November 2011

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NO GOA! ALTERNATIVE NEW YEAR HOTSPOTS

EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN www.youthincmag.com

DARK SIDE OF DIETING Indisaicnal ClasNCE

DA EERS CAR

26/11 A Survivor's STORY

VOLUME 1 ISSUE 5 NOVEMBER 2011 > ` 50

OUTLOOK ON INTERIOR DESIGN: Nisha JamVwal

ARE YOU READY TO LIVE-IN??

WORK OPTIONS FOR Eng Lit GRADS

k i h t i r H

THE HUMBLE SIDE OF T H E H E A R T-T H R O B

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Volume 1 Issue 5 November 2011

you t h incorporated www.youthincmag.com

Editorial Editor-in-Chief NITISH SHAH

Editor's

note

Executive Editor SHRADDHA KAMDAR Managing Editor MINAL PATODIA Sr Correspondent BEVERLY PEREIRA

Design Art Consultant DONUT DESIGN Graphic Designers NIKITA PARAB RAO BIPIN P B

Sales & Marketing KHURSHEED MISTRY

khursheed@youthincmag.com

NIKHAT ALI

nikhat@youthincmag.com

NAHIDA COELHO

nahida@youthincmag.com

SAUMYA BANSAL

Circulation NISHANT SHINDE SAMEER LONDHE

Fashion Contributor ANU CHOWDHARY

Administration FATEMA BISMILLAH 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.

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For Advertising, Subscriptions and Circulation contact mail@youthincmag.com call (91 22) 23516622/6609 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.

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s time goes by, the love shown by our readers in truly inspirational for me. It even uplifts the mood on a hot sultry October day!

Very few actors have left an impact on a whole lot of people for reasons other than looking good. The guy on our cover is one of them. He entered the industry like an eagle and soared the skies, ruling the roost post Kano Na Pyaar Hai. Soon, due to several reasons, he plummeted to depths unknown to any actor, with a string of flops. Not one, not two, but seven movies bombed in a row, even though his performances were appreciated. He rose like a phoenix to make a comeback and how.

He had all the big banners vying for his time, from Sooraj Barjatya to Sanjay Leela Bhansali, to Aditya Chopra and Karan Johar. And he proved himself, again and again with films like Jodha Akbar, Krishh and Dhoom.

All the success in the world and a lovely family who has been a solid support for him all along. The world was literally at his feet after the super success of his last spate of movies. And yet, he was his humble self, greeting his fans like he always did and respecting the industry like he was the same new comer who had entered the industry many years ago. That is the reason for Hrithik Roshan being an inspiration for anyone who wants to enter the glam world as an actor. I hope they derive benefit from the following story on making a career in acting. He is not only an actor par excellence but an ace dancer and has won the hearts of millions with his moves.

An issue personally close to my heart is regarding the miniscule number of PhDs that our country witnesses each year. We try to analyse the reasons and hope the situation improves as we get into a better developmental mode. It was great interacting with the sensational and highly creative Nisha Jamvwal who gives valuable tips for aspiring interior designers.

Further on, we bring you two contrasting stories but each inspirational in itself. Jharna Narang, survivor of the ghastly 26/11 terror attacks, talks about counting one’s blessings; and Anand Chulani helps you laugh a bit with his unique teaching methods using laughter. We explore in depth the ups and downs of live-in relationships in modern India. We also take you away from the staid choice for a new year destination – Goa. Explore three other places where you can bring in the new year with a sizzle. Happy planning!

Nitish Shah

NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated

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contents NOVEMBER 2011

Also on the

PAGE

30

COVER

12

THE ENGLISH LIT CLUB

Career options for English literature graduates

26

HOW I WON OVER THE HORRORS OF 26/11 A survivor's powerful story of dealing with trauma and grief

38

RHYTHM DIVINE

A look at Indian classical dance as a career

42

From inspiration to perfection

PICTURE COURTESY: EXCEL ENTERTAINMENT

Cover Story

HRITHIK ROSHAN He is the Greek god that every girl dreams about and every guy wants to be. To the chiselled body, add the expressive eyes, the unruly hair ever so impeccably worn and oodles of talent. Meet Hrithik Roshan, the humble man behind the heart-throb. Also check out career options in acting.

COVER PHOTO CREDIT Excel Entertainment 2

(Educate) SPECIAL FEATURE Identity crisis

8

Does a great institute make a great person?

FOCUS FEATURE Doctoral dilemmas

10

Why the number of PhDs is declining

Nisha JamVwal profiles her career as an interior designer

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LIVE IN, LOVE OUT

Are live-in relationships coming of age in India?

62

NO GOA!

Explore these alternative New Year hotspots

74

THE DARK SIDE OF DIETING

The serious consequences of dieting WALK OF LIFE Right conduct

15 17

How to carry yourself at a job interview

Bosses from hell!

Stay away from these Satanic bosses!

EXAM FEVER Cheaters vs beaters

18

A look at how students manage to cheat in exams

FOREIGN SHORES Pack a punch

20

Get a head start on putting together your application packets

Youth Incorporated â•‘ NOVEMBER 2011

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WIN

22

An artist’s education

The best fine art schools around the world to bring out the artist in you

FASHION DIY design

64

OUT OF THE BOX Awakening the mind’s eye

40

Designer Anuj Sharma injects passion into fashion with his designs

Opt for a career in hypnotherapy if the power of the mind interests you

A walk through Bangalore's quaint college campus

50

Be-jewelled!

FITNESS Martial twist

76

Capoeira could just be the fitness option for you

STAPLEdiet 66 67

(Entertain)

The swinging sixties

The psychedelic era is back in fashion!

Nature’s best for winter

Harness the goodness of natural products for skin that glows

EDITOR’S NOTE…1

EDITORIAL CONNECT…4 AROUND THE WORLD…6 AWARENESS…28 COUNSELLOR Q&A…36 WORD ZONE ……52 MODEL WATCH… 68

RELATIONSHIPS The ex-factor

58

Give your car or bike an instant makeover

Unique accessories to add a touch of fab to your look!

Comedian Anand Chulani uses laughter as a tool for leadership and conflict management

A student talks about balancing college life and work

GATSBY 72

PRODIGY Meet Mr Masti

STUDENT SPEAK A double life

by

SPORT Graffiti on the run

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48

GIFTS

See page no 87

INSIDE DOPE Christ College, Bangalore

46

FREE EXCLUSIVE

GAME OR LAME…77

Should or should you not keep in touch with your ex?

DROOL OF THE MONTH…78 IMHO… 80

ECOWATCH Recyclable music

60

Tapping trash to make music

YOUTH ISSUES Bangalore blues

61

Bangalore's draconian laws are killing live music in the city

RESTOMETER… 82

SKIN SUTRA Dr Good Skin

69

Get winter-ready skin

MAKEOVER Refresh

70

Two readers get a revamped look!

CELEB TADKA… 83 HANGOVER… 84 KISS & TELL…85 STAR STRUCK... 86 GRAFFITI… 88 NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 3

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editorial connect Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com

DRAMA MAMA I really enjoyed the article on experimental theatre. The theatre scene in Mumbai is thriving to say the least. I have been a part of many a play for local talent contests, and this story really re-enforced the spirit of this form of arts in my being. I appreciate it especially in today’s age when people prefer to watch movies or television series. It’s really good to know that the media still has a passion for the lesser publicised forms of art.

Tanaz Vakil, Journalist, Mumbai

PROUD TO BE LOUD I was so happy to read Same Sex in the City. When I was younger, I had no courage to come out into the open.

India was different then. I feel that it is due to the media that society is on the way to accepting the LGBT culture.

Whenever I see such articles in Indian magazines, I feel that we are going somewhere; we are becoming more tolerant. Hopefully, this tolerance will also spread into other areas of life.

Hope to see more LGBT stories by Youth Inc in the future!

Owen Fernandes, Stylist, Delhi

YOUTHFUL INSIGHT I am a first-time reader of Youth Incorporated. I must say that this magazine has a good blend of education and entertainment. I 4

particularly enjoyed the stories on making a career as a tattoo artist, as well as the article on culinary arts. The reviews of the restaurants, nightclubs, books and movies also made for an interesting read. I, like most youngsters am not much of a Bollywood/ Hollywood gossip person, so obviously the gossip page didn’t impress me too much. Keep the fun alive in your magazine and the interesting educational stories flowing!

Manju Rai, BMM Student, Mumbai

KUDOS TO THE YI TEAM I had never heard about Youth Incorporated, but at the QS World Tour in Bangalore, I discovered this amazing magazine. I had to write this letter. I have read just one issue and felt delighted. At first, I thought, a magazine just for the youth! It sounded unusual to me but I only realised that it was flawless after reading it. I am now a fan of YI and want to subscribe.

Harshal Bhatia, Student, Bangalore

industry. Besides, I love the fact that you brought out the perfectionist in this intellectual actor, who feels that education is indeed important! It feels good to know that there remain people who want to do meaningful films on topics close to their heart.

Kudos to you’ll for choosing Aamir Khan; he is a great role model for the next generation!

Namit Kapur, Producer, Bangalore

(NOT) FOR THE YOUTH, BY THE YOUTH, OF THE YOUTH India is known for its corrupt practices. Everyday, some politician or the other is revealed for the scams they try to pull off. Telling the youth that they can get into politics in the ways the writer has mentioned is not at all right. Everyone knows that you need to be loaded and well connected to get into the political scene in India!

I guess this story won’t help any young people. But, the section on Anna Hazare made up for the lack of helpful content.

Vipul Shah, Accountant, Delhi

EDUCATION MATTERS It’s so refreshing to see Aamir Khan on the cover of your magazine!

It almost feels like Indians are so obsessed with fluffy Bollywood stars that no importance is given to the people who actually make a contribution to the Indian film

Anjana_Kumar Anjana Kumar @Youthinc_mag canot wait to get my hands on one of these the moment i hit Mumbai next... maadhyamfestMaadhyam (SIMC UG) @cluelessforam Thanks 4 tha mention. U rock! @Youthinc_mag

Youth Incorporated ║ NOVEMBER 2011

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yi

educate Explore a career in interior designing to transform places into aesthetic spaces

K E E PI N S I D E яГо

Pg8

Pg15 Pg22 Pg40

IDENTITY CRISIS

RIGHT CONDUCT

DOES THE INSTITUTE MAKE A PERSON? YOUTH INC FINDS OUT IF THESE TWO FACTORS ARE DIRECTLY PROPORTIONAL

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN YOU ARE IN THE HOT SEAT AT A JOB INTERVIEW

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AN ARTIST'S EDUCATION NURTURE YOUR ARTISTIC TALENT AT ONE OF THESE TOPNOTCH FINE ART SCHOOLS ACROSS THE GLOBE

AWAKENING THE MIND'S EYE A LOOK INTO THE FIELD OF HYPNOTHERAPY AS A CAREER OPTION

19/10/11 2:35 PM

NewsNewsNews New News _EDU NEWS

Around the World

NIU to participate in 2012 Indian Initiative

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he Institute of International Education has selected Northern Illinois University (NIU) together with ten other universities to participate in the 2012 Indian Initiative.

The goal of this programme is to increase higher education connections between US and Indian institutions. NIU will receive professional guidance on developing relationships in India as well as a mentor on educational cooperation from the advisory board of the programme. NIU will also take part in webinars with other experts and schools from India. An NIU representative is scheduled to participate in a study tour of India in January 2012. This move is likely to see an easy migration for international students both for current NIU students going overseas to work or study as well as for international students coming to NIU to study.

MUMBAI UNIVERSITY PLANS TO OFFER MSC IN FINANCE

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he Mumbai University (MU) is planning to offer a Master of Science in Finance programme.

The course, which will be a first of its’ kind in India, aims to be of international standards on the lines of Harvard and Cambridge. This course will be designed to consider the market needs, keeping in mind that Mumbai is the financial capital of India. Thus, there is expected to be a huge participation from the finance industry in setting up and conducting this course. However, the course structure and syllabus are yet to be decided by the finance industry and related authorities. Any student who has studied math up to graduation will be eligible for this programme.

MU will take the entire responsibility for this two-year course.

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DESIGN CONTEST FOR INDIAN LITERATURE SERIES HOSTED BY HARVARD

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arvard University Press is inviting design submissions for the Murty Classical Library of India, a publication series, slated to launch in 2013 and featuring classical Indian literature.

The winner who designs the best logo, logotype and jacket design will receive a prize of $10, 000 as well as jacket credit on all the books in the series. The series will provide English language translations of works written in Hindi, Pali, Bangla, Punjabi, Persian, Sanskrit, Tamil and other Indic languages.

Design firms or individuals based in India, the US and the UK are eligible to enter this contest and entries can be submitted till December 1, 2011.

Campus Explorer Website to assist students with college admissions in India

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ampusExplorer.in has gone live and aims to assist students trying to make an informed decision while choosing different colleges in India. Students will be able to explore colleges listed state-wise or majorwise in a user-friendly way.

The team has set up micro sites for over 12, 000 Indian colleges, each of which offers in-depth information about the respective college. The site also provides an option to compare different Indian colleges side by side and a method to instantly apply to any college in India by visiting the respective college’s micro site.

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NewsNews

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News

Mumbai students campaign against eve teasing

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group of BMM students from Wilson College have started a campaign called ‘Chappal Maarungi’.

The campaign aims to encourage women to beat down harassment; hence, the metaphorical use of the slipper as the symbol of the movement. In order to promote the campaign, the group has placed boxes full

IIM-SHILLONG ANNOUNCES NEW POSTGRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMME 

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IM-Shillong has joined hands with the WB National University of Juridical Sciences (WBNUJS) to offer a Postgraduate Executive Diploma in Business Management and Law (PGexDBL). The aim of this programme is to assist students in earning themselves a professional qualification in Business Management and Law with an indepth understanding of the subject.

The programme also aims to help participants understand the latest developments and practices in the industry. The 15-month programme is scheduled to commence later this year.

of slippers and cut-outs of slippers around the premises of the college. The campaign is the brainchild of five BMM students studying at Wilson College. As per the latest count, over six hundred people have expressed their willingness to spread awareness on eve teasing and molesting on the campaign’s Facebook page.

EdServe to offer educational content apps on Nokia smart phones

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dServe, a mobile-based education service company, has joined hands with Nokia to provide educational content in the form of apps on a number of Nokia smart phones. Under this initiative, EdServe’s HumThum apps will now be available via the hugely popular Nokia Ovi Apps Store. The various HumThum apps offer educational content including tuition, academics, skill development and test preparation services, which will be of great help to students. The company's educational website also offers test preparation programmes for IITJEE, AIEEE, OLYMPAID, NTSE, as well as engineering exam preparatory tests. This too will be offered in the form of apps on the Nokia Ovi Apps Store. Students will now be able to learn as well as access career opportunities via their Nokia smart phones anytime, wherever they may be. One of the apps is a ‘Talking Dictionary’ that not only offers the meaning of any English word but also an audible pronunciation. Yet another app allows users to design, host and update their personal or business website from their phone. In the future, EdServe also plans to offer its educational content on other smart phones. Interestingly, EdServe offers mobile-based educational content right from the Kindergarten to the postgraduate level. Looks like students will now be able to study from just about anywhere!

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Identit y _SPECIAL FEATURE

The choice of institutes for a student, whichever the field, always depends on its popularity and reputation. The question then is, does the institute make the person? Youth Inc finds out

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ou meet two executives with similar profiles in a day, engineering followed by an MBA. You come away impressed by one, and not so impressed by the other. Why is it that the minute someone says he’s an IIT or IIM alumnus, we automatically form a kind of prejudicial liking for him?

“Whatever be the case, there is a need to offer world-class education to a larger number of people without having to rebuild the branding of the world class institute,” says Pranjal Pathak, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur, electrical engineering, 1996.

Over 4.5 lakh students take the Joint Entrance Exam (JEE) for entrance to India’s most prestigious institutes, the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs). Despite the fact that over the last three years, eight new IITs have been set up, the ratio of admission to the IITs is at 1:61. This, even after the fact that some of the newly set up IITs do not have their own campuses yet and are functioning out of the campuses of the mentor IITs - the existing ones.

“The situation is such that it does not matter after a point in time which IIT you are from, as long as you have that tag. And you have it for life!

I definitely have met with several advantages due to the tag in my life, and I still use the name. After all, I

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did go through the whole rigmarole,” opines Mohit Goel, who completed his BTech in electrical engineering from IIT Bombay in 1994 and went on to pursue management at IIM Ahmedabad.

According to him and many others, with a billion as the population, India can sustain a large number of good institutes. However, it is imperative that standards be maintained by ensuring funding, attracting top talent to participate and ensuring that operating processes and academic rigour are maintained with integrity, openness and honesty.

Says final-year civil engineering student at IIT Bombay, Neeraj Kookada, “I really didn’t care which branch I got, I just wanted to get into IIT Bombay. My branch preference was electrical engineering but I got only civil so I made the choice of institute over branch.” He adds that when students look for job opportunities after graduation, they definitely feel the difference in market reciprocation with the institute they come from.

“From the market perspective, recruiters are already aware of the quality of students from the established institutes and hence they know what to expect and offer.

With other institutes they will still be testing ground, and the first few

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t y crisis batches of graduates from these new institutes will definitely feel the pressure,” Kookada adds.

This is also the opinion of HSC science student Anuj Mahanta who will take the JEE this year. “I am very sure that if I do not get IIT Bombay or Delhi, I am going to opt for another institute. My parents do not want me to take a chance with my career. It has to be a reputed organisation,” he says.

Shashikanth Sooryanarayanan, Professor of mechanical engineering at IIT Bombay, feels that from the student’s perspective, the established institutes have more to offer. “With the newer institutes, it is just not the same disposition. At this moment of course, students may not opt for the newer institutes as they want to move to bigger things in life. But over a period of time, it doesn’t matter which IIT you go you, you have an IIT degree for life!” he says.

Patnaik, also went on to pursue his MTech there itself. He strongly believes that if the IITs want to cast their net wider, the average standard of students coming out of the IITs will go down until the new institutes raise their level. “Having a brand name does not make an institute at par with the established ones. What is required is a sensible plan of investment, maybe innovative ways of self-funding and a threshold for standards that should be attained in time. These include infrastructure, quality of student output and most importantly, quality of faculty,” he says. According to him, once the matrix of measure is set and achieved, there should not be a problem of bias at all. Interestingly, he compares the situation to a chicken and egg situation. “To have a brand name, you need quality students and

faculty…but to have that, you need a good reputation! I think the way out for the new institutes is to just push themselves and market themselves,” he adds. He also feels that the one thing going for the new institutes is that there is no challenge of legacy — there is none, so they can build their own character the way they want.

Brand value aside, the one thing that is common across the board is the experience one gathers by being part of an institution like the IIT or IIM. “Hostel life and the class experiences are the same, no matter which institute you choose,” says Kookada.

Patnaik adds, “Going through such an institute, the sheer brilliance of the people you meet there, adds to your own intellect. And if you follow their progress after getting out, you feel proud to be associated with such geniuses.”

All said and done, considering that only one of every 61 applicants can get into an IIT, there is no way everyone can be an alumnus of such institues.

However, it is just a matter of time that the new institutes catch up.

Kedar Shiroor, who graduated in civil engineering in 2002, “I really think that many other institutes are at par, but just don;t have the brand name yet. Still, these institutes give many more smart people the opportunity to study at a good institute.” He leaves us with a bit of food for thought: “With our growing population, why have only four or five premier institutions in any field? Take the US or some countries in Europe for example - they have many great schools with amazing facilities, which only leads to a great future for so many kids. Why can’t we create such an ecosystem within India?” yi

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Doctoral dilemmas

_FOCUS FEATURE

EVEN WITH AN ALLOCATION OF OVER 50 CRORE IN THE UNION BUDGET FOR EDUCATION, AND A PROPOSAL TO CONNECT 1,500 INSTITUTES OF HIGHER LEARNING, SEVERAL GRANTS FOR RESEARCH, THERE ARE FEW TAKERS FOR PHD IN OUR COUNTRY. YOUTH INC FINDS OUT WHY

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his year, the allocation for education in the Union Budget has been a whopping ` 52,057 crore. There is also a proposal for a knowledge network, under which 1,500 institutes of higher learning and research across India would be connected; and special grants will be offered to recognise excellence in universities and academic institutions.

Of course these are tall promises for education in India, especially.

Why then, is the number of people opting for doctoral degrees (PhDs) diminishing every year?

Running a bit behind Usually, PhD is the most advanced academic degree offered by any university across the globe. The main focus is to generate new knowledge by taking up a problem for any topic, framing a main question about that

problem and providing some solutions and/ or explanations for the questions.

Of course, easier said than done.

The process also involves statistical methods and studies, and a whole lot of field research that goes into deriving the questions and looking for answers. The candidate then has to submit a detailed project report (called thesis), often a body of original academic research, which is worthy of publication in a peer-refereed context. Thereafter, the candidate must defend this work before a panel of expert examiners appointed by the university. In India, this process can take four to seven years and often proves a deterrent to even those who are inclined towards research.

According to a study conducted by Anitha Kurup and Jagadish Arora of the National Institute of Advanced Studies, Bangalore called Trends in Higher Education: Creation and

Analysis of a Database of PhDs, only 0.65 per cent of the total number of students in higher education are enrolled at the PhD level. Published in May 2010, it notes, “India invests only about three to four per cent of its total R & D in academic research. Despite the annual growth in the number of PhDs awarded (an increase of 30.6 per cent from 1990 to 1999...), India still is far behind countries such as US, China and Germany in terms of the number of researchers added to the country's workforce.”

In 2004, India produced around 5,900 science, technology and engineering PhDs, a figure that has now grown to some 8,900 a year.

