE Intern incentives
18
AWARENESS The technology trap
Four students who worked in different fields as interns share their experiences
Interested in nightlife and all that more? Try out bartending, a non-traditional, yet lucrative, career
Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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EDUCATION & CAREER FAIR! OVER 1000 PLUS CAREER OPTIONS UNDER ONE ROOF! Ahmedabad, 07th & 08th April | Rajpath Club Surat, 14th & 15th April | Agrasen Bhavan Pune, 14th & 15th April | Hotel Le Meridien Mumbai, 20th to 22nd April | MMRDA Grounds Lucknow, 28th & 29th April | Hotel Taj Residency Bengaluru, 28th & 29th April | Palace Grounds Chennai, 05th & 06th May | Chennai Trade Centre Jaipur, 05th & 06th May | Birla Auditorium Delhi, 11th to 13th May | Pragati Maidan Kolkata, 19th & 20th May | Hotel Park Chandigarh, 19th & 20th May | Hotel Shivalik View Hyderabad, 26th & 27th May | Hotel Taj Krishna Ranchi, 26th & 27th May | Hotel Capitol Hill Thane, 02nd & 03rd June | Hotel Tip Top Plaza Patna, 02nd & 03rd June | Hotel Chanakya
EDUCATION EXHIBITION & CAREER FAIR FOCUS • B. SCHOOLS • OVERSEAS EDUCATION • ENGINEERING • IT TRAINING • VOCATIONAL • PG COURSES • FASHION • MEDIA • ARTS • Cracking IIT - JEE • Recruitment • Financial Planning • Management Courses • Diploma Courses • Architecture • Advertising • MAX GRE/MAX GMAT/SAT • BMS, BMM • Event Management • Hair & Beauty Training Academies • Film Making• Finance & Banking • Interior Designing • Medical Courses • Animation • Multimedia • Digital Content Creation & Rich Internet Applications • Theatre • Photography • Accountancy • Character Modeling • Study Loans • Simulate CAT/CET/SAT • IGCSE School • Career Assessment Prog. • Airhostess / Flight - Pursers • Aviation / Pilot Training • Networking • Career Counseling • Residential Schools • Catering & Hotel Management • Placement Training Programme • Merchant Navy • Paramedical Courses • Travel & Tourism • Jewellery Designing • Printing & Packaging • Oil & Gas, Power, Transportation & Mining Studies • Call Centre Training • Company Secretary / Chartered Accountancy • ‘A'-Level School • Aerospace & Aircraft Maintenances Engineering (AME) • International BBA UK Course & Others.... FOR SPACE BOOKING CONTACT: Anita: + 91-99201 11766 | E-mail: info@timeseducation.org | www.timeseducation.org
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WIN
IN CONVERSATION Work on your life skills
38
Kiran Bajaj, Principal of Greenlawns High School, talks about easing the transition from school to college
INSIDE DOPE Symbiosis Law College, Pune
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The heat is on! Check out some soothing products for the summer months
EDITOR’S NOTE…1 EDITORIAL CONNECT…6
FASHION Up, up and away!
70
Find the perfect travel bag for the summer season
ECOWATCH Eco-friendly motoring
AROUND THE WORLD…8 COUNSELLOR Q&A…30 WORD ZONE…46 MODEL WATCH…74 DR GOOD SKIN…75 REFRESH… 76
Easy ways to reduce your carbon emissions while driving around the city
DROOL OF THE MONTH…77 IMHO…80
ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE Crazy feet
4
DIY bib neck pieces
Make yourself a statement neck piece in a few simple steps
STAPLEdiet
STUDENT SPEAK Strengthening the base
The b-boy dance form has taken to the stages and streets in India and has fast become a culture in itself
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A tête-à-tête with Sachin Dev Duggal, the CEO of cloudcomputing company, nivio
59
See page no 87
Explore the old-fashioned and archaic city of Kolkata
PRODIGY Entrepreneurship driving change
58
GATSBY
A look at how far the brand has come from its inception to its fifth season
A campus that makes law school students seem like human beings rather than zombies
(Entertain)
by
OFF THE MAP Oh, the city of joy
66
Student Prateek Agrawal recounts his experience shifting to an IB school and the difference it made in his life
GIFTS
Notes from the Young Changemakers Conclave, 2012
SPORTS Has the IPL hit its nadir?
44
FREE EXCLUSIVE
YOUTH ISSUES Talking about a revolution!
RESTOMETER…82 TASTEBUDS…83 HANGOVER…84
71
Stun in the Sun!
Don’t step out this summer without these shades!
RISING STARS…85 STAR STRUCK…86 GRAFFITI…88
Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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INTERNATIONAL UNDERGRADUATE FAIR
Universities from UK, US, Europe & beyond
New Delhi Mumbai
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editorial connect ASPIRING WRITER I just loved Youth Incorporated magazine! I had subscribed to this magazine some time ago. I am an aspiring writer. It took me four years to complete my first novel. I had acquired the copyrights for the book with the help of my friend. But I have absolutely no idea how to go about finding a good publisher. I believe that I have the skill to write and to put emotions in words. I would appreciate it if you could inform me how to go about getting my book published. Thank you! Ed: Congratulations on your novel. I would recommend you send a synopsis of your book to publishers across the country and then follow up with them. Make visits to any publisher who shows interest. I am confident that you will be able to publish your book. Good Luck! Chirag Somani Writer, Kolkata
WANDERLUST! I was happy to see the cover story in your latest issue keeping readers updated with the best of India’s backpacking locations. In fact, I just got back home (and to college!) from an adventurous trip to Leh. The article gave me a good insight into the place, especially since we were two girls who were travelling alone. I also found that the article in which David Byrne offers travel tips and shares his experiences to be a useful read. It made it a better read since I actually used to be addicted to his travel shows. I agree with all the pointers stated in the first article about why people should travel. Lavina Doshi Copywriter, Mumbai 6
Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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yinocouth rpor EDUCATE + ENTERTAI
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N www.youthincmag.com
BEAT THE MONDAY MORNING BLUES
ated VOLUME 1 ISSUE 10 APRIL 2012 > ` 50
URE EERS IN HORTICULT EN THUMB - CAR S SCENE IN INDIA NURTURE YOUR GRE ED MARTIAL ART MIX / G) KIN (NO SMO REAL IITS? BEAT THE BUTT / ARE THESE THE ICATION COLLEGES WORKS GLOBAL COMMUN NET MNI ALU OF IMPORTANCE
A CKP BA E T U C K B
IS THE ROAD ROAC
I NG CK L I S T
LIFE
- JACK KE YOURSELF WITH DISCOVER L SPECIAL! OUR TRAVE
Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com
LINGUISTIC LOVE This letter refers to the article on students from regional schools moving to college and adjusting to the use of the English language. I studied in a small town on the outskirts of Delhi. During my school days, studying English was a problem as it was not really spoken at home. I was thus very apprehensive about using it for the first time in a new environment. When I moved to college, it was a drastic change with moving to the city as well. It is five years since, and I am proud to say that I have managed to keep up with it all. Looking back, I feel that I lacked the confidence. I would say follow your dreams and let nothing and no one bring you down. Dinesh Bhatia, Marketing executive, Delhi
NO TOUCHING, ONLY SEEING! I have been in a long-term, committed relationship for the last four years. Yes, the case of the wandering eye creeps into our relationship every now and then. Even the most secure couples cannot escape this. I agree with the writer when she says that it is much easier to deal with it in a mature way by discussing the situation and making your partner realise how you feel. Instead of playing the blame game by saying “You don’t care for me”, one could say “I really don’t like it when you check out other people.” I always try to apply this and it works since there is no place for misunderstandings or arguments. In fact, it makes my relationship stronger. Alisha B Student, Mumbai
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GET OUT OF THE BOX! Youth Incorporated is a good magazine for the youth. However, I noticed that there are hardly any careers that are different from the mainstream kinds. As a professor, a large proportion of the youth in India wish to pursue more exciting careers. They are looking to express themselves through their work. How about including more such articles in the future? They will be of great help to students. I did read the articles on pursuing horticulture and floral designing though. I expect to see more such similar articles in future! Kashmira Singha Professor, Bangalore
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13-04-2012 15:13:11
yi
educate Good at mixing a drink or two? Go professional! Page 32
K E E PI N S I D E яГо
Pg10 Pg12 Pg26 Pg38 ON THE RADAR EFFECTIVE WAYS OF USING MAPPING TECHNOLOGIES IN THE CLASSROOM
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INCUBATING IDEAS INSTITUTIONS SUPPORTING ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS OF STUDENTS
THE TECH TRAP DO HUMAN BEINGS BECOME LAZIER AND MORE ANTI-SOCIAL AS TECHNOLOGY GETS SMARTER?
WORK ON YOUR LIFE GREENLAWNS PRINCIPAL ON HOW TO ADAPT TO COLLEGE LIFE
13-04-2012 14:56:13
NewsNewsNews New News _EDU NEWS
Around the World AIEEE and IIT-JEE to be replaced by ISEET from 2013 onwards
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oon, some of India’s oldest entrance exams such as IIT-JEE and AIEEE will be replaced by a new entrance exam that is slated to change the way students enter the famed IITs and NITs. The entrance test will be administered at the national level and will be called the Indian Science Engineering Eligibility Test (ISEET). The exam papers will be set by the IITs and the exam conducted by the CBSE board. The proposal for a nation-wide entrance test was put forward in February this year, after which it was approved by the IIT council. The test will be offered in the month of April or May 2013 and will last for a total of three hours with two sections, namely the ISEET Main (objective test) and the ISEET Advanced, which checks the student’s problem solving skills in basic science subjects. New developments occured in March this year, when the Indian Institutes of Technology requested to have a say in the new entrance examination. Academics say they understand the intentions for the change, but charge the ministry with failing to consider the views of stakeholders in the rush to make changes.
UNIVERSITY OF PLYMOUTH TIES UP WITH KAZIRANGA UNIVERSITY
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he University of Plymouth in Britain has tied up with Kaziranga University in Assam. The English university will offer expertise in areas such as robotics, computing and engineering that will help to form a new learning framework though the Kaziranga University’s School of Management Studies and School of Engineering. The key aim of the course offered by Plymouth is employability. Plymouth University plans to tie up with other Indian institutions in Bhubaneshwar, Pune, Delhi NCR and Visakhapatnam. Further, the university is also interested in sending its students to India, based on the success of the University of Plymouth's summer programme in China.
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GUJARAT UNIVERSITY OFFERS YOUTUBE LESSONS
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ujarat University (GU) students who have opted for the zoology course are now able to view as well as download a series of 40 lectures from a specially designed portal and via video-sharing portal YouTube. This move is a part of a Central Government-funded project known as ‘e-content’. The university has uploaded the syllabus of the first year BSc programme, which follows the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS). The portal has experts that explain chapters orally. The videos also show the matter in text format, offering a better grasp of concepts to the students. In the future, the lectures will be converted into animations.
US varsity announces new doctorate course for education professionals
T
he University of Southern California (USC) has announced that it plans to offer a new doctorate course, aimed at professionals in the field of education. This programme, which has been launched by the USC Rossier School of Education, offers a doctorate in education (EdD), appropriate for those professionals who wish to progress to higher levels in the field of education. The university plans to set up a Mumbai office to offer courses on the lines of MBA programmes. 25 people will be chosen from around the world, out of which four are expected to be from India. While a PhD is aimed at individuals aspiring to be future academics, an EdD is a professional doctorate that is aimed at working professionals who wish to be high level practitioners in education.
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NewsNews
News NewsNews
ANTI-BEATING CHARTER UNVEILED IN INDIAN SCHOOLS
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ertain guidelines were recently unveiled by the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) with the aim of eliminating corporal punishment in India. As per the new guidelines, schools should create special monitoring cells to take prompt action against the physical punishment of children. According to one report, over 98 per cent of the 6,632 surveyed children, aged three to 17, experienced some kind of physical punishment at school. The survey also found that caning was a common method used to control school children. It also found that a number of teachers also pull hair, pinch noses or arms, tie students to chairs and even use electrical shocks to enforce order. In spite of the prohibition of corporal punishment in a number of Indian states, there yet exists such physical harassment in some states. The commission has said that teachers should learn to control students using clear communication commands and temperate language.
News
UGC wants larger universities split
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he University Grants Commission (UGC), following a report by an expert panel, is looking into splitting larger universities into smaller ones. The smaller universities would be affiliated with 100 colleges at the most, with not over 50,000 each. This expert panel has pointed out in the report that which such large student and college numbers, the university has been reduced to being the body that just administers examinations and hands out degrees. The panel has also suggested that splitting the universities will enable the improvement of academic standards and quality of teaching. This splitting will reduce the pressure on the larger university to be the coordinating body among hundreds of colleges. Among the universitiesto be split are Mumbai University with 650 affiliated colleges, University of Pune (800 affiliations), Andhra University (725 affiliations), University of Rajasthan (500) and University of Kerala (195).
Environmental Studies (EVS) will not be a separate subject for students
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rom the next academic year onwards, students will have one less subject to study in school. Students from class VI to XII will soon be studying environmental studies as an infused model as against it being a separate subject altogether. The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has decided to stop treating environmental studies as a separate subject. This decision was filed as an affidavit with the Supreme Court in March 2012. Environmental studies was initially introduced in India as a mandatory subject with the goal of increasing awareness about the environment. All schools were asked to assign this subject to the science or geography teacher. While students from class III to V will study environmental studies as a separate subject, students belonging to class VI to XII will study EVS as an integrated subject with science, language and social studies. The main aim of this move is to do away with the additional burden of an extra subject for students.
NEW ENGINEERING COLLEGES MAY BE BARRED FROM 2012, SAYS AICTE
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rom 2012 onwards, new professional institutes may be prohibited from coming up in India. This decision, made by the All-India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), follows the rise in the number of vacant engineering seats that have become commonplace in many states. According to a 2011 estimation made by AICTE, approximately three lakh engineering and management seats were left empty. The governments of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh and Haryana have asked AICTE to stop giving new institutes permission to come up. They have asked AICTE to act against the applications for upcoming engineering and management. However, AICTE has decided to wait until 2012 to implement this move. MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 9
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_Special feature
Tech in class
Owing to the benefits that technology has brought to the classroom, at all levels (primary, secondary, or college), the teaching-learning process has improved a great deal. Youth Inc brings you a series on tehnology in the classroom, the first on the use of mapping technologies.
On the
radar Mapping technologies can be used for learning a variety of things, from the obvious, geography, to the imaginative - literature! And best part is that most of these technologies are free, finds a Youth Inc Correspondent
I
t is important to recognise the rise and significance of information and communication technologies (ICTs) and new media in contemporary education. With this idea of collaboration and consistency of approach in mind, it is only right to encourage a similar focus in our higher education institutions. Educational institutions must
evolve to adopt ICTs to cater to current needs. With the advent of technology in several spheres of education, new mapping tools have also been put to some creative use in classrooms. Tools like Google Earth and Google Maps, whenever available in the classroom, have made it easier for teachers to explain and for students to relate to topics. Such technologies can be applied in obvious fields, like geography, history and
architecture, but can also be easily extended to music, literature, geology and biology as well. For instance, locations of historical events, along with details about the event, images, and other information, can easily be plotted on a map. Students can then look for relationships and trends in the mapped data. iPhones and Android devices, to name a couple, enable users to geotag pictures and find out geographic
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locations with the latitude and longitude. This data can then be looked up on Google Maps and Google Earth for study. Those who use visualising technologies in the classroon say that they encourage students to be active group learners. Research on the topic also suggests that digital systems can effectively engage students with social issues, transforming them to be agents of change in their communities. This can be done by linking information about location with the demographic and environmental data. Instructors who have used digital mapping in the classroom are quick to elaborate on the difference in student understanding and retention of any topic. This of course, cannot be accomplished easily with only two-dimensional printed maps. It is the graphic representation that makes the difference. Needless to say, digital mapping programmes cannot simply be integrated into the existing syllabus. In order for integration to be successful, curricula must be devised to exploit the full potential of the technology. Teachers across the world have used mapping technology to a great degree of success. “The ease of using these mapping tools like Google Earth makes them popular. They also help present a vast amount of information applying directly or indirectly to learning in many topics. The ability of the software to provide the information in a threedimensional model changes the game. It not only engages students better, but helps them extend their imagination to other topics as well. The subjects can range from social sciences, history, art, engineering and any other topic that has a geographic component,” says engineering student Sandeep Sarathi. Experiences of many teachers suggest that students tend to learn such topics passively. Research, however, points out that understanding is enhanced when classroom study is clubbed with
Mapping tools that are available online, and are either free or inexpensive: • Google Maps: http://maps.google.com • Google Earth: http://earth.google.com • ScribbleMaps: http://scribblemaps. com • Simply Map (An application that creates thematic maps): http:// simplymap.com: • ArcGIS (for creating your own map or accessing maps made by others): www. arcgis.com • BatchGeo (use data to create a map): http://batchgeo.com • GPS4Cam http://gps4cam.com/: iPhone and Android app that tags pictures
visual and imaginative aids. An integrated approach is an important means to learn about the finer points of any topic at hand. “Since these tools help students visualise pressing issues in the social and geographical context, they can derive current applications of the topics. By using overlays, these programmes can enable students to examine a wide range of relationships,” says Meena Saxena, a social studies teacher. An added advantage is that since technologies like Google Earth are free and dependent only on the Internet, students can explore them on their own, whether for understanding and doing their homework or just for fun. “Students can create their own representations of their data as they see them. This can be done by inserting digital photos, hyperlinks, or video links,” adds Saxena. Integrating this technology in education is the next step forward for teachers. yi may 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 11
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Incubating
_focus feature
Ideas Many educational institutions are now supporting entrepreneurial ideas of their students, either through short-term programmes or through setting up organisations
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odern day educational institutes cannot stop at teaching. Many institutions go the extra mile to identify and cultivate their students' entrepreneurial aptitudes. As a policy to generate additional employment and help a larger number of young graduates become self-reliant, the Government of India is also promoting the idea of start-up ventures by students fresh out
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of college. The government is doing this with major government-affiliated research institutes by offering technological support to socially beneficial ventures. Needless to say, such ventures will also benefit the country as whole. Similarly, the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) have introduced programmes that prepare their students to step into the business world and start ventures of their own. IIM Ahmedabad hosts the Centre for Innovation Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE) at the institute. The ‘iAccelerator’, an initiative of the CIIE, is a programme created to not only enable, but in fact encourage students to start their ventures and become entrepreneurs after graduation. Of course, having an idea to have a start up is essential. According to Tanvi Rangwala, Director – ICT Initiatives, CIIE, this programme is intended to provide facilities to entrepreneurs in the technology areas (especially internet and mobile). This support is to establish well run, technically sound and profitable companies in India. The experience that IIM-A has to offer, network, and the capital incentive pave way for a better chance to succeed. If you want to benefit from this programme, the main criterion is to be a new venture in the Internet and mobile domain. Whether you are absolutely new or in the early stage, you can apply to be part of the programme. The finalists receive seed money, office space and infrastructure and mentoring, along with a chance to showcase their product. IIM Bangalore too, supports new ventures involved in the development of security solutions for banking, bioinformatics and various similar projects. The initiatives are not limited to business schools alone. The National Institute of Design (NID) in Ahmedabad, has set up the National Design Business Incubator (NDBI), the main objective of which is to promote young, design
List of institutes with incubation centres • IIM Ahmedabad • IIM Bangalore • IIM Lucknow • IIM Kozhikode • IIM Calcutta • SP Jain Institute of • Management and Research, Mumbai • BITS Pilani • IIT Kharagpur • IIT Madras • IIT Bombay • IIT Kanpur • IIT Guwahati • IIT Delhi • Nirma Labs, Nirma University, Ahmedabad • KJ Somaiya Institute of Management Studies and Research, Mumbai • The ICFAI Center for Entrepreneurship Development, Hyderabad • Mudra Institute of Communications, Ahmedabad (MICA) • FMS Delhi • Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDI), Ahmedabad • Wadhwani Center for Entrepreneurial Development, Hyderabad • JSS Institutions, Mysore • NITIE, Mumbai • Science and Tech Entrepreneurs Park at NIT Trichy • Society for Innovation & Development, IISC Bangalore • Technopark, Karyavattom Kerala
focussed entrepreneurs. Mahesh Krovvidi, CEO, NDBI informs that the basic purpose of NDBI is to develop a culture of entrepreneurship in the creative minds of young design students, so that their ideas culminate into products and services that are capable of being marketed and sold. Besides education institutions, there are non-profit organisations that provide a platform to students to use their academic expertise and information to form and execute entreprenership ventures to benefit society at large. Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) is one such nonprofit. Its India chapter established in 2003 has been the connecting point for many young entrepreneurs with their various communities across the globe. At present, the SIFE network is present in 50 universities in over eight cities in India. Keshav R Murugesh, Chairman, SIFE India and Group CEO, WNS Global Services says that a key factor for India to cross over from a developing to a developed nation, is the generation of young leaders who are willing to think and work globally. Young leaders who can work with communities all over the country and try to reduce the gap between the stronger and weaker sections of society. SIFE is an innovative and powerful learning experience that brings in opportunities to students across India to do their bit for the different communities in the country. As part of the programme, working experience is provided to these students. They are also introduced to corporate houses, so as to gain wider experience to start something on their own, which will not only benefit society but will change their own perspectives too. It is clear that many small companies have seen humble beginnings with seed money raised in the oddest of manners. If this trend of incubating services provided by such organisation continues, many interesting ideas will see light of day, rather than just be buried in the darkness of anonymity. yi may 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 13
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_Awareness
Finance
focus
The Union Budget 2012 has allocated a large portion of funds to education. Youth Inc finds out how the budget affects students
T
he Union Budget presented for 2012-13 by finance minister (FM) Pranab Mukherjee saw the allocation of generous amounts for education development at various levels. While drafting the budget, the FM had to consider the position of India’s economy with respect to global financial conditions. Despite the constraints, the allocations for the education sector appear in a positive vein, whether for primary, secondary, or vocational education. The Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), started with the aim of universal elementary education, was allocated a whopping ` 25,555 crore. This is more than a 21 per cent increase over last year. These funds might achieve their goal faster than expected since, as per the proposal made, 6,000 schools will be initiated under the 12th Five Year Plan. Some experts are of the opinion that elementary education, as the base for all education, needs the maximum funds that can be spared. Others, however, think vocational education needs more attention, since a vast majority of our population is in
the youth bracket, and many across sections of society are devoid of an education. These youth can definitely make a living with skills, and the minister’s team seems to have taken care of that aspect as well, with the whopping `1,000 crore allocation for the National Skill Development Fund. Skill development is an area that has gained a lot of importance over the last few years, since it provides a means to livelihood without a formal degree. A few institutes have introduced programmes in skill development which culminate in a degree so that students opting for it do not lose out on being called ‘graduates’. In addition, lots of students across the country are happy about greater access to educational loans. FM Mukherjee proposed to set up a Credit Guarantee Fund to ensure better flow of credit to deserving students. However, some are sceptical. Merely setting up a fund does not ensure that the money reaches deserving candidates. Generating awareness is also essential to the fund's efficacy. “In the light of slower economic
Highlights of the Union Budget 2012 with respect to education • ` 25, 555 crore allocation to Right to Education (RTE) - Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) • ` 3,124 crore for the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan • 6,000 to be set up as model schools in the 12th Five Year Plan. 2,500 of these to be set up under public-private partnership • Setting up of a Credit Guarantee Fund for better flow of credit to students • ` 15, 850 crore allocation for Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme • ` 11, 937 crore allocation for National Programme of Mid-Day Meals in schools for the year 2012-13 • An allocation of ` 750 crore proposed for Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls • Allocation of ` 1,000 crore for National Skill Development Fund growth, an18 per cent increase in budget allocation for education definitely gives us hope,” says Anil Goyal, Director – Strategy and Business Development, Mexus Education. He added, “We are looking forward to a better defined regulatory structure for utilisation of pre-deployed ICT in schools; with dedicated ` 975 crores in e-governance. However, this budget leaves a lot to be desired for capacity enhancement and encouraging private sector participation.” Whatever the situation, the education sector can certainly benefit from such reforms. The more the money, the more the growth. yi
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Budget poll
your
VOICE
Aditya Sankar Narayanan
Mohd Nabeel Soomar
18, FYBCom Student
18, Class 12 Commerce Student
The tax bracket for the general category has been raised to rupees two lakhs. So there is an effective saving of `2,000 for those of us who pay tax. Moreover, a deduction of up to `10,000 is available on interest from savings bank accounts for individuals, this again encourages savings among youth. Concessions on manufacture of electric and hybrid vehicles should ensure new variants entering the market. Proposals to increase the excise on goods like cigarettes, pan masala, gutkha and so on is a very good move to discourage their use, which is rampant among today’s youth. Overall, it is a fair budget but there is also nothing very impressive.
