Lifestyle

reclaiming-lost-recipes-of-rajasthan

Sat Jul 22 16:02:49 IST 2023

When ker berries and sangri beans come together to be cooked in Rajasthani households, it makes for an aromatic pairing with almost anything. The desert vegetable comes from the arid regions of Rajasthan and thus, made its way popularly into the kitchens of the dry state.

Chef Pannalal Kumar who hails from Chittorgarh introduced Delhi to the flavour and aroma of this lesser known slow-cooked recipe that is becoming a rarity even in cities in Rajasthan. “It takes a lot of time to cook. Both ker and sangri come from different plants and are dried for a year. They need to be soaked for 12 days and cleaned and later soaked in buttermilk and boiled. A blend of spices is then made to cook 'ker sangri' which has several health benefits.” He says slow-cooked traditional Rajasthani recipes are easily made and found in villages in the state as people cook them early in the morning and even share them with their neighbours unlike in cities where families prefer quick recipes and purchase readymade pickles and dishes from the market.

Chef Pannalal learned the art of cooking from his grandfather and became a chef himself after his elder brother, too, chose the profession. His mother’s cooking style and recipes also greatly influenced his own style. “When in Delhi, I wanted to give people more than just dal bati churma from Rajasthan, so, I prepared a buffet of different and lesser-known Rajasthani cuisines and the response has been phenomenal,” he says.

His recipes include mattera hara pyaaz, bharwan kaccha tamatar, Rajasthani chaats, ghewar, badam halwa, moong dal halwa, methi papad sabzi, pyaaz and moong dal kachori, khoba wali roti, gluten-free breads like jowar roti, missi roti, bajra roti and so on.

To present his Rajasthani spread in Delhi, the chief ingredients had to be sourced from Rajasthan as some ingredients like ker and sangri, cannot be found in Delhi’s local markets. “We also sourced bajra from Rajasthan as it has a unique flavour, different from that of Delhi,” he says. He says that all Rajasthani food is preferably cooked in mustard oil while the desserts are cooked in ghee. Kumar who works at Raffles Udaipur also had a unique twist to the popular dal bati churma. While the batis are popularly laced with ghee, his batis were found dipped and floating in a bucket full of ghee for the flavour. “We usually cook batis on chulha using cow dung as the cooking fuel for retaining its true flavour,” he says.

The culinary trip to Rajasthan can be experienced at Novotel Delhi, Aerocity’s Food Exchange till July 23.

using-chatgpt-to-create-workout-plans-experts-advise-caution

Wed Jun 28 17:53:37 IST 2023

In recent years, the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionised various aspects of our lives. One remarkable development in this field is ChatGPT, a sophisticated language model designed by OpenAI. Originally created to assist users with their queries and generate coherent responses, people have started incorporating ChatGPT into their daily routines.

People worldwide have been utilising ChatGPT to assist in various tasks like coding, scriptwriting, and even cooking. However, there is now a new endeavour where some individuals are using ChatGPT to generate workout plans. As the bot guides people through daily tasks, it is now being used as a cheaper replacement to personal trainers.

Fitness experts, however, have a word of caution for those blindly following exercise and diet regimes suggested by AI chatbots.

Ritu Paul, fitness trainer with Bollyfit, a dance and cardio workout studio in Kochi, says that there are no cheap alternatives when it comes to trainers and workouts. “When you rely on chatbots for fitness exercises, you are missing out on the most important element – human connection. Every body might need different attention, exercise and time period of workout. Chatbots cannot assure to heal injuries through exercise,” she said. “Not everybody who comes to workout has the same goals or is physical result-oriented. Some come for human interaction, mental health and general well-being and that is where personal trainers and group fitness classes come into play,” she added. Human interaction and personal training are of greater important to physical fitness than a ‘no figure, no identity’ anonymous bot helping you with exercise, she concluded.

Ritu does not encourage instant weight loss tips given by bots. “Weight loss journey must be natural and healthy. Going for shortcuts might be detrimental in the long run,” she said, adding that consistency is key.