This is still, much lesser (in fact just a miniscule percentage of) the number of doctoral degrees handed out in China and the US. In the light of the rapid growth of the economy as well as the population, the country not

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only wants, but needs many more. As mentioned before, the government is making major investments, and is trying to attract investment from foreign universities. According to Thirumalachari Ramasami, the Indian government's head of science and technology, the idea (may as well call it the hope!) is that by 2020, the country will witness about 20,000 PhD graduates every year.

With the respect and reputation that the degree commands, one would think that these targets would not be too difficult to reach. But there is

still a huge gap in the expectations and the reality. And that gap boils down to two factors – the level of professional opportunities available to PhD graduates in the country, and the primary goal of those who enter higher education is not to be academicians but to make money. “And why not?” says Amit Patra, an engineer at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kharagpur.

According to Patra, a bachelor’s is enough to secure a job and to climb up the ladder. “And even if I think of my master’s or PhD, it will be much more valued outside India than within.

Why then, should I spend six years of my life over it?” he questions. Even after a doctoral degree, there are few opportunities in India in the field of academics, and the much higher-paying industry jobs pull the crowd away.

Bridging the gap Many senior researchers are of

the opinion that the gap that ageing researchers will leave behind after they retire will be hard to fill. That also poses a problem for the specific fields.

In fact, this writer attended a teachers’ day event this year where all those who were felicitated were over 45 years of age, and some of those in research were slated to retire. “Students today lack the passion for research and that is going to harm the country in the long run,” says Dr Arun Nigavekar Former Chairman, UGC; Founder Director,NAAC; Senior Advisor, Science and Technology Park, Pune.

So in spite of fact that the University of Mumbai saw a record 2,174 candidates sign up for its first-ever PhD entrance test on February 26 this year, professors remain sceptical about the number of students who will actually complete their PhDs. There has also been suggestions put forth that we should go the China way where and adopt their technique to increase Ph D output significantly.

China sought help from the US and entered into tie ups that allowed doctoral students from Chinese universities to earn fellowships and spend between one to two years at a professor’s laboratory in the US to start their dissertation research.

Prof T A Abinandanan, from the Department of Materials Science at IISc, is not agreeable to the idea.

“When we have Indian problems, and we’re generally lamenting about the

abysmal state of research in India, we need to find the problems in our system and solutions thereof. Not do that in another country!” he comments.

Other issues The dearth of great guides is a major issue with many existing candidates.

The guide plays a major role in getting the work done by the candidate and keeping the work on the right track. Unfortunately, there are very few good ones! The government has attempted to redress issues of funding by facilitating tie-ups between government research institutes and the industry. But even that is not yielding adequate results. Dr LM Bhole, former Professor, IIT Bombay, offers no solutions, but talks of passion.

He talks about the role that research plays in creating excellence in higher education. According to him, the ideal would be the pursuit of both science, and selfrealisation or self-knowledge, being well aware that it might sound like Utopia to the listener.

In a survey of students from Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Kanpur and Bombay nearly 42 per cent of the candidates said they would be willing to do PhDs if the job opportunities after PhD increased and provided compensation of more than ` 1 lakh per month. The fruits of labour have to be ripe enough for harvest, if India wants to see more researchers in the future! yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 11

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_FOCUS FEATURE

The

English Lit Club

What are the options graduates of English Literature have in the professional arena? Minal Patodia investigates

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tudying English literature in college is not an easy decision. Even those with no proclivity towards other subjects like commerce or science will think twice before jumping towards a field where career options are notoriously limited. Till my twelfth, I was a science student who found the mental challenge of mathematics and physics to be quite exciting. But the non-

questioning attitude and rote learning of formulae and symbols frayed away at my passion for the subject. When the time for college applications came around, I decided to jump into a completely different subject, yearning to learn something that would help me develop as a person, help me learn about new things and people and open my eyes to things I would

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_FOCUS FEATURE

not have thought possible. Studying literature has given me all that and more. Although I would not change this decision for any other, career choices for graduates of commerce, accounting, law and science seem a lot more straightforward; while literature graduates have no simple answers.

Studying literature is not easy, contrary to the expectations of many.

It is mentally challenging and rigorous.

It gives one a broad grounding in history, psychology, philosophy, religion and cultural anthropology.

Yet, on graduation and frequently during my rigorous academic years, I wondered… what next? Was I destined to work for minimum wage as a struggling ‘art’ student? Thankfully, the answer is no, but others are not so

lucky. The same question plagues many graduates. Some go into pure academia or become critics, editors and writers, while others go for fields as diverse as corporate communication to early childhood education.

After her BA in English Literature, Maria Coelho faced this career dilemma. She says, “I had this moment after graduation where I asked myself, ‘Now what?’ Studying English literature opens up your mind, gives you a broader perspective of the world. For instance, when you learn that Shakespeare could have written his sonnets for a man and that all of Donne’s poetry has a sexual innuendo, it changes your perspectives and expands your worldview. But this knowledge does not translate directly as ‘skills’ on your CV.” After graduation, Coelho jumped from job to job She worked as an intern at an advertising agency; at Jet Airways as an in-flight attendant; in the UAE for a short stint as an advertising executive; with Prahlad Kakkar at Lacadives, a scuba diving company, in marketing and bookings; and for an online travel website, Smart Travel Asia, in sales. She says, “Currently I am still in sales and I am completing a degree in Early Childhood Education. I went into a variety of fields because you can use and apply your degree in English literature in ways that you don’t think of when you are studying. You need to be articulate and persuasive in sales, understand human behaviour and think out of the box in advertising and develop your communication skills as an in-flight attendant. My degree has helped in each of these jobs.”

Other graduates like Shalini Sen find a niche in the job market and work towards getting the right training for that job. After her BA in English Literature, Sen did her master’s in mass communication and took up an internship for CNN on the entertainment desk, helping in the production process. She then joined Reuters as an equity correspondent for the US; she stresses the importance of knowledge transfer for graduates in their first jobs: “Reuters has a very thorough training program to coax you into the process of financial reporting.

In that way, I was really lucky. Any selected candidate can pick it up and NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 13

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thinkers!

figure it out; the same goes for other better. Most importantly, I challenge places, such as CNBC. If you are in the stereotype that ‘humanities’-type a large organisation and surrounded people can’t contribute strategically WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE by people who know what they are to business. We find our niche and we talking about, you will learn fast.” build around it.”

But jumping from literature to The same holds true for finance is certainly daunting. Sen international graduates. Colin “Be not afraid of says, “If you never thought of yourself Murphy studied English literature greatness: some are as a finance person, you keep asking from Yale University, and now words born great, some yourself, ‘why am I here?’ But if I can as a business strategy consultant for achieve greatness do it anyone one can do it. In this Mahindra and Mahindra. He says, sense, the first job is critical. It has to “Growing up, I never knew what I and some have be a place that will hand hold you a wanted to do. Fortunately for me, I greatness thrust little bit, spoon-feed you and won’t studied in a liberal arts college so I upon them.” leave you on your own.” Sen is now studied a variety of subjects. English LORD BYRON a producer for ET Now for shows on was never a path to any specific career, personal finance and long-term stock nor did it have any bearing on any of picking. She also works on financial the jobs I looked at. I knew that any news and features on stock markets. professional skills I needed would be “Death, so She says, “The business knowledge and developed at work, while a college called, is a thing the production knowledge I gained education imparts limited knowledge which makes from my initial jobs have helped me in terms of job skills. I found a job in men weep, and find my niche. I now understand what Mahindra in business strategy and I’ve yet a third of needs to be done in this field really learned a lot here.” well!”

But how does a degree in English life is passed in Sen stresses the importance of literature give one a competitive sleep.” learning and development after a advantage in this sort of field? Murphy graduate degree in English. “With JANE AUSTEN comments, “A business graduate just a BA in English, there is very little may have the hard skills necessary scope with what you can do,” she says. for the corporate world, but I had a “A bachelor’s is a way to tell people more expansive viewpoint – English “It is a truth that you have good communication literature taught me to communicate universally skills, you can speak well and jazz up efficiently and well and how to analyse acknowledged, any communication. After that, you a text. I can focus on the big picture, need to do a postgraduate degree in that a single man in pick out the relevant information, your field of choice. English literature think creatively, understand possession of a good students usually do some kind of motivations and come up with fortune, must be in communication course as a logical alternative solutions. I know that the want of a wife.” step. A lot of people have also started most obvious business solution may doing MBAs after. In any case, as long not be the most effective one. In order VIRGINIA WOOLF as you can speak well, write well and to bring about change, get things done, communicate well, there will always be you have to be able to think creatively.”

“Fiction is like a need for you in all fields.”

There are no easy answers, but one English literature graduate Abhik thing is clear. Those with enough drive spider's web, attached ever so slightly Bhattacherjee certainly testifies to and determination, the ability to think that. He has worked as a Corporate creatively and communicate effectively perhaps, but still Communications Manager at can bring their skills to any field and attached to life at all Britannia and now works in Design excel at it. The challenges along the way four corners. Often the and Innovation for Godrej. He will only help you in your career. yi attachment is scarcely comments that English literature perceptible.” graduates can transform competitive corporate strategy. He says, “I work • Pick the first job carefully; it should OSCAR WILDE and earn the same as my b-school be a place that will nurture your counterparts, despite studying English talents and train you in the relevant literature. I get to bring a whole new “America is the skills required. perspective to the brands I work for, only country • Consider a postgraduate degree help them think of communication that went from in the field you are interested in to and the literature they produce from a barbarism to more cultural point of view. I help to further develop your skills. decadence bring soul and passion to their stories, • Find your niche in the job market without and no b-school grad would write it where your interests and skills match. civilization in between.”

TIPS

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o you finally made it to the ‘hot seat’ of your job of choice!

No matter how many times you may have secured a job interview, you’ve almost always felt like a bundle of nerves. During the course of the interview, appropriate behaviour on your part is as important as your knowledge and skill set. Even if you happen to be armed with a ‘killer’ cover letter and resume along with tons of degrees, the manner in which

Right conduct YOUTH INC TELLS YOU HOW TO CARRY YOURSELF WELL WHEN YOU COME UNDER THE SCANNER AT A JOB INTERVIEW

you conduct yourself at an interview stands to be the final test. After all, the first impression is the last impression when it comes to most aspects of life, including a job interview. Here are some important tips to follow if you want to make a good impression and bag that dream job.

First impressions count It’s important to look your best at your interview. Be sure to stick to formal or NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 15

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formal or semi-formal wear with neatly-styled hair. It's best to arrive at your interview a good 15 minutes in advance giving you ample time to recheck your appearance and to calm those nerves!

Self-confidence is the most important trait you can bring with you to an interview. Since you might get no more than 15 minutes to convince your potential employer that you are the perfect person for the position, displaying a good level of confidence will only increase your chances of bagging the job. When introducing yourself, step forward and firmly shake hands using your right hand, even if you are left-handed.

Looking your interviewer in the eye, introduce yourself with a gentle smile. From the time you introduce yourself right through the interview, the demonstration of confidence is important.

Body language matters

A person’s body language can tell the interviewer a lot about that person. In fact, your overall behaviour, posture, facial expressions and tone will give off their own vital signs. Sit down only after the interviewer has proceeded to do so or asks you to take a seat. It’s important to assume a good posture because slouching can make you look like you are completely disinterested in the job. If you don’t know what to do with your hands, keep them folded on your lap, indicating that you know that manners make a person.

Avoid fidgeting with your pen or your fingers, as this is a sign of nervousness and low self-esteem.

During the interview, be sure to maintain eye contact with the interviewer. It’s a common notion that failure to maintain a comfortable level of eye contact indicates that a person is lying or lacks a comfortable level of confidence.

Corporate Etiquette

Use a polite tone while talking to your interviewer and never interrupt your interviewer. It’s important to wait

till he or she completes a sentence or question before you begin to respond or ask a question.

When the interviewer poses a question, it’s best to refrain from an instant response; you might end up rambling on and going off topic if you don’t take a few seconds to compose your response. If you cannot understand a question, don’t hold yourself back from requesting for it to be repeated. Be completely honest during the interview. Even the smallest fib is most likely to be spotted by your interviewer, especially since body language tends to be the main giveaway.

After the interviewer has finished drilling you about your past experience and why you would be perfect for that particular job, you should proceed to ask job-related questions, such as working days and timings. It’s best to avoid negotiating the salary during the first round of the interview. Even if the company is known to conduct single interviews, avoid haggling for a better salary at this stage. After all, you can’t be sure whether you secured the job or not!

Post-interview

It’s important to thank the interviewer once the interview is done. You may want to drop in a statement like, “Look forward to hearing from you,” before exiting. A follow-up call after a week has become common-place in today’s fast-paced job scene. Ring the HR department of the company if you wish to know the results of your job interview, but refrain from ringing senior-level employees of the company.

While it is very important that you avoid getting so uptight about body language that you cannot focus on your verbal responses during the interview, try to become more aware of your behaviour. This will help you keep your mannerisms in check to some degree. Above all, it’s important to remember that you will never get a second chance to make a first impression. So give it your best! yi

Dos & Don’ts at Job

Interviews MUST-DOS •• Dress appropriately and neatly •• Switch your mobile phone to ‘silent’ mode •• Have a gentle smile on your face •• Bring along an extra copy of your CV for the interviewer •• Carry yourself well with a good dose of confidence •• Acknowledge the interviewer when you are told something; a blank face shows that you are not paying attention or that you are clueless

AVOID •• Wearing a strong perfume •• Crossing your hands at your chest (it’s an indicator of being selfdefensive) •• Looking away from the interviewer while talking (it's a sign that you are lying or have low self-confidence) •• Drumming the table with your fingers and tapping your feet •• Scratching yourself or chewing your nails •• Asking for your CV back (carry an extra copy)

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bosses from

_CAREER WATCH

hell!

EXPERIENCE WILL SHOW THAT THERE ARE MORE BAD BOSSES OUT THERE THAN GOOD ONES. MINAL PATODIA EXPLORES FIVE CLASSIC ARCHETYPES OF THE BOSS FROM HELL THE DICTATOR The Dictator is a complete control freak who needs to be in charge of any decision in the team. He effectually stifles independent thought and action. This is great in situations where the people on the team are not capable of carrying out their responsibilities effectively, but how would you find out otherwise? The Dictator will often ask a question and answer it and provide opinions even in areas where he lacks expertise.

The all-pervasive dictator accepts nothing less than a work drone to carry out his orders, so beware of his tyranny!

THE CREDIT HOG In extreme, the Credit Hog is one of the most annoying archetypes of a boss from hell! When the team puts in their hard work towards a service or product, the Credit Hog will immediately jump in and, without acknowledging the inputs and efforts put in by others claim the work as his own. Instead of motivating employees to work harder and progress to higher

levels, the Hog will jealously guard any promotions so he may bask in the limelight.

THE DIY (DO-IT-YOURSELF) The DIY boss is the opposite extreme of the Dictator. This one provides no guidance or support to employees even when approached. The DIY will shrug his shoulders with a couldn’tcare-less attitude and make others entirely responsible for any work that takes place. The DIY boss may be a good one for those with a lot of initiative and drive, but newbies should beware! If there are any mistakes that take place due to lack of leadership, well… you’re going to sink! He will point the finger of blame to others and cover up his poor management.

THE MEGALOMANIAC This short-sighted boss will think that his opinions are always right despite any evidence to the contrary. He will often go awry without realising it. As work-slaves, you are compelled to listen to your managers, but when your boss is

unreasonable and illogical, you will soon find yourself questioning his every judgement. He is a lousy listener and prefers to hear himself talk extensively on any topic. He also is unable to see perspectives and viewpoints apart from his own.

THE SPINELESS WIMP One of the most important characteristics of a boss is to be a good leader. The Wimp is unable to take any decisions without prolonged dithering and asking everyone around him what he should do every few minutes.

Moreover, the Wimp lacks the courage and self-belief to stand up for himself, and consequently, for his team. The Wimp will never challenge the status quo and is afraid to voice opinions and ideas.

Beware the paralysing effects of working with any of these bosses from hell and make sure you avoid them at all costs! If you know of such people, identifying their key weaknesses will allow you to devise a way to best deal with their ineffectual actions. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 17

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Cheaters or Beaters?

WITH EXAM PRESSURE MOUNTING, STUDENTS GO TO EXTREMES TO PASS THEIR TESTS AND MAINTAIN GOOD GRADES. CHAITANYA BAYANWALA EXPLORES Illustrations by Gokul Gopalkrishnan

The Skirt Items Required: Gender change to female (not applicable for females), a knee-length skirt and a pen with which you can write on your thighs.

Previous Preparation Required: Write all the information needed for references on the thighs such that it remains covered when the skirt hangs; but when sitting you

may pull it up for reference.

The Modulus Operandi (MO): During the exam, feel free to consult your thighs when the teachers are not looking.

The Risks: Fail Safe. Nobody can ask you to raise your skirts.

The Bathroom Items Required: Permission to go to the bathroom.

Previous Preparation Required: A stash of required information hidden in the crevices of the toilet (or body).

Keeping electronics is not advised, as there may be contact with water and possible electrocution.

The MO: Go through the question

paper as many times as required, until you are sure of all the information that is required. When you are absolutely sure, go to the bathroom, extract the required information and memorize it within five minutes.

The Risks: The bathroom may be occupied, or the cleaner may come and do away with your treasure. To prevent this, plant copies at multiple locations!

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_EXAM FEVER

The Cargo Jeans Items Required: An iPod touch, or a similar device which is not a phone, and a pair of cargo jeans.

quickly slipping it in again if someone comes, into of the many pockets of your cargo jeans.

Previous Preparation Required: Load all the information you may need to consult on the said device.

The Risks: The risks are fairly large, but so are the rewards. You potentially have an unlimited library of information. Additionally, in your defense, the device in your hand is not a mobile but an mp3 player.

The MO: When no one is around, take the said device out and consult it, before

The Answer Sheer Items Required: An answer sheet from the previous exam and a clipboard or a trustworthy classmate.

Previous Preparation: Write the required information on the answer sheet, and hide it carefully on your body.

The MO: During the exam, camouflage the previous answer sheet by the current one and consult it casually. Remember

to use it like a part of the answer paper, by tucking it appropriately. Sometimes placing a tree in the wood is best place to hide it. For best results, try not to leave the cheat sheet with the answer sheet.

Alternatively, you can also ask a friend of yours to pass one of his exam sheets.

The Risks: The only risk is body language. Act normal like its cool, and you’ll get away with it. If you do get caught, stick it out!!

The Classic Peek Items Required: A trustworthy friend who’s seated nearby and maybe glasses to see far ahead.

Previous Preparation Required: Ask the friend to write in large letters on his answer sheet.

The MO: Keep looking at his paper, and keep copying. This is among the best tried and tested methods, and

someone I know once scored over 60 per cent of his marks by doing just that!

Remember to keep switching your eyes to other places. You don't want to look like you are staring after all!

The Risks: The teachers don’t have anything on you, so you won’t get rusticated. But they might request you to change your seat, so be prepared for that! And, then you'll probably need to find a new 'trustworthy' smart friend!

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_FOREIGN SHORES

PACK A

PUNCH

FOR THOSE LOOKING AT FAR PAVILIONS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION, NOW IS THE TIME TO PUT TOGETHER THE APPLICATION PACKETS. YOUTH INC GIVES YOU A HEAD START Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and apply to six different courses using a single form.

Graduate students to the US and applicants to the UK, Canada and Australia can download forms from the university websites or fill an online application. Even if you are applying online, you need to send your transcripts, recommendation letters and other supporting documents by snail mail or courier to the respective universities.

TIPS The common application form for undergraduate students is available on www.commonapp.org Application Fee –Some private liberal art schools and Ivy League universities in the US waive application fees for undergraduate students. A fee waiver from your college counsellor can help you cut back on costs. Graduate students to the US and Canada cannot use fee waivers and often have to pay application fees ranging from $20 to $175, depending on the college and the programme. Most UK and Australian universities do not charge any application fees.

TIPS Some universities give a discount on the application fee if you apply online!

Statement of Purpose (SOP)– As the name suggests, the SOP is your statement about who you are, what has influenced your career path so far, your professional interests and where you want to go from here.

According to Colorado College, “Writing an essay can be a stressful and intimidating prospect. The important thing to remember is that this is your chance to describe yourself

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o you have finally narrowed down a few universities that you want to apply to. The next step is to make sure that you work carefully on each of the required admission documents. In fact, if a particular document is missing, you may be denied admission to that university.

Below is a list of documents required by most overseas universities.

Application Form – If you are applying to the US as an undergraduate, you can use a common

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application form, applicable for over 240 universities. Some universities will additionally require a supplement to the common application form.

Undergraduate students applying to the UK can use the Universities and

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in your own words. Remember: Who you actually are, will always be more interesting than whoever you think the college wants you to be! Tell us what you have done, but rather how it has affected you, or why it is so important to you.” The SOP usually ranges from 500 to 1500 words. Keep in mind that the Statement of Purpose is your chance to talk directly to the admission committee. If you want to stand out from other applicants, you can use the SOP to convince the admission committee that you have interests and experiences that are different from other applicants. Says Helen Mathur, Education Consultant, “Make sure that your essay reflects your own specific experiences. Be sure to introspect and explain what you have learned about yourself.

Admissions committees are not interested in general statements that anyone could have written.” Keep in mind that a good Statement of Purpose will increase your chances of getting admission and sometimes may even compensate for your weak areas.

A ‘not-so-good’ SOP will certainly be used against you and is most likely to get your application rejected.

TIPS If you have faced obstacles in your career, breaks in your education years or have had extraordinary life experiences, you can explain these in the SOP. Résumés – Graduate applicants should make a one-page résumé and send it with their applications. Résumés are optional for undergraduate applicants. A résumé outlines all your achievements, activities and skills. Please remember that a résumé is not a curriculum vitae, but is a one-page document highlighting your strengths.