Shrutika Shetty 18, BMM and Animation Student
Preeti Srinivasan 18, FYBMM Student
The budget sure does have a lot of impact on the youth. With phone calls getting more expensive, the price rise would surely affect the youth who regard their cell phones as their lifelines. While handset prices might decrease, the dip doesn’t compensate for the increase in call rates. The budget is mainly political in nature rather than economical. The budget would surely impact me in a way that would make me restrict from cell phone use!
As a youth in the field of animation and media, I stay out most of the day. Due to the current Budget, there is a price hike in both transport and food. This affects our pockets a lot. Currently, I would say it is not creativity you need but finance to stay in this field!
The Union budget 2012 was both positive and negative, an increase in excise, luxury tax was uncalled for, but this budget does encourage savings, which may help to bring down inflation, at an all time high due to excess flow of money in the economy. Speaking for the youth it remotely effects us in the matters of most electronics for which prices have gone down, a welcome bit of news. Also money has been pumped into education, proof that the matter is being taken seriously in India. Most of the people visiting restaurants are young people. so the luxury tax and restaurant tax might be a bit of a burden. Something seriously needs to be done about the ever soaring fuel prices. Otherwise the budget is looking better than those of the last few years on the whole. I was extremely happy with Mr. Dinesh Trivedi's budget, but the roll back shouldn't have been made if the concerned matter was future development.
n Radhika Narayana CA student
The hike in service tax and excise duty, I think, is going to affect the youth in general. Service tax is applicable everywhere, so general living is going to be costly, including payment of mobile bills and eating out. I feel that this year’s budget is quite vindictive; the collection from indirect taxes is proposed to be higher than the collection of direct taxes. It will prove to be a costly affair for the youth. may 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 15
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_WALK OF LIFE
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TO THE
TOP!
AN ELEVATOR PITCH CAN HELP YOU SELL YOUR COMPANY TO INVESTORS. CHECK OUT YOUTH INC'S HANDY GUIDE ON CREATING ONE 13-04-2012 14:58:07
S
o you’ve taken the first step towards becoming an entrepreneur. You’ve come up with a business plan and are looking for investors for your business. Crafting an elevator pitch can help you immensely to achieve your goals. This is true not just for new companies, but also for bringing in new business and cash flow to established ones. An elevator pitch is a 60-second, winning pitch about your company that grabs people’s attention and makes them want to know more about your services. Imagine that you enter an elevator and find yourself in the company of Bill Gates. You have 60 seconds to impress him enough that he asks for a meeting to discuss your ideas in more detail. That’s the power that a good elevator pitch should have. It’s not useful in just an elevator, obviously! It can help you to create short, powerful presentations on-the-go as well, and be used in sales, marketing and many other fields of your business. So, how would you create a winning elevator pitch for yourself? First of all, remember that it needs to be effective and memorable. Don’t try to cram as much information as you can into a minute! No one wants to listen to an information dump. Think of it as a casual conversation to whet your listener’s appetite and leave him/her hungry for more!
WHO
Describe who you are, keeping in mind the importance of first impressions. You have to capture his interest immediately. So, how would you describe yourself in one line if someone asked, “What do you do for a living?” While you describe your company, try to include a quantifiable benefit that you add for your consumers. For example, we at Youth Inc might say, “We publish a youth magazine that helps Indian youths reach their aspirations by focusing on education, careers and entertainment.” Keep your answer pithy and gauge your listener’s response. If he or she looks interested, then continue with your speech. If not, go back to the drawing board with your pitch!
WHAT
Describe your company and what you want to do. Find the one distinguishing factor that sets you apart – the ease of use, network, or fast turnaround time – and sell that factor. This is crucial because the whole point of your elevator speech is to grab someone’s attention with something that is new, exciting and better than established models. Communicate the excitement that made you want to start up your company as an entrepreneur. From the pre-concept stage itself, there had to be something, an edge that makes your company stand out. If you can’t identify a unique selling point for your company, then that's a problem in the model.
WHY
To get the person you are speaking to interested in your product, you need to hook his personal interest. A venture capitalist will get several such proposals in a day and will probably be keen to ask you a couple of questions. If not, engage a discussion by asking an open-ended question, like “Does this area interest you?” This will also help you to gauge your listener’s level of involvement in the conversation. If he or she responds positively to your idea, then you can ask to continue the conversation later in a formal setting.
TIPS
EDIT: You need to have mentioned everything you need to in 60 seconds. In the age of the Twitterati, this should not be terribly difficult. The key is to make your ideas as simple and concise as possible while delivering maximum impact. BELIEVE: The elevator pitch is something that you carry with you all the time. It should come as naturally as breathing. You should be able to speak to someone on the phone and give your elevator pitch even while working on other tasks. This only happens if you truly believe every word you are saying. yi
A great example of a time when an elevator pitch would come in handy is in the movie, The Pursuit of Happyness, where Will Smith has to convince a potential employer to give him a chance in the course of a taxi ride. Similarly, in Working Girl, Meg Ryan did a fantastic elevator pitch and got the job. She was actually in the elevator too! MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 17
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_focus feature
Intern experiences Pursuing anything professionally while still studying means a steep, but ultimately beneficial learning curve. An internship holds such benefits for a college student like no other opportunity does. Youth Inc talks to a few students who have been juggling academics with work and in the process been learning a lot. Here’s what they have to say.
A writer’s delight
Kanchi Shah, Editorial Intern at a well-known international magazine
I
nterning at an internationally known publication is an unparalleled experience, from the learning, to the practical work. Working with the editorial team and getting to know the process of making a men’s fashion magazine couldn't be more interesting. There is a lot to learn, not only from my seniors but also from my peers and my co-interns. Needless to say, we also have a lot of fun on the job. Working at this magazine has not only improved my writing skills, but also helped me understand the inner working of a publishing house. Eight hours a day, five days a week is definitely not an easy job, but the ambience makes you feel so comfortable that you cannot help but love it! If you are still unsure of what you want to pursue as a career, an internship is an excellent way to figure it out. It got me some great contacts for the future. Along with writing, there was a lot of research work on photographers and writers. It’s not easy coping with college and exams along with a job, but my organisation made it much easier. Writing is an art that anybody can develop and working at the magazine helped me connect much better with my own skills. It’s my first professional
work experience and there is a lot of excitement entering the corporate world and getting acquainted with fashion editors. The environment here is definitely not the type we are used to; it's more serious, more focused and filled with workaholics. My internship was highly administrative and interns always keep running in and out of the office. We also have fun Fridays in our office. One Friday in a month, we have a fun party after work with food,
music and drinks, after which we go home looking forward to the muchawaited weekend! At this job, I was able to learn a lot about the workings of a publishing house in general, and a magazine in particular. Needless to say, I am trying to make the most of it. An internship gives a student a whole new feeling and experience, along with inculcating a sense of responsibility. Being glued to the computer screen for hours can be tiring, but the knowledge and experience is worth it all. Sure, at times it can get frustrating, but the connections I’ve made, the work I am now capable of handling and the lessons I’ve learnt in networking are rewards I will always cherish.
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'Foxy' decisions
Yash Bhansali, Digital Marketing Executive at FoxyMoron
W
hen I turned 18, I really wanted to start working. I wanted to earn, learn and become independent. Since was doing my BCom and my days were relatively free, I wanted to put that time to some productive use. I went ahead and sent my resume to a few companies, but I guess it was in vain, since I received no responses from them. When I heard of FoxyMoron, a social media marketing company, I was very keen to pursue an internship there. With high aspirations, I sent in my resume for the position of Social Media Executive. For starters, to test my abilities, I was asked to complete an assignment. Once the management liked my work, I was called in for an interview. With no real qualification or experience in place, I didn’t have anything to back me at the interview. Somehow, I was quite confident and I went for it with a positive attitude. Dressed formally in black from head to toe, when I went to Foxy for the first time, it was quite a sight! A bunch of young heads working, spunky interiors and the chilled out atmosphere. It was simply amazing. I was very nervous about the interview, though. I was made to wait for about 15 minutes and saw the people work in a fun manner. After this, I was called in by Harshil Karia, Founder and Online Strategist at the company. I thought it was not a great start since Harshil bluntly told me that my work wasn’t up to the mark. Initially I fumbled, since I didn’t have much to say. But I quickly thought on my feet and was able to sell my idea and concept confidently. Harshil quite liked that about me, since in this field, no idea is a bad idea. A good online strategist is the one who knows how
to sell his idea and not just come up with them. Since I was expecting just an internship considering my resume, I was taken aback when I was made a job offer. It was exhilarating to know that I was the youngest employee appointed in Foxy's history! Foxy is a chilled-out work place with brilliant minds working in a light atmosphere. All the four bosses seem to be part of the staff. Everyone is really helpful and exceptional in his or her space. My average day got tough to get through with college in the morning, then office, followed by tutoring in the evening. But I enjoyed it and it taught me a lot. The experience helped me change several habits too. Building towards a career at such young age will really help me in the long run and that’s my priority as of now. The work at Foxy was challenging in the start, but I proved to be a quick learner. Once I got the hang of it, I was really up to the mark. On a few occasions, my work was a bit disappointing to my boss, but I came back stronger thanks to his faith in me. In fact, I learnt the most from my team leader. With his brilliant sense of humour and high-level creativity, he was someone amazing to work with throughout the day at work! My interactions with everyone got me well acquainted and I soon became a part of this family at FoxyMoron. Celebrations of birthdays, completion of a number of years with the company for co-workers and other such occasions have left me with fond memories. One of the most memorable times was when my company won an award at the WAT
Awards 2012! Celebrations were at their best and everyone was on a high. It was a moment of pride for everyone who worked at FoxyMoron. Although I have been here for just four months, I wish to go a long way with them. I'm Foxy and I know it!
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_focus feature
Patience is the key
Aastha Shah, Article Clerk, narkar and associates
I
n the profession of chartered accountancy (CA), all the learning is on the job. Like any other subject, theory is very different from practical life. Very often, when you go for an interview, it is assumed that you have all the technical knowledge that you would have got from books while studying for the Integrated Professional Competence Course (IPCC) exams. So when I went for my interview at Narkar and Associates, I was quite nervous, simply because I knew I did not have adequate information. I had done selective study and cleared the exam, so I certainly did not know everything mentioned in the books! What I thought would be a hindrance turned out to be an advantage for me! My boss was not interested in technical, ‘bookish’ knowledge. He was more interested in the student’s willingness to learn and to accept any work. He asked for my reasons for wanting to work with his firm. I nailed it since I was eager to learn. Once I was on board, my boss also urged me to learn as much as I could about the field. It was a great experience since it also helped me sort out difficulties about the final exams. He started teaching me from scratch, strengthening my own ideas. I spent three months working alongside a senior learning the ropes and then started attending client meetings by myself. I always had the security of having my boss help out whenever I really needed it. My decision to opt for articles training at a small set-up paid off, since I got exposure to all the aspects of working as a CA. Generally, for any article it is a choice between taxation and audit, but I got to work on both. I had the advantage of learning about
the finer aspects of accounting and taxation in a wide variety of set-ups, including a non-profit organisation, the hospitality industry, corporate structures, individuals, etc. This also ensures that the work does not become monotonous, and there is something new and interesting to learn every day. The articleship is of three years duration, which is a long commitment. My average day is hectic compared to other people's since I have exams, college and work. The commute on some days is just killing. But that goes for everyone in this profession and not just me. On days that are particularly tiring, (say four hours of commute and 12 hours of work), I remind myself that I chose to become a CA and no
one forced me. What works for me though, is that my firm gives more credit to the efficiency factor than the time factor. There are times when you can't gauge how long an audit will go on. My senior calls the articles daily to be up to date and to resolve any queries that we might have. There is, however, a learning curve, and no spoon feeding! Working with Narkar and Associates has broadened my knowledge base and made me more responsible. Entering the corporate world at 19 wasn't easy, it required a lot of adapting. There is a huge difference between what I would have been (if I were not working) and what I am now.
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I am more responsible now
Devansh Lakhani, CA Articles, C M Gabhawala & Co
E
very aspirant who desires to become a chartered accountant (CA) has to finish practical training called 'CA articles,' under the guidance of a practising and certified CA. Once I cleared my first-level exam, I came to know about an opening at C M Gabhawala through an instructor. At the interview, I was extremely nervous, since it was my first tryst with the professional world. I had no clue how to conduct myself at the interview, let alone have any idea of what questions would be asked. That was the first hurdle. My mind dwelled on other complications like not knowing what to do when assigned a task. But I decided to take it one step at a time. I drew my confidence from the fact that I cleared the Integrated Professional Competence Course
(IPCC) exams in both groups in the first attempt, and that is no mean feat when the percentage of students passing the exams is as low as 20.63. After the interview, I had a mixed reaction to my performance. Some questions were googlies, which I had no clue about and had to dodge, whereas others went quite smoothly. Apart from my academic pursuits, I was asked about unexpected things, like my interest in sports, my father’s business, my mother’s occupation and so forth. I was overjoyed when I learned that I had made it! My initial anxiety was lessened by my senior, who made me comfortable by introducing me to the staff. The best part was that I got on the job immediately when I was sent on an audit with a colleague. Within two
days, I learnt a lot, including the basics of an accounting software, Tally. Like any newcomer, initially I did not know anyone, but gradually got introduced to my colleagues formally through work, and informally over lunch breaks, eventually developing strong bonds of friendship with them. My seniors were co-operative and friendly and always ready to step up and teach the articles. The last seven months have been very adventurous with a steep learning curve and experience of the tax deadline crunch around September. Working in the industry has really changed my outlook towards many aspects in life. It has taught me how to deal with clients, how to talk to them and present myself, how to resolve their queries, and how to take on responsibilities. When I go on audits to large companies, I get to learn about their businesses and get a chance to interact with employees at several levels and with the directors. I learn about working ethically and with coordination and cooperation, which cannot be taught or learnt in theory. Book knowledge is essential, but practical experience takes one to another world in terms of learning. On a lighter side, I learnt a lot about Marathi, a language that I was not well-versed in, by interacting with the employees of different companies. A major personal change that has occurred is that I wear formals everyday! Now that I think of it, work has become a part of my life. I wouldn't be able to enjoy a holiday if I left my work incomplete. This is the responsibility and organisation that this internship has brought to my life. I must say that it’s not all work and no play. My firm participates in activities like cricket matches and I thoroughly enjoy them!
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_FOREIGN SHORES
LIGHTS
CAMERA
INTERESTED IN MAKING MOVIES? TRY ONE OF THESE SHORT SUMMER COURSES IN FILM ON FOREIGN SHORES
ACTION! A
re you one of those people who lives and breathes movies? Do you check for new releases, discuss the plot and direction with your friends and bemoan the lack of good Indian cinema? Do you hound your local foreign cinema library to look for movies that you have not come across before? Then you may well be thinking of exploring a career
in this field. There are some great short courses across the world that nurture budding filmmakers, teaching aspects of direction, editing, sound, scriptwriting and production. Most of these courses last around a month or longer and are meant for beginners in the industry. The experience of working in an international location with world-class faculty, editing facilities and filmmaking
equipment will be invaluable to your future career in this field. Moreover, a summer course in filmmaking will give you a good introduction to the field and you will be able to make your own movie or documentary in a fantastic location to add to your portfolio. So what are you waiting for? Take off for these select institutes on foreign shores to get started on your own career in film.
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NEW YORK FILM ACADEMY
www.nyfa.edu In the New York Film Academy's eight-week summer film school, each student works on four of his/her own films, writing, shooting, directing and editing, as well as working as crew on twelve others. The intense schedule challenges students to produce great quality work that adds substantial value to their resumes. The intensive course is meant for those with little or no filming experience
who wish to gain experience with hands-on film shoots. Students also get the opportunity to develop a final project film at the end of the course. Each of the first three course films is of increasing difficulty and all are due in the first month of the programme. Once these are made, students critique each other’s films in preparation for the final class project. Each student has a production crew of three to four fellow students and must rotate as a crew member when fellow students are directing.
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_FOREIGN SHORES
PRAGUE FILM SCHOOL
www.filmstudies.cz At the Prague Film School in the Czech Republic, you can enjoy a fantastic filmmaking workshop that runs for four weeks in the months of June, July and August. The Prague Film School is a great place to learn the art of filmmaking in Europe and is well-known internationally, drawing students from across the world. It has a reputed international faculty and world-class facilities, all situated in the heart of the beautiful city of Prague. All instruction takes place in English, and the training imparted encourages students to become serious film professions. Students write a script, then direct, shoot and edit their film in the workshop. The tuition and equipment rental costs add up to a hefty 2,660 Euros, but the atmosphere of European art-house and independent cinema is hard to beat. The small size of each class ensures that each student gets adequate time with the faculty. The best part about taking a course at the Prague
NEW YORK UNIVERSITY
specialprograms.tisch.nyu.edu/object/sumcert.html The Tisch School of the Arts at New York University is one of the most renowned filmmaking schools in the world. The summer school in filmmaking offers students a certificate upon completion at least three courses over one or two consecutive summers. The summer school is open
Film School is, of course, the chance to study in Prague, which charms all with its beauty and cosmopolitan air. A dreamy city that provides an excellent backdrop to all kinds of films, it is also one of Europe’s oldest cinematic centres. The very place to nurture your filmmaking ambitions! to international students, though one has to apply well in advance to be considered. There are two summer sessions that run for five weeks each from May until August. The filmmaking certificate is comprised of non-credit courses that teach you all aspects of filmmaking, from shooting, directing and writing to editing and producing. The courses, given at a discounted rate, are meant primarily for those who want to gain experience in the field. The course on Sight and Sound Filmmaking costs approximately $6,000 for tuition fees and lab usage charges. Each student has to think of, produce, direct and edit five short digital filmmaking projects, of which three are silent and two are with sound, using prerecorded soundtracks. Each student also has to assist in production of the movies of their fellow classmates. Students learn the fundamentals of 16mm film production with intensive practice, grounding in theory and discussion. The assignments for these films are meant to include a range of technical challenges. All work produced by students will be screened and discussed in class. Ah, New York, New York!
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LONDON FILM ACADEMY
www.londonfilmacademy.com London in the summer is one of the best places on Earth, besides being one of the leading capitals for film. Cosmopolitan and creative, the city nurtures budding filmmakers with an excess of material and subjects. However, if city life is not for you, the London Film Academy also offers some short foundation courses on location in Algarve, Portugal. In London, the institute offers a six-week documentary certificate course that runs in different sessions from March through November, and costs a hefty £2,295. The four-week filmmaking certificate runs from mid-April to the end of November, and costs £1,900. In both courses, students will get the opportunity to make their own film,
from writing the script to producing and editing the final product. All student work is screened and discussed critically in the class. The London Film Academy also offers a range of specialised short courses, or 'short takes', lasting from a couple of days to a week in subjects like acting for directors, cinematography, composing music for films, editing in AVID and in Final Cut Pro, makeup, production and budgeting, and writing screenplays. These short courses are meant for professionals who have some experience working in film already and do not require foundation courses. The location of the London Film Academy and its world-renowned faculty make it a great place to learn the art of filmmaking. So what are you waiting for?
UNIVERSITY OF MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
www.summerfilmschool.com The Summer School in Film making is held on campus at Trinity College, The University of Melbourne, and is part of the Public Engagement Program of the Screen Studies department. The Summer School is now in its eighteenth year. Certificate courses are taught by leading filmmakers to aspiring film students of all ages from around the world. The courses teach students the basic skills, technical experise and industry knowledge that would otherwise take years for them to acquire. Students get an idea of the diverse skills and tremendous energy it takes to get the finished product on screen. The range of courses offered caters to all aspects of filmmaking. Courses range from Documentary Film to Writing for Film and TV, an intensive cinematography course, and even a Steadicam workshop that is open to proficient camera operators only. The Script to Screen course is a comprehensive course for beginners, covering aspects from scriptwriting, directing, cinematography, sound engineering, digital augmentation and music.
The course goes on for three weeks, and students can select if they want to complete only 13 days of the course for $1,940 or the full 19 days for $2,725. Moreover, participants can also choose to take individual days of the course that appeal to their personal interests and thus create their own course. The average rate of the daily sessions is $135.
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L O N H C E T E TH _AWARENESS
R AS TECHNOLOGY GETS ‘SMARTER’, HUMANS HAVE BECOME LAZIER AND MORE ANTI-SOCIAL. BEVERLY PEREIRA IDENTIFIES THIS INVERSELY PROPORTIONATE TREND BETWEEN TECHNOLOGY AND THE HUMAN IQ
emember the days when watching a movie meant making your way to the nearest cinema? And, making a phone call involved the use of a landline telephone or perhaps one of those hard-to-find, streetside payphones? Technology has skyrocketed since then. It is indeed one of the most amazing things to have happened to mankind. It permits us to do things that were once only seen in science fiction movies. Today, new smart phones, software and search engines are released by the day, while the Internet boosts the accessibility
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P A R T Y G O L O of information and ideas. It really is hard to imagine a life without basic gadgetry and an instant connect to the virtual world. However, our dependence on technology has a dark side that has gradually turned us into lazy, dull, dim-witted and sometimes superficial social beings. Truth is, technology is a two-sided coin that offers us seemingly beneficial qualities that can often tilt toward the negative. It has taken away certain skills that were once second nature.
CRANIAL INCAPACITY From the days of the abacus right through those of the calculator, we have been using devices to do the math for us. Today, the somewhat ubiquitous calculator has been replaced by mobile phone applications, which means that even if one doesn’t have a calculator at hand, one tends to immediately rely on phone software, rendering any chance of using one’s calculative capacity to zero. Talk about the slaughter of grey cells! SOCIAL MEDIA MENACE You don’t have to pretend that you never use social media networks such as Facebook and Twitter during your work hours because the simple truth is that even the most industrious of employees indulges in this frivolous activity at some point during the course of the workday! But did you know that taking your social skills to the virtual world and then going overboard could be a sheer waste of time? Chatting, tagging photos and sending virtual gifts is an absolute distraction that cuts through your work hours,
reducing any form of productivity and creativity that could have been a reality. Let this behaviour engulf your recreational time at home as well, and you are bound to become as anti-social as can be. MURKY MEMORY We seem to be running out of memory! And no, we aren’t talking about the type that relates to computers or USB drives. A scientific study has proved that we find it increasingly difficult to recall facts and personal information such as people’s birthdays, email addresses, telephone numbers and car numbers. This was especially true for those people who grew up using mobile phones and computers. In this sense, past generations have a one-up against us. So much for the naive belief that gadgets can make our lives easier. They do but only at the cost of putting one through frequent bouts of short-term memory loss.
INSTANT KNOWLEDGE All one has to do is to key in the letters G-O-O-G-L-E to get instant access to a rich sea of resources. It’s true, you can get access to tera bytes of information with just the click of a button. Gone
are the days of using encyclopaedias in rustic libraries or pondering over the mechanisms behind puzzling phenomena. Today one has to simply ‘Google’ it! It is argued that search engines have changed the way we think and digest information. Moreover, they force us to sift through information, identifying truth from myth. Finally, we have begun to memorise less information internally simply because we ‘know’ that we can rely on the pool of collective memory: the Internet! LOST FOCUS How many times have you found yourself texting while you hang out with friends and family? It’s easy to lose yourself in a parallel world, connected to all sorts of devices and virtual realities. It is said that multi-tasking is a great quality, but losing focus is not. Besides, you don’t want to be deemed an anti-social person , do you? Our dependence on technology has culminated in the outsourcing of brain functions to the silicon world around us. Perhaps this has made you tempted to shun all forms of modern technology and revert back to the simpler ways of erstwhile times? Don’t be! All you have to do is know when and how to walk the old-fashioned path and force yourself to unplug from time to time! yi
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e
s t n e v
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BHARATIYAM
iary ALGORHYTHM’12
AT JAMIA MILLIA ISLAMIA
2012 AT BHARATI VIDYAPEETH DARE TO DREAM
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haratiyam, a three-day techno-cultural extravaganza organised every year by Bharati Vidyapeeth University College of Engineering, Pune, attracts participants and guests from all over India. Bharatiyam 2012 was held from 15 March to 17 March earlier this year. A total of 21 events from all the engineering departments were held, making possible the dream to make the whole event evergreen. All the students and staff of the institute worked hard to make this Bharatiyam a successful endeavour. Their efforts were showcased at the event. The festival attracted students from colleges like MITCOE, AIT, SIT, PICT, IIT Bombay and many others. It comprised both technical and non-technical events. Technical events such as paper presentation, circuit designing, and project display were held and there were fun activities like rappelling, flying fox and treasure hunts in the non-technical section. It didn’t stop there! A rock show, a ghazal night, a fashion show and a cultural night were all organised in the evenings of these three enthusiastic days, which was appreciated and enjoyed by all the students, staff and participants from different colleges. Overall, Bharatiyam 2012 turned out to be a successful venture repaying all the hard work and sleepless nights put in by the staff and students. It ended with a nostalgic feeling on everyone’s face as it happens to be the most awaited event for all the institutes. A perfect blending mixture of all the categories made Bharatiyam 2012 uniquely beautiful and fruitful as it portrayed learning, knowledge, fun, experience and enthusiasm at the same time.
n an endeavour to provide students an enjoyable and interactive opportunity along with managerial experience, the Computer Society of India Student Chapter, Jamia Millia Islamia (CSIJMI) organised AlgoRhythm. Inaugurated by Shakil-uz-Zaman Ansari, Member Secretary, National Commission for OBC, the event hosted a performance by Deepak Saini, who enthralled all with his comedy act. The festival was sponsored by Idea, Hero Honda, NICT, Indian Bank, Career Launcher and Youth Incorporated, which, apart from being the magazine partner also provided gift vouchers to the students. The festival had a plethora of events lined up, adding up to a total of 50 for the 8000 plus visitors. The events included technical ones such as ED Max, Eureka, Hello World, Java Pro, Tux Coder, Backtrack, which tested the participants’ skills in programming, paper presentation and engineering drawing. Simultaneously, the cultural events like Street Play, Crux, Gladiatorz, Nukkad Natak, Snap It, Tekken 3 and Gali Cricket provided opportunities for participants to show off various talents. An independent slot was allotted to the Lounge Zone, which included activities like bulls eye darting, carrom, rangoli making, t-shirt painting and so on. Who Dares Wins was hosted by RJ Rahul Makin, who also featured the students for a week on his late-night show on 92.7 BIG FM. Participants were judged on courage and impromptu gumption. The first day culminated with Shaam-e-Ghazal, performed by Ustaad Zameer Khan, while the second day was highlighted by The Impulse Show that had professional bikers performing stunts. The final day saw a rock show, showcasing the vocal talents of Tauheed, headed by Dhruv Sufi. AlgoRhythm’12 proved to be a grand success and credit goes to the students who had worked tirelessly in organising the festival.
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ASHWAMEDH 2012
CULTURAL FIRECRACKER AT LOKMANYA TILAK MUNICIPAL MEDICAL COLLEGE
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edical students have academics-oriented, single-track, info-burdened minds, right? Well, Ashwamedh 2012 proved this premise wrong. Planned and executed by the students of Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College (Sion Hospital), this four-day cultural firecracker began with a bang. The Doctor's Debate saw eight reputed medicos hammer each other in a war of words in a packed Physiology Lecture Theatre. The events that followed were equally popular, with many garnering participation from other Mumbai colleges, medical and otherwise. The theme this year was Pirates' Plunder: The Voyage to Victory. In keeping with this, the ground floor of the college building was transformed into the set of a Johnny Depp movie, complete with the prow of a pirate ship, torch-lit caves and life-sized cannons strategically placed around the corridors. Many of the traditionally entertaining events such as Bathroom Singer and JAM were retained, while many others were revamped. Some of the notable new entries were Around the World in Eighty Minutes, a port-trip circumnavigating the globe, and Yuck Yuckier Yuckiest, which saw participants consenting to do the unprintable. KidZone and Minute to Win It took us back to our childhood, while Vocals and Marathi debate kept us enthralled. The pinnacle was the staging of a full-fledged, two-act Marathi play with a cast of amateur student actors in the new Main Auditorium, which drew thunderous applause from all and sundry. If the days were multi-hued, Ashwamedh Nites were in technicolour. Beginning with Puneri dhols, the Marathi Nite witnessed an electrifying performance by Ameya Date. Dance Nite drew nineteen entries in the solo, duet and group categories, while Fashion Nite marked the performance of the self-composed college song. Raja Hasan lent a fitting end to the fest with a medley of numbers that kept us dancing. At the end, everyone wondered- 'Why do all good things come to an end?'
MOKSHA 2012
NSIT CELEBRATES DELHI'S SPIRIT
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rom March 16-18, 2012, Moksha– the annual festival of Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT) livened up the city of Delhi. Interestingly, the theme of the festival reflected the spirit of Delhi in keeping with the idea of celebrating Delhi’s golden jubilee along with Moksha’s 10-year anniversary. The festival kicked off with an inauguration by officials from Amdocs. The three exciting days saw around 10,000 people spend a good amount of time engrossed in various activity in the college, which was adorned with the vibrant colours of Delhi’s monuments. Many colleges from Delhi such as Delhi University, Amity and IP University participated along with teams from Patiala, Meerut and Chandigarh in a host of events that covered the entire spectrum from dance, photography, trivia to writing activities, sports and theatre. The definite highlight of Moksha was when playback singer KK completely mesmerised the crowd on March 17. Some of the most popular events included the Bhangra competition, the Theatre Fiesta, dance competitions- Oorja and Mudra, and the street dance competition.
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_COUNSELLOR CONNECT
JAYANTI GHOSE
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. For queries email studyindia@youthincmag.com
OPTIONS AHEAD Q: I am an electronics engineer, and have a year of experience in the IT industry. I am not really happy, however. I wish to direct films in the future, but would like to have a secure livelihood before taking up professional training in film direction. What should I do? Shekhar Rana ANSWER ANSWER
You could look for a job in the film/ television or music production business as an electronics engineering graduate or as a general graduate working in the production or distribution side of the business. This would give you an insight into the film director’s work or how film/ television/ music business operates, and would also help you to develop contacts to get a job with a film director. After a few years you could decide whether you would be better suited to take up a professional course for film/ television directing at an established film school or should do MBA to work on the production/ financing/ promotion/ marketing/ distribution of films and related enterprises.
All of the fields that you have mentioned have great potential for employment. In the case of law, mass communication and pilot training, you need not make a final decision after class 12 since the training for these fields can easily be taken up after graduation in any discipline. Choice of studies in chemistry and related fields should be made after class 12 directly, either in the form of a five year BS-MS dual degree or integrated MSc degree or BPharm or a chemical engineering degree or a Bachelor of Cosmetic Technology or BSc Chemistry.
ANSWER ANSWER
ANSWER ANSWER
Operational Research is the discipline of applying advanced analytical methods to help make better decisions. Institutes offering postgraduate programmes in this discipline are: Delhi University, Delhi (www. du.ac.in), Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh (http:// www.amucontrollerexams.com/courses.html), Kurukshetra University (http://kukinfo.com), Cochin University of Science & Technology, Kochi (http:// www.cusat.ac.in/02Academic/01Departments/ Mathematics) and University of Hyderabad (http:// www.uohyd.ernet.in/). Besides the above business schools, the Indian Institutes of Technology and Indian Statistical Institute offer PhD in Operations Research. This is an indicative listing only.
CAREER CONFUSION Q: I just finished my class 11 exams. I am great with my communication (speaking) and arguing skills. I am a science student. I am confused about my career. I have an interest in law, mass communication, becoming a commercial pilot and chemistry-related fields. Please elaborate about their scope, eligibility, Aparna Shastry etc.
DOCTOR DOCTOR Q: I want to become an image consultant after BCom. How can I embark on this career in Kolkata? Chirag Somani An image consultant may focus on various aspects of a client’s image such as wardrobe, grooming, make-up, grooming, health, nutrition and fitness advice and assistance. Guidance on etiquette (social/ business) is part of image consulting too. Corporate executives, salespeople, newsreaders, lawyers, physicians, celebrities and people in show business/ performing arts, or even a student entering the job market may use the services of an image consultant. A postgraduate course in fashion management, business management, public relations or communications management could provide the base for a career in image consulting. Of late, image consultancy firms have begun to offer professional courses through advertisements in prominent local and national dailies.
ANSWER ANSWER
OPERATIONAL RESEARCH Q: What is Operational Research (OR)? Which institutions offer programmes in OR in India? Aniket Mehta
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PERVIN MALHOTRA & ZUBIN MALHOTRA
Pervin Malhotra has helped students for over 15 years to make educational and career choices by providing them with information and guidance on the options available. Zubin Malhotra is a management graduate and journalist by training. He is an alumnus of IIM Kozhikode where he majored in marketing and finance. For queries email studyabroad@youthincmag.com
ANSWER ANSWER
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are essentially a way to earn ‘credits’ that count towards your graduation. These are college-level courses in various subjects that can be completed by high school students followed by an exam, usually in May every year. The benefit: your Advance Placement credit in a subject counts towards your major in a US or Canadian college, helping you complete your course quicker. Some students also use the AP credits to support their application or bolster their academic credentials. If you’ve completed sufficient credit you shorten your programme by nearly a year, resulting in saving tuition fees and living costs! The AP courses are offered in subject areas of arts, English, history and social sciences, mathematics and computer sciences, sciences and world languages. Full details are available on the College Board website which conducts the AP programme - http:// professionals.collegeboard.com/testing/ap. Regardless of whether you decide to take up an AP course or not, you will still have to take the SAT (and possibly SAT II) and TOEFL when applying to US undergraduate schools. In India, AP courses are taught only at the American School and a few other International Schools. However, you don’t have to be ‘enrolled’ in an AP course to sit for the exam. You can register online and appear for the exam. Now for some good news. Starting in 2012, College Board has appointed an Indian agency to conduct the AP exam across eight cities – Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi,
Hyderabad, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Pune. You can find all the exam dates and registration details on their website: www.ap-india.org.
NEW ZEALAND BECKONS Q: My husband and I would love for our son to get his education in a foreign country, but I’m afraid the cost of study in Australia or the UK is beyond our affordability. We recently attended an education fair and came across a few universities from New Zealand. Is it worthwhile to send our son there? Shruti Mittal In New Zealand (NZ), the human population is outnumbered several times by the number of sheep and cows. Going by recent statistics, it seems Indian students are doing their bit to rectify that imbalance! With over 12,000 students having gone to NZ in 2010-11, India has emerged as the second largest source country after China for international students. NZ is gladly accepting the additional student inflow, especially those put off by the bad press that Australia has been getting. In fact, NZ is the fourth most popular study destination for Indian students. Higher education in NZ – both undergraduate and postgraduate – can cost half as much as courses in the UK and Australia. Depending on the undergraduate course, the annual tuition fee can range from `3 to 6 lakh per year. Management and technology are popular courses. Good programmes in tourism and hospitality, marine engineering, biotechnology and food and diary technology are also available. Living expenses too, are comparably lower than other countries (about `3 to 4 lakh per annum). Further, students can work up to 20 hours a week while studying in NZ and receive a two-year work permit after completing their courses. Given its relatively small population, NZ is keen on attracting educated professionals choosing to settle there. In case you have an educational qualification from a NZ University, the two work experience requirements are waived.
ANSWER ANSWER
ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES Q: I am in class 10 and plan to go to the US for my undergraduate studies. A few of my friends in class 11 and 12 are preparing for Advanced Placement courses, which I have no clue about. Aren’t the SAT and TOEFL tests enough for admission to US colleges? Please tell me about the Advanced Placement courses and who should be taking them? Sujoy Biswas
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_OUT OF THE BOX
HAVE A KEEN INTEREST IN NIGHTLIFE AND THE FOOD AND BEVERAGE INDUSTRY? TRY OUT BARTENDING– A NONTRADITIONAL YET LUCRATIVE CAREER CHOICE
Raising the D
BAR
o you love to show off your bartending skills when entertaining friends? Do you envy the life of that crucial person behind the bar at a nightclub or hotel? If the answers to the above questions are yes, then you might want to explore a career as a bartender. However, you will need to know more than just mixing drinks, and the job is not necessarily as glamorous as it might
seem. So what makes bartending such an enviable job? For starters, bartenders bring home an excellent income along with a host of other benefits. Behind the bar A bartender’s job revolves around the preparation of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks for customers at restaurants, bars, nightclubs, pubs, lounges and private parties.
Bartending is an appropriate profession for those who wish to keep a distance from the gruelling corporate world. A career in this field gives people the freedom to choose a work environment that suits their personalities. Besides making and serving drinks as ordered by the customer, some of the other job responsibilities of a bartender include taking care of equipment at the bar, planning bar menus, creating cocktail recipes, managing the bar inventory and keeping the work space in order. Head bartenders are also required to supervise the work of other bartenders. The highs and lows Career options for bartenders mainly lie in the hospitality industry. One can start off as a bartender in restaurants, hotels, nightclubs, pubs, resorts and on cruise lines. In due course, climbing up the career ladder is a possibility. One can host workshops to impart information to aspiring bartenders. These days, a large number of bartenders have begun to branch out
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BARTENDING ACADEMIES • Tulleeho Bartending Academy, Bangalore • Indian Institute of Bartending, Chennai • Cocktails and Dreams– School of Bar and Beverage Management, Delhi • B’Mann School of Bartending, Hyderabad, Chennai • Indian Professional Bartending Academy, Pune • Bacchus Bartending Academy, Navi Mumbai to offer their services on a freelance basis without being tied down to a single restaurant, hotel or nightclub. As a bartender, you will get to meet and interact with many interesting people on the job. Being friendly is an important quality. Since it is an infinite learning curve, you need to soak up as much information about the industry as you can. Keeping abreast with new techniques and trends is also a must. It’s important to think out of the box because at times, you might find yourself being asked to prepare a drink with a certain set of ingredients as requested by the customer. While bartending can be a highly rewarding job, it can also get stressful at times. Be prepared to work late nights and on public holidays too. Taking care of demanding customers, especially on weekends, and standing on your feet for long hours on end
also form a part of this job. Bartenders also need to be highly attentive to customers. Lastly, speed is of great importance in this field, as people tend to get demanding at times. How can I become a bartender? There are some basic requirements for those who wish to pursue a career in bartending. First off, one needs to be at least 18 years of age to be a part of this industry. One can apply for a job as a bartender after completing class 12. A qualification is not mandatory, but passion is. Most successful bartenders are armed with a background in hospitality management. A bartending course is all that is needed to prepare you for a career in this field. There are many courses available in India. Most of them start from scratch and teach aspiring bartenders the basics of wine, beer and spirits, as well as the essence of mixology, glasses used, pricing,
MOLECULAR MIXOLOGY In recent years, bartenders have been using scientific techniques to create new cocktails with the aim of creating a better drink. Inspired by the practice of molecular gastronomy, the main aim of molecular mixology is to experiment with states of matter to create new textures and flavours, thereby enhancing the drink to a great extent. It includes the use of foams, liquid nitrogen, mists, gels and heat to create new flavours and textures.
brands, ethics of working behind a bar and laws related to licensing. Speciality workshops also help one to learn new bartending methods and keep up with the times. A surge in demand There was a time when bartending was a poorly paid career, but those days are long gone with the arrival of the professional bartender. In India itself, the profession is booming since the social taboo that alcohol once represented has gradually been lifted. A large number of girls are choosing to become bartenders, breaking away from the traditional notion of this field as a male-dominated one. While a trainee bartender can earn approximately `3,500 to `6,000 a month, a head bartender can rake in `10,000 to `20,000, exclusive of daily tips. An efficient freelance bartender’s earnings can go up to `15,000 per night. All in all, bartending can be a fun and lucrative career only if you have the skills and passion to do it. If you are looking to have a little bit of fun at work, then bartending could be the right job for you. yi MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 33
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_OUT OF THE BOX
THE ART OF
MIXING MIXOLOGIST AND BEVERAGE EDUCATOR YANGDUP LAMA SPEAKS TO BEVERLY PEREIRA ABOUT WHAT IT TAKES TO BE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BAR
W
hen it comes to bartending, there are many things that can be learnt from those with years of experience behind them. The very art of bartending has blossomed in recent years and has come to be known as ‘mixology’– the science of preparing cocktails. One such person who has seen this evolution is Yangdup Lama. With over 14 years behind the bar and several bartending awards to his name, Lama saw it all– the highs and the lows and new trends in the industry right up to the establishment of his own bartending academy. “I completed my hotel management course in 1995 and was looking to get a job in the food and beverage (F&B) industry, which led me to join the Hyatt Regency, New Delhi. My first assignment was not as a bartender, but to work at the bar serving drinks. After three months of working in various areas of the bar, from requisition of stores to setting up back stations, I realised I wanted to learn bartending and take it up as a full-time career. I took refuge in my two gurus, Laval Lim Hon of the Waikiki cocktail bar, Spain (a visiting bar consultant and trainer from Hyatt International), and Atul Bhola, my senior bartender at the Polo Lounge,”
explains Lama. He looks back at his earlier days saying, “It took me almost six months to get my first break. One of the key reasons then was the fact that most of us in India never realised the importance of a good bartender to successfully run a bar, and that bartending could even be a profession!” In 1999, Lama took the plunge and gave up his job as a bar captain with the Hyatt and established Cocktails & Dreams, a mobile bartending and beverage consultancy company and bartending academy with a vision that the F&B industry would go through a drastic change, requiring specialists to deliver in the years to come. The bartending industry is a lucrative one, feels Lama. “The job has started to pay off very well these days as compared to a few years back. It will only get better with time as new mixologists emerge and consumer awareness develops. Today, a good bartender could start off with a basic package of `15,000`20,000, plus service charge and could go as high as `1,00,000,” he says. “One of the key skills that an aspiring bartender should have is the art of good communication. It is the key to professional bartending because bartenders cannot be boring and must be open to conversation to keep the
bar alive for people around,” explains Lama. When asked about his thoughts on the growing number of women in this field, he says, “In the past we had enrolled 12 girls in the bartending course who have gone on to do very well in the industry, working for bars as well as for liquor marketing companies. We also have a lady enrolled in the ongoing batch who is a dentist by profession! However, I still feel there are not many girls taking up bartending unlike the West, simply because of safety concerns. Hopefully things will change for the better and we will see many more girls taking up the trade,” says an optimistic Lama. Lama signs off with a piece of advice for young, aspiring bartenders: “Today’s world is all about where your interest lies. Whatever you do, give it your best shot. I see a lot of young people coming to our school to seek admission but most of them have a wrong notion that bartending is all fun and no work. The real stuff is all about hard work and sacrifice. The first few years of a young professional’s life are about experimenting and then taking a strong decision about where one wants to be. It’s a competitive world our there but it can only get better if you are really passionate about what you do.” yi
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_CAREER WATCH
Into the
MIND
T
here are few things that are as enthralling as the study of the mind. The study, known as psychology, demonstrates how the mind works and why people act in certain ways. On the whole, it is a very interesting subject simply because everyone can relate to it and in the process find out more about him or herself as well as the human mind. For centuries, psychology has continued to be an important career choice and its popularity is only growing by the day. THE SCIENCE OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychology is a branch of science that involves the systematic study of human and animal behaviour. It deals with mental processes and behavioural patterns. As a subject, it tries to explore the modus operandi of the mind, covering the entire spectrum of human actions and reactions, thoughts and feelings, beliefs and values, sentiments and emotions. An interesting aspect about psychology is that it also deeply explores interpersonal relations and how this interaction affects one’s
Fascinated by the way the mind works? Delve deeper into the scientific study of the mind with a highly interesting and rewarding career in psychology immediate environment, community, society and ultimately, the human civilisation. BRANCHES OF PSYCHOLOGY Psychology is a very broad and diverse subject. Thus, many different branches have emerged, making it easy to explore a host of topics and perspectives. Sports psychology focuses on athletic performance and motivation as well as the psychological benefits of sports. Social psychology is concerned with how social phenomena influence us and how people interact with others. Biopsychology analyses how the brain and neurotransmitters influence people’s behaviors, thoughts and feelings. Cross-cultural psychology looks at how cultural factors influence human behavior. Forensic psychology is a field that deals with both psychology and the law. Cognitive psychology studies internal mental processes such as attention, memory and problem solving. Developmental psychology studies the physical and cognitive development
that occurs over the course of the lifespan. Clinical psychology is concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental disorders. Evolutionary psychology looks at how human behavior has been affected by psychological adjustments during evolution. Neuropsychology studies the structure and function of the brain in relation to behaviors and psychological processes. Industrial psychology studies the performance of people at work and in training, develops an understanding of how organisations function and how people and groups behave at a workplace. It also applies psychological principles to research on workplace issues such as productivity. Educational psychology focuses on the educational system to help children with emotional, social, and academic issues. Abnormal psychology is a segment of psychology that deals with psychopathology and abnormal behaviour. MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 35
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_CAREER WATCH
Criminal psychology is the study of the will, thoughts, intentions and reactions of criminals. Comparative psychology is the scientific study of the behaviour and mental processes of animals. STUDYING PSYCHOLOGY If you wish to pursue psychology as a subject, the options are abundant at all levels. Psychology aspirants can pursue this subject at the plus-two level and then later on, at the graduate, postgraduate and finally, the doctorate level. At the master’s and doctoral level, the study of the subject becomes highly specialised. At this level, there is a lot of research involved. Opt for a psychology-related graduate programme such as education and social work if you are interested in helping people with their problems, commonly referred to as counselling. Lastly, one can also choose to pursue a one-year
diploma course in special education, a programme that does not require one to put in too many years of study. COURSE CANVAS The study of psychology includes a diverse range of topics including the various processes of thinking, learning and perceiving, remembering and forgetting, the physiology of the nervous system, development of children, social relationships and their effect on personality development, mental disorders, applications of psychology to the study of society, industry, education and techniques of experimenting and testing, and statistics. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA While studying for a degree course, candidates must have successfully completed their 10+2 or intermediate or equivalent in order to take up psychology as a major subject. To
pursue a master’s degree in psychology, one requires a bachelor’s degree in the arts or humanities. One can opt for an MA or MSc in psychology, social work or counselling. Postgraduates can then enter a field of research in any branch of psychology. Specialisation
Course Central • Lady Sri Ram College for Women, New Delhi • Christ University, Bangalore • St Xavier's College, Mumbai • Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai • Presidency College, Chennai • Dayanand Anglo Vedic College, Chandigarh
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PSYCHOLOGICAL THEORISTS Sigmund Freud This Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis created an entirely new approach to the understanding of the human personality.