Recommendation Letters– These are letters from employers, teachers or project guides. Try to get recommendation letters from people who know you well and who have had ample opportunity to interact with you. Avoid letters of recommendation from people in high positions who have not worked

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with or taught you. For instance, a letter from the Head of Department of your college who has not taught you has less importance than a letter from a professor who has taught you for two years. If the university has its own recommendation letter format, use it in addition to a general letter of recommendation.

TIPS You can ask your recommenders to discuss your weaknesses. For example, your teacher can explain poor grades in a particular subject.

Financial Aid Form – Undergraduate students applying to private colleges in the US can apply for financial aid and must fill in a separate financial aid form. Make sure that you carefully state the amount that you can pay for your education based on your family income, assets and savings.

TIPS Your expected family contribution, income and expenses are all related and should make sense to the admission committee.

Bank Letter and Affidavit of Financial Support – US universities require international students to prove that they have enough funding available to cover their educational costs. At the graduate level, you must send your financial documents irrespective of whether you are applying for an assistantship or not. It is important to remember that the admission procedure is two-fold. The department you are applying to seldom sees your bank letter (the university admission office retains your financial documents).

The bank letter should state that your sponsor has the funds in his or her account. Letters stating “solvent to the tune of” and “capable of paying” are usually not accepted by universities.

Financial affidavits can be made on letterheads instead of government stamp papers and should be notarised or attested by a Special Executive Officer (SEO).

TIPS If your university has a separate form for financial affidavits, you must use it.

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Transcripts and Mark Sheets – Make sure that you send official sealed copies of your mark sheets and transcripts to the universities you are applying to. If you have graduated, you must also send your degree to the universities.

TIPS Notaries or SEOs cannot attest transcripts, mark sheets and degrees.

The respective colleges must do so.

Once you have all your documents ready, be sure that you have checked the application deadline of the schools you are applying to. If your university requires standardised test scores, you must use an Additional Score Request (ASR) form and get ETS to send your official test scores directly to your universities. Many universities require the official standardised test scores to be in your file by the application deadline date so be sure to send your official score reporting in time.

If you have extracurricular activity certificates and other achievement awards that you would like to highlight, make a separate booklet and send it with your applications. You can include articles written, awards won and community service certificates.

Be sure to indicate why these activities or awards are important to you. “In addition to academic excellence, we are interested in students who have made significant contributions to the life of their school or community.

We do not favour one type of activity over another; nor is it necessary to participate in a large number of activities. Rather, we look for students who have committed themselves to their chosen activities over a period of time and who have shown energy and enthusiasm in working with others,” says Stanford University.

Once your application is ready, add a covering letter and send it to the address stated on the application form.

Make sure that everything in your application is well explained. Keep a copy for your records. Your college application should convey who you are and what's important to you. Make each university application with great care and adhere to university rules. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 21

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An

artis

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YOUTH INC SELECTS TOP ART AND DESIGN COLLEGES ACROSS THE WORLD TO NURTURE THE BUDDING ARTIST IN YOU

education A

good education is the foundation to excel in any field and this includes art as well. As such, when it comes to art and design, one may want to study at one of the top institutes across the world. However, most young artists may wonder why they should pursue a Design and Arts degree abroad.

There are a number of good reasons behind this. The costs are prohibitive, but those with the inclination and the resources can benefit tremendously.

In the US, the flexibility of a liberal arts degree will allow you to major in art and take a minor in a safer field that could range from science to business. This in turn will certainly make your parents breathe easier! European art schools have been at the forefront of the art world for many years. After all, where else in the world would one want to live life as an artist than on the cobbled streets of Paris, painting by the Seine, wandering through the museums of Florence or being inspired by the impressionist museums at Barcelona? Europe has transformed the experience of art into a daily aesthetic with its history, architecture and trends in fashion.

Here are our top five reasons why one should consider a degree in art and design at one of the top institutes worldwide: 1. International exposure to different ideas and cultures will drive your creative process. Artists derive their energy from personal experiences that are rich and varied.

Interacting with like-minded artists from across the world is a great experience that will only serve to fuel creativity.

2. As an artist, it’s important to get a feel of what is happening in the art scene, whether it is the cutting-edge trends in design and art or the techniques employed, as well as the theory, history and practical side of it. Exposure to new media designs and methods help to serve as an enhancement.

3. Moreover, one can opt for an all-round degree in a subject that gives you exposure to commerce, science and other subjects in the humanities, while honing your artistic skills.

4. Studying art abroad gives you the chance to visit a number of new and fascinating places. It also gives you exposure to the style of art that is intrinsic of that particular region.

5. Coursework is focused on art history, and if you choose Europe to study, you can expect to study interesting and artistically-rich subjects during actual visits to places like the Louvre, the Sistine Chapel or the Van Gogh Museum. There is indeed nothing like the first-hand view of art.

Undergraduates can pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and are sure to get spoilt for choice with the areas of speciality that generally range from drawing, writing, music, interior design, photography, painting and industrial design to film production and visual design. The options are limitless. Graduates can opt for a Master of Fine Arts to specialise in an area like creative writing, dance, filmmaking, performing arts or visual arts. Read on to find out which are the top, fine art institutes worldwide.

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RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN www.risd.edu

The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) was founded by women in 1877, long before they had the right vote.

The school holds pride of place as one of the best art design schools in the US, fostering a culture that challenges assumptions, encourages innovation and experimentation and goes against the grain. The campus is adjacent to Brown, and students from both institutes can cross-register for classes without incurring extra costs. Students at Rhode can take up mathematics, foreign languages and science classes at Brown and also access state-of-the-art athletic and social facilities. A Brown-RSID dual degree is also available over a period of five years with a large number of study abroad options.

Ooh la la! Study at the distinguished National School of Fine Arts in the culturally-rich Paris (the ENSB-A) and this is exactly what people will say to you with looks of awe and admiration! The beautiful building in the heart of the city, by the banks of the river Seine, has been nurturing the world’s best artists for over 350 years. The faculty consists of internationally-recognised artists too. Studies range from painting, installation, graphic arts, photography and sculpture to digital media. Practical work is supported by theory as well as history of art, which complements the technical training that students receive. The collection of artwork and books at the school is overwhelmingly large to say the least, and exhibitions as well as seminars take place through the year. This institute is known as one of the most prestigious in the world. The gorgeous building at the Saint-Germain-des-Prés section of Paris has to be seen to be believed; we promise that you will fall in love instantly, and that after all, it is what Paris is known to do!

SCHOOL OF THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO www.saic.edu

ÉCOLE NATIONALE SUPÉRIEURE DES BEAUX-ARTS www.ensba.fr

SAIC has been recognised as one of the top graduate art programmes in the US. Interestingly, this institute has its roots in the 1866 founding of the Chicago Academy of Design, which was established by local artists in Clark Street’s rented rooms! Today, albeit its change in name, the institute (commonly referred to as the Loop) in downtown Chicago is famous for the conceptual art that its students are known to come out with. With courses that range from art history, ceramics, photography, historic preservation and architecture right up to art therapy, this art school will offer you value for your money. Adding more value to this school is its famous Gene Siskel Theatre, which has seen a grand variety of movies and documentaries shot by students themselves. The institute's student exhibits, guest artist visits, art sales and conventions helps aspiring artists to propel with gusto into the fine world of art.

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_FOREIGN SHORES

UNIVERSIDAD COMPLUTENSE DE MADRID www.ucm.es

Located in Valencia in Los Angeles County, this institute was founded and created by Walt Disney in the early 1960s. Known as CalArts, it comprises different schools like the School of Art, the School of Critical Studies, the Sharon Lund School of Dance, the School of Film/ Video, the School of Theatre and the Herb Alpert School of Music. Opt for a degree in music, art, dance, film, theatre, animation, puppetry or writing. The institute continues to bring art forms together with the aim of fostering collaboration and sparking innovation. Students are given opportunities to exhibit their work throughout the year in seven of the campus's galleries, as well as in various spaces around the campus. Ali Akbar Khan, Ravi Shankar and Tim Burton are some of the institute's notable alumni!

SLADE SCHOOL OF FINE ART www.ucl.ac.uk

Opt for the university that shaped great artists like Picasso and Dali, and see how your artistic side comes to life. The faculty focuses its teaching programme on classic arts, subjects like drawing, painting, sculpture and engraving, as well as image and design, together with techniques of restoration in painting and sculpture. The Complutense Art Centre within the university is a museum that acts as a platform for the historical and artistic heritage of the university. It also offers a space for new artistic impulses and trends as well as a focal point for culture and social integration. Studying art in the midst of works by great artists like Gaudi, Picasso and Dali is an inspiring reason to apply to the University of Madrid!

CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF THE ARTS www.calarts.edu/

Study at London’s renowned fine art institute, colloquially referred to as “the Slade” and known to focus on contemporary art. As a student, you will have access to some of the best art resources in the world, while the faculty is top-notch, brimming with notable artists.

Opportunities to study first-hand works of art in local galleries and museums also make this art school one to vie for. Undergraduates can opt for a four-year BA in Fine Art or the BFA in Fine Art; the former includes a history and theory of art components and an additional course chosen from another University College London department.

In the commercial world, a potential employer or client looks at an artist's portfolio and curriculum vitae to see if their work would be a good investment or not. There are a number of things that they look out for. One of them is the art school that the artist has attended. Having attended a top art school is a sign of commitment, dedication and passion. Talent can only be nurtured considering that it is channelled in the right direction and in the most conducive atmosphere, which can only be found at a good art school.

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PHOTOGRAPH BY ROHAN FERNANDES

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was a fun loving, carefree person, who loved to hang out with friends and learn different things like any youngster. Being a creative person, I learnt Italian, worked at a magazine and did a course in professional makeup. Jewellery however, remained my passion and I immersed myself in designing, manufacturing and exhibiting my fashion jewellery brand Joya, something I’ve inherited from my mom. That night completely changed my life. This month would have been my brother’s 35th birthday.

We say that people are irreplaceable, but only once they pass away do we actually realise their value and

how we take them for granted. I practise Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism and this philosophy has given me an inner assurance that my parents and brother are happy wherever they are! I pray for their happiness and well-being. On the face of it, overnight I lost a lot…. my family, my health, my mobility… basically I lost my freedom! From the perspective of Buddhism however, I have won! Coping with everything was hard. I have not really had the time to grieve because from the moment I was aware, I was ailing physically and this was taking priority in my day-to-day life.

Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism teaches the spirit of never being defeated no matter what. In my core I refused to let go of my life and allow the bullets and injuries to defeat me. At first, everyday was a battle to just stay alive! I had survived for a reason and this made me summon up the fighting spirit and determination that I had to recover and get my life back to normal!

At that point merely standing on my own feet was a struggle but regular physiotherapy helped me to take my first steps and start doing daily tasks on my own. I did not make excuses or plunge into despair. We tend to take ourselves for granted right down to the minute ways in which our body functions. A single nerve damage has such serious implications on one’s basic functioning! My physical capabilities and energy levels have diminished greatly.

To quote from an eminent novel The Count of Monte Cristo, “It needs trouble and difficulty and danger to hollow out various mysteries and hidden mines of human intelligence.” As I now have to plan my finances, sort out legal matters, as well as manage everything at home I am pushing myself everyday to expand my capabilities intellectually and physically. I feel empowered by my Buddhist faith, which enables me to set goals for myself and work towards their realisation. Before this episode, I was a person who

“HOW I won

What started off as a family celebration turned out to be an unimaginably tragic night for Jharna Narang who was dining at the Taj Mahal hotel with her family to celebrate her brother Gunjan’s birthday on November 26, 2008. Jharna lost her parents and brother during the terror attack. She was admitted to Bombay Hospital in a life-threatening state after taking four bullets. For eight long months thereafter, she lay in a critical state, and under constant supervision by a team of 19 doctors. It was only two months after that night that she was informed of the death of her family. A first-hand account by Jharna Narang three years down the line

THE

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_AWARENESS

A CAREER IN CRISIS MANAGEMENT The frequency of terrorist attacks in India tends to dampen the shock value. While it is true that we as a country may not be able to divert a terror attack at all times, it is possible to build our individual and institutional capacities to cope with the disaster.

Short term and long term strategies in readiness for any kind of disaster is the need of the hour.

In India there are many institutes that offer courses in disaster management. The main objective of these courses is to help one understand how to optimise human, material and financial resources to provide relief to victims in terms of natural or man-made disasters. For starters, a postgraduate diploma course in disaster mitigation and disaster management is a good course to pursue if you have the desire to help people in times of crisis.

The Disaster Management Training Institute (DMTI), the Jamsetji Tata Centre for Disaster Management at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) are some of the best institutes that offer intensive courses in this field. Candidates with an engineering background can create disaster-proof building designs. Employment opportunities can also be explored in NGOs and global organisations like UNESCO, Red Cross, World Bank and United Nations Organisations.

would procrastinate and postpone things, but now, I take charge and tackle problems and situations head-on so I have begun to believe in myself again!

Being left pretty much alone is extremely daunting.

I am fortunate to have the continuous support of my extended family and friends who have stood by me like pillars and who are ever willing to do anything if I ask for help. I can never take anything for granted now.

In Mumbai, people are resilient and quick to move on. In the heat of the moment everyone is charged up but very few people get down to real action. Most of the lessons that such episodes bring are forgotten. There is

over

a good and a bad side to this. Resilience is good, but indifference is something that makes me feel sad. The cause of terrorism is not where it seems to be. It is far more deep rooted and begins in our hearts. It stems from the trend of the times with the obsession with excesses, consumerism and the greed that it brings out in people. We are so caught up with our own lives, our own pursuits that we are willing to ‘terrorise’ those in our immediate surroundings – our househelp, subordinates, children, spouses in order to get what we want at any or all costs. It may seem shocking, but this is how we contribute to terrorism ourselves!

Dr Norman Cousins, an American world peace advocate has said, “Death is not the greatest tragedy that befalls us in life. What is far more tragic is for an important part of oneself to die while one is still alive.” Despite what I have been through, my heart as a human being has not been ‘bombed.’ I do not feel hatred towards the terrorists, rather, compassion, I believe they are victims of their own circumstances and distorted beliefs that make them resort to such violence.

Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism resonates that each of us has infinite inherent potential and deserves to lead a happy and fulfilling life. We may have dreams locked up in our hearts that we are afraid to admit even to ourselves! Is it because we fear disappointment should we not succeed in achieving what we want? It is we who impose limits on our own potential as human beings with our doubts and fears.

To lead a physically, financially, emotionally and spiritually healthy life; one of no regrets wherein our human potential is entirely fulfilled, we need to have that vision of our goals and the courage and perseverance to achieve them. Dr Ikeda states, “A healthy and fulfilling life. That is the purpose of faith.” yi

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_AWARENESS

T

Ethical leadership

he world is transforming at a pace faster than our capabilities. Our actions and intentions now will soon become a consequence in the future, for good and unfortunately bad too. I am not a pessimist by nature, but sometimes it’s quite worrying to see the direction in which the world is moving ahead in terms of unending personal needs; stiff competition; recognition of achievements and also in terms of how some achievements are defined. Situations often lead us to compromise on some basic and sustainable elements, making us live a somewhat delusional lifestyle.

To simply ground these thoughts there are several instances that come to my mind. The global financial crisis; corruption across governments; lack of initiative displayed by youth; the indifference towards taking a

> By Sahil Dewan, President, AISEC India

stand for right or wrong; or for that matter, the number of responsible citizens who vote. And needless to say, all of these should have been opportunities towards a better world through ethical leadership.

The problem starts with lack of awareness and transcends to not knowing the right course of action.

Most of the time, the environment guides us in our actions, and they become reactive instead of proactive.

Ever given a thought to the feeling of satisfaction when you stand up for your beliefs? Yes, it’s quite a rare feeling! What we, the youth, stand up for now will become a consequence for our future generations to deal with.

What principles guide you in your life? I know it’s a tough question itself, leave aside finding out the answer.

Fortunately, after spending a considerable amount of time in a

youth organisation which believes in discovering and developing leadership potential for anyone who wants to engage with it, I feel satisfaction about my learning. AIESEC, through my various experiences working with different diverse teams; being lead by different leaders and having to learn right from wrong myself, has been quite empowering. Today, after knowing people from over 45 different nations, talking with them about leadership, world issues and management, not only have I become more aware about the world and myself but I have also defined my own value system which guides my actions. And so, from my perspective, something as simple as ethical leadership is a very powerful belief.

“Be aware, have a hunger for learning and contributing more, purposefully” A common motto for the youth today! yi

you t h incorporated EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

www.youthincmag.com

h t n o m this ► More info and articles on music, books, and movies ► A personal account of how a live-in relationship affected a family

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_COVER STORY

PICTURE COURTESY: EXCEL ENTERTAINMENT

ex c

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HE IS THE GREEK GOD THAT EVERY GIRL DREAMS ABOUT AND EVERY GUY WANTS TO BE. TO THE PERFECT CHISELLED BODY, ADD THE EXPRESSIVE EYES, THE UNRULY HAIR EVER SO IMPECCABLY WORN AND OODLES OF TALENT. MEET HRITHIK ROSHAN, HEART-THROB OF MILLIONS

Actor par

x cellence

W

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hen he entered the industry eleven years ago, he not only broke many records, but also many hearts. Many hearts who had fallen for both his looks – the simple boy next door and the suave, bike riding expat who falls in love with the girl nursing a broken heart. Directed by his father Rakesh Roshan, Kaho Na Pyaar Hai did the

trick for Hrithik Roshan. He may have come a long way since his debut, facing many highs and lows, both personally and professionally, but the one thing he has been consistent with is wow-ing his audience with his consistent performances.

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lot of thought to the matter that he is replacing Hrithik as the villain in the series and wants to live up to it. Needless to say, it speaks volumes for Hrithik’s talent.

What then is the secret of his success? The first thing that comes to mind is his humility and his ready ability to give credit where it is due.

The first testimony to this fact was the acknowledgement he gave to his acting guru Kishore Namit Kapoor while accepting his first Filmfare Award for Best Actor for Kaho Na Pyaar Hai way back in 2000. “I’m just a newcomer and holding this award in my hand scares the hell out of me. Nevertheless, it will be a cherished memory since it is the outcome of a lot of hard work put in by many people. I have to thank my teacher Kishore Kapoor and his academy,” he said while accepting the award.

Eleven years on, and he’s still his humble self. When choreographer Ganesh Hegde roped in the super star to shake a leg alongside him and three other popular actresses, Hrithik happily agreed. Hrithik left such a mark on Hegde, that the choreographer was not only inspired by the actor’s technical expertise and his dancing ability, but also his dedication. His commitment towards work and sheer respect for fellow human beings impressed him the most. Narrating an incident that took place during his shoot with Hrithik, Hegde says, “The most important thing that I have learnt from Hrithik is that no matter how big you become, you can always extend a helping hand towards someone who needs it.”

While the media had

already reported that the star did not charge a fee for the appearince, the choreographer went a step ahead and admitted to IBNLive that Hrithik in fact did not even accept money for his own entourage including his make-up and hair person. No wonder Hegde is in awe of the him. “The day I was shooting with Hrithik, he had a family function in the evening.

In spite of getting calls all evening regarding the event, Hrithik actually stayed back till 3 am for

the shoot and missed going to his function. It just shows his respect towards work and that’s how humble he is as a human being.”

On another note, getting along with the cast and crew of any movie is essential to survive and do well in this industry, according to Hrithik.

He pauses to give an instance from his own experience. “Whenever I have a shooting schedule on location abroad, after about 10 to 15 days I start missing family a lot. I have to work harder to focus on work, since I am missing everyone so much. But on the sets of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, we got along so well, that I didn’t miss home! It was surprising, but true,” says the talented actor.

No wonder this bonding leads the actor to being an inspiration to his co-stars. Priyanka Chopra reminisces about her time shooting with Hrithik in Singapore for Krrish. “He inspired me to give my best. He’s all there.

He’s so charged about his work.

He has his character so beautifully worked out. He completely inspired me in Krrish.”

A great actor, a respecting professional, a model son, a loving father and a caring husband. A person couldn’t get any better as a human being! yi Want to be a part of the glamworld? Turn to page 34 to see how to become an actor ►

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has been commended for his performances. Be it the poignant lover on the brink of sacrificing love for friendship in Mujse Dosti Karoge or the poor, dance teacher who marries immigrant women for money and in turn falls for a Mexican girl, he has always delivered even when the script has failed. He plays every role with equal ease and élan, whether he is playing a super hero (Krrish); a young student just coming of age to find his motive in life (Lakshya); a master conman who gives up the thrill for love (Dhoom 2) or the young Mughal prince who was forced to rule the country at a young age,

ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA IS ONE OF THOSE FEW MOVIES WHERE I AM NOT PLAYING A LARGER THAN LIFE CHARACTER

who falls for his Hindu wife (Jodha Akbar). Fresh from the recent acclaim he received for Guzaarish and the fun he had on the sets of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, Hrithik is just being his modest self when he says, “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara is one of those few movies where I am not playing a larger than life character; just a normal young man who comes up hard in life and works hard to be where he is.” Well said for an actor at a stage in his life and career where hits and misses do not matter anymore.

Very clear about the fact that he goes by instinct when choosing whether or not to do a film after reading the script, Hrithik is a person who listens to his heart. “Once I decide to do a movie, even my heart can’t stop me from doing it,” he says in a way that almost seems believable. That is the kind of dedication a director expects from his actors. Hrithik also takes his work very seriously. He sincerely believes that if an actor does

not come prepared to play a certain character, he is doing a great deal of injustice, not only to the role, but also to his capability. That explains the fact that he spent an entire month in China to undergo martial arts training to perform his own stunts in Krrish or the regular visits to real-life quadriplegics to sensitively understand their condition, lifestyle, dilemmas and problems so as to portray his character in the most realistic way possible in Guzaarish. So much so that with his immense acting talent, he has even impressed the most methodical of all actors – Aamir Khan.