Abraham Maslow
Known as the father of humanistic psychology, he is renowned for his Hierarchy of Needs theory.
in the subject can be pursued at the postgraduate level or at the doctoral level by pursuing a PhD or MPhil. ON THE JOB When one thinks of a psychologist, one generally imagines him or her taking down notes and listening to the patient. While this is a common reality for most psychologists, there are others that work in a variety of settings. Many psychologists spend their time conducting research, quantifying data and interpreting statistics, while others work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools, police stations, prisons and companies. PERSONAL SKILLS AND TRAITS Since psychology as a science involves the systematic approach to the understanding of people and their behaviour, one must have a genuine interest in people and a keen desire to help them. One also needs to be compassionate since this profession requires practitioners to understand and solve the problems of people through counselling. A good understanding of the working of the human mind is a vital requirement as well. Patience is yet another virtue that is highly desirable to be successful
in this profession. This is because it can get really difficult and taxing to dealwith patients who exhibit abnormal mental behaviour. Strong persuasion skills to assist patients in breaking their mental blocks are also needed. Lastly, the ability to communicate effectively is a must.
B F Skinner One of the most influencial American psychologists and exponents of behaviourism.
Carl Jung
JOB PROSPECTS He founded analytical With approximately 600 practising psychology and pioneered clinical psychologists in India, there modern theories of the is an extreme dearth of professionals relationships between in the field of clinical psychology. the conscious and Thus, if one is well trained with a unconscious aspects of degree in clinical psychology, finding mind. a job will never be a problem. Jobs are abundant in the government sector as well as at licensed psychiatric psychologist is without a doubt nursing homes. Non-governmental challenging, making this profession organisations (NGOs) who actively a highly remunerative one. One’s offer counselling services are also in earnings depend on a number of need of professional psychologists. crucial factors such as qualification, One can also opt for a full-time career area of specialisation and experience. as a counsellor in a school. Other MPhil and PhD degree holders options for those who have completed hold the highest-paying position for a degree in clinical psychology include psychologists. At the entry-level, the marital counselling (counselling monthly remuneration ranges from psychologist) and a career as an `5,000 to `8,000, while the annual industrial psychologist. earning of professionals is a minimum of `6,00,00. Those who have started a REMUNERATION private practice are entitled to charge The work of a professional fees as per their own discretion. yi MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 37
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_In conversation
Work on your life skills Kiran Bajaj, Principal of Greenlawns High School, Mumbai, talks about easing the transition from school to college
F
irst things first. I feel that talking to the students empowers them and gives them confidence to move ahead in life. The first thing I tell all my class-ten students is to work hard towards scoring well so that they can be admitted to the college of their choice. The cut-offs at many colleges are really high and, unfortunately, due to the competitive atmosphere, you may not be able to get a college of your choice. There will be no point regretting not putting in that little bit extra after the results are out. For some students who don’t get admission to their chosen streams, this ends up becoming a lifelong regret. That said, I want to add that marks are important, but not the be all and end all; they provide an admission ticket to the college and that’s the end of it. Later in life, you will be judged by the way you project yourself. When it is the time to act, the difference between 99 per cent and 65 per cent does not matter. The better person wins. So, to be more popular or ‘in demand,’ make sure you invest your time in developing life skills. Be emotionally stable so you don’t get worked up, angry or start crying at the drop of a hat. There is no one in college to babysit you. Most importantly, think rationally and be approachable. Choose your friends wisely and be with those who realise your worth. To develop skills and a work ethic, students should not take the FYJC or the class-11 year lightly. I know they have just gotten out of a whole year of hard work and want to enjoy before they get into another rigorous year (class 12). Even then, they should not treat this year lightly or fall out of good habits because getting back to the grind is really
difficult. Use the time wisely, get out of your comfort zone and prepare yourself for whatever that may come your way. We at school nurture our children like this is their second home, but they need to realise their potential, too in future and exploit it to the fullest. Once students are aware of their potential and are confident, I’m sure no one can bully them. I always tell my students that they have to stand up for themselves and not accept ragging. Not one of my students is worth less than anyone else, so why should any of them accept any form of bullying? Apart from that, students tend to give in to a lot of peer pressure. I say, have a mind and a backbone of your own and stick up for your beliefs. Do not get drawn into things you consider wrong for you just because a group of friends challenges you. Another problem that stems out of peer pressure is hanging outside during class timings, which only lands you in the defaulters’ list. Even if you are labelled as a ‘nerd,’ be certain to have attended enough classes to keep you out of trouble. You don’t want the college authorities calling your parents about it. Lastly, I feel that the older generation needs to understand that these students need guidance and that any kind of talk helps. Not only do I brief my outgoing classten students every year before they take their ICSE board exams about the above mentioned facts, I also have a chat with my class-four students when they are set for senior school. I like to let my students know what to expect so that they are not thrown into the deep end, left by themselves to stay afloat. If we instil confidence in our children, I am sure they will turn out to be fine citizens and outstanding human beings. yi
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organized in collaboration with
I.I.M.U.N.
A CHANGE HAS ARRIVED Barack Obama rightly said, “Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” And following his principle, The Indian International Model United Nations has arrived in India and is the change we seek. An initiative by the youth, for the youth and of the youth, I.I.M.U.N. is India’s chance to show to the world what they’ve been missing. Organized in collaboration with the United Nations Information Centre, the project is a brainchild of Aufklaren Event Management L.L.P. I.I.M.U.N. is focused on Empowerment of the Youth as we are the future; we are going to set the stepping stones for a better world. It is only when you get onboard something larger than yourself, that you realise your true potential. So what better place to start than Asia’s Largest Youth Conference? As put rightly by the Founder and President of IIMUN, Rishabh Shah 'As a student I'd always wondered as to why always we had to go to USA or Europe to be a part of world class student conferences, so I am trying to create the same platform in India'. And created he surely has, this conference boasts of being the largest Model United Nations in Asia and the first and only where student voices are heard by those who matter. Students shall be discussing issues such as Kashmir to the crisis in Somalia and trying to bring about peaceful solutions to these long standing conflicts. Open to all students between the ages of 14-22, this is an exclusive opportunity for all readers to participate. This is Our Moment. This is Our time. Don’t miss out as this is YOUR chance to make a difference. We at Youth Incorporated are proud to be youth magazine partners for the event and shall bring to you exclusive coverage of this event.
Rishabh Shah, President of IIMUN, Managing Partner, Aufklaren Event Management L.L.P.
"For the first time, a Model United Nations Conference will have 30 committees, the largest number a conference of this type has ever had. In its first year of operation, they have already reached out to 32 cities within India and 17 countries all around the world which is no small feat." For any queries on Registration, Accommodation, Country Allotment, Committee, Delegation, etc write to: info@iimun.in
Product of Aufklaren Event Management L.L.P
Follow IIMUN on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/IIMUN2012
Magazine Partner
Log on to www.iimun.in to be a part of the change. IIMUN.indd 13
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_INSIDE DOPE
Symbiosis Law School, Pune NESTLED ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF PUNE, THE SYMBIOSIS LAW SCHOOL CAMPUS IS NOT ONLY A HOME AWAY FROM HOME. IT IS A WORLD IN ITSELF FOR THE STUDENTS
and enthusiastic student community has conceptualised over ten different cells in the college. The subjects cover a wide range and include law and economics in the form of LawEcon Cell, the Tech Legal Cell, The Rotracts Club, and so on.
hen you think of law school, you think of students engrossed in bulky books day in and day out, assignments scheduled on a daily basis and a dull academic environment. Symbiosis Law School (SLS), Pune is the exception. The campus at this law school is buzzing with activity. Even though lectures are scheduled for three hours only, students are always hanging around
The campus at the law school is large and sprawling, allowing students to find their comfort spots to relax anywhere on the campus. For the foodies, there are other food joints adjoining the campus, in addition to the college canteen. The New Central Café fondly knows as ‘NCC’ is a delight for the student community and offers a wide range of delicacies ranging from snacks and junk food to Punjabi favourites to Chinese delights.
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the campus for various reasons until late evening. At times, students end up spending most of their waking hours in school, considering that they turn up at the campus at 8 am everyday. The reasons could be anything– completing assignments, preparing for college festivals, studying for exams, gearing up for different competitions, or to simply spend time with their friends. In addition, the law school’s vibrant
HANG OUT JOINTS
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Students come here to chill with a plate of fries and a cup of tea. Many swear by the Singapori noodles and the zege omlette here. Located just next to NCC is Roll House that serves a variety of rolls and beverages.
SOCIAL GATHERINGS
A college seems incomplete without an annual festival to showcase the students’ talents. SLS hosts Symbhav, its annual cultural festival in February that is looked forward to by the city of Pune. Not to forget the festival is one of the grandest, not only in Pune, but also in the state of Maharashtra. Apart from being a gracious host, the school also organises an intra-college fest, ‘Symptoms’ to promote in-house talent. The school also organises a series of other in-house gatherings. A noteworthy one is the Teachers Day Celebration, where students display their affection for teachers by hosting an event where teachers take centre stage and perform various artistic activities. The Alumni meet is another such event, where ex-students celebrate a memorable evening reminiscing about their old school days with their
classmates. The event is a fun-filled one with the sharing of stories between the alumni and current students.
ACADEMIC MEETS
If you think gatherings at the Law School are only about fun and enjoyment, then you must witness the two National Moot Courts hosted by SLS in collaboration with premier law firms. It also hosts national seminars on upcoming legal issues.
PHOTOGRAPH BY FLICKR USER DOGFROMSPACE
Even though lectures are scheduled for just three hours, students are always hanging around the campus until late evening
ACCREDITATIONS
The Law School has been declared a Constituent of Symbiosis International University by the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It is recognised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and has been awarded the A-grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The syllabus structure at the Law School is prescribed by the Bar Council of India. All in all, the Symbiosis Law School is a fantastic platform for those who really wish to aspire, excel and succeed in the field of law and in life in general. yi MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 41
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_FOCUS FEATURE
Entrepreneurship driving change
YOUTH INC CATCHES UP WITH SACHIN DEV DUGGAL, THE CEO OF CLOUD COMPUTING COMPANY, NIVIO, ON BEING AN ENTREPRENEUR SINCE THE TENDER AGE OF TWELVE You achieved success that people dream of all their lives at a very young age. How has this affected your life, personally and professionally? A coin has two sides. Success to me has good and bad. The ability to make a difference even in a small way, like how we raised US$3.5m for children with aids in India, has come as one part of the journey thus far. The journey, however, has been very difficult – for one, it’s not easy having to disconnect yourself from a regular method of living and being on the move continuously. I was laughing
with someone that I recently spent five weeks in one location, and that was the longest I had been anywhere in ten years. The continuous movement becomes very hard to manage with a personal life. Success, or better said, success in the media, has massive pitfalls – you move from the euphoria of public recognition to the dilemma of trying to work out motives and raison d’être of those that are around you. I guess it only gets worse… you become so conscious of those around you. Professionally, it’s been a roller
coaster ride. To be taken seriously and respected as a professional is the most important element in our lives. Having taken the journey I have, this has definitely become more apparent! At the age of 12, you had the chance to speak to the UK's Environment Secretary. You told him then what a bad job he was doing. Today, if you could have a meeting with the environment secretaries of the major countries of the world, what would you say? I would tell them to focus on
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educating the children at the bottom of the pyramid and ensure they are building digital pipelines in their countries, as broadband and education coupled with access to technology are key for development. As an environmentalist and a technology entrepreneur, how do you think that technology can help with our environment? Technology brings in efficiencyand allows people to learn more about the consequences of their actions. Centralising computing resources allows better utilisation of utility services such as electricity, thus reducing the carbon footprint of the computing cycle. You helped start a company at the age of 14. Tell us about this experience. What value did you add as a young teen to the company? One day, I managed to blow up my mother’s computer and had to fix it fast. This got me quite excited and a year later I built my own PC after blowing it up twice. At 14, I started a small computer company with a friend. I kept building the business and, after selling over 100 PCs in the first year, went on to web hosting. I have learnt a lot about networks and pricing there, and launched one of the first affordable broadband services in India. We were both teens so the “never say never” approach helped. What advice do you have for other young entrepreneurs out there based on your own experiences? Entpreneurship is not just about thinking differently; it’s about moving the needle. It’s all about the passion to succeed, no matter what; the power to trust your dreams and make them come true. That's what, in my opinion, makes a successful entrepreneur. At nivio, we dare to be great; we dare to be powerful beyond measure! In the end, entrepreneurship is about solving a far reaching socioeconomic problem and making money whilst you do it.
Entpreneurship is not just about thinking differently... It’s all about the passion to succeed, no matter what; the power to trust your dreams and make them come true.
You have said, "People work for people, not for companies." Could you explain further? Culture makes everything work. Good (and provocative) managers always have teams follow them. It’s about delivering past expectation and getting your team to deliver more. There is a fine balance between being a good boss and a nice boss – and the key is, you have to be good, not nice. It’s the relationships that you make that will follow you forever. What was the experience like for you speaking at the World Economic Forum at Davos? What were the highlights of your visit? It was surreal. I just cannot begin to explain how our first Davos went. I don’t think I slept a wink, and every breathing minute was spent meeting people, soaking in the intellect and freezing our toes. When I spoke at the forum, it was a massive rush – euphoric! How do you think cloud computing will reshape economies? How should governments react to adapt best to this change?
Despite the downturn, the IT budgets of companies increased in 2011. This is testament to the fact that data protection is vital to any organisation and its people. Mobility has introduced significant management and security headaches for IT. Cloud computing allows data to be mobile and secure. It can be accessed from anywhere, anytime. Cloud computing will bring in the next wave of change in the way people access the Internet, store and use data, and how much they spend on IT. How do you think cloud computing can be harnessed to meet India's development goals? Cloud computing is making computing hassle-free. We no longer need to carry multiple devices anymore. One device can now give access to all data, wherever you are. This will allow the proliferation of education and government services via the Internet, irrespective of the device. A great example of this would be the low-cost tablet project, led by the government, which is trying to provide access to educational material to students via the Internet. The buzz word today is 'innovation'. As an innovator yourself, do you think that this change needs to be managed and nurtured? How should we best go about doing this? Any change is usually difficult to adapt. But as an innovator, it is not only important to invent but also devise a way to make the adoption of change easy and convenient for everyone. This is exactly what nivio has been doing. nivio has made it possible for people to access their data and their desktops irrespective of the device. Users no longer have to carry multiple devices. This is the true essence of ubiquity in computing. The proliferation of tablets coupled with the offerings provided by nivio such as nDesktop and nDrive will play a role in revolutionising the lives of consumers across the world. yi MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 43
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_student speak
base I the
Prateek Strengthening Student Agrawal recounts
was a 13-year-old boy, happy with my school life, extracurricular activities, sports and playing with friends. One fine evening, a tragic incident changed it all. I injured my head while playing football with my friends. I suffered major blood loss and later, underwent surgery. I don’t know whether it was a coincidence or a cosmic activity, but this accident led me to one of the hardest experiences
of my life. Until the accident, I was an aboveaverage student in school in terms of academics. After the accident, things started going downhill. Although I cannot be certain that the accident led to my academic underperformance, or it was something else, but I do know that the timeline of the events was the same. The worst scenario lasted until the first semester of class eight, when my marks reached the lowest point. My mother, in the form of an angel, came to my rescue and guided me on the path uphill. It was her efforts, support and hard work that changed everything. In the second term, my work drastically improved, with a score of 88 per cent as compared to 60 per cent in the first term. My motivation received the muchneeded boost and it reflected in my final term of class eight. A huge achievement for me was scoring 94 marks out of a hundred in biology, the highest I have ever scored. I realised then, that my interest lay in science and mathematics, those subjects I had scored much better in than the others. The
his experience of shifting to an IB school and the difference it made to his life
satisfaction, however, was short-lived. Another incident changed my life in many ways – both positive and negative. It class nine, my parents decided to shift me from the ICSE Board school that I was going to at that time, to the upcoming system of IGCSE of the Cambridge Board. It was a totally new environment to adapt to. There were a few foreign students and the Indian students were of higher intellect and stature, at least according to me. I found it difficult to adjust, but eventually found my ground. I adapted well and made close friends. The education system was entirely different from what I was accustomed to. I faced some difficulty in coping, but couldn’t get the complete hang of it until the end. Meanwhile, there was a new adjustment – my family and I moved from the suburbs to South Mumbai, where again, I had to get used to a new locality and a new set of people. I cannot understand why, but I have always managed to be accepted by society no matter where I was. It was very crucial for me to be accepted and loved by all. Unfortunately, things never went that way, ending up in unfavourable situations. Maybe it was due to the comfort level I had reached with my old ways and life, but the new changes may have reflected in my school work. At the new place, I managed to keep myself busy with tennis after school, and got through my high school graduation in 2006. In 2007, I continued with my higher secondary education in an International Baccalaureate (IB) School, the Mercedes-Benz International School (MBIS) in Pune.
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I was excited to be educated here as this was my first experience in a residential school. The school’s campus is beautiful, with all the possible facilities that a student can possibly think of. The strength of the student body was about 400, of which almost 50 per cent were foreign nationals. Studying here brought about a major change in my personality and provided a boost in my confidence. This brought about a change in the way I perceived my environment. I was exposed to diverse cultures and societies as the faculty included foreigners too. It was a golden opportunity for me, thanks to the blessing and support I received from my parents. The IB curriculum allowed me to combine subjects, from the sciences to fine arts, computers to foreign languages. I chose Spanish. IB changed my way of thinking and pattern of studying. Assignments were more abstract and analytical, which introduced me to a practical way of studying in contrast to the old system of learning by rote. The school also offered a number of extracurricular activities in which I actively participated. My IB education has definitely made me the person I am today. The way the teachers taught and the vast pool of knowledge available, intrigued me. It was here that I learnt a lot about the world. I underwent a transitional change not just because of the system and teachers, but also my peers. I distinctly remember one incident where I had to present to a class of 20 students. I had never done this before; it was a first for me. I was hesitant and nervous and just blanked out, leading me
From being nervous to speak in front of a class of 20 students, I was able to present to an audience of over 1200 students at The Hague International Model United Nations Conference in Singapore to fumble a lot. But that experience enabled me to work better and to gain confidence in presenting before an audience, and I was able to speak to a crowd of hundreds at The Hague International Model United Nations Conference held in Singapore. It also helped me to be more spontaneous when I talk. There were about 1200 students from all around the world whom I could interact with. I graduated in 2009 with such valuable qualities and memories. My life plan always involved a career of being a technocrat, where I would get an education in business management and commerce, and yet my passion was engineering. Until I was at MBIS, I was fine, but after that, I didn't know what to do. Upon a counsellor’s suggestion, I took aptitude tests which were unfavourable for
engineering. I opted for a Bachelor of Management Studies (BMS) offered by the University of Mumbai. I have been a consistent performer in BMS for the past three years and I will be graduating this month. It is often said that one’s desire, passion or dream cannot be suppressed; it is passion that drives a man and makes him achieve things he would never have previously thought of. This happened with me too, as it re-kindled the fire of my passion for engineering. During my leisure time while pursuing BMS, I would work with technology and electronics, research about various radio-frequency circuits and modules. I recently executed a house project involving electrical and electronic components for music and video in my new apartment. It was after this that my desire and passion for engineering grew stronger. I am now in the process of transferring to the United States into an Electrical and Electronic Engineering programme. Along with BMS, I am studying for various exams like the TOEFL, SAT and Advanced Placement Exam for Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, so that I can be successfully accepted by the US education system. I have been working day and night towards this goal and will continue to do so in order to achieve my greater goal to successfully run my own engineering venture. yi
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_WISE UP
- By Niloufer Gandhi Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the highlighted word and complete the sentence.
1. enervated (en-er-veyt-ed)
The campers were unable to complete their trek as they were _____ by the extreme heat. (a. invigorated b. exhausted c. hunted)
2. construe (kuhn-stroo)
Only with the help of a local guide who was able to clearly ____ the meaning of paintings and sculptures, were the tourists able to understand the historical significance of the palace. (a. interpret b. distort c. belittle)
3. ardor (ahr-der)
The minute the holiday plans were confirmed, the children’s ____ was evident in their screams. (a. indifference b. confidence c. enthusiasm)
4. prorogue (proh-rohg)
The college students requested the principal to ___ the final exams which clashed with the Football World Cup. (a. postpone b. expedite c. investigate)
5. jaunt (jawnt)
Jill and Peter were eagerly looking forward to their summer ____ to the Yellowstone National Park. (a. destination b. expedition c. network)
6. exultant (ig-zuhl-tnt)
After scaling the dangerous peak, the mountaineer let out an ____ shout. (a. ecstatic b. sullen c. spontaneous)
7. sauntered (sawn-ter-ed)
Paul ______ along the banks of the Seine with his hands in his pockets, humming a romantic melody. (a. wriggled b. gamboled c. rambled)
8. sojourn (soh-jurn )
During his recent _____ in Mexico, John had the opportunity to explore the archaeological sites of the ancient Mayan culture . (a. stay b. leave c. concern)
9. peripatetic (per-uh-puh-tet-ik)
The _____ folk singer went from town to town singing the praises of the Lord. (a. indifferent b. permanent c. itinerant )
How many times in the year do you wonder “Oh! if I could just leave all this and go for a small holiday!” A holiday can be the perfect stress buster. It may not be to an exotic location, even a friend’s farmhouse or a no-frills shack at the beach sounds great. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and take off… Well, let’s start with a few basic words that you can use in your day-to-day conversation.
10. memorabilia (mem-er-uh-bil-yuh)
The tourists flocked to the stalls near the Tower of London to purchase ___ that would remind them of their lovely holiday. (a. endeavors b. souvenirs c. statutes)
Answers: 1. B 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. B 6. A 7. C 8. A 9. C 10. B
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yi
entertain
Check out India's new dance revolution– B-boying Page 59
k e e Pi n s i d e ďƒŽ
Pg58 Pg62 eco-friendly motoring easy ways to reduce carbon emisisons while driving
talking about a revolution! Notes from The young changemakers conclave 2012
Pg64 Pg83 Oh the city of joy! Visit the beautifully oldfashioned city of kolkata
Chill with paletas Beat the heat with mexican popsicles now available in iNdia
_cover story
The rise of the
indie band The independent music scene is at a vibrant peak in india. At the crux lie young and radical people who have discovered an outlet in this subculture. beverly pereira finds out more
I
ndia’s burgeoning music scene has traversed the decades. In a country largely defined by Bollywood film and music, it may come as a surprise to some that an indie – short for independent – music scene has long existed as a parallel with mainstream music. Rock, funk, blues, folk and metal have ruled the roost in the past and continue to exhilarate music lovers across the country. This subculture has thrived well enough to spout a whole new breed of young musicians, who like the trendsetters of yesteryear, continue to play for the sheer love of music, thriving in one of the few mediums of free expression in today’s draconian society. The new wave of musicians prides themselves on nonconformity, through a passion-fuelled emphasis on creativity and self-expression. More importantly, they are a young bunch
of artists in their own right, playing outspoken music straight from the soul, a factor that sets them apart from the innumerable bands that are fast emerging. Young, pulsating and vibrant are just some of the words that epitomise the current music scene. The country is experiencing the birth of an urban subculture, unearthing explosive young talent in the process. Rather than simply doing covers of well-known bands, indie bands are now composing original music embodying a do-it-yourself spirit, much like a grassroots rebellion against mainstream music.
themselves through music. The music-hungry community turned up in droves for gigs by The Savages, The Jets, The Trojans and Crimson Fire, known for their brilliant renditions of the Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who and Pink Floyd. In fact, so raw was the scene that a few musicians used locally manufactured instruments, fabricated amps and speaker modules that didn’t sound quite right! But word has it that the vibe was great. The culture that emerged would later shape India’s independent music scene as seen and experienced today.
In the beginning The present-day music scene has its roots in the thriving live music culture that dates back to the late ‘60s, when a number of Indian musicians took the path less trodden, expressing
The nineties Soon, the raging nineties followed. Bands at the time had to book their own venues and promote events through word of mouth. Bands were limited to playing at college
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festivals and venues such as Rang Bhavan, Razzberry Rhinoceros and Shanmukhananda Auditorium. They also had no support system to officially launch themselves or cut albums. Regardless of these factors, the music continued and the scene experienced an augmentation of sorts. Now and then The Indian live music culture has seen much change over time. Through the years, the passion and love for music has remained the same; the only difference is that one finds a wider variety of platforms today. While musicians found it difficult to source quality instruments due to the country’s strict non-import policy, and faced the absence of a support system in terms of live venues and promoters, today, bands no longer experience these issues. Musical instruments by brands as huge as Gibson and Yamaha are readily available across the country. The fact that more albums have been cut over the last five years than in the preceding two decades is proof enough that this is an exceptionally good time for India's indie bands!
can reach out to their fan base, and a wider platform to spread the word about latest track releases and gigs. Music has gone beyond the confines of performing at local venues, with platforms like Soundcloud that are perfect to bounce ideas off of likeminded musicians. Facebook, Twitter, blogs and music forums have become unifying hubs for bands and listeners alike. Sites like NH7 and Chordvine promote local indie bands with gig listings, album downloads and related news. Further, aspiring musicians also have access to workshops. As part of their Empower 2012 event, AIESEC Mumbai organised a workshop hosted by bands Blakc and Last Ride Home, who spoke about the highs and lows of making it as a band. Neysa Mendes, who runs a music publicity company called Little Big Noise, and who has been a part of the independent music industry for a few good years now, says “There are a large number of interconnected factors that have driven the indie music scene. The Internet has had a big impact
on our music revolution. The fact that ours has happened in the digital age - because there's everything from democratisation of distribution to publicity - it's possible for anyone to sell music and to reach their fans. You don't need the distribution channels of a large label. You can just put your music up for sale on the Internet, publicise it and reach out to your fans in the same way.” Bridge across musical waters As India’s music scene experiences a crescendo, it’s only natural that the demand for bands and venues has
The pas sion an d love f or mus ic in the indie sc ene through t he
The Indian Indie revolution So what is it that has brought about this deluge of indie music in a country that was once exclusively known for its Bollywood music? The Internet, without a doubt, lies at the heart of this urban music revolution. For music years remains the same; the only lovers, the web has long opened up an infinite universe of contemporary ere are many h t t a h t is e c n music otherwise unavailable in Indian differe stores. Listeners have become more today. e l aware of what’s going on across the b a l i ms ava world and in India. For musicians, r o f t a l p an online presence gives them a defined space through which they
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India's hottest live music venues
_cover story
Land’s End Amphitheatre (Mumbai)
Someplace Else (Kolkata)
BFlat (Bangalore) Sheesha (Pune)
increased manifold to fill the void experienced by music lovers. That’s where Krunk, an alternative music-booking agency, comes in. Conceptualised in 2009 by musician Sohail Arora, Krunk specialises in booking leading and breakthrough bands and musicians. Sohail felt that there was a lack of agencies that focussed on building and streamlining the tour structure for local and international artists or bands. “The idea was to promote niche and independent forms of music in the club circuit and to eventually make them a regular feature in every club. Krunk was the first booking agency in India to specialise in artist and venue bookings when it was established back in 2009. Today, there are four or five more. It's great for the overall scene,” he explains. Like every new venture, Sohail’s faced challenges. “Many Indian venues don't have the vision to promote new artists and prefer to stick to formulas, booking only those artists that will bring in a crowd. The challenge was to convince such venues to let us build this long-term vision where we would promote good artists irrespective of their popularity and to eventually fill
Hard Rock Café (Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bangalore, Hyderabad) Blue Frog (Mumbai, Delhi) Shanmukhananda Auditorium (Mumbai) Central Park Amphitheatre (Mumbai)
up venues no matter who played by building a brand that people knew about and respected for the music it pushed,” says Sohail. Platforms Galore Soumini Paul, AVP, ArtistAloud.com, feels that there are many platforms that offer a vast sea of opportunities to artists. “After all, there is value in associating with independent musicians that fall into this so-called niche category. ArtistAloud takes the responsibility of taking on artists and creating a full circle for them through various platforms, and not by differentiating between them,” she says. Then there’s Little Big Noise, a music PR agency that focuses on press and publicity for bands, independent artists and music events. Neysa of Little Big Noise says, “The economics of a situation have such a big role to play, and over the last two to three years, brands have started to believe that music is a great way to reach younger audiences. There's been an increase in brands willing to sponsor everything from music festivals to gig nights. India works on the sponsorship
model because our audiences are still developing and can be fairly unpredictable. It's quite hard and close to impossible to run a festival or tour purely on ticket sales. So the increase in sponsorship and brands investing in the music scene has helped quite a bit.” Getting your indie fix In recent years, the imposed curfew has hurt the thriving music scene that once was. However, new live venues and music festivals that cater to all kinds of musical tastes, are becoming synonymous with our indie culture. When one talks of this raging scene, one cannot fail to mention the mother of all Indian festivals NH7, an annual 3-day music extravaganza in Pune that offers music lovers the works– international and local acts, a flea market in a complete festival atmosphere. Initiatives like Live from the Console showcase local bands and international acts at Mumbai’s iconic Mehboob Studio, offering a platform for upcoming and established bands alike. India's alternative music culture is clearly more than just a 'scene'. It's a movement; a shifting musical landscape that is fast gaining the recognition that it rightfully deserves. These are exciting times for the indie scene. Check out a local band in your city and be a part of the revolution! yi
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Colour Compound
The
W
hat happens when a bunch of young and experienced musicians come together as a band? A brilliant collaboration like The Colour Compound. Although the band feels that genres are irrelevant, The Colour Compound puts forth a mix of rock, blues, pop, R & B and acoustic elements with ease. The story behind the formation of the band is quite interesting. It all began when two friends– Rohan and Bradley– started playing guitar, singing and writing songs together for the love of it, with no serious intention of taking it any further. At the time, Rohan and Bradley had parted ways with Something Relevant and Thrice9, respectively. But the desire to ‘get out
_COVERSTORY
YOUNG AND HUGELY PROMISING, THE COLOUR COMPOUND CONTINUES TO CREATE PRISMATIC RIPPLES IN THE INDIE MUSIC SCENE
there’ and go live all over again struck once more, resulting in the formation of an acoustic duo ‘Hollow Bodies’. The duo then realised that they wanted to experiment with textures and a wider variety of dynamics. It was around this time that Bradley met Aditya and Adil at a college band competition. Jamming together seemed like the most natural thing to do thereafter. The blend was seamless and unforced, and the result was the formation of The Colour Compound. Over the last three years, the band has played at many a venue in Mumbai including Blue Frog, Hard Rock Café and at open air venues like The Hanging Gardens, and in Pune and Goa too. Needless to say, The Colour Compound has a huge fan following. With lyrics
that are based on everyday life, catchy melodies and groovy riffs, the band’s gigs are always packed to the hilt. Two albums worth of songs and a continuous string of gigs down the line, The Colour Compound recently released an EP online called Sincerely Yours. Each of the six songs showcases different aspects of the band’s sound. Fans can expect a full-fledged album shortly, as at this very point in time, the band is in the writing stage, working together to come out with yet another collaboration of themselves as a versatile whole. The Colour Compound has mass appeal, yet the band remains adamant about delivering honest and original music.
Band mEmbers Bradley Tellis Rohan Mazumdar Aditya Ashok Adil Kurwa Rhys D’souza
Vocals/ Electric Guitar Vocals/ Acoustic guitar Drums Bass Keyboard/ Saxaphone MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 51
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_COVER STORY
The Mavyns
to, felt Kristofor. The band’s debut studio album, From the Tree of No Ledge was well received, though the band had no AN ECLECTIC BUNCH OF MUSICIANS, THE MAVYNS ARE plans of releasing it as a CD but as a download to save resources. Taking ON A ROLL, MAKING MUSIC THAT COMES STRAIGHT their music to a higher level are plans FROM THE SOUL to associate each of the 13 songs with visual interpretations. The band ay back in 2008, Terrazo. Soon, opportunity came even had an artist create live visuals during their preknocking at their door once more. The to accompany them on stage. They band days, a group live recording of their second huge are also known to have impromptu of musicians ‘found’ gig in Mumbai at Blue Frog, turned jams with various musicians on stage. themselves in Goa. After gigging into the band’s second demo album Vivek, who designed the album cover, it out at local beach shacks, they called Lick the Blue Frog. “We had says, “We once jammed with a band decided to take their love for music a the material and that really worked called Tribal Flora on the way to the couple of steps further. A century-old for us because we got great response India Surf Festival in Orissa. It was Portuguese bungalow was where their and publicity too,” says Pradeep. one of those divine cosmic moments first demo album, aptly titled The Looking back at the band's common when everything came together Socegado Sessions, came to life with decision to exit the 9-to-5 corporate unforced. The atmosphere was perfect just a basic 4-track mixer! Thus was rut, they feel that they just didn’t with the rising full moon and the born The Mavyns, who returned to enjoy their jobs quite as much as they sound of the waves !” Pradeep agrees, Mumbai and continued song writing enjoyed being The Mavyns. “The only saying, “Everybody was there with and composing with a reawakened challenge we later faced, was money,” an open mind. That attitude in itself sense of being. The four-piece indie says Pradeep. They found it expensive was a great base for creativity.” “The band have brought back old-school to record the way they really wanted idea is to be yourself,” quips Vivek. rock and roll with a touch of The band reminisces about one blues, folk and jazz, the groovy of their earlier gigs at the very amalgam of which, has the first edition of Live From the Kristofor Paul Drums/ Vocal ability to connect with just Console. "It was humbling to say Mendonca about everyone, a sight evident least,” says Vivek. Vivek Nair Guitar/ Keys/ Vocals theIt's at the band's live shows. no wonder that The Pradeep Matthews Lead guitar/ Vocals Mavyns After sending demo copies with their raw, yet Varoon Nair Bass guitar/ Vocals/ to local venues, the band played innovative sound are one of Harmonica their first Mumbai gig at Il India's most promising indie acts.
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Band mEmbers
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Airport
SOME BANDS LIFT YOU UP TO A HIGHER PLANE THROUGH MUSIC THAT TRANSCENDS LANGUAGE. TAKE SUCH A JOURNEY WITH AIRPORT
A
irport is a Hindi-Indie band that was formed by singer-songwriter Arijit Datta in December 2009. Already a staple at college festivals and gigs in Mumbai and Pune, the earthy, bluesy tone of the band speaks to the angst of a young generation searching for its identity. In early 2009, Arijit was already penning songs when he met Vinay Lobo, who played the guitar with a style and flair that he could associate with. Vinay had also just chucked in a corporate job in Oman and moved to Mumbai to pursue his passion for music. Arijit recounts, “His kind of playing of acoustic blues appealed to me. I asked him to start a band, and we began writing songs.” Although the desire to pursue music was inspired by passion, the opportunity to pursue it came about thanks to
the changing Indian entertainment industry. Vinay says, “We came into the music scene at the right time – Zohran and I moved back from Oman because we saw an opportunity here.” Arijit explains, “The biggest change in music has been in the expression itself in music. Ten years back, bands were only interested in playing covers. There was not much expression; there was no need, no desperation, the urgency to have your own voice. Now, the audience has also changed and wants to hear what you have to offer. They don’t want to hear covers of Metallica or Bon Jovi or Henderson; one can hear these artists live. Now people are even expressing themselves in regional languages. That empowerment of selfbelief has happened.” Still, there are many challenges that face the popular band today. Arijit says,
Band mEmbers Arijit Datta Vinay Lobo Zohran Miranda Varun Venkit Amit Ahuja
Vocals Guitar Guitar Drums Bass
“The biggest challenge is to keep the band together and to have consistent players. Everyone plays with different bands all the time. To sound cohesive, to sound tight, you have to be at one place in lockdown, rough it out each day.” Zohran, one half of the recently launched musical duo Esho Funi, says, “As a musician today, you can’t only be a singer. We all play with other bands, produce music for ads and so on.” The next goal for the band is to cut an album to get more exposure. Arijit says, “We have not cut an album, so not too many people know about us. People know about us through word of mouth. I think it would make a big difference if we cut an album and if people actually know our songs before coming to a venue. We have been playing for about two years now and our songs are pretty tight. Now if we go into the studio and record, we will be in a good spot.” The band seems to defy any categorisation. Zohran explains, “With the evolution of electronic music, I feel that a lot of old barriers are breaking down. Like dub step is hip hop and rap and soul. You don’t need to know, unless you are shelving music. We feel that it’s up to people as in how they classify us. Sometimes when people ask us what kind of music we play, all we can say is ‘Good music!’ For lack of a better word, we get labelled as a Hindi rock band, but that doesn’t stop the music.” Arijit agrees: “Music goes beyond languages, which is why we include a Hemant Kumar classic Bengali song cover in our songs. As a band, we have no inhibitions about playing any language. That’s what you need to remember about music; you shouldn’t box yourself in as a musician into any one type or genre of music which will make you be cool. Like, ‘I am this kind of musician and I should play this kind of music so I’ll be accepted and appear cool.’ Music is not about appearing cool; it’s so huge and vast, it’s all about celebrating it. It connects people, it communicates. And that’s how I think people also come closer to you.” Well, we just can't wait for the album! MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 53
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_COVER STORY
Goddess Gagged
Y
oung as its members may be, this band certainly doesn’t sound like a bunch of newcomers. Goddess Gagged, the five-piece, post-hardcore, progressive rock-metal band has been riding the indie wave since 2008. The band's bassist Krishna, explains “Arman and I started the band out in 2008 with Jeremy. We were a 3-piece band that simply wanted to play music like Porcupine Tree. The band was pretty much an inspiration for all of us. It was more on the spacey-alternative rock side of things. Arman had been looking to jam with someone for quite a while and we met through common friends. That’s when this took off. The Goddess Gagged you know today came into being in September 2010, with the addition of Siddharth on Vocals and Devesh on Guitars,”. Brimming with intense, atmospheric guitar riffs and highenergy power chords fantastically
AN UNSTOPPABLE FORCE IN THE REALM OF HARDCORE, GODDESS GAGGED EMBODIES ALL THE EXPERIMENTATION, DISTORTION AND ENERGY THAT A PROGRESSIVE ROCK-METAL LOVER COULD EVER WANT
teamed with super-charged vocals, it’s no wonder that the band has come to be known as one of India’s top progressive metal bands. Even those who don't fancy metal as a genre are hooked. Since its inception, Goddess Gagged has gigged across the country, and even opened for the hugely popular Finnish rock band Poets of the Fall in 2011. Last year also saw the talented band work release their debut album– Resurfaces. Interestingly, the album can still be streamed on the band’s website, allowing listeners to get a feel of the music before actually buying the album. “We wanted to give our fans the entire Goddess
Band mEmbers Siddharth Basrur Vocals Devesh Dayal Guitar Arman Menzies Guitar Jeremy Dsouza Drums Krishna Jhaveri Bass Guitar
Gagged experience. We hope that people pick up a copy of the CD once they hear the entire album, which has come together as a result of our time, effort and money,” says Krishna. When asked whether they faced any challenges as a band, he goes on to say that there were plenty. “Our producer Zorran Mendonsa is from Auckland, New Zealand. So we had to fly him and his gear down to record. Besides being financially challenging, the entire album was home produced,
with the guitars recorded in Devesh's bedroom and the bass and vocals at Arman's house. Everything from the production of CDs, to the album art, to the release and distribution were all challenging tasks for us, but at the same time it was a fantastic learning experience,” explains Krishna. Siddharth, the band's vocalist, who has been in the rock scene for over a decade, feels that the indie music scene is growing exponentially. “More people are seeing live music as a form of entertainment that they are willing to shell out money for, which is what’s getting more sponsors interested. This, in turn has resulted in gigs and festivals mushrooming across India. It’s very exciting to be part of a scene that only seems to be getting bigger and better,” he concludes.
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_RELATIONSHIPS
Should you date your RELATIONSHIP GURU RITIKA RANJAN DELVES INTO THE COMPLEXITIES OF GETTING INVOLVED WITH A CLOSE FRIEND AND ASKS, WILL YOUR FRIENDSHIP SURVIVE?
BEST F "I
like you a lot... since you and I are not seeing anyone, do you think we could give us a shot?" Ravi asked Nita, his friend for over two years. Both of them were silent one moment, and kissing the next. It made sense; they had known each other for a while and spent a lot of time together. They had completed their MBA degrees and were going to be in the same city for a while. The future together looked promising. It also felt like the right thing for the first few weeks, but soon Nita wanted more: more time, more attention, more emotions. The lightness of friendship was engulfed in drama and sex had complicated the equation. Two months later, Ravi sat down with Nita once again only to tell her that he felt that they were best being friends. Nita couldn't handle it; she went from numb, to sad, to bitter. She blamed him for asking her out and herself for giving in. What had seemed like a perfect decision was now a devastating one. They thought they could handle the relationship but it didn’t turn out that way. The friendship and the relationship both ended, and even now, they avoid each other. When I sat down to write this article, I knew pretty well how I felt
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T FRIEND? about dating best friends, but to give this a more balanced view, I decided to ask my friends, young, mature and open-minded set of people. I received a lot of reactions, right from "why not," to "no way," but they all said that they had considered dating their best friends at some point. “It plays on your mind, what it might be like to date your best friend. They seem like the perfect companions, you have the same ideas of fun and going that extra mile could make you happier” Krishna said. A lot of them had indulged in some making out with their best friends but deemed it a "momentary lapse," or "fooling around". Some who are over the hill said that they had made pacts with their best friends that if they didn't find anyone by 35, they would get married themselves for the fear of dying alone. In my conversations, I didn't catch the drift that best friends were the natural choice of bed fellows or life partners. So when and why did they consider dating their best friends? "Saurabh and I started spending a lot of time together after I broke up with my boyfriend. One day we lost a bit of control and guess we started dating then", said Nupur, a 26-year-old stylist from Mumbai. A lot of people I talked to had similar stories. Then there was another voice from Ankita who firmly believes, "I have to be friends with my boyfriend. How else would I spend time with him?" But, best friends? "Umm, that's a bit tricky, I am not sure if I would.” So while some of the people I talked to fantasised at some point about dating their best buddies, common sense prevented them from doing so.