Taking over from Hrithik as the villain in Dhoom 3, the senior actor is reported to have gotten in touch with Hrithik to discuss a few things about his character. “Hrithik is one of the best looking actors we have. He is also a great actor. I want to take acting lessons from him,” Aamir was heard saying on a television show.

Sources say that Aamir has given a

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A

cting is one of the most sought-after careers all over the world especially with all the glitz and glamour that surrounds the life of a movie star!

While becoming an actor isn’t exactly rocket science, it isn't easy as well. A lot of people make it big, but there are some who simply fail to make the cut. So, what are the factors that cause aspiring actors to make or break it?

While training at a good acting school is of great importance, it is equally important to develop certain qualities before you decide to begin your journey to lighting up the big screen.

ROLE

PLAY So you want to make a break into the television or film industry, but you have no idea where to begin. Youth Inc lets you in on how to navigate a successful career in the field of acting

Learning the ropes You might just be tempted to jump right into the audition process if you feel that you are blessed with a natural talent for acting. However, it’s best to get trained at a good acting school because acting is as much an art as it is a talent. Acting schools offer courses that are intensive. Applicants with a class 12 certificate along with a good knowledge of spoken and written English or Hindi are eligible to study at acting institutes.

Further, the full-fledged training that is imparted at such schools ensures that you get an all-round education in this art. The curriculum generally covers dance, stunts and martial arts, diction, dubbing, voice culture, imagination and memory exercises, speech variation and modulation, body language, improvisation, creative body movements, expression exercises, music, character study, filmed practical tests, film appreciation, scene studies, script analysis, grooming, personality development and portfolio creation.

Acting qualities Besides training to become an actor, there are many qualities that one needs to inculcate in himself or herself in order to make it in the world of stardom. One needs to have a good amount of confidence and flexibility to be able to adapt to different kinds of roles. A vivid imagination as well as the will to experiment also helps

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to a great extent. Besides, one also requires passion for the art, dedication to keep going strong even through the toughest times, and a good amount of patience. You might have to repeat a certain shot more than 10 times to get it right in the eyes of the director! Be prepared to never give up.

Acting schools Actor Prepares is one of the wellknown acting schools in India.

Established by veteran actor Anupam Kher, this school has centres in Mumbai, Chandigarh and Ahmedabad, and offers a three-month full-time diploma course and a onemonth part-time certificate course. To apply, one should be above 16 years of age with a class 12 certificate and proficiency in written and spoken English and/ or Hindi. The classes are conducted by competent faculty members as well as by guest lecturers that have included the likes of Hrithik Roshan, Abhishek Bachchan and Deepika Padukone.

The Kishore Namit Kapoor Acting Institute offers an 18-week advance acting course, which not only covers training for films, but also for radio and television. Interestingly, Hrithik Roshan studied at this institute. The institute has a limited number of seats, which in addition to acting classes, receives training in horse riding, swimming, camera techniques and lighting. It certainly is an institute that offers an all-round training for aspiring actors.

Zee Institute of Media Arts (ZIMA) offers a three-month acting course the syllabus of which is based on Stanislavsky’s 'Method Acting' and covers exercises like observation, imagination, improvisations, voice and speech, diction, action problems, movement, monologues, scenes, film orientation, play back, acting analysis, stunts and dance. The last week of this course is dedicated to practical training that involves facing the camera.

Film and Television Institute (FTII), Pune is the institute that

ABHISHEK BACHCHAN WITH ANUPAM KHER AT ACTOR PREPARES

Name of School Actor Prepares

City Fees Mumbai, Chandigarh, `1,40,000 Ahmedabad Kishore Namit Kapoor Mumbai `1,65,450 Acting Institute Delhi `69,000 to Asian Academy of Film & TV (AAFT) `2,00,000 Film and Television Institute of India (FTII)

comes to mind when one thinks of anything to do with the Indian television and film world. To work on your acting skills, opt for a two-year postgraduate diploma in acting, for which a bachelor’s degree is required to be eligible. The faculty comprises lecturers who are well-versed in their respective fields. The campus also has a hostel for students.

Asian Academy of Film & TV (AAFT) in Delhi. The 3-month course for budding actors includes on-camera training to improve acting skills, guest lectures, interactions with people from the film and television industry, film screenings in the institute’s in-house theatre, as well as opportunities to act in short films and other projects. The

Pune

`1,75,000

one-year diploma in acting (film and television) is an intensive programme that covers aspects that range from dancing, music, voice and speech, improvisation and grooming right up to pantomime and film stunts.

Making it big An acting career is very lucrative once you have established yourself in the television and film industry. The best part about this industry is that one commands a salary by virtue of one’s acting skills coupled with the ability to strike the right chord with the audience. Carving a niche for yourself in the industry is very important and so is capitalising on every opportunity and making the most of it. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 35

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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

Genetic engineering What should I opt to study after class 12 to become a genetic engineer? Is it better if I do MBBS first?

-Swapna Telani Genetic engineers are scientists working with human, animal or plant genes. A PhD in a biological science could make you a genetic engineer. An undergraduate degree in biology, botany, chemistry, life science or zoology, medicine (MBBS), agriculture, or biotechnology engineering could lay the foundation for a genetic engineering career. An MBBS would allow you an added advantage to practice medicine and specialise in genetic medicine.

Q

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Company secretary Q What does a company secretary (CS) do? What kind of a salary package can one draw in this profession?

-Aliya Bose The CS course provides integrated knowledge of multiple disciplines of law, management, finance and corporate governance. Duties of a CS include ensuring compliance with relevant legal and regulatory matters, administration of mergers and acquisitions, drafting contracts, advising the board of directors on company law and procedures and maintaining company records, handling shareholder issues, securities compliance and certification services, taxation and international trade, WTO services and so forth.

Company secretaries were recruited at salaries ranging from ` 5 lakh to ` 7 lakh per annum in recent campus placements at Institute of Company Secretaries of India.

Candidates with excellent and consistent academic records and good practical exposure attract the best pay packages.

A

Making a switch I have completed my BTech in Computers and I am interested in part-time or freelance jobs related to writing and research. Any courses that would help?

-Pramila Goshar Qualifying the Patent Agent exam by the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (www. ipindia.nic.in) could help in getting assignments with law firms or R&D institutions, etc. IGNOU, NALSAR,

Q

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NLS Bangalore offer diploma courses in patent law/ practice, etc. Technical writing or freelance science journalism opportunities would be suitable if you possess good language and writing skills. Society of Technical Communication - India Chapter (www.stc-india.org) and distance education Science Journalism by the Indian Science Communication Society (www.iscos.org) would provide leads for technical writing and orientation for science journalism respectively. Examples are indicative.

To do with ships What is the difference between marine engineering and nautical technology?

Q

-Vijay Ravi

A Marine engineering is involved with the design,

construction, installation, operation, maintenance and repair of the main propulsion engines and auxiliary machinery and systems found in ships, boats and offshore installations. It is a four-year degree course after class 12 with physics, chemistry, mathematics and English with normal colour vision and glasses up to plus or minus 2.5 D. Nautical science/ technology degree is of three years duration open to the same students, but who have normal vision without visual aids and normal colour vision.

One becomes a deck officer involved in navigation, cargo operations and ship maintenance and operations after a nautical science degree. Both marine engineers and nautical technologists work in the merchant navy.

A little indecision How do I decide whether to opt for MBA or MCA? -Anish Tripathi Admission is through an entrance exam in either case.

Review the entrance test patterns and decide which one you could handle better. A strong performance in the entrance test would ensure admission in a reputed institution, hence, better placement prospects. Another approach would be to review the curriculum of MBA from the website of any recognised business school such as www.fms.edu (FMS Delhi) or www.jbims.edu (JBIMS, Mumbai), and that of MCA from the website of JNU, New Delhi at www.jnu.ac.in or IIT Roorkee at www.iitr.ac.in, to assess which course would be better suited to your abilities and interests.

Q

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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

Communications in the US I want to opt for a master's programme in the US. I am contemplating either communications or journalism. Which colleges would you suggest? Also, would it be advisable to go to the US next fall since the country is going through the second phase of the recession?

-Arijita Gumaste Journalism is more about the making of communication while communication studies, as the programme is called, focuses more on the study of communication.

Amongst the better universities for graduate programmes (would be considered postgraduation in India) are Columbia Graduate School of Journalism, University of California at Berkeley, Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, University of Missouri’s School of Journalism, University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, University of Wisconsin – Madison, Journalism programmes broadly have three ‘tracks’: magazine, newspaper or broadcast (TV and radio). You would participate in an internship at a publication or station with some students even going abroad for this. At the graduate level, courses are less about the theoretical aspects of journalism and more about the tricks of the trade.

Missouri, for example, offers Intermediate and Advanced Writing, Newspaper Reporting and Magazine Editing.

The MS programme at the Columbia School of Journalism includes courses such as Personal and Professional Style, Covering Ideas and The Deadline in Depth.

The ‘tracks’ within communication studies are loosely defined so you can focus your curriculum to suit your interests. Typically, these would be in the following areas: Organisational Communication, Communication Industries and Technologies, Rhetoric, Media and Public Culture, Relational Communication, Media and Politics, and Argumentation and Advocacy.

Do keep in mind that grad-school is quite expensive, almost prohibitive by Indian standards. The one-year graduate programme at Columbia costs a hefty $75,000 including tuition and living expenses – that’s around 35 lakhs!

Regarding the current US economic downturn/ recession, do keep a few things to keep in mind. One, understand the impact the recession has on jobs and hiring outlook in your desired field. By and large, with lower spends from advertisers, traditional mainstream media does reduce its

Q

A

hiring – but that doesn’t mean they don’t require skilled, qualified and motivated professionals. Be prepared to work hard and do well both academically and in your internships to improve your chances of landing a job.

Secondly, during a recession, most universities actually see an increase in applications – with people wanting to ride out the tough times and improve their skills and thereby making themselves more employable. As a result, getting admissions into the better programs actually becomes harder!

Lastly, the recession has a definite impact on funding, aid and scholarships available, especially so for international students. Most international students look at a combination of university scholarship and aid, and scholarships and grants from their home country to fund their education.

But don’t let the prevailing economic scenario stop you from applying. You are targeting the academic session of 2012 and will graduate in 2013 – that’s a long way away and things should improve by then. Fingers crossed!

US system too tough?

Being an only child, I’m somewhat over-protected at home. Precisely for this reason, I have told my parents that I would like to go abroad for further study, preferably to the US. However, my relatives say that I will not be able to cope with the pressures and system of study there. They say that I will get totally undisciplined because of all the freedom there unlike our school system where teachers keep a close eye on the students. What do you think?

-Tushar Gupta Unlike school, university professors in the US rarely check class attendance or day-to-day homework. You are expected to be responsible for yourself and your obligations as a student (you’ll be treated as an adult and in turn, you will be expected to behave as one).

But don’t worry -- you won’t be left completely on your own. Universities have a sophisticated infrastructure to help you. There are counselling centres, residence advisors, medical services, placement offices, etc. Sure, the freedom at college can be difficult to get used to. An immense study load with an emphasis on self-study vs rote learning on one hand and the numerous distractions, including a new multi-cultural environment, on the other, may pull you in opposite directions. One of the most important things you can learn during your first months at university is ‘balance’.

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rhythm _FOCUS FEATURE

divine SEVEN FORMS, INNUMERABLE MUDRAS AND BHAVAS, A TAAL AND YOU’RE SET. THAT’S THE CHARM OF INDIAN CLASSICAL DANCE FINDS A YOUTH INC CORRESPONDENT

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he sensuous movements of the dancer have the crowd completely engaged in the story that she is telling. One moment she is a desiring lover and another a nurturing mother. And all she has at her disposal to convey her emotions are her movements and expressions that she has to set perfectly to the live beats of the tabla. Her ghunghroos have another story to tell. It is a form of communication that has the ability to bring out the innermost feelings of a person, and with classical dance, these feelings are brought out in the context of culture as well. Of course, like everything associated with our culture, classical dance too had to gain international acclaim before becoming widely popular in India.

“Movements in the Indian classical dances often combine the mind, body and soul since they have evolved from age old traditions. There are varied forms, each with its own nuances and details, and anyone who wants to be an exponent must understand the various dance forms before deciding to adopt one,” says

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_OUT OF THE BOX

Dr Bharti Gupta, who is a Kathak exponent, and has researched the dance form extensive for her PhD and teaches in Mumbai.

India has witnessed the birth to myriad forms of dancing, each shaped by the influences of a particular historical period.

Extremely intricate and an art that requires skill, hard work and discipline, dance portrays some expression of life. In fact, almost every dance movement, expression and posture has a specific meaning. And the traditional themes are either influenced or derived from mythology, folklore, legends and classical literature.

“Indian dance is said to have originated from Natya Shastra, which is a detailed script written on all aspects of Indian dance.

The author of Natya Shastra was Bharata Muni who wrote it somewhere in the second century BC,” informs Dr Gupta.

Adds Bharat Natyam exponent and choreographer Snehal Mehta, “The two main forms in India are the classical and folk forms. What is interesting to note, and very unique to India, is that the dances are devotional in content. Not because I practice it, but, Bharat Natyam is believed to be the oldest form.” She further explains that there are forms of dance that are typical to certain parts of the country and are based on ancient disciplines.

THE STARTING POINT

According to many practitioners and teachers, like for any sport, training for dance too should start as early as the age of six or less. Of course, this could be way before the official professional training.

This kind of a start can enable students to grasp subtle nuances early on in life, and enable the bodies to adopt postures of the dance much more easily than older students. Of course, there is no age bar to start learning how to dance,

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but this belief is held by exponents who themselves have devoted a major part of their lives to the dance form.

WHAT IT TAKES

Besides an inborn talent, the basic requirement for a full time professional training is matriculation or 10 + 2 for those who want to pursue their graduation in the subject. Course areas include history and evolution of dance and dance forms, the characteristic features of the dance form one specialises in, covering all aspects of dance as a performing art.

Of course it takes talent, versatility, sense of rhythm, grace, expressive facial and body language, an ability to interpret roles, attractive appearance, stage presence, creativity, physical stamina etc.

However, those who want to become serious exponents must undertand the nature of dedication and commitment required.

“An entire lifetime is often not sufficient to grasp everything the guru has to offer, but one needs to be a life-long learner in the true sense,” says Dr Gupta.

In fact, the late Protima Bedi establsihed Nityagram near Bangalore with the philosophy that dance is a way of life, a matter of faith and belief, nurtured and enriched by the souls of it’s own people. yi

The various classical dance forms and their state of origin • Katha Kali : Kerela • Mohini Attam : Kerela • Bharat Natyam : Tamil Nadu • Kuchipudi : Andhra Pradesh • Odissi : Orissa • Kathak : Uttar Pradesh • Manipuri : Manipur

20-10-2011 17:28:47

_FOCUS FEATURE

Awakening

the mind’s

eye

HYPNOTHERAPY IS INCREASINGLY FINDING ACCEPTANCE IN OVERCOMING PHOBIAS AND ADDICTIONS. BEVERLY PEREIRA DELVES DEEPER INTO THE NUANCES OF THIS THERAPY AS A CAREER OPTION

T

hroughout history, states of trance have been used by medicine men and shamans as a part of rituals and ceremonies. Today too, there are a growing number of people who prefer to use alternative therapies to solve issues, be it of the physical or mental kind. Not only this, a lot of people are beginning to understand the power of the human mind. Thus, the demand for qualified hypnotherapists and hypnotists has increased manifold. If you, like many others, believe that the subconscious holds the key to healing life’s issues, then it’s time you explore the possibilities of a successful career in this alternative form of treatment

known as hypnotherapy.

A hypnotherapist is a medical practitioner who utilises hypnosis as a tool to assist people in achieving their desired goals by focusing on the role of subconscious behaviours and influences in the person's life. Simply put, in the induced hypnotic state, the subject is more than usually receptive to suggestions. People seek the services of a hypnotherapist to cure them of just about any phobia like heights or public speaking, insomnia, anxiety, writer’s block, as well as to help them in areas like weight loss, smoking cessation and pain control.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to hypnotherapy as a means

of healing. In fact, it's not only used for personal improvement, but also in business, education and to boost sports performance. Further, there are no side effects involved. Dr J P Malik, Director and Founder, Indian Hypnosis Academy says, “Hypnotherapy is indeed a rapidly developing career. However, few people know how useful it is. India has a large population out of which only a handful is trained. This field caters to the needs of people in areas like relationships, studies, sports, phobias, trauma, foreign energy management, spiritual development, anxiety, unwanted habits and defensive behaviours. It's a very lucrative career

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_OUT OF THE BOX

Is hypnosis medically approved?

Hypnotism is officially recognised and approved by the British Medical Association, the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. a rapport with people and to sympathise without seeing the client as helpless. A good therapist should also maintain confidentiality and a staunch dedication to the well-being of the client. A career in the field of hypnotherapy is perfect for people who wish to help others and who have a strong mind.

Hypnotherapy training schools

for people interested in the power of the mind.”

Prerequisites The only requirement to study at hypnotherapy institutes in India is senior secondary (class 10) and knowledge and an understanding of the English language. That said, it helps if you are a graduate in psychology as one would have a better understanding and grasp of the concept of hypnotism.

Interestingly, the basic qualities of a good hypnotherapist have nothing to do with hypnosis. Rather, one should have a passion for life, a commitment to ethics and the ability to establish

Steer clear of schools run by lay hypnotists that award certifications over the Internet. According to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, hypnotherapy is a recommended mode of therapy in India that can only be practised by appropriately trained personnel. Do check for accreditation of the institute (ISO 9001: 2008). Affiliations to international institutes is an added plus. Resist the temptation to embark on the quickest or the cheapest course available.

Institutes like the Indian Hypnosis Academy in Delhi offer a one-year diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy (`33,500). This course comprises five modules, workshops, individual coaching, written exams and case study assessments. The Hypnotherapy School of India, with its pan-India centres as far as Dharamshala, is also another good option and has affi liations to the renowned American Hypnosis Association. This institute offers progressive courses starting at just `8,000 and go up to `28, 000 for the Level IV course. Students must undergo mandatory training at the institute’s clinics. Consider it an investment to upgrade your skills from time to time with related courses and workshops. Blossom Furtado, Founder of the Hypnotherapy School of India says, “It is vital to upgrade

your skills on a regular basis as our work is related to the ever-evolving mind.”

Profitable or not?

A career in hypnotherapy is as profitable as you want to make it.

Since the demand for therapists is increasing by the day, hypnotherapy happens to be one of the blooming careers today. “A practising hypnotherapist can manage to meet three clients a day and give them two hours each. Since the fee is `1, 500 per hour for the first session, and subsequently goes on to `3, 000 per hour for therapy sessions, a career in this field is well-paying,” says Furtado.

As the world becomes aware that we are more than just the physical and that there is a body, mind and spirit connection, the need for experts that include hypnotherapists is increasing by the day. A career in this field will not only prove to be profitable but also highly satisfying as you help people deal with issues and challenges. yi

Past Life Regression It's beneficial to do a supplementary course in Past Life Regression (PLR), which is a technique that uses hypnosis to recover what practitioners believe are memories of past lives or incarnations. This method of healing is used to arrive at a solution for problems and challenges which remain unresolved in spite of undergoing therapies. It is the process of travelling back in time to relive unresolved issues in one or many previous life times.

Indian Hypnosis Academy - course fee - `10,500 Indian School of Hypnosis - course fee - `14,000 NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 41

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_CAREER WATCH

From

inspirationto P

erhaps since I was a child I knew clearly that my life would be driven with design. My main profession has been interior architecture. Since I was a child I'd assist my parents, aunts, friends, their friends in re-arranging furniture, buying furnishings, redoing spaces, and as time went by, I got more and more involved way.

Never was I conflicted about where I was going. My parents, very intellectual economics and management graduates, had hoped I'd go the London School of Economics (LSE) assuming that I'd have inherited their scholarly genes, but I was born with the ‘art gene’.

To me, my abiding interest is to remodel and revamp interiors, without breaking and remodelling, doing a soft revamp make-over where an entire new look is created in a matter of days without stress to the client, and to the absolute delight of the client. A grooming of a space in an age where breaking down a space can become cumbersome to a client.

per f

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_CAREER WATCH

Like a grooming job of a woman, a re-colour, re-dress of the home, office, or restaurant! To re-invent a space is my delight.

The path to learn and study design was breathtaking.

I worked and studied in America and France and I have worked in Japan, California, France, and Australia. On my return to India twelve odd years ago, I'd say my launch pad was the Jaipur airport after which there was no looking back.

It was my first project and I kept doing homes and offices and wrote about design and interior solutions all over the world to spread the knowhow as well.

I drew and coloured before I could write... for me design, shapes, and forms have been attractive since I was three or maybe before even.

There was a point in time when architects themselves would do all the design work, even the interiors. But then clients became more aware, and tasteful designs were created for homes, offices and factories. This was the turning point that opened the door for a large number of professionals in this field.

to improve your home surroundings, or do you like to design or redesign your personal space? You probably can consider becoming an interior designer. Interior designers are creative, imaginative and artistic. Of course they need to be disciplined and organised, but the main agenda is to combine knowledge with aesthetic vision. As profession, interior design depends heavily clients, and sometimes, other design professionals.

They work towards developing space and design solutions that allow for optimum space usage, and are safe, functional and attractive.

Designers usually specialise niche areas, like business design, or on residential design. Landscape designing is also coming up in a big way. The mainstay of the business is to incorporate the client’s needs, tastes and budget in any design that is created. The designer has to take care of the choice of material of everything, including walls, floors, roofs, choice and placement of furniture and other indoor objects, window treatments and other indoor objects, lighting and control of visual and sound effects.