In one case though, the dating led to a long and happy marriage. Priyanka wrote in her email, “Had we not started seeing each other nine years ago, I wouldn’t be so happy now. It’s true that Sanchit looked at me after his girlfriend dumped him but who cares now.” It seems odd that despite the time and energy spent with a best friend, they still don’t figure on the desirable list. My friend had a simple answer, “I was never attracted to her”. Going all the way with your best friend looks like the most logical next step in times of loneliness, post breakup depression, on a wild party night or while watching a movie on the couch. The lure to transcend the ‘hands off’ zone in friendship is tempting, but when you weren’t drunk, lonely or emotional, did the idea of sleeping with your best friend still appeal to you? A best friend is a hangout partner
“It plays on your mind, what it might be like to date your best friend. They seem like the perfect companions, you have the same ideas of fun, and going that extra mile could make you happier”
or tell–all buddy, not someone who you were attracted to at first sight. And, maybe that’s the way it’s meant to be. The possibility of taking the plunge with your mate seems very compelling in times of need, but maybe not during times of fulfilment. My friends also told me that one of the reasons that the relationship doesn’t work is the low desirability factor. “We had a go at it, when we both needed someone to hold on to, not because we found each other hot or anything”, said Uttam from Delhi. Clearly he didn’t mince words. The whole dating could be based on benefits or needs, as I figured in some cases, but it is not the adhesive that keeps the bond together for long. Lavina, 25, said that her relationship with her best friend was a total disaster, because, “he became possessive”. That, she said, “takes the joy out of the relationship.” Some other friends also told me the same thing: that in friendship the rules are really different and friends don’t really judge each other, but once they were in a relationship, every move seemed to be under a scanner. It is a road to disaster because you lose a friend and you have to get over a break up. When we break it down, we human beings love complications. We need to consider: are we prepared to destroy years of friendship for a few days of intimacy? Relationships are complex as it is, and if you’re fortunate to have a stress-free thing with your best friend, if I were you, I’d keep it that way. But, the juice in life is to experiment, risk a little and not take it too seriously. So, like someone said, “why not”? yi
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Eco-friendly motoring There are some easy ways to
_ECOWATCH
reduce your carbon emissions while driving around the city. Try out these handy tips!
M
otoring around the city can add immensely to your carbon footprint, as well as kill your budget as oil prices skyrocket. You can choose to go electric with the Reva or opt for a hybrid like the Toyota Prius. However, no matter what kind of car you drive, there are still some simple steps you can take to reduce your polluting emissions and save some money on petrol.
1
DON’T WASTE IN HASTE Smoothly accelerating and decelerating is not only easy on your car, but it also helps you to save your fuel. Moreover, other motorists will thank you for giving them enough notice to slow down as well. Also, driving at high speeds on the highway (at 100 kms per hour or above) will increase your fuel usage and your costs dramatically. Stick to the speed limit and save the environment!
2
GET RID OF EXCESS WEIGHT The lighter your car, the more fuel efficient it will be. Don’t load your car with unnecessary junk in the back, heavy speakers or accessories that weigh your car down. Even the smallest bit makes a significant difference to your mileage in the long run; items such as a roof rack or a bicycle holder are largely unnecessary most of the time and are aerodynamic hindrances. If you can get rid of clutter and excess, then do so!
3
INFLATE YOUR TIRES Your tires are one of the most important components of your car. Driving with under-inflated tires can be extremely dangerous as this may cause you to lose control of the car. Keeping them well-maintained and properly inflated at all times will mean that you are getting the best possible
fuel efficiency from your vehicle. This will reduce your resistance to the road and help them to last longer too.
4
SWITCH IT OFF Don’t keep your car idle – the larger your car, the more fuel it consumes while idling. Switch it off at long signals, while waiting at the curb for someone or in the midst of dead traffic. Idling for more than 20 seconds produces more carbon emissions than restarting your engine altogether. Also, if you don’t need it, try not to use air conditioning in the city since it is rather fuel intensive. Turn it off five minutes before you reach your destination and park in the shade where possible. While driving in the city, do try to offset your emmissions to become a true eco-motorist. yi
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_Out of the box
Crazy feet India is witnessing a dance revolution as b-boys and b-girls dominate India’s stages and streets alike. Youth Inc finds out more about this raging culture
I
n the early 1970s, groups of youngsters took to the streets of New York to practice dance moves that blended intricate body movements, style, coordination and aesthetics. A significant part of the hip hop culture, this dance style came to be known as break dancing. An element of urban street culture, a
form of expression for many and an art in its own right, the movement represented many things for different people.
A dance revolution
Break dancing may have fizzled out, along with the good old boom box, but the b-boy lives on. What
started off as a street dance culture in the African-American ghettos of the Bronx , gradually evolved into a slightly new variation called b-boying, or breaking, a dance form that spread across the globe faster than a virus, from America to Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia and India. So how did this dance style reach may 2012 â•‘ Youth Incorporated 59
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_Out of the box
Indian shores? Apart from the occasional exposure to b-boying on television and the Internet, ask anyone from the street dance community about the arrival of this art form in India and pat comes the answer– Prosenjit Guy Kundu. Kundu started Syntheskillz, a community-based street dance project that promotes urban dance styles in India, along with his partner, Priya Lisa Gonsalves. Having trained the very first wave of b-boys in the country, he can be credited for the awakening of this scene. Freak n Stylz, India’s first b-boying crew to break into the international arena, has been the pioneering force of this revolution in the country since 2007. In fact, the crew was started by A V Venkatesh, aka B-boy Young Soul who was inspired and guided by Kundu. Gautam Jeewan, the crew head of Freak n Stylz, says, “The crew has seen the growth of the b-boying scene in India from those days when only three or four b-boys existed, right up to today, when 800 to 1000 b-boys and b-girls are doing their thing. To
be honest, the scene has exploded.” At this point in time, there are 30 crews in Mumbai itself. It has become all the rage with college students in the age group of 18-25. Syntheskillz keeps this urban dance culture alive in the country through workshops, events and classes. The Freak n Stylz crew opened a dance academy as a way of earning a little extra pocket money soon after the crew was formed in 2007. Known as the Freak n Stylz Academy, it now has over 10 centres in Mumbai and Pune that train 400 people in the summer months alone!
The culture
B-boying is one of the five pillars of the hip hop scene that represents just the dance aspect. The other elements that are a part of the hip hop manifesto include disc jockeying (music), graffiti (arts), rapping (voice) and knowledge (consciousness). The dancers are known as b-boys, short for break boys (correspondingly, b-girls refer to break girls). The term ‘break’ has its origins in the music
that was played at the time. During the early days of b-boying, DJs looped the instrumental part of a song, known as a break, and incorporated this into songs allowing the dancers to showcase their dance moves. The music ranges from hip hop beats, to funk, soul and jazz. James Brown classics do it for the members of the Freak N Stylz crew. So what exactly is it that urges dancers to be a part of this evergrowing cult? Primarily, it is the freedom to express themselves– be it in the form of funky attire, hair styles or crew names. Gautam’s b-boy name for instance, is B-boy ET, while others in the crew have names like B-boy FunkyMonkey, B-boy Fiend and B-boy YoungSoul. For many it’s the intricate and energising moves. For others, it’s the culture as a whole that acts as a magnet. For the Freak n Stylz crew in particular, it was the collective dance movies over the years that captured their imagination. This eventually led them to explore the underground world of b-boying via Youtube and other such resources
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Bust a move
To the mere spectator, b-boying might seem like it has its origins in another world altogether, what with its crazy, gravity-defying moves and the intensity of its dancers. But in actual fact, there is method in the madness. B-boying blends coordination, style, certain moves and aesthetics into energetic performances that never fail to enthral audiences. Some of the basic b-boying moves include Top Rock, Down Rock, Power moves (such as head spins and air flares) and Freezing (a freeze posture). Crews are known to practice for a minimum of three hours each day in studios, on beach promenades, pavements, terraces and the streets. “A typical practice session involves a lot of sweat, teamwork, thinking, learning, enjoying and staying together as a team,” explains Gautam.
Dance floor conversations
‘Battles’ are a huge part of the b-boy culture. Far from an actual battle, crews are known to take each other down on a one-on-one basis, each member coming up with a dance move better than the other. But aggression and one-upmanship are not common features of a b-boy battle. It’s all about perfecting one’s moves, coordination and aesthetics, offering quite a visual treat to the audience. Such competitions are something to look forward to in b-boy circles the world over. The Freak n Stylz crew, for instance, has participated in a good number of battles in India and around the world. “Winning the Battle of the Year India (BOTY India) qualifiers last year was quite an achievement
for us because, in lay man’s terms, it is the World Cup of b-boying! Our crew became the first Indian crew to win the Indian qualifiers. Then we qualified for the South Asian qualifiers but stood 6th as the level there was obviously high,” explains Gautam. The crew also claimed the 6th place in BOTY South Asia that took place in Thailand. India too, has its fair share of b-boy battles. Amity University hosts the Respect B-Boy Circle, a contest many look forward to. Travelling around the world plays a big role in the life of a b-boy or b-girl. “We travelled to Taiwan for three different dance jams in 2010, and to Thailand last year. We also went to Singapore in March this year. The experience is always good. You get to meet new people with the same drive and passion for dancing. Learning about different cultures is yet another boon. Plus, the food is amazing too! We're planning more trips this year to other countries where there are good competitive events,” says Gautam, on behalf of the Freak n Stylz crew. Speaking about one of the most memorable moments in the crew’s history, he says, “There have been many such exciting times, but the most memorable one was when we had a street battle in the middle of the Bangkok Night Market with some of the local b-boys. It went on for about 30 minutes and we got a lot of appreciation from the local b-boys after the performance.”
Girl power
It’s not just a male-dominated dance form, as you might have imagined.
Girls are getting hooked to this dance form by the day and are taking it as seriously as any b-boy would. For instance, Shraddha, aka B-girl MuSick, is one of the few girls to have made this dance form a lifestyle. A part of the Freak n Stylz dance crew, she says that her favourite moment with the crew was when they travelled to Bangkok. The hotel was solely booked for the participating b-boys and b-girls, making it an exciting environment to be in.
Slum gods
Interestingly, a dance form that had originated on the streets has been taken back to the streets. A large number of b-boy crews are mushrooming in places as unexpected as Mumbai’s Dharavi slum. The youngsters watch videos of their favourite b-boys from around the world on the Internet and learn new moves in the process. With all good intentions in place, the Tiny Drops Hip Hop Center was established in Dharavi some years ago by one of Mumbai’s famous b-boys, Netrapal Singh. With the aim to offer a space to underprivileged children to learn, practice and improvise on their hip hop dance moves, this center instils a sense of new-found confidence and empowerment by connecting youth to the international hip hop culture. The ability to pick up the moves came as a natural to many. There continues to be a constant evolution of dance techniques and unique collaborations, reality dance TV shows and inter-collegiate festivals across India. From the looks of it, this urban dance phenomenon is certainly here to stay! yi may 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 61
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_YOUTH ISSUES
Talking about a
Revolution!
RADICAL CHANGEMAKERS CAME TOGETHER TO DISCUSS AND INNOVATE POSSIBILITIES OF CHANGE FOR THE YOUTH AND BY THE YOUTH
W
hen people come together to spend their time in noble initiatives, it almost always results in a transformational force that can work wonders. One such congregation was ‘The Young Changemakers Conclave 2012’, an initiative hosted by the United Nations Information Centre of India and Bhutan and the US Consulate in Mumbai earlier in April this year.
WINDS OF CHANGE
The early evening session was hosted by US Consul General Peter Haas, Samyak Chakrabarty, PresidentOrganising Committee and Kiran Mehra Kerpelmann. The event comprised a carefully chosen mix of inspirational speakers from various walks of life such as academia, business, sport, technology, politics, media, film and music. Those in attendance at this transformational event also included 200 young individuals in the age group of 18 to
35, who were selected from a host of backgrounds from the 5000-odd applicants. The eclectic bunch of people on the panel had many a story to tell with regards to their journey so far. This was an exceptional platform for the young audience as they were exposed to motivational thoughts, ideas and convictions that each of the speakers embodied.
MORE THAN JUST A FACE IN THE CROWD Lakshmi Tripathi, the transgender activist who also spreads awareness on India's HIV and AIDS issue, turned out to be one of the best speakers, leaving a huge impact on the audience. She spoke about the need for equal rights for all sexes, stressing on the fact that politicians and bureaucrats choose to ignore the stark reality of the real people of this country. Lakshmi, who played a big role in helping to bring about the legal acceptance of the
Kiran Mehra Kerpelmann
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community, said that it's vital to change one's mind, outlook and attitude towards people and be accepting. Only then can talk of any actual change happening in this society take place. “Don’t be the crowd, but be a face in the crowd,” she was quoted as saying.
A YOUTHDRIVEN FORCE
Peter Haas and Sanjay Nirupam
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Samyak Chakrabarty and Lakshmi Tripathi
Anurag Thakur, Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) leader and president of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha spoke about the need for the inclusion of India’s youth to consider active political Asin
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participation in order to bring about a change in society and the country at large. “Start at a small level by making a change in your neighborhood and get together to address local problems. Once you start helping people and you are recognised, then only will you be able to move up and perhaps, one day get yourself a ticket to be a part of the Parliament,” he said.
THE POWER OF MUSIC
Adding to the positivity in the air was Vishal Dadlani, lyricist, playback singer and music director, who spoke about the importance of following one’s heart and how music acts as a powerful medium that can unite people, transcending all borders, language, communities and religion. In spite of claiming to be far from an orator, Vishal made an impact, speaking strongly about music as a tool that has the ability to generate key issues faced by society. According to Vishal, the poets of yesterday are the musicians of today. He is also affiliated with raising awareness on issues such as the wastage of resources, particularly whether Mumbai really needs a `350 crore Shivaji Maharaj statue in the middle of the sea. You can voice your opinion on www.smallchange.in and help make a change.
TURNING THE TIMES
The easygoing entrepreneur Rajeev Samant of Sula Vineyards connected really well with the youth. He cited an example from his own business’s failure for five years in raising various crops and then going on to become the largest winemaker in the country. He also spoke of ways to conserve water with the help of dams and of a sustainable business model that employs villagers and that utilises India’s resources.
THROUGH THE LENS
Spicing up the atmosphere at this gathering was the extremely well spoken Asin Thottumkal, known for her brilliant contributions to the Indian film industry. In her opinion,
Vishal Dadlani
Shaheen Mistr y
films have the power to create awareness and can be used as a tool for change. Most people wonder how this actress became successful without the seemingly-indispensable ‘godfather’, to which she offered four simple tips for success: Be yourself no matter what and never change your values due to external pressure; Take it slow but do it right; Success always accompanies passion and hard work; Never expect life to be just a series of ‘ups’ as there will always be ‘downs’. Asin said that just as she became thick skinned and survived in this industry, likening it to Darwin’s theory of evolution, everyone can do the same.
Masaba Gupta
Leander Paes
OTHER NOTABLE SPEAKERS
The changemakers who spoke about their awe inspiring journeys included Leander Paes, journalist Arnab Goswami, percussionist and composer Taufiq Quereshi, Chef Rahul Akerkar and the young, creative fashion designer Masaba Gupta. Social changemakers like Shaheen Mistry, founder of the Akanksha Foundation and Shaina N C also imparted valuable advice on essential qualities that the youth should try and inculcate. It was a fantastic coming together of people who strongly believe that it is the youth of today who can bring about a change in India's outlook and progress. After all, the youth of today are the leaders of tommorow! yi
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_OFF THE MAP
oh, the city of
JOY!
KOLKATA, OR CALCUTTA, IS A WONDERFULLY OLD-FASHIONED AND ARCHAIC CITY. ABHIK BHATTACHERJI TAKES A NOSTALGIC LOOK AT HIS HOMETOWN AND GIVES US THE LOWDOWN ON WHAT TO DO AND SEE THERE
T
ime seem to stop as you alight in Calcutta. Is it the postcolonial hangover, the nonchalance of dreamy Bengalis, the silent rumble of commercialisation as flyovers and malls sprout up, or perhaps the vulture of culture circling the decaying remains of an era gone by? Well, time stops for me when I arrive to the city. The driver who comes to the airport hasn’t the slightest urgency to get me home, he’ll banter and cruise sluggishly and re-affirm my belief that no one is in a hurry in Calcutta. My large Bengali family united by a love for celebration and food; not heirlooms. Drenched by the familiar smell of tradition, like a constant, never-changing layer of skin, the city makes time stop. When you grow up in Calcutta you begin to weigh things in sentiments, which is perhaps why I choose to call it
Calcutta rather than Kolkata. As a child, summer holidays were my preferred time of the year. They were made of tough math puzzles set by my aunt. They were also made of reading The Famous Five and Feluda and walking to the ‘haat’ with my grandfather to buy fresh fish. Lunch was a six-course meal and afternoons were spent discovering Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Gupi Gayen Bagha Bayen. We had siestas like gentlemen, woke up to a devious game of hideand-seek, ate supper at seven and read a book in bed. When I went from half-pants in junior school to trousers in senior school, my fondest memories were those of going to the Book Fair with my father, thrilled at the thought of buying brand new books; Sunday school at the magnanimous St. Paul’s Cathedral where everyone was so proper that we even ironed the socks we wore to church, where I was
introduced to orange squash and Marie biscuits; jubilant expeditions to the tube-light-flooded Jewish confectioner, Nahoum’s, to buy Easter eggs; memories of my aunt taking us to The Tollygunj Club to watch the horse race and indulge us in Fish ‘n Chips; the stampedes at New Market during Christmas and trips to the Missionaries of Charity, which was across my house on AJC Bose Road. Growing up as a teenager I remember much of my time spent reading Tolstoy, Satyajit Ray, Steinbeck and Tagore, discovering Wicca, Freud and Rumi, wandering in and out of fascination with the art of Ganesh Payne and Paresh Maity, watching plays and debating with candour and passion. Now, a decade later, as I reflect and muse over I remember Calcutta more as a tourist, a concerned, almostformer resident; now holidays home are spent indoors, living the city more
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THINGS
to
DO
or an honest to god • F lan Biryani, drive past Arsa a and pack yourself icken generous helping of Ch aap Biryani and a Mutton Ch t • Call Urvashi at Swee e Surrender for som e decadent custom mad cupcakes and baked delights (8017306129) arma’s, • Have breakfast at Sh o large kochuris with alo d very dum and very large an syrupy roshogollas i roll at • Have a mutton kath Nizam’s
gastronomically than cerebrally. But I can’t stop loving Calcutta; its beauty calms and yet causes a tempest in your senses. A city so striking, that even the ravages of decay, poverty, communism and apathy can’t take away its sheen of resilience and humility. When in Calcutta, go see the films of Suchitra Sen, Uttam Kumar, Mrinal Sen, who one masterpiece at a time, fortified the Bengal school of Cinema; read the bards Sunil Gangopadhyay and Jibanananda Das; travel to the heart of darkness, the Sunderbans, with Amitav Ghosh; watch the magical Son-et-Lumiere at the ramparts of the Victoria Memorial; take a steamer ride on the Hoogly river under the Howrah Bridge; buy yourself something avant-garde from Sabyasachi’s store; hum songs from Parineeta and Anthaheen like Vidya Balan; devour Chinese food at Tangra; scream and thump your chest boisterously at a Mohan Bagan football
match; drink Champagne at the Taj Bengal; sit a while and sip tea at Dolly’s tea shop; read a book at Oxford Book Store; walk around the Academy of Fine Arts; take a buggy ride around the Maidan; go for a lazy Sunday picnic to the Botanical Garden and gawk at the stunning century old Banyan tree and play Monopoly in its shade; drive to Shantineketan to buy some art from rural artists; and remember to just meander through the city. In all its shambles and slow progress, Calcutta will transform into something poetic and photographic for you. Board the electric reptile, the Tram, and head towards College Street, which is most famous for its overabundance of Bengali publication houses, bookbinders, publishers and printing presses. The street is dotted with innumerable book kiosks selling old books. You can buy rare manuscripts, textbooks on various subjects, examination papers, English
paperbacks and Bengali masterpieces at throw-away prices, though you must remember to bargain excessively! After all it is the world’s largest second-hand book market. For those looking for a bit of nightlife in the sleepy city, Vikram and Ekta Puri’s Plush Lounge & Bar at the Astor Hotel is splendid for an evening of music which can quickly turn into a night of dancing. The ceiling draped in sheer curtains transform into screens for projections. I love the sense of risqué and baroque in the décor, the Mediterranean cuisine; prawns in Piri Piri and Orange Caprioska’s always save my night. So Calcutta, may you simmer and stew and be as stubborn and sleepy as you are. You are the heart of Bengal’s renaissance, you survived the British Raj in style, you fostered the intellect of a thousand idealists. You are a thing of beauty and will be the city of joy forever. yi MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 65
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HAS THE IPL HIT ITS _SPORTS
NADIR ?
AFTER THE MANY LOW POINTS THE IPL HAS SUFFERED OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, NISARG KAMDAR ASKS IF THE BRAND WORTH BILLIONS WILL COME SHINING THROUGH THE PRESENT SEASON 66 Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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A
s the month of May draws to a close, so does the sportaintment carnival that IPL is. A two-month long cricketing jamboree, besprinkled with the extravagant elites and the glamorous Bollywood celebs to up the oomph factor, IPL has been a rollercoaster ride with the troughs far outnumbering the crests.
The Origins
The provenance of the IPL is premised on the emergence of the rebel T20 cricket league – The Indian Cricket League. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) seeing the copious amounts of apostates in the domestic and veteran circuits ready to jump ships in the lure of heavier pockets, initially responded rather immaturely with severe sanctions. Having now fully appraised the very threat to its iron grip on the reins of Indian Cricket, the BCCI through its maverick Vice
President Lalit Modi responded with the IPL, a professional 20-20 cricket league, one that promised to be the glitziest of all sporting shindigs. The IPL quickly signed up some of the world’s greatest players onto its roster. With the delicate intrigue of the auction packaged with flamboyant owners, the IPL seemed a winner. The city-based formats whipped up the desired frenzy and the player auctions ensured top billing in the media. The mind-boggling sums of money did no harm to its burgeoning popularity in a country obsessed with figures. Player salaries skyrocketed. Cricket sycophants boasted that India now
R Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja, Rahul The Grandest Sharma , Ashoke Dinda Stage of All and Yusuf Pathan The IPL was fast being used to into the senior national team are some of the few catapult from the innocent confines of the who piggybacked U-19 Indian team or local leagues. from near obscurity This springboard paid great dividends the loyal toilers of the Ranji league to limelight on the of who fail to attract attention in the back of strong monotone of domestic cricket. Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra and vigorous IPL Jadeja, Rahul Sharma, Ashok Dinda display. and Yusuf Pathan were a few who
www.espncricinfo.com
had a product that was comparable, at least financially, to the English Premier League.
The Formative Seasons
Yusuf Pathan
The stellar level of cricket was well complemented/distracted by the enchanting bevy of beauties sensually grooving to the tracks belted out by international DJs. Celebrity spotters had a field day; the IPL was one forum where the whole array ranging from the Bollywood star to the fading, decrepit socialite could find acceptance. The fact that the sudden exposure to international shores – South Africa – in the second season, straight from the incubator back in Indiacaused no freckles and to the contrary enhanced the league’s reputation was testimony to the fact that the IPL had made the transition from a domestic tournament to a global athletic pursuit. The revitalised movement to sneak cricket into the Olympics gained further impetus.
The inaugural seasons of the IPL lived up to its billing. Brendon McCullum and the Kolkata Knight Riders exploded on to the stage when they hammered Vijay Mallya’s Royal Challengers Bangalore in the opener. The first season was capped by a cliff-hanger on the field where the underdogs, Rajasthan Royals beat Chennai Super Kings in a cliff-hanger of a finale.
piggybacked from near obscurity to limelight on the back of strong and vigorous IPL display. If you want to get acquainted with a pressure cooker situation, IPL is the place. IPL has sparked of a global breed of cricketers who are blasé in the face of daunting challenges or inflated expectations. They might be short on footwork and batting techniques but never devoid of self confidence and bullishness. The chance to learn from cricketing legends is also unparalled. Virat Kohli was sharing a dressing room with Jacque Kallis. John Buchanan, the coach who has won a hat trick of world cups, was imparting valuable
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_sports
Financial behemoth
The IPL in a way has been an embodiment of the stunning capitalist growth unravelling in the country. The mind-boggling numbers involved have given premium sports franchises a run for their money. It ensured windfall gains for the BCCI. At the start of only it’s second season a report by a UK-based consultancy pegged the IPL’s worth at over $4 billion. The commodity has successfully found its own space in the world of
www.espncricinfo.com
Rahul Sharma
clogged cricket calendars ensuring the biggest attraction at every season. Its popularity extends well beyond the peripheries of the cricket-crazy subcontinent .The various slavish leagues subsequently announced by other cricket boards is tribute to the ingenuity of the league. It has sparked its own niche industry. The IPL has been mighty successful in making cricket a more acceptable game throughout the masses. While test cricket had a limited loyal base in the purists and the ODI appealed to the proletariat, the IPL has been able to transcend these barriers. It has not only made the game more palatable with the fairer sex, but has severely dented the profits of the stale family dramas which not long ago ruled the roost.
Controversy Magnet
the league serious public disrepute. The league has also been mired in financial scandals with serious allegations of tax evasions, money laundering and presence of nefarious elements in the ownership structure being levied. The Enforcement Directorate has been on its case and with fresh revelations being made on a weekly basis, the league is certainly not deprived of bad press. The unceremonious circumstances which not only pilloried a Union minister for State, Shashi Tharoor but also guillotined the League’s founder Chairman, Lalit Modi, called into question the league’s probity or lack of it. Allegations have been levelled on auctions being fixed, contracts been manipulated and illicit dealings. The Madras High Court has taken a strong stand on the issue and has made its displeasure
The IPL has been the nursing home for several controversies, which have largely taken off the sheen of the league. The slapgate controversy was a poor example of sportsmanship and later trickled down to the festering ugliness in the Indian cricket team. The late night after-match parties brought to notice the lascivious tone the league had adopted and brought
The IPL has been mighty successful in making cricket a more acceptable game throughout the masses. While test cricket had a limited loyal base in the purists and the ODI appealed to the proletariat, the IPL has been able to transcend these barriers.
Ravindra Jadeja
www.bollywoodsargam.com
words of wisdom to Ashok Dinda. The cricketer you idolised and modelled your game upon was now literally a request away. This amiable atmosphere helped nourish and mould some of the most prodigious talents in the game today.
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ravichandran-ashwin.blogspot.com
clear at IPL being allowed to evade entertainment task under the guise of being public entertainment while tickets command at exorbitant rates. The present IPL is a decisive and critical one. Now that the novelty has rubbed off, whether the league will be able to hold its own and still enchant viewers is of significant importance. The teams have had sufficient time to build up a loyal supporter and sponsor base. Whether the success of the Indian Cricket team at the international stage in anyway fuels the massive glory of the IPL will also be observed. What we can expect is a month and half of some slam bang cricket laced with appropriate amount of glamour and speculation to keep the tabloids happy. yi
The IPL is — at its best — an extraordinary attempt to further exemplify the glory of cricket demonstrated in the last decade. Following the footsteps of EPL, the IPL has turned out to be an extremely fascinating, entertaining phenomenon, albeit on a slightly smaller scale. The thrill of T20 encounters, coupled with the explosive stadium atmosphere as well as the novelty involved in watching players from different countries team up together, all add up to make IPL one of the mega-events to look out for, every year! It is sad, however, to witness that Pakistan has been left out for purely political reasons. Sports are a bridge towards better international relations, not a means to apply pressure. Same goes for the revelation of scams and money siphoning in the course of bidding. It brings to mind several doubts about India being ready to host a tournament of such mammoth proportions. In terms of overall impact to the game, the IPL may have taken some sting out of classic international ODI or test series, but that is only a sign that we are gradually shifting to a new paradigm. The three-hour format of the game does impact the player's mindset drastically, but as a spectator, it's nothing better than wholesome entertainment. Maybe it's not too far-fetched to believe there will be more Mumbai Indians fans than Chelsea ones someday. Who knows? Pratik Mehta, FE, DJ Sanghvi
IPL has become an out and out business. Its pros are that it increased the international exposure for Indian players and has given them greater monetary gains and recognition, but it has all come down to a country vs. club debate that never, ever existed before. It has led to people retiring from longer versions of the game. People performing in IPL are given better opportunities than seasoned Ranji players. If you don’t have the attacking power, you are just not considered, so test cricket is the only parameter to judge who a true batsman or bowler is, not a twenty20 match. With all its hype and fever, I guess one day it will just take down the international arena to an all-time low, which is not good for the sport. Club/country dilemma has led players to perform for their respective IPL teams and to underperform on the international arena; the prime examples of this are Malinga and Rohit Sharma. As a fan, I am alarmed and quite saddened to see this downfall in terms of country matches. The football system is not preferable; it’s a different ball game and you can’t merge all three forms of the game at club level. Russel Shah, First year engineering student R Ashwin
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_FASHION FEATURE
Up, Upand
Away! HAVE YOU FOUND THE PERFECT TRAVEL BAG FOR YOUR SUMMER BREAK?
I
t’s that time of the year again! The summer break is near and everyone’s heading out of town. We thought we’d bring you some of our suggestions for the best travel bags this summer so that you can travel in style and comfort. Here are some things to keep in mind while choosing your travel bag: •• Size: If you’ve decided where you’re going and how you’ll get there, then this one should be a no-brainer. Always consider the maximum luggage allowance and cabin baggage size before you pack your things. If you’ll be carrying your luggage up and down stairs, make sure your bags are small and easy to carry. •• Safety of your belongings: If you’re carrying important documents or expensive gifts, make sure you have luggage that can’t be broken into easily. If your belongings are fragile, then it would be best to pick a sturdy bag with adequate padding on each side. •• Design: There are dozens of designs available on the market. Pick one that suits your build, your personality and your budget.
THE ROLLING SUITCASE
The rolling suitcase is typically synonymous with business or luxury travel. It is effortless and efficient, but don’t rely on them for ruggedness. Drag it up and down a few staircases or over a gravel road and you can say goodbye to those smooth wheels. This bag is designed for an urban setting where the traveller will probably stay in one place.
THE BACKPACK
This one can be quite challenging. Backpacks come in more styles, sizes and designs than most other bags. You need to decide whether you want a daypack or something bigger, an internal or external frame, heavy-duty or lightweight. If you’re travelling on a tight budget and will be staying at student accommodations, hostels or homestays, and moving from place to place often, this bag is the perfect choice for you. Make sure you’re not travelling with any items that need to be protected because the backpack is not designed for that.
DUFFEL BAG
This bag is ideal for weekend getaways and short trips and is good for people who prefer carry-ons. While you may be asked to check in a backpack or rolling suitcase, that is not the case with duffel bags. The bag fits easily into overhead bins on trains, buses and airplanes because of the lack of a protruding frame. As with the backpack, don't count on delicate shoes or freshly pressed shirts to come out the same way you put them in.
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Stun in the
Sun! Heart-shaped sunglasses `250 Available in Lokhandwala Market, Andheri W
PROTECT YOUR PEEPERS FROM THE SUN IN STYLE! STARING AT THE SUN IS UNCOMFORTABLE AND CAN DO SOME SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR EYES. SO BRING OUT THESE FUN AND STYLISH SHADES AND PROTECT YOUR EYES WITH FLAIR! FOR SPRING-SUMMER 2012, WE HAVE TRACED 6 SUNGLASSES TRENDS- SOME STYLISH AND FLAMBOYANT, OTHERS TRADITIONAL AND CLASSIC.
Sunglasses in quirky shapesHeart, oval and even diamond-shaped eyewear looks fresh and can be the perfect choice for girls who want to have a little fun and aren’t afraid make a statement.
Rounded Sunglasses `1,680 Available online at gkboptical.com
Maroon sunglasses from Fastrack `1,495 Available at Shopper’s Stop Cat eye sunglasses have been very trendy for a few seasons already and will remain hot this summer.
Sports sunglasses with elastic wrap-around band `900 Available in Lokhandwala Market, Andheri W
Gradient lens sunglasses from Guess `5250 Available online at sunglassesindia.com Sunglasses with gradient lens are not new to the industry but from time to time designers give them some extra love. Spring/ Summer 2012 is just that time.
Blue rounded sunglasses `500 Available on Colaba Causeway
Round glasses are classic and worn by such big names as Elton John and Lady Gaga.
Gradient lens Cat Eye Sunglasses `450 Available on Hill Road, Bandra W
Sporty sunglasses are great protective eyewear for when you go cycling or running.
Ray Ban Aviator Gradient Light Blue `4590 Available online at Sunglassesindia. com
Red Cat Eye Sunglasses `450 Available on Hill Road, Bandra W MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 71
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_TREND UPDATE
DIY BIB NECK PIECES
Make yourself a statement neck piece with different fabrics to go with any outfit!
SUPPLIES YOU WILL NEED •• White felt •• Scrap Cotton Fabric •• Simple Chain with Clasp •• Hot glue gun or Feviquik •• Scissors •• Needle and thread
Step 4: Start sticking the fabric cones onto the white felt circles. Stick 5-6 on each felt circle piece to create a flower. Step 5: Allow time for the flowers to dry.
Step 7: Stick the flowers on a piece of felt in the desired shape.
Step 1: Cut the white felt in 1.5 inch diameter circles. Five circles should be enough.
Step 2: Cut the scrap fabric in circles of 1.5-inch diameter - cut about 30 of these.
Step 6: Cut the chain half way down the middle. Apply hot glue generously to the back of 2 flowers and stick the open ends of the chain to them.
Step 8: Cut around the necklace and you’re ready!
Step 3: Fold the fabric bits into little cones and apply hot glue to ensure they stay in that shape. 72 Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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The
The days are getting hotter and the heat won't be going anywhere for the next couple of months! The hot sun can leave your skin and hair scorched and dehydrated. Youth Incorporated brings you some great products for the summer- cooling gels, eye masks, sunscreens, anti-frizz hair products and much more. Your skin will thank you for the soothing treatments!
Heat is ON! Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Extreme Sun Block Cream SPF `375
TIGI Bed Head Defrizzer, Smoother & Instant Restyler Spoil Me
Fabindia Haldi Chandan Mud PackSPF `200
`950
Secrets
LA-based actor, Arshiya Parmar, recently participated in the Kingfisher Calendar Girl Hunt 2012.
Lotus AloeHydra Moisturising Gel `195
H20 Face Oasis Ultra Hydrator `1,560
Celeb Skin care regime
I always remember to wash my makeup off before I to bed. And I make it a point to go to the sauna twice a month to keep my skin fresh.
Nourish Handcrafted Body Bar Watermelon Slice `175
Magic makeup trick
Moisturise before putting makeup on because makeup can have a drying effect over the course of the day.
Favourite Fragrance
Fabindia Aloe Vera Soothing Gel
Chanel Chance- Eau Fraîche
`175
Himalaya Refreshing Cucumber Soap
`30
Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Fresh Lotion `150
5 things in my travel kit
Makeup remover, face wash, Listerine strips, lip balm and hand sanitiser.
Beauty faux pas Faces Smoothing Eye Gel Mask `95
When people wear the wrong shade of foundation for their face. You have to take into consideration whether you have olive or pinkish undertones and make sure the foundation matches your face. Girls, make sure you don’t wear too much blush. MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 73
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Model watch
H
ey guys! This is a new platform for models and actors and for those who have always wanted a break in the glam world. Send your portfolio pictures to us and if you are selected by our team, we will send your images to leading production houses in the country.
Interests: Dancing, travel, interacting with people, living life to the fullest
Lovina
Just finished wor Bhatia kin called 'Lo Ho G g on a movie aye Party'
Monga and u n a t n a DM Sh rsuing PGusiness u p y l t n e Curr g at a BPO b workin g, s: A c t i n Interest to music, g listenin ew people, n g meetin eed a nd races sp
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Interests: as Law as well ng li el mod
Send your images to modelwatch@youthincmag.com No phone calls will be entertained. Disclaimer: Youth Inc is only a platform to share your pictures. Youth Inc will not be responsible for any decisions made by you or any sort of contract signed between you and the production house. Send your pictures at your own risk.
ar i th Koth Siddhar ursuing law rently p
Cur
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_focus feature _focus feature Dr
Malavika Kohli
A renowned dermatologist, she has made her mark in aesthetic dermatology in India for over 15 years. Send your query to skin@youthincmag.com.
I have developed tiny red boils on my hands and feet due to bug bites. It has been two months, but the red spots are yet there. How do I get rid of them? Meeta Jain, Pune You have to apply a cream containing a combination of steroids and antibiotics once daily on the red spots for 10-15 days. Once the red spots subside, they may leave behind some pigmented marks. For the marks, apply creams containing kojic acid, arbutin, liquorice, niacinamide or ascorbic acid for a few weeks to lighten them. I had to shave my legs and arms for a few months while I was abroad. Now, I find the growth has increased and I have dark, pointed body hair, which was not the case earlier. What can I do to improve it? Mona Singhani, Mumbai Shaving usually does not lead to increased hair growth. Laser hair removal can be done to gradually reduce the hair growth. I have developed a foot infection from walking barefoot on the beach. I went to my regular practitioner who prescribed an anti-fungal cream, which helped the redness and itch to subside, but my skin is still rough in that area. Please advise. Sushila Menon, Ahmedabad You should use a medicated moisturising cream that contains urea, glycolic acid or salicylic acid to soften the skin. If it doesn’t get better in a month's time, see a dermatologist.
Dr Good Skin My nails have lost their lustre and have become brittle after I used an unknown brand of nail polish. Even after several manicures, they have not regained their original shine. Is there something that I can do about it? Pratiksha Menon, Nagpur Avoid frequent and intensive manicures as they can worsen the condition. Use branded nail polishes and good quality nail polish removers. Brittle nails can also be because of deficiency of proteins in one's diet and a vitamin called biotin. You will need to consume a daily diet, rich in protein and take a supplement containing Biotin- 10 mg. You also need to moisturise your nails daily. Avoid using harsh detergents, soaps or chemicals for daily chores like washing your hands or household work. The improvement will take three to six months after following a regular diet and taking good care. Is it safe to use instant bleach products available in the market? I am afraid my skin might not react very well to it. Nishi Mehra, Hyderabad You might get an allergic reaction to the bleaching creams available in the market if your skin is sensitive to them. You can do a patch test where you need to apply a small sample of the cream to a small round patch of normal skin on the upper arms. Leave it for the prescribed time and wash off with water. Observe the patch for 72 hours for any redness, itching or swelling. If that happens, you should not use the bleaching creams.
Beat the Heat The summer holidays are back and so is the heat, humidity, sunburn, rash and tan. Heat rash causes the most discomfort due to itching. When sweat ducts become clogged and the sweat can't get to the surface of the skin, it becomes trapped beneath the skin's surface causing a rash. To prevent the rash, cooling the body is important. You can sit under or near a fan, use the air-conditioner or take a shower. Try and be indoors in a cool, well-ventilated room when the sun is at its hottest. Wear cotton clothing and loose pants. Avoid synthetic, nylon-based and tight clothing to allow the skin to breathe. Drink lots of water and increase intake of fruits and veggies in the diet. Bathe often during summer to wash off the sweat and bacteria. It is important not to bundle newborns and infants too tightly so that air can get to the skin, but it is also important to keep them warm enough. If the rash has already occurred and your skin is itchy, use a cold compress and take an anti-itch tablet like fexofenadine or levocetrizine. Apply calamine lotion in affected areas. Avoid using other ointments. Use antifungal medicated powders after bath. Not only do they prevent fungal infections, but they also keep the skin dry. Generally, the rash will resolve within a week. Enjoy your summer holidays! MAY 2011 â•‘ Youth Incorporated 75
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refresh} _MAKEOVER
Akshay Dalal gets a fresh and fun look by Agnes Chen of Pappion Salon & Wellness
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROHAN FERNANDES
(MAKEOVER)
This 16-year-old student from Mumbai wanted a new look and that is exactly what he got at the Youth Inc makeover! He came in with a haircut that made his face appear rounder and left with a sleek summer look! Akshay’s hair was trimmed by a few inches and then buzzed at the nape of his neck. The back of his hair was also shaped, lending a minimal look.
3
1
2
Agnes frosted the tips of Akshay’s hair using coffee brown highlights only on the crown area of his head. Agnes was keen on giving Akshay a fresh and trendy look for the summer.
Akshay's hair stood out on both sides of his face. This made his face appear rounder. The new cut and colour took care of that!
4
Agnes used pomade to style Akshay’s hair, giving him a fresh, casual and breezy appearance.His facial features looked more defined.
“I never thought I would ever highlight my hair, but Youth Inc gave me a chance and the confidence to experiment. The new look is so cool and totally hip, perfect for the holidays. I love it!”
AGNES CHEN, SENIOR STYLIST, PAPPION SALON
Send your photos to Youth Inc to get a makeover and transform your look! Email us at makeover@youthincmag.com
“Akshay, like most students, didn’t really pay too much attention to his hair. After the makeover, the new haircut, colour and styling made his face appear structured, a look that is highly desirable by most men today! Besides, this was the first time he experimented with colour! The outcome is great; it’s a total transformation, perfect for the summer months ahead!”
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MASS EFFECT 3
OR
Lame?
GaMe:
_GAME REVIEW
There are games that offer amazing graphics, amazing gameplay or an amazing story. But there are very few games that manage to combine the three, to make for a relentless, awe-inspiring and absorbing experience. After beginning the game you PLATFORMS: have a clear aim, which happens to be both PS3, personally motivated and important for the XBOX 3, PC rest of the universe. Anyone who has played Mass Effect 2 knows how amazing the side characters were. The new game incorporates these side characters into its story as well. Every side quest seems to have purpose to it and is not just arbitrary. In fact, the number of side quests you complete will decide what ending you get. The gameplay has opened up quite a bit. You can now choose exactly what balance you want between your abilities and weapons. Remember though, the more weapons you carry, the slower your ability to recharge. You can almost create your own style of playing. Even combat is something that you look forward to, relish almost, if you are dreading the next time you see an enemy. And it's not just about random shooting. You have to watch where you shoot. Enemies are a lot smarter and complement one another. But don’t take my word for it. Just play it! It is a fitting end to the series and is a lot more awesome for those who have experiencedthe previous two games as well.
ANGRY BIRDS SPACE HD
WORLD OF GOO
Still can’t get enough of Angry Birds? Well, now you can get a whole new dose of the disgruntled birds with this new app. Expect new, challenging and innovative gameplay along with the familiar elements that you've enjoyed in the past. You can look forward to some cosmic pig-killing mania (the pigs are dressed in space suits!) and the addition of new birds! You won't feel like putting down the game as you constantly try to bend the laws of physics. If you are an Android user, beware, as the game consumes much of the battery.
Android users rejoice! The award-winning game is now available on the Android platform, complete with all the goo and stickiness!This physics-based game has many strategic puzzles to keep you immersed for hours on end. The beautifully animated graphics are a pleasure as is the sound design of this game. Players must pass five stages with the main object of the game being to create structures using goo balls that will eventually connect towards a pipe that will suck in these balls. Water, wind and other obstacles make the game a challenging play.
PLATFORMS: PLATFORMS:
IOS, PC, ANDROID, MAC
ANDROID DEVICES
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o Dr ol For Tech Lovers
of the month
Kobo Vox (`9,500)
Joining the race to be the most affordable e-reader, along with the Kindle and the Nook, is the all-new Kobo Vox. This 7-inch colour tablet is an excellent device at a great price. In fact, it’s more like a tablet. Besides loading up this e-reader with over 5,000 books and 20,000 songs (8GB internal memory and a 32GB expandable storage option), there’s so much more you can do with this device. For starters, it runs on Android 2.3, offering users access to more than 15,000 free apps. Plus, reading is more social on this e-reader. Log in to Facebook to comment on pages of a book and see what you’re friends are saying too! You can also watch movies that look fantastic on the e-reader’s 1024-by-800 pixel screen. The Vox’s screen also offers extra wide viewing angles and is optimised for reading in the sun. Make your pick from exciting colours like lime green, ice blue, black and pink.