What you’ll do When you are in a space do you tend to take notice of your surroundings? Do you frequently make suggestions on how

What it takes All projects are special, but once I accept all of them are close to my heart. A designer is like a friend and a counsellor

THE ART OF CONVERTING THE SPACE CONTAINED WITHIN FOUR BARE WALLS INTO A LOVING AND COSY SPACE HAS GONE FAR BEYOND JUST INTERIOR DESIGN. NISHA JAMVWAL EXPLORES THE FIELD

r fection

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_CAREER WATCH

PHOTOGRAPHS BY DEB MANDAL

in New York, Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Prat Institute in New York and Graduate School of Design at Harvard. These are places where you are challenged and allowed to think; these schools teach you how to design.

These schools teach you how to think out of the box.

My suggestions to students who The writer, Nisha JamVwal, is well known want to become as a star interior architect. Yet, this interior designers glamorous long-legged belle dons myriad is to work hard, hats - fashion designer, art consultant, work hard and work columnist, and craft activist - all with hard, there are no equal ease and élan. shortcuts! And the second important suggestion is to always go with your design ideas when you are sure, don't allow people to shilly-shally around you and detract you with silly ‘judgement’ and ‘verdicts’, especially idle socialites who come to college juries and browbeat students to show importance.

The eligibility depends on the programme, but a candidate has to have at least passed the plus two examination to take up any programme, whether degree or diploma.

to the client. Designers work in a team with clients, and if satisfied, the clients always recommend the designer to their friends.

I have tons of energy and am always impatient to do many things, exactly how a designer should be. A designer’s mind should be fed with art and history, architecture and words.

He should understand aesthetics, a lover of the arts, and be able to work with all media that allow one to dabble in design and art. As soon as you see a space, your mind has to start clicking with ideas to enhance it to its aesthetic function in accordance with your vision and the client’s brief. Sometimes there is an upsurge of ideas; and sometimes it is a struggle.

That is something you have to deal with.

I also work with a desire to bring issues to the forefrontwith the peg of glamour, to help in whatever way I can to bring about some meaningful change in our society. Like wheelchair access in public spaces and care and concern for animals being my primary priorities. If you can pull off working for a cause, it would be worthwhile.

The study route to success The various branches of interior design in which students can specialise are lighting, product design, furniture design, and furnishing, depending on their preference and interests.

Some of the phenomenal schools in the world are National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad; Parsons School of Design

Crowning glory As a professional interior designer, there are many moments that were special landmarks that made my journey until now special •• Standing on stage with adulating students clapping and cheering at my key note speech made me feel like Ms Universe must feel winning a crown; •• The completion of Jaipur Airport after the trepidation that the Airports Authority had felt about one so young handling such a big project receiving accolades for it; •• The opening night of my book release about The Craft Of Stone Sculpture: ‘Iconic & Narrative Symphonies In Stone'; and •• The house I painted and designed for Lisa Ray appearing on the covers of International magazines. yi

Institutes

• GARWARE INSTITUTE OF CAREER EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MUMBAI, MUMBAI • RACHNA SANSAD SCHOOL OF DESIGN, MUMBAI • LS RAHEJA SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, DEPARTMENT OF INTERIOR DESIGN, MUMBAI • RAFFLES DESIGN INDIA, MUMBAI • APEEJAY INSTITUTE OF DESIGN, NEW DELHI • INIFD KOTHRUD, PUNE • IMS-DESIGN AND INNOVATION ACADEMY, NOIDA • ACADEMY OF APPLIED ARTS, DELHI • RAFFLES MILLENNIUM INTERNATIONAL, DELHI • SYMBIOSIS INSTITUTE OF DESIGN (SID), PUNE

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Christ University Maria Celine Liya takes you on a tour of her campus

C

ollege days are considered to be the best days of one’s life. Being a part of an institution like Christ University in Bangalore adds to it even more. Christ University, previously known as Christ College, is now declared as Deemed to be University under the Section 3 of UGC Act 1956.

The university offers a wide variety of courses under various streams, and most importantly apart from just the academic growth, it also focuses on the holistic development of the students.

There are many festivals

}

Bangalore

organised by the university’s various departments, however, ‘In Bloom’ and ‘Blossoms’ remain the two main festivals in Christ University, which sees a tremendous participation from the students. Apart from these two festivals, each department hosts their own festival. ‘Silhouette’ is organised by the psychology students and every year the department comes up with innovative ideas.

The campus is a vision to behold with its architectural brilliance and the lush greenery of nature in abundance. The new central block, with its 10 stories is magnificent.

The view is beautiful as one can see

the concrete jungle of the silicon capital from one side, as well as the beauty of the garden city from the other.

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_INSIDE DOPE

With a whopping 85 per cent attendance requirement Christites are in college most of the time and the campus is almost always crowded.

Even though there are a number of places to eat in the campus, during lunch hour, luck has to favour you if you want to eat your favourite on the menu.

Despite the strict nature, what with the CIAs (continuous internal assessments) that almost never seem to end, along with the grading system, the fun factor is very much a part of a Christite’s life. The university’s ethnic day is the most fun of all, when the entire place comes alive with different cultures. It is the one day that we let our hair down and just have fun!

Most Christites are usually in Christ University for almost seven years as they start off with preuniversity college and then move on to graduation and then postgraduation.

Once you get used to the system, it is pretty much fun to be here. The state of the art technology and facilities of this university also contributes to a wonderful learning experience.

Academically, the teaching methods used are innovative and interesting, while the exposure a student receives to the different aspects of education is fantastic, as there are guest lecturers organised by different department where, experts in various fields are called upon to address the students.

Extracurricular activities are given a lot of importance. For instance, students who wish to be a part of the Cul team in Christ University must go through a screening process that is held in the form of an intra-college festival called Darpan. The winners are then chosen to be part of the respective teams.

There is something or the other always happening at Christ University.

The campus is always alive and buzzing with energy. Life here is not a cake walk, but, with the right dedication and effort, it will add on to all facets of one’s life. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 47

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_PRODIGY

ANAND CHULANI HAS TAKEN THE WORLD OF COMEDY BY STORM AND HE IS NOW USING LAUGHTER AS A MEANS TO CONFLICT RESOLUTION AND LEADERSHIP. YOUTH INC GETS TO KNOW MR MASTI, AS HE IS AFFECTIONATELY CALLED BY THE 40,000 KIDS HE HAS WORKED WITH

A

t the age of 12, Anand Chulani was racially abused, bullied and voted ‘least likely to succeed’ by his peers. From there, his success at the age of 34 already seems all the more astonishing. He has written for several TV shows such as The Simpsons, Goodness Gracious Me and Kumar’s at No 42. He is a talent scout for programmes on the Disney Channel.

From entertaining a crowd at college with family stories and his dance moves, the comedian has now toured with Russell Peters and takes the stage regularly with his improv comedy group at the Comedy Store in Mumbai.

He has travelled and worked closely with performance-guru Tony Robbins and been certified as a coach in strategic intervention by Stanford University and the International Council for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.

But the pain he suffered at the age of 12 has defined his future calling.

M MR

Meet 48 Youth Incorporated ║ NOVEMBER 2011

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AVINASH VE RMA

you can activate the path for them m to learn through their natural curiosity and self-belief. LOL World is working with children to access their passion, their fun.

Chulani says, “If you are closed off, stressed out and repressed, you can’t learn. The LOL World series of workshops tries to teach children to put aside their worriess h for some time and to connect with the child in them.”

Chulani also works with corporate companies and adults on using laughter as leadership. Byy ng accepting who you are, by laughing ng and enjoying yourself, you are going ith to become a leader and connect with lt people. He says, “The average adult laughs 17 times a day, the average child, 400 times a day. We need too reconnect with the child within us.” LOL World has a series of workshops that include workshopss and games that are tweaked with his insights on behavioural psychology, neuro-logical programming (NLP) and are matched with key traits like self-acceptance, trust and friendship that each child must have in order to fully grow into their true potential.

The LOL method is based on the well-documented idea pioneered

by Dr Elkind in The Power of Play that children learn best when play is associated with work. With our rigid system of learning that robs children of valuable social and emotional growth, Mr Masti is needed more than ever. yi

PHOTOGRAPH S BY

Despite this plethora of achievements, he has found himself in helping children from all backgrounds develop their leadership and creativity through laughter. By a series of games and workshops, his company, LOL World is helping kids across the world achieve their potential.

The inspiration for LOL World, comes from Chulani's experiences of working with angry, rebellious kids in gangs in Los Angeles, who have thanked him profusely after a workshop where they own up to individuality by accepting his motto, ‘I am a geek,’ and stop trying to impress others. Chulani has conducted successful workshops with Palestinian and Israeli youth who hated each other with a passion, has turned around the lives of children diagnosed with ADD, helped abused and abandoned children, kids who have been bullied and children with low self-esteem to laugh each day and accept themselves.

The LOL World method, he says, is very successful against stress caused by academic pressure, depression and suicidal tendencies.

With the education system today, children are just working towards goals without enjoying themselves, taking their time to enjoy the learning and envisioning the power that it gives them to do whatever they want. Chulani has a proactive way of breaking through children’s mental barriers – making them laugh, accept the part of themselves that is unique and realise what makes them happy,

THE AVERAGE ADULT LAUGHS 17 TIMES A DAY, THE AVERAGE CHILD, 400 TIMES A DAY. WE NEED TO RECONNECT WITH THE CHILD WITHIN US

T S A I

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_STUDENT SPEAK

A double U

TANUSHREE J MULRAJ RECOUNTS THE AGONY AND ECSTASY OF BEING A PROFESSIONAL WHILE BEING A STUDENT

ntil the age of 13 I never managed to get good grades. Quiet and shy, sitting in the corner of the classroom and eating lunch alone, I was quite the outcast. As soon as I hit my teens something changed and my

grades shot up! Don’t ask how, don’t ask why, by the time I got to the ninth grade I was at the top of the class and the trend continued all through my college years(thank God for that or I’d definitely be kicked out because of my zero per cent attendance record!)

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_STUDENT SPEAK

life I was never really into attending lectures in college. Lectures could get long and boring and the classes were always empty. The real action was all outside. HR College was known as the ‘outstanding college’ - Everyone was always standing outside! I was

known as a nerd but I like to call myself a different sort of nerd. I loved reading but loved partying even more!

While in my first year of college I started my first internship with a PR firm in Mumbai. I was a people’s person and PR, at the time, seemed a good choice for me. A month of that bored the life out of me as I realised it was not something I wanted to pursue as a career and I quit and started working for Red Bull instead.

A friend who worked for Red Bull at the time kept telling me what a fun job it was(and decent pay for a college student) and put me through the HR department. After an easy interview, where I was asked to sell my Nokia phone, I was accepted as a part of the Red Bull team!

Working with Red Bull for six months earned me my partying money and also helped keep me busy as college used to be for just about four hours a day. It was a great experience and a lot of free Red Bull! After six months I decided to do a professional course in DJ’ing. I traveled to Borivali almost daily but after four months I had mastered the art of mixing on turntables and also started playing for a few parties in Mumbai. What started as a hobby thanks to my endless love for music ended up taking me to Belgium and Amsterdam! I was offered to play at a party in Belgium and it was one of the best DJ experiences I’ve had!

My second year of college turned out to be more serious as I realised my keen interest in capital markets and started interning with various banks and financial institutions. Working with companies like Morgan Stanley, Motilal Oswal and RARE (the Buffett of India Mr Rakesh Jhunjhunwala) is not something every college student is lucky enough to do. This gave me an idea about where I wanted to be later in life and how companies work.

By the time I was done with HR College, I had interned with seven different companies and was a professional DJ! I started studying

for my CFA exam right after that, simultaneously looking for a job which, due to the recession, wasn’t an easy task. It took me a long time and a lot more internships to finally get a job in equi ty research. I worked with a broker in India and while I was there I was offered a job in Hong Kong! I instantly agreed to move my life there and am writing this article while munching on my lunch at my desk!

I’ve always been known to be spontaneous and a bit crazy but this was the craziest thing I’ve done.

Moving to a place where you don’t know a soul and don’t speak the language is no easy task. I hadn’t even been here before I moved! I was offered this programme for a financial magazine which is extremely wellrecognised across Asia and given my background in finance I thought I could give it a shot. I hadn’t planned on moving here but and it was just a spontaneous and random decision taken in the spur of the moment because something inside me told me it would be worth it. The more I spoke to people, the more confidence I got about this being the best learning experience of my life.

Initially, it was scary but I now work full-time for a financial magazine and am also studying for my CFA exams along with taking the GMAT (I then plan to end my education with an MBA from a top B-school). Hong Kong has tons of opportunities for professionals who want to continue to study and I plan on doing a part-time masters at Hong Kong University (HKU) next year!

Each and every experience has a lot to teach you and you learn things from every person you meet in life. I am an active networker and a blogger and also tweet @eerhsunat (It’s my name spelled backwards!- I like to think I’m funny). Hopefully I’ll make it to HKU for my masters, get a 700+ score in the GMAT, finish my CFA next year and get an MBA from Harvard.

Who knows? Meanwhile, I’d like to work hard and party harder... cause that’s what life is about! yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 51

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_WISE SE UP

- By Niloufer Gandhi Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the highlighted word and complete the sentence.

2. Pollute (puh-loot) The revellers brutally _____ the lake when they toss the tins of beverages in it. (a. contaminate b. scrutinise c. augment)

3. Endangered (en-dayn-jehr-ed) The conservationists aim to protect the ____ turtle species by strongly condemning illegal hunting practices. (a. renewed b. protected c. threatened)

4. Smog (smawg) The tourists were disappointed to see the spire of the ancient temple enveloped by the thick ____ from the neighboring factories. (a. smoke b. sunlight c. dew )

5. Diversity (dih-vur-si-tee) Swimming among innumerable species of fish, the deep sea divers could not help but admire the _____ of marine life. (a. reliability b. variety c. ambivalence )

6. Emissions (ih-mish-uhn) In order to counteract the consequences of global warming, the nations of the world are taking steps to reduce their carbon ______. (a. doctrines b. effluents c. constituents)

7. Hazardous (haz-er-duhs) The excessive dumping of certain chemicals in the sea can be _____ to both human and marine life. (a. perilous b. cautious c. unimportant)

8. Environment (en-vahy-ruhn-muhnt) When Jill moved to the college dormitory, she found it difficult to adjust to the new ______ as she had always lived in the comforts of her palatial home. (a. alcove b. surrounding c. grotto)

9. Deforest (dee-fawr-ist) The colossal spurt in population has led the government, of many countries, to inevitably ____ large areas of trees and other vegetation to provide land for housing facilities. (a. supplant b. exhaust c. denude)

10. Landfills (land-fil) Tons of electronic waste callously discarded in _____ contain toxic chemicals that are harmful to humans and the environment. (a. sanatoriums b. junkyards c. tanneries)

Don’t we all desire a healthy environment?

Don’t we wish for clean air and water, safe, improved living conditions and healthier foods?

But, how is this possible if we continue to ravage our natural resources and degrade the environment.

So let us try, in our own little ways, to protect our environment so that future generations can enjoy the same natural resources that we have.

Well, let’s start with a few basic words that you can use in your day-to-day conversation.

Answers: 1. C 2. A 3. C 4. A 5. B 6. B 7. A 8. B 9. C 10. B

1. Recycle (ree-sahy-kuhl) Many environmentally friendly organisations strongly persuade citizens to _____ products made from plastic to help protect the environment from further damage. (a. cleanse b. temper c. reuse)

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yi

entertain Be a part of the Brazilian martial arts scene and stay fit while you are at it!

K E E PI N S I D E яГо

Pg54 Pg58 Pg60 Pg72 LIVE IN, LOVE OUT

THE EX-FACTOR

ARE LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS COMING OF AGE IN INDIA? YOUTH INC FINDS OUT

YOUTH INC EXPLORES WHETHER KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EX IS A GOOD IDEA

53 ent sec.indd 13

RECYLABLE MUSIC MAKING MUSIC FROM WASTE AND OTHER OBJECTS IS FAST BECOMING POPULAR WITH TODAY'S YOUTH

GRAFFITI ON THE RUN GIVE YOUR CAR OR BIKE A NEW LOOK WITH A CUSTOM AIRBRUSH PAINT JOB!

22-10-2011 13:02:36

_FEATURE

_YOUTH ISSUES

LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS ARE A STAGE THAT ALL COUPLES MUST GO THROUGH IN A MATURE RELATIONSHIP, BUT SOCIAL PRESSURES MAY CAUSE INTERNAL COMBUSTION

LIVE in

LOVE out B

efore actually tying the knot, most people want a companion to spend those lonely nights. The truth of the matter is that few young people wait till their wedding night to see if they are physically compatible. From there, it’s a short step to moving in together and testing the waters to see if you match on so many other levels.

But is India ready for such a modern outlook? What about family, schoolfriends and colleagues; will they be supportive or judgemental? And finally, what kind of stress does it put on your relationship?

Maya Roy, an advertising professional, says to young lovers, “Unless you are serious about each other, don’t do it! The good thing about live-in relationships is that you get to know each other really well. But because you are not married, neither

of you is obliged to put up with each other’s bad moods and baggage. So unless you are planning to settle down with the person, it is the worst thing for any couple!” Roy advises that couples stick it out for a year before getting married as even live-in relationships have a ‘honeymoon’ period where everything in the beginning is beautiful.

But the freedom of living together for couples may be limited to metropolitan cities where there is relative anonymity and freedom in one’s movements. Somya Mathur who is engaged to be married says, “Guys prefer live-in relationships but girls do not. It’s ok in metropolitan cities but in smaller cities like Jhansi, where I am from, people don’t even want you to meet your fiancé too often before getting married. But I think living together is a great idea. You can get the

experience of what it is like to live with that person, understand their culture and values and figure out if that is the right match for you.”

But even in cities, the trend is not as common as some may think. In Mumbai, the cost of real estate is enough to deter most from moving out of their parent’s houses till settling down themselves. Beverly Fernandes says, “In a country like India, most people do not leave their house very early. The situation is that even till the age of 28, guys are living with the parents. Add to that the cost of real estate in Mumbai, which doesn’t help!” Other than these deterrents, most communities are traditional and while they may turn a blind eye to young lovers on the seashore, they do not sanction a live-in relationship.

Marinha D’Abro says, “The Pope and my mother say no…” yi

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01-11-2011 18:40:05

‘I do’or

‘Do I?’

SRINITA BHOUMICK RECOUNTS HOW SHE AND HER FATHER BATTLED OUT THE MODERN VERSUS THE TRADITIONAL TAKE ON LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIPS

“L

ive-in relationships are not ok – Don’t marry if you don’t want to, but living in is not the solution”. These were the words my father said to me; a man who for the most part has been broad-minded and liberal. In fact he has more often than not embraced new-age lingo, fads and most importantly, mindsets.

This was not an easy thing, especially when you’re nearly 70, but he always managed well; which was why his words hit me like a bolt from the blue and naturally led to a debate. Living in makes perfect sense, I argued. It was the only way by which one could get to know his/her partner well enough before taking the relationship a step further. Otherwise it would simply lead to discontentment later, and then, as statistics prove, divorce. If after marriage one had to live together in any case, then a live-in would basically serve as a template for what one should expect post the big leap.

To be fair, my father heard me out patiently whilst I raved and ranted and claimed he was being prehistoric.

And then he said something to me which momentarily stumped me. “Do you know what the main problem with your generation is,”

he asked. “Your complete and entire lack of commitment.” I was horrified.

What did he mean by that? I was as committed as any other. I was committed to my job, to yoga, to dance. “That’s not what I am talking about,” he said. “When I say lack of commitment, I speak of your relationships with people around you.

If this was not the case, you would see for yourself that a live-in is nothing but a marriage, sans the commitment.”

Now, I wasn’t sure what my argument should be. Was my generation really unable to commit to relationships? Wasn’t that a gross generalisation? There were many successful marriages even today. And many believed in the institution too.

But then the same statistics I had been flaunting moments ago came back to haunt me; that it’s better to get a divorce than suffer through a bad marriage; that a pre-nup was simply a wise decision because it helped to save on alimony. But I couldn’t help wonder, did we in the modern world simply reach for the easy way out? Marriages are broken for such frivolous reasons nowadays.

Is keeping the toothpaste cap open reason enough to end vows which are supposedly valid through seven lives?

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V

now for us to relearn how to make our relationships work, no matter what? (Even an open toothpaste cap?)

And not in a half-hearted manner, but in true blue filmy style; dil aur jaan se. Are we ready to commit to a relationship with every bone in our body? Maybe it’s time to relook at what we think a relationship should be. Maybe our mothers were right – maybe in adjustments one can find true happiness. Because, often, the alternative is being alone. yi

Celeb

live-in files

Is ‘compatibility’ suddenly a term so abused in the context of divorce that it’s become difficult to define the parameters for it?

It is true that our generation has it easier. Today, separations are the rule rather than the exception. Divorce is not taboo and multiple marriages are common. I was forced to ponder; had all of this truly improved our lives?

Are we a happier generation? And if not, why? By and large, our mothers would claim their lives were happier than ours. How often have we heard our mothers say if things are not really working out then you must ‘adjust’?

We refuse to do so and brandish our feminist streak saying, why should we! But somewhere I think we have forgotten one thing – and that is how to maintain a relationship. Of course, there is a way out, and of course, that is easier. But it takes mettle to actually make a relationship work. And that is something that requires a great deal of commitment.

Before you think I gave in to my father’s argument, let me tell you I did not. I tried to logically establish

my viewpoint saying, “Well then, are you suggesting you should stay in a marriage where the husband beats you?”

My father I think was a little exasperated by then. “These are extreme situations you are referring to,” he said, “And that was not my point. What I was trying to explain to you is that you would not stay in an abusive live-in relationship either, would you? A marriage which is suffering extreme circumstances must be terminated. But what is not acceptable is to walk into a relationship predicting doomsday at the very on start. And that is what a live-in relationship is. It is a classic example of giving up on something even before it started. By not showing enough confidence in your relationship to commit to it, you will by default look for it to end.”

It's true that we live in a cynical world. I must admit that after listening to my father’s argument, I wasn’t entirely convinced that he was right; but I could not entirely negate what he said to me. Is it time

Ranvir Shorey and Konkona Sen Sharma were living in for a while before tying the knot.

Shorey threw off the secrecy and told the media, “My girlfriend stays with me at my apartment. We have been living in for quite some time now.”

Bollywood heart-throbs John Abraham and Bipasha Basu were reportedly living together for eight years before they split up last year. We think they were the hottest couple to cohabitate under one roof in a long time, so it’s just as well that they didn’t burn down the house!

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s

your

VOICE Ammar Dhilla, 27, IT Professional

Society says that for a man and woman to live together, they need to tie the bond by a religious ceremony or an approved piece of paper which states they are allowed to live together. This leads us to believe that for these two individuals to live together, prior approval is required. In a way, this challenges our freedom! I believe that when two mature adults decide to live together, they are doing no harm and there is no reason for this to be considered an evil in society.

These individuals are actually more aware of their actions and living together helps them decide on their future with their partner.

A live-in relationship in a metropolitan city is quite common; however India is far from accepting the concept nationwide.

Mirali Bhuva, 20, Product Executive

I feel live-in relationships work really well as one gets to be with their partner and enjoy the best of times together before tying the knot. It also lets them understand each other’s way of being. Living life closely, one gets to learn about and get used to all their partner’s annoying habits as well! Live-in relationships allow one to live in his/ her way, and yet figure out a comfort level with one's partner. I think everyone should follow this great concept!

Mohammed Kanchwala, 22, Biotechnologist For me, a live-in relationship would be the next level of relationship I would like to reach with my beloved one. After initial stages of liking each other, dating each other, sleeping with each other, a live-in relationship would be a stage where we would test ourselves and know whether we are comfortable to live with each other. When you live with a person, you come to know the intrinsic details of the person which can’t be known just by dating.

A live-in relationship would be an opportunity for me to explore such new dimensions.

Well, this is one way to approach your love life: LIKE>DATE>LOVE>LIVE. I prefer this approach, though some people may prefer otherwise.

Harshada Rege, 31, Media Professional A live-in relationship is not my cup of tea. There are certain things that need to be factored in. Family, especially parents, are extremely important and they might be adversely affected by the decision of their children living in with someone.

Shoaib Electricwala, 22, Student Many people imagine that living together resembles taking a car for test drive. The trial period is a chance to discover compatibility.

This analogy seems to be so compelling that people are unable to interpret anything to the contrary.

Husain Netarwala, 23, Chef According to me, a live-in relationship is a compromise when a man wants to be single and enjoy all aspects in the relationship before the later stage when the girl starts behaving like a wife and messes up the man’s happiness. Why share the same house when you can't share the same feelings for a longer time? Love is unconditional, but a live-in relationship, I feel, is mostly about sex, and 80 per cent of the time it is unsuccessful, since your space is all gone. Better stay single or get married, but don't stay on a thin line.

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_RELATIONSHIP

The

ONE OF THE TRICKIEST FACETS OF DATING AND RELATIONSHIPS IS KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EX OR NOT. BEVERLY PEREIRA DELVES INTO THIS MORALISTIC MINEFIELD

Ex-fact o

L

ong before the digital age (in much simpler times), breakups were sealed with a firm goodbye. But in today’s highly connected world of Facebook, BlackBerry and all those other bits of technology that make the world a smaller place, parting ways without crossing paths with your ex becomes almost impossible. No matter how hard you may try to distance yourself, chancing upon the whereabouts and activities of the ex becomes unavoidable. And yet, there are some who aren’t firm believers of cutting all ties with their ex. Deciding whether you wish to stay in touch with your ex can be a tricky scenario. Think twice before you keep one foot in the past and the other in the future.

Friends before lovers

In such a situation, both parties should make sure that the element of friendship is all that remains and that crossing certain boundaries can never happen. Says Garima Bhatia, “We were really good friends long before we started dating. Obviously, it was hard to break off the friendship bit even though we were practically done on the dating front. So we still call each other up, meet for coffee or an early drink, and even discuss our present partners now and then! He can be described as my male best friend.”

However, as rosy as it may sound

for one person, this may not always work for the other, especially if he or she has never experienced a platonic relationship with their ex. Imagine

this: You are in a relationship and the two of you are having a great time.

But, here’s the glitch: your significant other is still close to their ex. They call

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or text each other throughout the day, go out for lunch and basically enjoy all the perks of a relationship sans the sex. “Such a situation put me in a very uncomfortable position,” admits Melanie Fernandes. “I hated being in

t or

that she was his really close friend, but I'd rather he had seen me as his best friend and not his ex,” she says. In such a situation, think about your partner's feelings. After all, you wouldn't want to be in such a place, right?

DO YOU KEEP IN TOUCH WITH YOUR EX? Namita Lulla, 24 years “Yes, but only a few. Not the ones who acted like total jerks!”

Sanjay Ahmed , 27 years “It depends. If it was an ugly breakup, then keeping in touch is a no-no for me.”

Pearl Lobo, 26 years “My life is already complicated! Why would I want another complexity in the form of an ex-boyfriend?”

Sitting, waiting, wishing

such a place. There have got to be some boundaries established, and there's absolutely no reason why they had to spend so much time together. He said

Are you still in love with your ex (read: you are the dumpee) and your main motive for keeping in touch is to win him or her back? In such a case, it’s best if you try and move on. When couples breakup, and one person is still in love with the other, it could turn out to be a messy scenario if one doesn’t cut off all ties. Not only are you most likely to get hurt in the process, but you will also end up wasting your time and energy.

An ex-girlfriend of Kunal Agrawal, who could not come to terms with their breakup very easily didn’t stop at anything to try and win him back. “She would ring me at odd hours, many times when I was with my girlfriend. I felt that I needed to answer her calls because she always claimed to be troubled and depressed.

But, it turned out to be a huge mistake because my girlfriend didn’t like it one bit, and all that emotional blackmail eventually landed us in splitsville.” So, if you keep in touch with your ex with the ulterior motive of winning him or her back, remember that it is unfair to the other person and a very unhealthy practice on the whole.

A win-win situation

Couples, who date without actually knowing each other as friends before, might find themselves in a postbreakup soup. There could be two outcomes to this situation. One being that the post-parted twosome might end up being really close friends.

However, as mentioned before, if the two of you act too close for comfort, this could eventually turn out to be a wet blanket on new relationships.

Another kind of a situation might occur when during the post-breakup phase, the couple who now claim to just be friends, realise that they still have feelings for each other. This is pretty much of a win-win situation, with your significant other and you enjoying a good chance of getting back with each other and progressing into a stronger and more comfortable relationship.

In the end, the 'to cut or not to cut an ex from your life' dilemma entirely depends on why the two of you broke up in the first place. Opting to stay in touch with each other will be a worry-free situation with no negative emotions only if and when both partners have moved on and much time has passed. If you're pondering whether to stay in touch with your ex or not, weigh out the situation first.

Remember: It helps to metaphorically ‘rip of that bandage’ and feel a bit of pain sometimes in your life. Keep in mind that there isn't one right way to navigate a post-breakup friendship.

However, one thing stands true.

Cutting off ties with an ex, at least for the short term is a healthy option — one that allows you to process feelings, learn from past mistakes and focus on the process of re-discovering yourself. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 59

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_ECOWATCH

Recyclable Music

M

umbai Stamp is a unique band conceived and started by percussion maestro, Taufiq Qureshi. It uses discarded waste items as their instruments and often invites audience members to join in as part of a Drum Circle. It may sound strange to make music from trash cans, plastic bags, aluminum sheets, plastic buckets and the like, but the band makes immensely popular music. Qureshi has used Mumbai Stamp in his rhythm arrangement for many soundtracks of several Bollywood movies, like Dhoom 2, Jab We Met, Bhool Bhulaiya, Goal, Zokkomon and Metro among others.

This experimental music trend started off as a way to create awareness

IF WE CAN MAKE MUSIC FROM TRASH, CAN WE RECYCLE MORE USEFUL ITEMS FROM WASTE?

for recycling and to have fun. Qureshi hit upon this idea for his band one day when he was returning from the immaculately clean streets of Singapore to Mumbai and was struck by the amount of waste here, especially in the slums that surround Mumbai airport. He thought of the UK band, Stomp, and decided to start Mumbai Stamp here. The difference is that Qureshi encapsulates the teachings of North and South Indian classical music; and rhythms led by Qureshi have arithmetical calculations of the Taal cycle. The band consists of his students aged from 14 to 29.

Faizan Hussain, his nephew and band member, quotes a key mantra taught by Qureshi: “Rhythm is everywhere... it is the one universal

language. We are born hearing our mother's heartbeat. Even breath is rhythm. It can be found anywhere, even in something as trivial as trash.”

Qureshi goes on to say, “Mumbai is filled with trash material. The idea of the band is to create awareness for recycling and to create enjoyable music at the same time.”

Since the band started in 2005, it has come a long way, performing all over India. The green drummers have developed an eye for waste material that can be used as percussion instruments and pick up these unusual items to produce new sounds. They also have jam sessions where the audience can bring their own recycled drumming material and play with

the band, making for exciting, interactive workshops.

Well, all this certainly makes you think. If such lovely music can be created from something considered to be as trivial as trash, we can certainly rethink the way we throw away 'stuff '.

It's time to recycle and create useful products out of our trash! yi

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_YOUTH ISSUES

BANGALORE BLUES ( ( MUSIC AND DANCING ARE INTEGRAL IN THE LIVES OF YOUTH ALL OVER THE WORLD; HOWEVER, THE CITIZENS OF BANGALORE ARE SUFFERING UNDER A DRACONIAN LAW THAT BANS DANCING AND LIVE MUSIC AT PUBS

P

eople in Bangalore seem to be living in 1984, with draconian laws disguised as moral policing that are taking away people’s civil liberties.

In the late 1990s, the city had India’s most happening nightlife scene and often received the epithet of having a ‘happening pub culture’. Today, after 11:30 pm, a curfew kicks in and you can hear crickets. There are still numerous pubs and discotheques in the city, but you are only allowed to drink and sit still in your seat. A local musician, Krittika Sharma recounts, “I was in a pub and one of my favourite songs came on. I was happily swaying in my seat to the music. The security guard came up to me and actually asked me to stop!” She continues, “The music scene in this city is going to die out altogether if people do not make a stand against such prohibitive laws.”

The Police Commissioner of Bangalore, B G Jyothiprakash Mirji, is taking the prohibition against dancing far more seriously than the law was intended for. The prohibition

in Karnataka was a result of Mumbai’s dance bars being shut down. The fear was that the suddenly unemployed dancers would shift base to Bangalore.

And old law from 1967 was cited: Rule 11 of the Karnataka State Excise License General Conditions Rules, which states: 'no dancing, no gettogether and no feast shall be allowed in clubs, bars and pubs'.

Live music has always been an integral part of any urban, cosmopolitan culture. However, bands are banned from playing music at pubs and bars which may attract crowds that stand around to hear them play, and god forbid, enjoy the music enough to tap their feet. A discotheque license is now required to allow dancing or live music in any pub, but it is so expensive that only five-star hotels in the city have them. The flip side is that most youth cannot afford to go to five-star hotels to listen to their favourite bands!

Stefan Kaye, a member of Delhibased Ska band, the Ska Vengers, recounts, “My performance in Bangalore was cancelled because live

music was being clamped down upon.

I even offered to do the gig for free, you know, to make a stand against people’s civil liberties being taken away.

But the establishment refused to take the chance!” What’s next? The police have now also taken things a few steps further. They have banned ‘loud flashy lights’ and ‘loud Western music’ from bars and pubs as well (presumably because these will brainwash people into committing crimes).

Indians are notoriously apathetic, and gathering the will to protest against such laws and lobby for change requires a collective effort. Once our civil liberties are taken away, it is an uphill challenge to regain them.

And the ‘Big Brother’ syndrome will spread like cancer until we have no diversity, difference of opinion, music and art or even freedom of speech.

Before the police begin to burn stacks of ‘Western’ books and attack movie theatres for showing ‘licentious’ behaviour, we need to make a stand and stop the law from ironing us into submission. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 61

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_OFF THE MAP

no Goa!

YOUTH INC PICKS THREE NEW YEAR DESTINATIONS FOR THOSE LOOKING FOR A DIFFERENT EXPERIENCE FROM GOA'S HEADY PARTIES. BRING IN THE BEGINNING OF THE END OF THE WORLD – 2012 – IN ONE OF THESE DISTINCTIVE HOTSPOTS!

PUSHKAR, RAJASTHAN

What a way to start the New Year! Bathe in the soft morning sun at one of the holiest places of India — Pushkar. One of the oldest cities in the world, Pushkar is steeped in mythology and a legend that associates itself to the creator of the world, Lord Brahma, who performed penance here for 60,000 years. The Brahma temple at Pushkar is the only temple for this deity in the world.

Pushkar is among the five Dhams (pilgrimages) that any devout Hindu should undertake once in their lives.

Even if you’re not into mythology, Pushkar is just a beautiful place to spend some peaceful Zen time in. The picturesque city is surrounded by hills on three sides and sand dunes on the other. And if that’s not enough, the majestic Pushkar lake, with 52 ghats, where pilgrims descend to bathe will

certainly grab your camera’s focus.

Pushkar is great for budget travellers all year through, but December is particularly enjoyable with warm days and cool nights.

The market is great for browsing and bargain deals for a good variety of jewellery, clothes, books and artefacts.

The mint tea is an exotic must-try, especially after an arduous camel safari through the nearby villages.

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VARKALA, KERALA Varkala is now being called the ‘New Goa,’ a popular spot with backpackers and tourists. The vast expanse of clear blue sea and soft sandy beach is broken by a straight, level cliff that overlooks the lip of the sea.

Restaurants dot the edge so you can enjoy the lovely expanse of the beach and the sea while enjoying some fresh seafood. Varkala is a pristine and relatively untouched spot that makes you think of what Goa would have been like before the throngs descended in the 70s.

There are numerous natural springs in Varkala, and the spa industry has blossomed around them. Enjoy various ayurvedic treatments and massages at this health haven, and start 2012 with a rejuvenated mind and body! On your visit, be sure to visit the 2000-year-old Vishnu temple, Jarandana Swami, and the final resting place of the Hindu reformer Narayana Guru at Sivagiri Mutt. The visible ruins of the Anjengo Fort speak of the power struggle that took place here between the British, Portuguese and the Dutch to get a foothold into Kerela 400 years ago.

One can also go boating to the pristine Kappil Lake, about 4 km from Varkala town, before the dense and peaceful backwaters of the estuary join the Arabian Sea. Getting there: Varkala is located about 50 km from Thiruvananthapuram, and is wellconnected to the city.

In the evening, enjoy a rooftop candlelight dinner at one of the many restaurants with a view of the lake.

Pushkar is a sacred town, so consumption of liquor or meat is prohibited. However, bhang and cannabis are sold in authorised shops.

Beware the bhang lassi hangover!

Getting there: The closest airport to Pushkar is at Jaipur. It is well connected by road and trains.

_FOCUS FEATURE

BANDHAVGARH NATIONAL PARK, MADHYA PRADESH An early morning jeep ride on a crispy winter morning where temperatures range around 100C seems completely worth it as you spot the ever-elusive, awe-inspiring Royal Bengal Tiger. Bandhavgarh promises you this and many other images from its rich biodiversity that will endure in your memory for years to come. Known for its verdant forests of Sal, the topography varies between steep ridges, undulating forests and open meadows. This national park has the highest density of Bengal tigers known in the world. Though the tiger is at the peak of the food chain, this bountiful enclave also contains 37 species of mammals, more than 250 species of birds, about 70 species of butterflies and a number of reptiles thrown in for good measure.

Nature lovers are sure to enjoy this gorgeous forest. Get a bunch of your friends together and camp out in the beautiful outdoors!

If you are extremely lucky, you might even sight the ethereal white tiger which was last spotted at Bandhavgarh over fifty years ago.

Getting there: The nearest airport from the park is Khajuraho. From there, it is a 7-hour drive to Tala park entrance at Bandhavgarh.

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D I Y

_FASHION FEATURE

GREY PONCHO TOP

PRINTED TUBE DRESS/TOP

WHITE OFF-SHOULDER DRESS

WHITE TRIANGLE CUTOUT DRESS

design

Designer and National Institute of Design (NID) faculty, Anuj Sharma, is a master of metamorphosis. With just a humble piece of fabric, he gives you the power to create and experiment with limitless options. With a simple shift of a loop and button, you can transform a long summer dress to a short, strappy evening number. In an age of mass production and cloning, it is a luxury to derive creative joy and satisfaction from a piece of fabric.

Anuj tells us how his design range, Button Masala, came to be, “During the Lakme Fashion Week where I showed Button Masala, I got feedback from models that it was difficult for them to even think of shifting a button here and there. They thougt that only a designer could change the designs that easily. I felt that I needed to work further on not just improving the technique but pushing people to be designers themselves.” That’s the story of Button Masala in its present avatar.

Anuj defines design in his own simple yet finite way. “Design as I see it is a way of spreading joy. It means experiencing every minute of life and enjoying it. It means sharing the stories of your experiments with everyone truthfully. Any lies or make up will kill the essence of sharing.

I want my work to make everyone feel capable of experiencing design not just by ‘buying’, but by ‘doing’. Design need not be restricted to a few hands. It needs to be in everybody’s minds and needs to be experienced by every hand.”

So what’s next for Anuj and Button Masala? “A little less of fashion and more of passion. I think I shall go on a search for it,”, says Anuj in his brutally honest, yet totally loveable style.

BROWN BUTTONED DRESS

PEACH KNOTTED HALTER DRESS

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Be-jewelled!

PUT A SPARKLE IN YOUR ENSEMBLE WITH THESE GORGEOUS ACCESSORIES THAT WILL BRIGHTEN YOUR LOOK INSTANTLY!

“Pateeliyan” brooch and pendant by Coyote Price on request

Availble at the Attic, Santacruz, Mumbai

Recycled cold drink crown and silk brooch `900

Available at avantika.dhr@ gmail.com

T- Shirt earrings by Coyote Price on request

Available at the Attic, Santacruz and Bliss, Andheri in Mumbai

Golden leaves necklace by Swa `750

Available at Bliss, Mumbai and Orange Bicycle, Bangalore

Handpainted Maharajah earrings `900

Perspex heart bracelet by Swa `600

Available at Bliss, Mumbai and Orange Bicycle, Bangalore

Available at avantika.dhr@ gmail.com

Recycled cold drink crown and silk brooch `900

Available at avantika.dhr@ gmail.com

“Karchiyan” earrings

by Coyote Price on request

Available at Attic, Santacruz and Bliss, Andheri in Mumbai

NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 65

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Swinging The T

he catwalks created a micro trend, bringing the 60s back in style with beehive hair, classic fitted dresses, knee-high boots and brightly patterned dresses.

Shift dresses, pinafores, bracelet sleeves, polo necks, peter-pan collar coats alongside miniskirts, cute cardigans and oversized buttons created some striking looks on the ramps.

So, bring out the mini dresses, pleated skirts, stripes, polka dots, bold shift dresses, bright legwear, chunky bracelets, rings and a headbands. Try high-waist bell bottom trousers for a classy look in a bold hue and complete the look with a chiffon blouse or a high-neck tunic. Beatles inspired singlebreasted collarless jackets and slim fitting pants, narrow lapels and striped blazers make a cool statement for men.

Patent leather, PVC as well as plastic can be found on the runway this fall; this Prada cocktail dress is covered with plastic discs.

Take a page from Aquilano Rimondi with sixties inspired shapes, soft slim lines and precious fabrics like silk shantung.

60s!

Go crazy with sequins for a bright and bold look

Celebrate the 60s with a tribal print miniskirt in vivid colours from Dig Vintage Clothing Try out this Oasis 60s Print Dress

Bring out your kitten heels, knee-high boots and wedges this winter.

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` 590 Do You Speak Green ` 1200

Instant Moksha Apparels ` 700

New Market, Kolkata

66 Youth Incorporated â•‘ NOVEMBER 2011

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1

The Natures Co. Guava Body Lotion `495

Indulge in a soft, smooth, revitalising encounter with Guava lotion. It is abundant in Vitamins A and B as well as astringents that heal and repair skin.

4

3

Sympathy for the Skin is probably the only banana custard body cream made and almost definitely the only one with real, organic mashed bananas in it.

Definitely one to go bananas over!

5

best for winter

FACE THE PARTY SEASON WITH SOFT AND GLOWING SKIN! Lush Gorgeous `5,410 for 45gm

6

The Natures Co. Kiwi Hand & Nail Cream `375

Soft, supple hands need the natural goodness of Kiwi.

Rich in vitamin C and a natural antioxidant, you will feel its moisturising effects almost immediately.

Lush Godiva Solid Shampoo `680

Magic makeup trick

This one’s a treat for the boys!

This brushless lemon shaving cream provides nourishment while it protects, especially against harmful radiation and its effects.

7

The Natures Co. Chocolate-Mint Body Butter `1,095

Celeb Secrets Lekha Washington was a VJ for SS Music and is an Indian model and actress.

The Natures Co. Lemon Brushless Shaving Cream `295

Sexy, jasmine-scented, two-in-one shampoo (and conditioner) Bar for shiny hydrated hair, even in dry winter weather.

64FASHION.indd 67

Lush Buffy Body Butter `590

Use Buffy on wet skin to make it soft and smooth.