Ipad 3 (`36,799 onwards) Remember how it felt to jump from a standard television to an HDTV? Well, the iPad 3 comes close to that experience. The latest iPad has, without a doubt, been one of the most awaited gadgets in markets across the world. Even those who aren’t Apple fanboys are sure to love this upgrade that packs in a real punch! The main improvements include a spanking new 9.7-inch screen as well as highly-improved data speed over cellular networks. After using the new iPad, you realise that what you thought looked amazingly sharp before wasn’t nearly as sharp as it could have been. Photos and videos are rich in detail thanks to the 3.1 million pixels that are powered by the A5X chip. That’s how great the new iPad’s screen resolution is! The camera is much better too at 5MP, with features such as advanced optics, a backside illumination sensor, auto white balance and face detection. Reading websites or books on the 3rd generation iPad is a pleasure, as well. Other than the improved camera capability, crisp graphics, killer screen resolution and the fantastically rapid mobile broadband capability, features such as the extremely user-friendly interface remain unchanged. 78 Youth Incorporated ║ may 2012
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Micro Samsonite Travel Scooter (`18,500)
_technology
apps
of the
month Khan Academy iPad App (Free)
With just enough time to pack in your MP3 player and clothes after waking up a tad late for that early morning flight, you might sometimes find yourself running so fast to get on to that plane in time! Now, you don’t have to race for the gate; you simply have to glide. Here is your answer to a perfectly smooth trip, and no, we aren't talking about some conventional piece of luggage. The Micro Samsonite Travel Scooter is a seemingly ordinary hard shell cabin bag that doubles as a means of transport, thanks to the attached running board, handbars and wheels. You can use it as a rucksack, carry bag or trolley. Chic or rugged, you get to pick your style! You will have to pay the price for being stylish and on time too as this useful luggage-scooter costs a bomb.
The Khan Academy, known far and wide by academics and students alike for its hugely popular YouTube series, has now taken education to a whole new level. With its newly launched educational app, students will be able to get access to learning material anytime, anywhere and at no cost at all! Gain knowledge on just about any topic ranging from statistics, computer science and math to geography, history and foreign languages. What’s more, students can practice for that upcoming SAT! Download educational videos and watch them offline at your own pace. This is definitely one of themajor benefits of this app! This app is an infinite resource for practical questions, explanatory videos and graphically explained theories, literally making it a classroom in your pocket!
Bag of Rhythm (`17,500) The good ol’ boombox is back with a whole new look perfect for the digital age. Developed by House of Marley, an eco-friendly company, this speaker dock brings back old-school charm and how! Simply place your iPod or iPhone on the dock, or use the AUX line-in for any other device that you might want to hook up. Perfect for music on-the-go, the speakers are two 4.5inch high-definition woofers and two 1-inch tweeters that exude a fantastic sound. The best part is that the speakers are housed in a cool Rastafarian-themed hemp canvas bag that can be comfortably carried as a shoulder sling. In keeping with the company’s earth-friendly principals, the speaker ‘bag’ has been designed and built using recycled Birch wood and durable canvas.
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iMHO {
SO MANY FUN THINGS, SO LITTLE TIME! HERE'S THE SCOOP
I N
M Y
H O N ES T
O P I N I O N
THE AVENGERS
KARSH KALE- CINEMA
Starring: Robert Downy Jr,
Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans, Samuel L Jackson, Mark Ruffalo, Gwyneth Paltrow Nick Fury and the international agency S.H.I.E.L.D bring together a team of superheroes to form the Avengers. Together, the Avengers aim to save the Earth from enemies like Loki and his multi-member army. Expect all your favourite super heroes like the Hulk, Thor, Iron Man and Captain America. The end credits of the movie feature a song by Sound Garden, marking the return of this famous band.
movies
THE BEST EXOTIC MARIGOLD HOTEL Starring: Maggie Smith, Judi
Dench, Dev Patel, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy A group of British retirees travel all the way to India to take up residence in what they believe to be a newly restored hotel. However, the Marigold Hotel is less luxurious that what the advertisements had originally promised. The phones are out of order, the building is dilapidated and the Indian food is not quite what they are used to. But soon enough, the hotel begins to work its charm on the guests. The film is based on the 2004 novel These Foolish Things. This movie has a great star cast of British actors.
ISHAQZAADE
Starring: Arjun Kapoor,
Movies / Music / Books
{
Parineeti Chopra, Pravid Chandra, Anil Rastogi, Mohd Hafeez, Aaftab Ahmed This movie narrates the story of two people – unpredictable Parma (Kapoor) and ferocious Zoya (Parineeti) – who are born to hate, but destined to love. The story follows their turbulent journey in the daunting confines of rural India. Written and directed by Habib Faisal of Band Baaja Baaraat fame, viewers can expect this one to be a good watch. A major chunk of the movie has been filmed in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh.
The album’s title is apt as Karsh Kale has taken an overwhelmingly cinematic approach. No stranger to collaborations, he has once again seamlessly fused his signature sound with artists like Pandit Ajay Prasanna, Monica Dogra and Vidhi Sharma. The title track ‘Cinema’ is resplendent with orchestral sounds, pacing beats and melodious Hindustani vocals. ‘Joy’ bursts into an ecstatic drumbeat. The nostalgia-inducing ‘Absence’ has vocals music that stand out above the rest of the track’s elements. A special track on all levels is ‘Ma’ with its interspersed vocals by Kale’s young daughter and its sarod and dub step rhythms. ‘Turnpike’ is a beautifully composed track that effortlessly manages to weave the sounds of modern India with Western elements. ‘Supernova’ is a personal favourite with its ability to make one burst into a rapturous jig. The album was released worldwide in 2011, but only came to India in March, with the rearrangement of most of the tracks and the introduction of new ones. It's been worth the wait for India!
RACHEL SERMANNIBLACK CURRENTS (EP) If you haven’t heard Rachel Sermanni, it’s time you did, especially if you are into vocals backed by acoustic guitar-oriented stuff. The EP starts off with the delicately breezy acoustic ‘Breath Easy’ that features splashes of piano and strings. ‘The Fog’ has a darker feel, with driving choruses and haunting, yet pleasant guitar backing and string arrangements. This Scottish musician’s lyrics are something out of a dream- blissful at times, dark at intervals, and sometimes overflowing with fantastical elements. The title track mixes the previous two tracks, resulting in a pensive, yet carefree soundscape. ‘Song to a Fox’ incorporates keyboard effects, the entire track resounding in its ambience. The talented Rachel Sermanni is proof that the indie scene is going in an interesting direction!
LUV U SONIYO
Starring: Tanuj Virwani,
Neha Hinge, Bunty Grewal, Howard Rosemeyer, Vivek Vaswani, Suresh Menon This romantic comedy is a must-watch, especially if you happen to be a fan of rom-coms. Virwani plays a Catholic boy named Mark who meets Soniyo (Hinge). After having been brought together by fate, the couple must convince their parents to give their consent and blessings to this union. The film follows the journey of how the couple tries to convince their respective families.
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yi
I’ve got your number
0
reading list
Author: Sophie Kinsella This light page-turner will keep you up giggling to yourself with its witty insights into a girl who can’t stop interfering in a stranger’s life. Poppy Wyatt’s life is turned upside down the night she loses her engagement ring and her phone is stolen. Fate seems to be giving her a reprieve when she spies an abandoned, fully functional phone in the litter bin the same night. In desperate need of a number so she can retrieve her fiancés’ family heirloom, she decides that finders are keepers. Except for the irate businessman, Sam Hoxton, who has all important business emails delivered to the phone. Poppy can’t stop herself from nosing through all his emails and helping out the curt, socially inept businessman. She fixes up his dentist’s appointments, sends out an email to everyone in his company, writes a condolence poem for a dog, signs him up for a charity run and even goes through his girlfriend’s emails. But maybe love just can be found in a ring… brrrring? You won’t be able to put down this one till the last page.
Lady Chatterley’s Lover by DH Lawrence A scandalous novel about an aristocratic lady who has an affair with her gardener.
`55
books
switched Author: Amanda Hocking Hocking has taken the e-book world by storm with her Tyrelle series of fantasy mixed with horror, paranormal romance and teenage angst. In this book, the first of the trilogy, Wendy Everly is a young girl who keeps getting into trouble at school despite the best of intentions. People just don’t seem to like her. Even her mother was institutionalised years ago for trying to kill her – because she thought that Wendy was not her real daughter, but had been switched at birth. Wendy is about to discover the truth of that claim – that not only is her entire world built on a lie, but that she is the princess of a reclusive tribe of trolls with magical powers. She can also make people do whatever she wants by using her power of persuasion. Can she rule over the new world she finds herself in? Another complication is Finn, her handsome protector. Is it only duty that drives him? It is easy to become hooked to the world created by this 27-year-old author, so watch out for more!
Accepted
yi
picks
After getting rejected by practically every college he applies to, a high school slacker opts to create his own institution called the South Harmon Institute of Technology. He builds this institute of higher learning on a rundown piece of land near his hometown.
9
`29
Midnight's Children by Salman Rushdie A novel about the history of India as experienced by one born on the night of its independence
Khiladi
College friends Raj, Neelam, Boney and Sheetal decide to play a prank on Sheetal’s father that involves the fake kidnapping of Sheetal and a huge ransom. Things seem to go well until they find out that Sheetal has been murdered.
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_RESTAURANT REVIEW
Resto/Meter
THE BEST NEW FOOD SPOTS IN T O W N ////////
CAFÉ ANOKHI, JAIPUR This delightful all-vegetarian café that is a part of the famous Anokhi brand of ethnic wear, is a must visit in Jaipur. The menu features salads, sandwiches and meals, all of which are freshly prepared. The best part about Café Anokhi is that everything served here is completely organic. To top it all, the dishes are delicious and well presented too. Sample the simple Brie and Tomato sandwich, which is served on a perfectly crusted roll. Any salad that you might want to try out is bound to be good simply because of the fantastic salad dressing that accompanies it. The Blue Cheese Salad is a must, as are the `450on Corn Fritters, which are served with a delicious rs per pe dip. The Bean Burger, on the other hand, was a little too overpowering, but the caramelised onions were the saving grace. Pair your meal with a fresh fruit juice or herbal tea. The ginger lemonade contained just the right amount of ingredients and was refreshing after spending the entire afternoon indulging in Jaipur’s street shopping! All of the food leaves you with a very light feeling, making it possible to enjoy desserts such as the fluffy rose cake or the moist carrot cake (possibly Jaipur’s best). Chocoholics can always go in for the decadent chocolate cake or the chewy chocolate chip cookies. So popular is this café that you will almost always have to wait for a table to open up; table sharing has become the norm here in a bid to accommodate the restaurant’s hungry customers.
Anokhi Cafe, 2nd Floor, KK Square, C-11 Prithviraj Road, Jaipur
CAFÉ ZOE, MUMBAI Café Zoe lived up to all the expectations I had. The cosy interior, the inviting couches and the soft music set the mood for a lovely afternoon with my book. The coffee was hot, and the sandwich fresh. The only thing I couldn’t do was curl up in a public place. There is a variety of dishes you can choose from, ranging from soups (`150 – 210), salads (`150 – 210) and sandwiches (`250), to vegetable, meat and sea food mains (`250 – 550). They also have a host of breakfast options, but most dishes are in favour of non-vegetarians. There are all the usual beverages too– coffees, teas and a well-stocked bar. If the prices seem a bit steep, the café ambience and the solitude the place offers, more than makes up for it. Since the café is located in a mill premise, the ceiling is really high with natural light filtering through the glass in the ceiling, transporting diners `650 n to any foreign location they would like to get away to from the per perso Mumbai humdrum. The food, though simple, was delicious. The cucumber and cream cheese sandwich that I had requested for was served on a bagel that was toasted to perfection; the ingredients were fresh and the seasoning perfect. The fries were crunchy and the dip creamy. The chocolate chip cookie, banana-walnut muffin and hazelnut cheesecake had my friend licking her fingers and the plate. The well-trained staff was prompt when service was required, and only hung around on the periphery, not seeming overbearing when not required. It is a café surely worth a visit when you want to get away to London, Paris or New York for a few hours! Todi Mathuradas Mill Compound, 126 N M Joshi Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai 400013 82 Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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Chill
with
Paletas
_taste buds
This summer, there is a new way to beat the heat. Paletas, Mexico's gourmet popsicles, are now available in Mumbai
W
hen a foodie thinks of starting a new venture, you can be sure that he is going to serve up some lip smacking stuff! That was certainly the case with 25-year-old Sudheer Grover, who after getting his Bachelor’s in Management Studies from Jai Hind College, Mumbai thought of launching his brand Paletaz. “I worked with my father’s business for a year before I thought of starting out on my own,” says the enterprising youngster. So how did he think of introducing such a product to the Indian market? “Paletas are very famous in Mexico. I had already tried these abroad before starting my own brand. I have done intense research to master the art of making these gourmet popsicles,” informs Grover, who, as part of his research took several online courses to master the craft. What's more, it was a process of trial and error as well as a test of the taste-buds to create the perfect
proportions to make the right product. The popsicles Grover talks about are handcrafted with fresh ingredients. Some of them are sourced locally, while others are imported from different countries. The unique selling point of his paletas is that they are 100 per cent natural. “These are vegetarian popsicles and do not contain any artificial colours, flavours, substitutes or preservatives,” he says, confidently. When Grover first launched the product, he was sceptical about introducing a relatively expensive popsicle (ranging from `40 to `90) in the market. All he wanted to do was showcase the product in his store Aloha in Bandra, where he used to sell Tropical Sno (a cup of shaved ice with your choice of flavours). Brazil nuts, imported chocolate, berries, fresh fruits and French cream cheese are just a few of the ingredients that make up these delights. He’s got some very interesting combinations like apple cinnamon and rosemary; pear and guava; blackberry ice tea; chocolate and nuts with rice crispies to name a few. Needless to say, in a city where the youth are just waiting to sample any new and unique food product, the paletas were a huge hit. Today, he does
party orders, and is thinking of going the retail route as well! Crediting his success to the support from friends and family, Grover says the company is in the process of re-branding and expansion, with the addition of new products. His new venture will also see a new partner for the business, a person who has been very active with Aloha, Pallavi Kuchroo. All we can say is that this is the new way to stay chilled! yi
The unique selling point of the paletas is that they are 100 per cent natural, using fresh ingredients, ranging from fruits to Brazilian nuts may 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 83
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_AFTER DARK
hangover
OVER THE WEEKEND HANGOUTS
LEMP BREWPUB AND KITCHEN, GURGAON
If you are a beer lover who absolutely enjoys drinking good-quality lager beer, then Lemp Brewpub and Kitchen is the place to be. Choose from seven different in-house lagers and ales that is sure to open up a whole new sensory experience for you. The bar menu also features in-house brews that carry names like ‘Wit’, which is a great wheat beer; ‘Jurassic Dark’, a darkish wheat beer; Cherokee Red Ale and Lavender Lady Chocolate Beer! Try out the Ultra Pale Pilsner, simply because it is worth a try as well as Lemp’s awardwinning Original American Lager with hints of caramel and toasted malt. The average price of a beer is `225, which is not bad considering India doesn’t have too many breweries to call its own, let alone international franchises. In case you aren’t in the know, Lemp Brewpub and Kitchen is a franchise by American brewing legend Lemp Brewing Co. This pub is spread across 11,000 square feet of a now-revamped warehouse. The look is swanky, with a hint of grunge, albeit executed in a tasteful manner.Opt to hang out in either of the sections– a cosy lounge or the two-tiered fine dining area complete with booths. The food menu comprises a good mix of continental dishes that are sure to satiate even the most discerning taste buds. The service is known to be a bit on the slow side, but hopefully this will change soon. This microbrewery hosts special nights, but generally the music ranges from retro to rock. The pub also has a special night for ladies. 2nd Floor, DLF Star Mall, Sector 30, NH8, EXIT 8, Gurgaon
AMADEUS, MUMBAI
You know that you're in for a musical treat when you enter a place named Amadeus. For those who aren’t in the know, Amadeus has in all likelihood been named after the prolific classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Rightfully, this resto-lounge is largely oriented to the arts. Any music lover will appreciate the larger-than-life, black and white framed pictures of music icons such as Zakir Hussain, Zubin Metha and the likes. Besides, the resto-lounge is attached to Mumbai’s renowned National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), making it a must-visit for patrons and performing artists. The pictures of the flamenco dancers also add a vibrant feel to this place. The major attraction aside from the exceptionally delicious food, has got to be the live music events hosted here. Another boon is the all-important space factor, that well caters to Mumbai’s thriving nightlife. Amadeus is divided into three different sections– a lounge and bar, a restaurant space and a beautiful outdoor section, perfect to while a lovely night away under the stars. The interiors are minimal with a warm and cosy feel. The bar menu comprises a host of alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks, all of which are priced steeply. Mumbai lacks performance spaces and Amadeus fills this gap by keeping with the true spirit of the arts! Amadeus, NCPA, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400 021 84 Youth Incorporated ║ MAY 2012
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_WATCH OUT FOR
Rising STAR
Youth Inc chats with Alyssa Mendonsa, the young playback singer who has been making waves in the Indian music industry
S
he’s been passionate about singing since a very young age – three years to be precise! This passion seems unchanged through the years for today, the 22-yearold musician has been richly contributing to the film and music scene in India. She may be the daughter of composer Loy Mendonsa of India’s renowned Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy trio, but Alyssa has certainly made her own distinctive mark. “I’ve grown up surrounded by music, but that wasn’t the only reason for being a part of it. It was just the love and wonder of singing as a child, for no particular reason at all, that has made me a part of a much larger plan,” says Alyssa. Her melodic vocals in films such as Karthik Calling Karthik, Housefull, Break ke Baad, Patiala House and Zindagi na Milegi Dobara cannot be forgotten. The pretty songstress has an inclination for Western music and keeps herself busy by composing songs. At the moment, Alyssa has immersed herself in working on her performance skills and exercising her composition skills at the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music (SAM) in Chennai. “My experience at SAM is still an ongoing one. It is an ever learning and amazing experience of self-discovery every single day,” says Alyssa.
QUICK PICKS
A band/ artist you love: At the moment, its a trio called Dirty Loops. Favourite albums: Bad, Thriller, The Cycle of Love In-bag essentials: A Notebook and pen. Ideal holiday spot: Any place which has a forest over looking an ocean. A memorable moment in your career: I cherish every moment of my career so far. A passion you can't do without: Singing Favourite cuisine: Nothing in particular. You can't seem to get anough of: Life. I love the lessons that life teaches me. Your favourite song: Stranger in Moscow by Michael Jackson Your favourite movie: Thumbelina Perfect date: Just being with the person I love is more than perfect. Mountain or beach person: I actually like both! Favourite fragrance: I don't really have a favourite fragrance, as such. Hobbies: Singing and composing Your source of inspiration: Life and people Your philosophy: Beauty lies in simplicity. MAY 2012 ║ Youth Incorporated 85
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_horoscope
aquarius/jan 21 - feb 20 You possess loads of irrepressible enthusiasm. Look for ways to accomplish your work effectively. Let advancements happen as they will. Avoid scheduling conflicts at work. Commit to extra workload only because you want to. Despite some frustrating experiences you may encounter, you will finally succeed in turning the corner. Lucky Numbers: 3, 7 Lucky colour: Silver Love Dates: 16th, 25th
pisces/ feb 19- mar 20
ajai rai madan Astrologer, Numerologer & Aura reader
STAR
STRUCK
cancer/ jun 22 - jul 22
Secrets, intrigues and the hidden links that unite all things will take on greater significance in your life. You will be able to see looming changes and plan accordingly. Be patient and do not let delays stress you out for some of your pet initiatives. Extra effort will ensure that you meet your commitments. You can give great happiness in your relationships. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5 Lucky colour: Blue Love Dates: 14th, 28th
You could find your workload increasing but co-workers are likely to give you a free hand. It may become necessary to tighten schedules to work on something important. You may pursue a crucial goal from an entirely different angle and bring startling results. Singles could meet someone special with the help of close friends or family. Lucky numbers: 2, 7 Lucky colour: Grey Love Dates: 14th, 20th
aries/ mar 21 - apr 20
leo/ jul 23 - aug 23
A popular Bollywood vedic astrologer takes you through your starry forecast this month
scorpio/oct 24 - nov 22
Crucial brainstorming sessions could be more productive if you don’t insist on having your way. Seniors will appreciate you. Focus on your finances as there are interesting options available. Look to your family for support. It is always pleasant nurturing close relationships for emotional stability. Lucky numbers: 5, 9 Lucky colour: Pink Love Dates: 19th, 28th
You could face unexpected hurdles. Pushing matters will only alienate colleagues. Be flexible when dealing with rigid associates. Patience will ensure compliance and right direction. Your sense of humour will ensure that you take centre stage at social events. It’s a good time to set up a business. Lucky numbers: 7, 9 Lucky colour: Red Love Dates: 15th, 22nd
taurus/ apr 21 - may 21
virgo/aug 24 - sep 22
SAGITTARIUS/nov 23 - dec 23
Your management and analytical abilities are in focus. This is the time to refurbish your energies and move to challenging tasks. Don’t worry much about what people are likely to think about you. You will learn new ways to handle everyday affairs and will be successful in forming close associations with those who share your views. Lucky numbers: 5, 2 Lucky colour: Crimson Love Dates: 16th, 22nd
Probing conversations will find you at your best. You will get the information that you want. Hard work, timing and persistence will enable you to reap a rich harvest. You will also fare better by clearing the decks of unfinished work. Some of your personal interests will have their ups and downs, but in the end these won’t matter much. Lucky numbers: 4, 6 Lucky colour: Green Love Dates: 13th, 26th
Your hectic schedule might make it difficult to accomplish all tasks. Misunderstandings may temporarily erupt. This is not a good time to discuss personal matters with friends. Guard against losing your temper. Keep busy until you achieve directional clarity. New business relationships are likely to be profitable. Be grateful to well-wishers. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8 Lucky colour: White Love Dates: 17th, 27th
gemini/may 22 - jun 21
libra/ sep23 - oct 23
It is important that you don’t take people or information at face value. Evaluate all the pros and cons before taking action. There may be gains from property or other investments. Progress and personal power may back up your confidence. Romantic relationships could go through tension. Lucky numbers: 1, 4 Lucky colour: Orange Love Dates: 14th, 31st
There will be a feeling of relaxation and greater focus. You are likely to get involved in social work. Go all out to help others in their endeavors. You will succeed in attracting like-minded people. Try not to listen to limited view-points because you are right on course and suitably equipped to accomplish your mission successfully. Lucky numbers: 9, 6 Lucky colour: Ivory Love Dates: 11th, 24th
You have favourable energies that bring surprises. Don’t stick to routine activities; you may find a project going nowhere or postponed for a later date. Good research will result in tangible gains. People will look to you for leadership. Stay nonjudgemental and sensitive to relationship problems. Try to tone down differences that could escalate. Lucky numbers: 3, 8 Lucky colour: Violet Love Dates: 12th, 21st
capricorn/dec 24 - jan 20 Your logic and emotions will pull you in different directions for a certain personal situation. Do stop to take breaks. Matters may still drag much to your consternation, but you will be just fine. Give yourself more time and focus on achieving your immediate goals. Just relax and get away from it all. Finances will improve greatly. Lucky Numbers: 1, 5 Lucky colour: Brown Love Dates: 18th, 23rd
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