Made with ground-up exfoliating bits of rice, almonds and beans, there's no need for lotion thanks to the cocoa and shea butters in it.

Lush Sympathy for the Skin ` 1,180

Its magical ability to melt into your skin is unmatched, with six gorgeous organic oils and butters combined with fresh fruit. Perfect for daytime!

8

2

Colour tint, gives you a bit of a blush but looks like you're not wearing any makeup at all!

Beauty tips:

Sleep well, eat well, be seriously happyand use a tiny bit of concealer. If i had one product I was allowed, it would be camoflauge cream- sorts out dark weary eyes immedietly.

Chocolate has emollient properties that make skin soft and silky, while mint stimulates the senses making skin feel amazingly refreshed.

Travel Kit:

Concealer, tint, kaajal, brown pencil, deo!

Favourite fragrance:

Armani code for women...mmmm!

Beauty faux pas:

Doing too much, too much make up, too much bling... unless you're lady gaga.

NOVEMBER 2011 â•‘ Youth Incorporated 67

20-10-2011 17:05:15

Model

watch

H

NA

Interests: Enjoys modelling and ever ything to do with sports

AMIT KHAN

njoys Interests: Ea k ing m , g n da nci s a nd new friend ying pa rt

NNA AMIT KHA

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.

Mehu Personal stylist tol Thakker Neil Nitin Muke sh

astava Srishti Shrivedia student ss m First-year ma

Aanchal Khann Works at GAS as a fa a shion consultant 68 Youth Incorporated ║ NOVEMBER 2011

68 model.indd 68

Interests: ng, s Enjoy da nciting ac improving icket, sk ills, cr nd a swimming ba ll ba sket

NA AMIT KHAN

Interests: Enjoys work ing, clubbing and click ing phot os

ur Sidhant Kapas the lead role ’ il D utiya Working on ‘T

[

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 decision made by you or any sort of contract signed between you and the production house. Send your pictures at your own risk.

20/10/11 10:18 AM

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

When I wake up, my under eyes are always puffy. I get enough of sleep, but yet this happens every day. Is there any way I can stop my eyes from becoming puffy when I wake up?

Jehan Dalvi, Mumbai To avoid puffiness in the morning, avoid drinking water immediately before going to bed. Sleep in a slight reclining position and sideways (right or left side), keeping your pillow in that position. This helps in draining water from the upper body.

Also, make sure that there is no fat deposition around the eye area which may contribute to puffiness around eyes.

My hair has started getting a lot of split ends even though I get regular trims. Am I doing something wrong in my hair care routine? What can I do to repair the split ends?

Sharon Abreo, Delhi Split ends in hair can be due to nutritional deficiencies or dryness of hair due to repeated blow drying or treatments like straightening or ironing. Avoid doing such treatments for some time and check your serum B12, Calcium, D3 and Ferritin levels, and correct it under the guidance of your physician to get your hair back to a healthy state. To correct existing split ends, try out hair smoothening treatments available at any good salon.

I am a 27-year-old girl and I have noticed stretch marks on my thighs as well as dark pigmentation on my face. How can I get rid of these marks?

Janine D’souza, Bangalore Stretch marks once formed are permanent. They can be lightened by using creams containing tretinoin

Dr Good SKIN

(available at all chemists) mixed with a moisturiser once a day for 2-3 months. Treatments like Derma Roller followed by chemical peels like Retinol or lasers like Erbium Glass also help to lighten stretch marks.

Dark pigmentation on the face can be due to various causes like postinflammatory pigmentation. It could even be induced by hormones or the sun. Consult a dermatologist to find the cause and treat it accordingly. You can try creams containing Kojic acid, vitamin C, Arbutin, Glabridin or Hydroquinon under your physician's guidance.

I have dry skin. Of late, my legs (area between my knees and ankles) have developed scales. I apply moisturiser every night, but still the scales remain. What can I do to get rid of these scales?

Pallavi Hemani, Mumbai Sometimes excessive skin dryness leads to eczema, which may manifest in the form of dry skin. Consult a dermatologist to treat it. You should follow a body bath routine consisting of a moisturising shower gel, an emollient (to be applied on wet skin), followed by a moisturising body lotion.

After a shower, I get a red rash on my chest that lasts for around an hour. The skin is very sensitive to touch. Is there any reason that this happens to me? How can I stop such a rash from developing?

Kamala Shah, Kolkata Post-shower rashes can be because of a condition called cholinergic urticaria, which manifests as small urticarial itchy eruptions due to variations in temperature (while having hot bath) or stress or emotion. You should consult a dermatologist to treat it.

Get Set

Cold!

W

inter is approaching and with it comes cold and dry winds that pose a host of skin and hair issues.

The dryness of the environment causes water to evaporate very quickly, stripping the skin of moisture.

Here’s how you can keep all winter troubles at bay!

Skin

Drink a lot of water and eat fruits and vegetables to keep your skin alive, retain the moisture and prevent skin disorders. Pamper your skin with coconut oil before a shower to take care of dry skin. Use a creamy soap that renders extra suppleness to your skin and avoid very hot water during winter as it can decrease the skin’s natural oil level. Post-shower, after towelling dry, apply a good moisturising cream to seal in the moisture. A good cold cream on your face before bed will work wonders.

Further, just because it’s snowing or cloudy, doesn’t mean the sun’s rays are absent. Continue to use a good protective sunscreen with SPF 30, protecting you against both UVA and UVB. It’s a good idea to switch to a more hydrating base for your sunscreen in the winter. You will find many formulations that are oil-free too.

For more information on how to look after your hands, feet, lips and hair in the winter months, log on to www.youthincmag.com NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 69

69skin.indd 69

20-10-2011 16:38:55

refresh} _MAKEOVER

A student gets a funky makeover by hairstylist Sushil Charles and makeup artist Sarika Motiani of Smashh Salon

NAOMI MCCOO

“I love my new look! It’s much easier to wear, especially because I am a dancer. I totally love the funky colour too!”

( HAIR )

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROHAN FERNANDES

• Totally took of the length at the nape of her neck and created a 45° slant at the back, but kept the front a bit longer • Cut the layers internally to remove some of the bulk • Added magenta and aubergine streaks to bring out the haircut • Used one styling product for shine and another to hold her hair together well

( MAKEUP )

• Used a pink-tinted concealer to cover up her freckles • Highlighted her cheekbones with a peach blush • Lined her eyes with kohl, smudged it a bit, and also used metallic eye shadow to make her eyes seem bigger

A cool and funky look by Samantha D’souza and Gatsby Hair at Asif - The Salon

ASHISH VIRWANI

Now, thanks to Gatsby Hair Styling Wax, I can get a strong hold on my hair and even style it in various avatars!”

( HAIR )

• Ashish’s hair was trimmed to add some amount of texture • His hair was then styled using Gatsby Hair Styling Wax – Power and Spikes. This gives it a firm hold • Gatsby Hair Spray was mildly applied, giving his hair a funky spiked look

SAMANTHA D’SOUZA Top stylist at Asif – The Salon “Application of Gatsby Hair Styling Way – Power and Spikes did well for Ashish’s medium-length hair. It added density to his hair and gave it a fuller look.”

Send your photos to Youth Inc to get a makeover and transform your look! Email us at makeover@youthincmag.com 70 Youth Incorporated ║ NOVEMBER 2011

70 MAKEOVER.indd 70

20-10-2011 18:26:39

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22-10-2011 13:01:15

ART SET GO...

_SPORTS

YOHAN S CONTRACTOR SHOWS YOU HOW TO GIVE YOUR CAR OR BIKE A MAKEOVER WITH A NEW KIND OF MOBILE ART – AIRBRUSHING

A

new craze in India that’s hit motorists young and old is airbrushing; a kind of graffiti that shows your creativity and expression on your car or bike. An airbrush is basically a unique spray gun; a device that takes in pressurised air from a cylinder and gently sucks in paint of preferred choice from a small reservoir-like container attached to the apparatus.

This mixture is then fed into a tiny jet nozzle that can be adjusted to increase or decrease the thickness of the paint fall that finally hits the surface. It’s a special tool that is more versatile than bigger spray guns or cans that one may use for graffiti on walls.

Airbrushing depends on the painter’s skill, creativity and labour to bring about the 3D realism that really makes this art form popular. Airbrushing is primarily done on cars and bikes using automotive paints, but it’s such a versatile form of art that it’s capable of bringing any object to life, even something as plain as a flower pot, a bench or a wall in a restaurant. An avid airbrushing artist, Saurab Shirke, thinks that this fad has just started in India and has many a year to go before it becomes passé.

Shirke says, “The are an infinite number of designs that are possible. Moreover, this is personalised art, catered exactly according to what the customer wants.”

Shirke feels that in our mechanised, industrial age, this art form allows one to express their unique individual personality and style. He says, “Today, unfortunately,

AIRBRUSHING IS SUCH A VERSATILE FORM OF ART THAT IT IS CAPABLE OF BRINGING ANY OBJECT TO LIFE, SUCH AS A FLOWER POT, A BENCH OR A WALL IN A RESTAURANT

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20-10-2011 17:31:45

T PHOTOGRAPHS BY SAURAB SHIRKE

.. machines are taking over every aspect of our lives. We too are living in a 'machine,' as the Pink Floyd song goes, of routine work and social expectations. Airbrushing is a combination, a union, of man and machine that allows one to transcend our mechanised limits.”

Airbrushing as a new media finds unique application in marketing. Extremely eye catching, its USP is 3D realism, unlike print media which can be monotonous.

Since it’s a customised service, a client or aficionado of art can get whatever design he or she desires on his or her car or bike, helmet or car. This personalised art is customised to each customer’s desires. One can make a picture out of anything that reflects the individual’s personality.

An airbrushing client, Naveen Ghosh, who has gotten

a painting of death sprayed on his bike says, “This form of artwork is popular with the Indian public because we have full access to the art. It is not confined to the walls of some snooty gallery. People can physically touch and appreciate the art."

The price of a good airbrush painting varies at the same rate as a good tattoo, depending on the material that is to be airbrushed, the detail of the drawing and the level of skill of the artist. Typically, prices start at `5,000 and go up to a lakh or more.

For real aficionados of cars and bikes, airbrushing is a way to imprint their personality on to the vehicle they ride and show it to the world.

So go on, give your old car or bike a makeover today with airbrushing! yi

NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 73

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20-10-2011 17:32:04

_HEALTH

DIE

The dark side of

PHOTOGRAPHS BY FLICKR USER: DANIELLE HELM

T

empted to shed a few kilos before the party season begins? Well, if you plan to go on a diet, it’s important to be informed about certain things.

Diets, in the context of improved eating plans are helpful when one is overweight, to reverse health issues or to maintain a healthy body weight.

However, a large number of people attempt to lose weight by following fad diets. While such diets will most certainly help you lose weight, they are extremely dangerous for your health.

When diets go unhealthy The youth tend to be obsessed with their weight today because they equate unnatural thinness with beauty.

Today's youth beat themselves up emotionally over unwanted weight.

Their moods depend upon the reading on their weighing scale. They condemn themselves for indulging in a dessert or feel guilty about eating too much. They become self-critical and anxious about their weight. Any diet in which you eat fewer calories that are actually needed to get through

the day can be dangerous. Fad diets, posted all over the Internet tempt a large number of young people to follow them, with promises of losing several kilos. Such diets generally cut out fats, sugar, carbs, vitamins and other essential nutrients that the body naturally requires in small quantities.

Some of them also guarantee that you will lose a good number of kilos if you skip meals and consume special pills or food bars. Then there are those diets that only let you consume liquids if you want to lose a lot of weight.

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TING MANY PEOPLE OPT FOR CRASH DIETS UNDER THE PRESSURE OF TRYING TO LOSE WEIGHT QUICKLY. DR ANJALI MUKERJEE LETS YOUTH INC IN ON THE ILL EFFECTS OF DIETING DR ANJALI MUKERJEE, Nutritionist and Founder, Director - Health Total, which has 15 centres in Mumbai and treats obesity and other health-related disorders.

The effective and healthy way to lose weight involves: ••Detoxifying your body organs, namely, liver, colon, kidneys, blood and lungs with the help of herbs and nutritional supplements.

••Rejuvenating the organs, which have become sluggish due to toxic overload. Nourish every cell in the body with the intake of vitamins, minerals, raw vegetable juices and nutrient-dense food supplements so that metabolic activity is boosted and the body begins to function at its optimum capacity like a serviced car.

••Following a sensible food plan that matches your body chemistry along with an exercise plan. This helps to bring the body to a state of balance and the body starts shedding weight with ease. It helps correct hormonal imbalances, improves digestion and assimilation and boosts immunity, thereby revving up energy levels.

Deep Impact Unhealthy dieting is dangerous and is associated with serious health consequences. Besides, once you stop these extreme diets, you will end up putting on weight faster over the long run, making it that much more difficult to shed a good number of kilos. People, who manage to lose weight by following a healthy diet plan, also manage to look younger, trimmer and fresher. However, those who follow crash diets begin to look gaunt and lose the glow on their faces. Young people on extreme diets end up facing a number of unwelcomed health issues like sagging skin, parched skin, itchy skin, chipped nails, hair loss, leg cramps, insomnia, bad breath and stretch marks.

On the psychological front, it

is very difficult to endure the lack of nutritious food or even small quantities of your favourite foods over a period of time. The most common consequence of feeling food deprived is binge eating, which in turn makes one feel guilty after consuming large amounts of food.

This may result in Bulimia, an eating disorder characterised by binge eating, followed by vomiting in an attempt to rid oneself of the calories consumed. Another eating disorder which stems from the mental aspect and desire to have a perfect body is Anorexia and involves the refusal to maintain a healthy body weight and the obsessive fear of gaining weight.

The warning signs of a dangerous diet •• Dieting even if one is not in the least bit overweight

•• Eating secretly or thinking about food all the time •• Restricting activities such as going out with friends since there might be food involved •• Withdrawal from friends and family •• Weakness, headaches, dizziness and other physical symptoms •• Vomiting after meals or taking laxatives The goal of any healthy weight loss programme is to decrease body weight and increase energy and immunity

levels at the same time. If you are concerned about your weight, it's best to make an appointment with your doctor or dietician so that you can share your weight-related worries. He or she will then be able to inform you if you really need to lose weight or you are at a healthy weight. You will also be advised about a healthy diet and exercises that will help you shed those kilos in a healthy way. yi NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 75

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20-10-2011 18:30:42

_FOCUS FEATURE _FITNESS

Martial twist

As Capoeira takes the world by storm, Beverly Pereira explores this next big fitness trend

A

lot of people see it as a martial art, others as a dance, and then there are those who believe it to be their cultural identity. Avid gamers will definitely remember Eddy Gordo of video game Tekken fame with his über-cool acrobatic manoeuvres.

Known as Capoeira, this AfroBrazilian style of martial arts fuses dance, music, acrobatics, as well as self-defence moves into something that can only be described as sheer poetry in motion. It is said to have evolved from the slave trade in the 16th century in Brazil. It’s no wonder then that Capoeira is also known as the dance of war!

The basic idea of Capoeira is to mock-fight with your partner, performing rhythmic steps combined with a variety of playful moves, most of which do not result in physical contact.

In keeping with its cultural inception, Capoeiristas form a roda (circle) around the two Capoeira players to sing and clap, while some play handcrafted instruments known as the berimbau, pandeiro and atabaque, setting the tempo for the two.

Known to burn around 500 calories

per hour, this energetic, exciting and effective form of fitness has not just become a trend in the West, Indians too are getting a kick out of it. There are approximately 72 basic Capoeira moves that include kicks, quick leg sweeps, aerial acrobatics, head butts, as well as knee and elbow punches, the combination of which offers a beneficial technique to work on strength building, stamina and agility.

In fact, when you play Capoeira, you’ll be so busy learning and perfecting your moves that you won’t notice how hard you are actually training!

Further, since most of the exercises are done standing, it’s a superb workout to strenghten the legs and back.

According to Reza Massah aka Monitor Baba, a Capoeira trainer at India’s official Capoeira group known as Cordao de Ouro, “We are living in the fast lane; snap decisions like agility in catching a bus or train, and many other practical needs are served by Capoeira. It’s a harmonious blend of physical and mental fitness.”

Further, while Capoeira is a widely communal experience, it is also a uniquely individual one. Capoeira tends to instill a sense of confidence

in all those who play it. Rather than the usual cookie-cutter gym workouts, this form of fitness also teaches you a lot about Brazilian culture.

Says Cheryl Koshy Agarwal, “For me Capoeira is a deeply individual experience – it goes beyond increasing your overall fitness and flexibility; it bonds you to a community and tremendously reduces stress as you escape into this art form. More than anything, playing Capoeira boosted my confidence when I did things I thought I would never be able to!”

If you are on the lookout for a creative fitness form, then it’s time you start playing the high energy dancemartial art known as Capoeira! yi

eira Official Capdoia group in In The first Capoeira school that was started in India by Reza ‘Baba’ Massah is known as Cordao de Ouro. With centres in Mumbai (Khar, Juhu, Dadar), most refer to it as the Centre for Capoeira India

76 Youth Incorporated ║ NOVEMBER 2011

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22-10-2011 13:04:21

FIFA 12

PLATFORMS:

XBOX 360, PS3, PC Release Date: OUT NOW

EA promised a revolution but let’s face it: in an annual sports franchise such as FIFA, a revolution comes around about once a decade. FIFA 12 then, is more of an evolution,

OR

Lame?

GaMe:

_GAME REVIEW

albeit a bolder one than what we’ve come to expect. The most noticeable and controversial of the game’s new features is tactical defending. Defending now requires as much skill and concentration as attacking, and demands the opportune use of the jockey, pressure and standingtackle controls. While this new focus on defending is welcome, the challenge involved means that you’ll be letting in many goals on the higher AI difficulties. The other game-changing feature is the player-impact engine, which sadly, changes the game for the worse. Awkward collisions and glitchy animations mar what is otherwise a well-presented game, and the ill-effects aren’t just superficial. Unrealistic collisions also adversely affect the flow of the game. Clearly more game-testing was in order.

In terms of game modes, FIFA 12 is almost identical to its predecessor, but the Football Club feature ties it all in very well, rewarding you and your chosen club with XP for all activities performed within the game. Overall, FIFA 12 seems like a step back for the series thanks to the two big new features not quite working as well as intended.

RESISTANCE 3 The Resistance series has always divided audiences, but the third home console instalment is perhaps the best of them all and one that is sure to be universally appreciated.

The key contributing factors to its success are Insomniac’s adoption of some old-school shooter mechanics, namely a diminishing health bar as opposed to automatically regenerating health, and the ability to carry multiple weapons and go crazy with gunfights. It also helps that Resistance 3 has some of the tightest controls you’ll find on a console, and a diverse and fun arsenal of weapons to help you take on the Chimeran menace. Each weapon also has a powerful alternate fire feature that levels up the more you use it, making it more potent and rewarding you for being loyal to your preferred gun. Resistance 3 is extremely atmospheric and does a great job of portraying America left in ruins after an alien invasion.

The campaign does tend to drag on a bit towards the end, but some thrilling set pieces and challenging bosses make it fun all the same. You can also play the campaign with a friend in co-op, and once you’re done with that, you can head online for some competitive multiplayer.

The system isn’t drastically different from other online shooters – it has got the levelling system and perks that

PLATFORMS:

PS3 Release Date: OUT NOW

we’re all used to – but again, the brilliant map design and weapons help it stand out and create its own unique identity. If you’re a fan of the FPS genre, Resistance 3 blends classic game-play mechanics seamlessly with current gen design to deliver a game that will not disappoint.

NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 77

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20/10/11 10:21 AM

o Dr ol FOR TECH LOVERS 

of the MONTH

 POWERSHOT D10

`21, 000

If you are an adventurous person, who also despises the fact that you can never click photos while trekking, then you will love this fantastic piece of gadgetry, which is not only water-proof but also shock and temperature resistant. Whether you plan to visit Alaska or Africa, the Canon PowerShot D10 could be your perfect mate. Features that include evolved face detection technology and a self-timer as well as the high-end Digic 4 image processor make this camera a unique buy!

 RAZER MAMBA GAMING MOUSE `2, 490

 SANDISK SANSA CLIP ZIP Music lovers looking for a feature-rich and user-friendly MP3 player should have a look at the Sansa Clip Zip, which not only sports a 1.1-inch colour screen but also a clip that can be used to fasten the player to your t-shirt or bag. Perfect for workouts or jogs, this player also has a stopwatch. Other features include a built-in mic and a long battery life of up to 15 hours. Better still is the fact that it is compatible with the AAC codec DRM-free iTunes music format too. Choose between the 4GB or 8GB version and colours like black, blue, grey, orange, purple and white. And, if this space isn’t enough for you, boost up the storage limit with a microSDHC card up to 32GB, which can be used to store around 8,000 songs. You can also access FM radio using the Clip Zip.

`6, 800 This wireless mouse can best be described as a gamer’s delight. With seven buttons that can be individually assigned to different functions and the ability to create macros within micros, the Mamba is practically limitless in its configurability.

The option to store five profiles and a lagfree one millisecond response time is enough to make you understand why this mouse is highly desired in gaming circles. The colour of the backlighting feature on both the mouse wheel and the charging dock can be adjusted. Further, the mouse appears to be breathing when placed on the charging dock.

78 Youth Incorporated ║ NOVEMBER 2011

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20/10/11 10:22 AM

_TECHNOLOGY

Vs

Vs

LG G-Slate

 HTC Flyer

 MOTOROLA Xoom

Honeycomb 3.0

Gingerbread 2.3

Honeycomb 3.0

Platform

Platform

Platform

Display

Display

Display

Tech specs

Tech specs

Tech specs

Camera

Camera

Camera

Capacity

Capacity

Capacity

Battery life 8.5 hours Pros & Cons

Battery life

Battery life

Pros & Cons

Pros & Cons

Pros: Bundled digital pen, perfect for graphic designers Cons: No decent camera; old OS; low performance level

Pros: Good performance; long battery life; free 4G upgrade Cons: A tad heavy; App limitations; priced on the higher side

8.9-inch 1280 x 768p HD touch screen

7-inch 1024 x 600p touch screen

NVIDIA Tegra 2 1GHz Dual-Core processor

SnapDragon Single Core 1.5GHz: 1GB RAM

Front: 2MP Rear: 5MP with LED flash, 1080p HD and 3D video capture

32GB internal memory + microSD slot

Price

Price

`37, 500

`35, 000

32GB internal memory + micro USB port 10 hours

4 hours

Pros: 4G-capable tablet, 3D capture, keyboard dock Cons: Speaker volume is low; touchscreen is unresponsive when docked

NVIDIA Tehra 2 Dual Core 1GHZ; 1GB RAM Front: 2MP Rear: 5MP

Front: 1.3MP Rear: 5MP

Upto 32GB

10.1-inch TFT 1280 x 800p touch screen

Price

`35, 590

APPS

of theTH

MON WORDFEUD

 EPICURIOUS

free

Bring out the culinary side in you with this free app that will get you acquainted with blanching, baking, caramelising, sautéing and all those other gastronomic terms that make for a good enough reason to salivate.

Browse recipes (of both the decadent and healthy kind!), cocktails and desserts. Available for the iPhone, iPad, Nook, Android and Windows phones. Whether you are a pro or a first-timer, Epicurious is the app to have!

free

This addictive Scrabble-like game will improve your vocabulary. Compete with friends or random opponents as you create words in this classic letter-tile game. When a player takes his turn, the opponent is notified, lending an easy pace to the game, and allowing players to play many games at a single time. It's the perfect way to kill time and also keep your brain working! But, this game is only available as a free download for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and all Android phones.

NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 79

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20-10-2011 18:32:41

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

ROCKSTAR

Starring: Ranbir Kapoor,

Nargis Fakhri This Imtiaz Ali musical film shot in Kashmir and Delhi, stars first-timer Nargis Fakhri and is based on a good-fornothing, uncooperative son and struggling musician Janardhan (Kapoor). When a well-wisher discloses the so-called secret of success, he is determined to get his life in movies order. After befriending Heer (Fakhir), the most beautiful and popular girl in college, he realises that fate has other plans. He embarks on a journey of self discovery only to realise that he spent his life looking for something that was right in front of him the entire time.

DESI BOYZ Starring: Akshay Kumar, John

Abraham, Deepika Padukone, Chitrangda Singh This action-comedy film has been directed by debutant Rohit Dhawan, David Dhawan's son. You can expect the slap-stick comedy feel that his director father has come to be known for. Desi Boyz focuses on two enemies, who lose their jobs and compete with each other as pole dancers in the same night club.

The film has been shot in Mumbai and London with Oxford University as the backdrop for a major part of this movie.

THE TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAKING DAWN (PART 1)

Starring: Kristen Stewart, Robert

Pattinson, Taylor Lautner, Dakota Fanning Twilight fans can once again immerse themselves in the mysteries of this highly addictive romantic epic. Bella (Stewart) and Edward (Pattinson) must face a series of consequences post-marriage. The Quileute tribe of werewolves and the Volturi vampire close in on expecting parents Edward and Bella, whose unborn child poses different threats to the Volturi and Quileute. Needless to say, this one’s a mustwatch for fans of this supernatural saga.

Movies / Music / Books

{

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – I’M WITH YOU

The pioneers of punk-funk are back with their tenth album that employs the band's trademark sounds, but also leaning towards new and experimental styles. The 14-track album starts off with the high energy Monarchy of Roses setting the mood with tribal drumming and edgy guitar riffs and moves on to Factory of Faith, a song nostalgic of Blood music Sugar Sex Magik and Californication. Brendan’s Death Song is a mellow tribute to their friend, while Ethiopia does well in the mid-tempo funk zone. Other tracks brim with hiphop beats, electronic elements, stomp-inducing drumming, breezy guitar riffs and funk-heavy sections. The Adventures of Rain Dance Maggie is a funky jam, sure to perk up the dreariest of mornings. It’s evident that the album has been influenced by African music, since part of the band spent much time in Ethiopia. All in all, this vividlytextured album is a must-hear for RHCP fans, or otherwise.

SUPERHEAVY

Aptly titled SuperHeavy, this band is an eclectic collaboration between musical biggies like Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger, British soul songstress Joss Stone, reggae artist Damien Marley, Eurythmics founder Dave Stewart and India’s own musical genius AR Rahman. Miracle Worker has that airy reggae touch, while Rock me Gently has an easy, smooth feel.

Lending the album an Indian touch is the unimpressive anthemlike Satyameva Jayathe. Energy on the other hand is the most upbeat of the lot with high-speed raps laid over a techno beat. An unusual blend of top-notch artists is bound to be impressive. But, the mix-motch of reggae, country, Bollywood orchestra sounds and other elements takes away any striking expectations one might have of this elite fusion of musicians. The production, on the other hand, could well be the saving grace.

TOWER HEIST

Starring: Eddie Murphy, Ben Stiller,

Casey Affleck

A pair of hard-working guys Josh (Stiller) and Slide (Murphy) fall victim to a thieving Wall Street billionaire. Before he can get away with yet another crime, they plot against the wealthy business man and conspire to rob his high-rise residence and steal back their pensions. This heist comedy follows this riff-raff gang of criminals who might just have what it takes to get the job done.

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THE NIGHT CIRCUS

3

`41

books

yi

Author: Erin Morgenstern A mysterious travelling circus known as Le Cirque des Rêves opens only at night and is constructed entirely in black and white. It has the mystical ability to enchant each and every curious visitor that happens to chance upon it. The Circus of Dreams isn’t the circus that you might have seen or always imagined; although it does have the usual acrobats, contortionists and fortune-tellers, this circus has the ability to cast a spell. Expect the unexpected in this dark, sensory feast of a book. Tents that contain clouds and some that contain ice, and in the middle of it all, a tangled relationship between two young magicians, who are forced to test the limits of their imaginations and their love. This book is a must-read if you want to turn the real world into fantasy and vice versa. It has the ability to immerse you deep in the midst of fantastical, spellbinding and mesmerising dreams so deep that it could almost seem real! A must-read for those who like the fantasy genre.

READING LIST

HARPER LEE’S To Kill a Mocking Bird is a comingof-age novel, from the perspective of a young girl growing up during the Great Depression. It's a moving portrayal of a town's prejudices.

LOSING MY VIRGINITY AND OTHER DUMB IDEAS

Author: Madhuri Banerjee This fictional story explores the world of Kaveri, a single 30-year-old language interpreter in the fast-paced city of Mumbai. She is a career-oriented girl who finally decides to find a partner or at least lose her virginity on her 30th birthday. She embarks on a mission to find the right man to do the act. The story follows her journey as she unexpectedly meets her 'Great Love' only to end up getting badly hurt due to complications involved. She then flits from one ‘ideal’ man to the next as she fully explores her sensuality. Within a year Kaveri goes from the single, untouched and unattached woman to one who has an exciting life. Aditi, her best friend and self-appointed expert in the field of using men for pleasure, ultimately gives the readers a grand surprise. The story is dotted with elements that range from parental pressure right up to intimate details of Kaveri's new and fun life! Questions like 'does the right man exist?' and 'is a perfect marriage an urban myth?' are thrown in your face throughout the book.

A quick read for those who are fans of the chick-lit genre.

DIL CHAHTA HAI

SCHOOL OF ROCK

Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Preity Zinta A college film about three close friends, their relationships, love and understanding.

After an older woman causes a rift between the three, they reunite after many years.

When a down and out rock star Dewey (Black) gets fired from his band, he takes up a job as a 4th grade substitute teacher in an uptight, private school where he meets a 10-yearold guitar prodigy who can help put him back in the spotlight.

Starring: Aamir

yi

PICKS

0

`15

DOUGLAS ADAM’S The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is an intelligent satirical story covering space travel, aliens and interstellar war that kills all sense of wonder and replaces it with a touch of silly!

Starring: Jack Black,

Joan Cusack

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Resto/Meter _RESTAURANT REVIEW

T H E B E S T N E W F O O D S P OT S I N T OW N //////// SANCHO’S RESTAURANTE AND CANTINA, MUMBAI

On a slow Mumbai night, when you are in the mood for some Tex Mex, this is as close as it can get. A kind of covered courtyard with ‘chilled out’ couch seating and tables just about as distant as you’d like from each other. Soft lights from lamps over the ceiling and some music to go with, and you’re set. With cocktails to die for, the restaurant is almost always packed with foodies who enjoy their Margaritas and Fajitas alike. A must try are the Fiesta Nachos, to be shared by the table, just like nachos are intended to be. They have a wide variety, whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover.

So, you also have your choice of tacos and enchiladas along with a range of specials from the chef including Veracruz Fish and Habanero Tequila Jumbo Prawns. And finally, place has some of the best churros I’ve had in Mumbai.

Pinnacle House, Plot No 604, PD Hinduja Road, 15 Road, Khar West, Mumbai - HARSHIL PARIKH

TSELHA-ANZE (OUR GRANDMA'S RECIPE), BANGALORE

`700 n per perso

400 `300p-ers on per

A family-run, traditional Tibetan restaurant where the owners prepare their grandmother's recipes is my new favourite Tibetan place in Bangalore. Located near St Joseph's College, this place is usually buzzing with college students.

True to the Tibetan culture, the owners and staff are very friendly, helpful and serve the food quickly. A quirky trait is that you place your order by writing it down in the chit pad placed on your table and pass it to the waiter. They brag about their momos, and quite rightly so. Priced between `50– `70, the eight-piece portion is quite a steal. Try out the Tibetan Thali to get a taste of various preparations. Also sample their Thukpa and Gyanthuk. They also serve steamed bread called Ting Momo, an extremely tasty and healthy meal. Enjoy all these Tibetan delicacies with all the home-cooked delight of grandma’s recipes! 1, Cornwell Road, Langford Town, Bangalore

- ARPAN DHANDHANIA

ELMA’S BAKERY, CAKES AND TEA ROOM, DELHI

`400 per person

It rarely happens that a new bakery opens in town and I miss a visit. Like always, I was one of the few to visit Elma’s just during its soft opening in Hauz Khas Village.

This 20-cover bakery and tea room is furnished with British-style décor and adorned with a variety of tea cups. The place welcomes you to a pleasant aroma for fresh baked scones. One look at the display counter and you would want to eat all that it has to offer. I picked a Croissant sandwich with French-press coffee. The coffee was nothing exquisite, rather too runny, but the croissant spoke highly of the chef’s skills. The other offerings include estate teas from Coonoor. Chef Shelly Sahay is a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef; the marvelous Apple Crumble Cheesecake, Scones and Lemon Meringue Tart reaffirms chef’s competency. One can pick up breads for home, their signature being the Bacon Loaf. A must visit for the baked dishes, give the beverages a skip. 24/1, first floor, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi

- RATEIKA DHAWAN

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_CELEB TADKA

In a

Jiffy W

ell, if she is not wow-ing you with her food on Mummy Ka Magic, she is only impressing you with her wonderful smile in the television ads and programmes that come to your living room or with cameos in runaway hits like the Salman starrer Ready.

Meet Amrita Raichand as she produces one of the most decadent shakes for all those who can’t live without chocolate.

MUDDY BUDDY CHOCO-BANANA SHAKE INGREDIENTS Banana Milk Powdered chocolate drink mix or cocoa powder Sugar For garnish and decoration: Chocolate syrup Whipped cream Grated chocolate Glazed cherries

1/2 2 cups 3 tablespoons 2 tablespoons

Go Bananas!  One plain milk chocolate candy bar has more protein than a banana.  Bananas are a good source of vitamin C, potassium and dietary fibre.  The phrase 'going bananas' was first recorded in the Oxford English Dictionary and is linked to the fruit's 'comic' connections with monkeys.  There are more than 500 varieties of banana in the world.  Containing three natural sugars, sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fibre, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes.

PREPARATION • In a blender, combine banana, milk, chocolate drink mix and sugar. Add a little chocolate syrup and blend until smooth.

• Decorate the insides of a tall glass with chocolate syrup and pour the chocolate shake in it.

• Top with whipped cream and decorate with sliced bananas and glazed cherries on a satay stick.

• Sprinkle some grated chocolate and serve.

Preparation time - 5 mins NOVEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 83

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_AFTER DARK

  OVER THE WEEKEND HANGOUTS

BONOBO, MUMBAI

Nestled in a quiet rooftop of one of Mumbai’s busiest streets off Linking Road in Bandra, Bonobo is a haven for cocktail lovers. The classic Mojito was one of the best we have had, drizzled with lots of fresh lemon juice and tons of mint.

Their whiskey cocktail, ‘Forbidden Fruit,’ is a delicious and unusual blend of apple juice and whiskey, while ‘Berry Berry Good’ is really good with a blend of vodka with raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. They cocktail snacks are also a great accompaniment with your drink. We liked the mezze platter, with pita bread, falafel, hummus, olives and dips. The music varies between up-tempo lounge on weekdays to hiphop and funk over the weekends. A very relaxed ambiance, it’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy week. Kenilworth Mall Phase 2, 2nd Floor, Off Linking Road, Linking Road, Bandra West , Mumbai - MEGHA PATODI

DOGGS IN THE BAR! DELHI Spacious? Check, Games? Check, Drinks? Check. If this is what is on your checklist, then hit Underdoggs Sports Bar and Grill. You are greeted with a cocktail of a match playing on a big screen shaken with remixed hip-hop numbers. The servers are prompt and the beverage menu offers classic and signature cocktails; although eyeing the ‘Beer Tower’ on the other table, you would be tempted to order the same. The place has plenty of pitchers and shared drink options like the Corona Margarita which is good for four. Since most of us like to munch, the Stadium Nachos topped with cheddar, salsa and sour cream is an ideal companion to your drinks. The portions of the dishes are generous with a large variety to choose from. Pick your sport, your drink and go play! F 38, Level 1, Ambience Mall, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi - RATEIKA DHAWAN

SOMEPLACE ELSE, KOLKATA

You wouldn’t expect an alternative music scene to be housed at the snazzy Park Hotel, but Someplace Else the best place for live music in Kolkata. It’s one of the places in the city that promises an enjoyable night out even on a Monday night. If you enjoy rock and blues, then this is a place you simply must visit. The small Victoran-style pub has been a hallmark of the city’s music scene and popular bands like Skinney Alley and Hip Pocket play here regularly. Drinks are expensive but well worth it considering the foot-tapping ambiance and free entry. After the gig, one can step into Tantra, Aqua or Roxy, which are also housed at the Park. Live bands play around 10pm every night of the week so there is no excuse to miss out! The Park, 17 Park Street , Park Street, Kolkata - MAYA DAS

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kiss&tell

Splitsville for M

r and Mrs

_GOSSIP

They have b een married fo she was the cougar and r six years now, and wer he, the toy b e the hottes Ashton Kutc oy. N t cou h is said to hav er and Demi Moore are ow, all is not well with ple around; th e had a fling currently in the midst o e couple, as wit his sixth wed f a divorce. A ding anniver h a 23-year old studen shton t that too on surroundin sary! Gossip g th the ta American g e reasons behind the co bloids are going crazy w weekend of oss ith the rum up ours another say ip magazine claims that le’s alleged divorce. W s the reason h th ile a certain e student is is because o Yet another h av in g Kutch f pho , cl had yet again aims that Ashton had se tos that speak of Ashto er’s love child, n’s cheating parated from taken to the strea place. But, in bo D early Octob ttle, before any of the re emi in September when k. er, the coup together, bef ported infi she le was spott ore ed attendin delity had taken spoken abou which they indulged g a Kabbala in a passion t this, howev h serv ate er messages ab out relation , Demi is said to have b embrace. Neither star h ice ships for the een tweetin a g really depre s longest time! ssing

ALL DOLLED UP!

Move over Barbie, because Angelina Jolie is here! Bezel Doll Group has announced its plans to create a life-like celebrity doll of the star. The dolls are said to be flawless creations that wear mini versions of the star's clothes. Some of them even have the same tattoos and prominent birthmarks of the particular star. Looks like the Jolie doll is sure to have a number of tattoos too!

Kutcher?

Hack attack Friends with benefits co-stars Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake were rumoured to have exchanged semi-explicit photographs and text messages. This came to light after Mila’s phone was hacked and some of the photographs were released online! Among the photographs was one of a shirtless Justin Timberlake, while the other portrayed Mila in a bathtub. Well, we can only wonder why celebrities keep such racy photos on their phones, when they know that their phones could get stolen, lost or hacked.

Kangana’s beauty secret Word is that Kangana Ranaut is glowing these days, and it’s all because she is in love! After her breakup with Adhyayan Suman, it seems that she has finally found love. The man in her life is said to be an English doctor named Nicholas. The two met in 2010 through a common friend in Mumbai. She revealed that it was love at first sight and their relationship is said to have grown over time even though it is a long distance one. Her friends say that they have never seen her so happy before! Kangana says that she couldn’t have asked for anyone better. However, the actress refused to divulge the man’s name.

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_HOROSCOPE

AQUARIUS/JAN 21 - FEB 20 Effective organisation and correct planning of your resources will minimise delays. You may discover that you can be much more valuable AJAI RAI MADAN than you thought. Maintaining your sense Astrologer, of humour in trying times will allow you to Numerologer see the lighter side of situations. Don’t shy away from emotional conflicts, and stress on & Aura reader collective enterprise for lasting results.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 8 Lucky colour: Green Love Dates: 18th, 21st

PISCES/ FEB 19- MAR 20

STAR

STRUCK

CANCER/ JUN 22 - JUL 22

You will feel an intoxicating zest for life this month. Avoid jumping to conclusions as some problems are due to simple misunderstandings. Stick to trusted plans and methods. Domestic issues come to the forefront and require prompt action to soothe ruffled feathers. Subversive means could be counterproductive in the long run.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 5 Lucky colour: Brown Love Dates: 24th, 28th

Be discreet while seizing the initiative in difficult situations and avoid being blunt.

Some may have to suddenly move jobs due to extenuating circumstances. Despite some discomfort, substantial financial gains and higher authority are ensured. Keep your concentration levels high and scrutinise all possible clauses of important deals.

Lucky numbers: 6, 8 Lucky colour: Magenta Love Dates: 20th, 29th

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

Expect fun, romance and love if courting or planning exotic holiday trips. You may be feeling the pinch of being neglected by people around you. But don’t despair – a new task assigned to you by your superiors will explore new segments, which will ultimately stand you in good stead for the future and ensure the support of all concerned.

Lucky numbers: 3, 7 Lucky colour: Violet Love Dates: 14th, 22nd

Diplomatically asserting your views and backing them up will have a positive impact in meetings. Your interactions with colleagues will be enjoyable and you will have their loyalty. A new direction in your life emphasises relationships and creative endeavours. New experiences will add lustre to romance.

Lucky numbers: 3, 8 Lucky colour: White Love Dates: 16th, 27th

TAURUS/ APR 21 - MAY 21

VIRGO/AUG 24 - SEP 22

SAGITTARIUS/NOV 23 - DEC 23

A peek at new assignments with the possibility of kick-starting a new mega project will drive your activities. Constant disruptions at work will make it harder for you to focus on your immediate tasks. It is ideal to act on your motivation but you will need to make up for lost time. Spend quality time with your near and dear ones.

Lucky numbers: 2, 7 Lucky colour: Black Love Dates: 3rd, 11th

You may be in a restless and irritable mood so guard against losing your temper. Keep your bearings and sensibilities intact and be discreet in your interactions at work as your cautious approach could be misconstrued.

Spending quality time with your partner or socialising with close friends will be high on your agenda.

Lucky numbers: 4, 9 Lucky colour: Red Love Dates: 16th, 25th

Your mind is clear and you are extremely motivated. You may break out of monotonous patterns and engage in spontaneous relationships. Get close colleagues on board in decision making for new initiatives. Effective communication and people skills will get your message across to the right people. Clear gains are available.

Lucky Numbers: 4, 7 Lucky colour: Pink Love Dates: 11th, 26th

GEMINI/MAY 22 - JUN 21

LIBRA/ SEP23 - OCT 23

You are likely to break old barriers and surge ahead, lending a new dimension to your communication. Networking with like-minded people could lead to new opportunities. It is a good time to take up a self-improvement project and pay more attention to your health. See more of the possibilities that are waiting to be grabbed.

Lucky numbers: 3, 9 Lucky colour: Flame orange Love Dates: 17th, 30th

Temporary separations from loved ones and changes to activities in one’s family domain are on the anvil. Be prepared for a tough routine at work. The good news is that at the end of it, you will be completely satisfied. Those in career-oriented training programmes have to work harder if they have important goals in mind for the future.

Lucky numbers: 5, 9 Lucky colour: Grey Love Dates: 15th, 23rd

You will make major gains if you solicit the cooperation of your superiors about your plans. Tactfully asserting your cherished views and backing them up with relevant information will enable you to make a positive impact. Those in creative fields venturing into something new will be successful.

Lucky numbers: 1, 5 Lucky colour: Yellow Love Dates: 7th, 10th

CAPRICORN/DEC 24 - JAN 20 Sudden opportunities to make a quick buck will not be successful. Instead, concentrate on helping others. Don’t be resistant to changes as you often need good reasons for them. Your efforts will be recognised by close associates. Concern about future financial commitments may reduce and accidental benefits are indicated.

Lucky Numbers: 3, 6 Lucky colour: Ivory Love Dates: 10th, 20th

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_GRAFFITI

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Log on to www.boc-india.com/career and click on Catalyst Program to apply

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