Dr Senthil Kumar, a pediatrician, echoes Ritu's words when he says every body requires a different fitness routine which cannot be taken care of by AI. “Physical trainers can ensure lesser injuries keeping in mind the muscle weaknesses and physique structure of every individual. Online bots can be used as a referral guide but looking to it for personal training is not advisable,” he said. Instant weight loss is not going to help but in fact worsen the condition resulting in nutrition deficiency, dehydration and so on. AI bots like ChatGPT might be useful for educational purposes, he said, but at the end of the day it cannot take the place of a personal trainer.

Abhinav Shankar Narayan, former cricket player with the Karnataka state team, who also later served as strength and conditioning coach for the team, said ChatGPT-generated regimes can only work on two ends of the spectrum—for complete beginners looking for a mere start and people who already know a good deal about workout looking for a guidebook to work on. Abhinav, founder of the Namma Crossfit gyms in Bengaluru and Chennai, also blamed the lack of qualified professional trainers for the situation while pointing out the biggest risk of using chatbots for fitness suggestions—lack of accountability. “No one can be blamed in case of an injury during the workout,” he said.

With its vast knowledge base and ability to access information quickly, ChatGPT serves as a virtual encyclopedia on demand. However, it is essential to remain cognisant of the ethical implications and potential challenges associated with excessive reliance on AI. As we continue to explore the possibilities offered by AI-driven assistants like ChatGPT, it is crucial to strike a balance that maximises their benefits while giving personal care and attention to ourselves and our bodies.

chef-katherine-chung-is-on-a-mission-to-revive-the-hakka-tradition

Tue Jun 27 21:51:06 IST 2023

When one thinks of Hakka in this part of the world, noodles come to mind. But very few know that Hakka is a tradition, a tribe, a whole culture. In Kolkata Tangra region, a shrinking tribe of the Hakka resides. Their population ran into thousands a few decades ago but now they are only a handful of hundreds. Chef Katherine Chung, whose grandparents had migrated from China and settled in India, is on a mission to revive the food culture of the Hakkas before it becomes invisible.

The chef travels to places across the country and even abroad and talks about the fading tradition, the food practices and curates dishes from the traditional Hakka recipes, but, with her own touch and locally available ingredients. Her most recent stop was at 'Honk by Pullman' in Delhi’s Aerocity where she put together a Hakka Tradition menu.

For the unversed, Hakkas are a Han Chinese subgroup and the word 'Hakka' literally means ‘Guest families’ as it referred to Northern Chinese migrants fleeing social unrest, upheaval and invasions in northern parts of China during the Qing dynasty.

As for Chung, she was born in Amritsar, where her grandparents had first moved when they came and settled in India. She later moved to Kolkata as a teen and since has been living in Kolkata’s China Town. “It is very surprising to know that my grandmother was a chef in the Airlines Hotel in Amritsar in the 1940s-50s, a time when women chefs were unheard of and my grandfather was also an amazing cook. My uncles and elder brother, all are professional chefs who have worked in India and abroad,” she says.

She grew up observing her mother trying to bring the Hakka traditions to the dinner table - she made her own soy milk, tofu, pickled own mustard greens, made own Chinese sausages, Chinese bacon, and egg noodles. This is what fueled Katherine’s thirst to learn. She now cooks for both – her family and as a profession in various pop-ups, restaurants in India where she adapts the ancient Hakka recipes and uses locally available ingredients. For instance, when in Mumbai, she uses gobindobhog rice (Bengali rice) to make traditional Hakka rice cakes. In Pune, she used the chonak fish (giant sea perch) instead of bhetki fish that she uses in Kolkata. She sums up her style as ‘bringing in internationally acclaimed dishes and tweaking them in her own style'.

For her Hakka menu at Pullman’s Honk, she presented dishes like roast crackling pork, whole fish steamed with ginger, scallion and sichuan peppercorn and steamed prawns on glass noodles for non-vegetarians and soy braised tofu sliders and king oyster mushrooms with rice wine and more for vegetarians.

She tweaked the ingredients with the locally available ones rather than sticking to the original Hakka ingredients which are a rarity in India. “Hakkas are people who have migrated and have been pushed out and persecuted and have never had something of their own. They have adapted to the places they have lived at and made that culture their own. I am documenting their recipes because they will soon be lost,” she says, highlighting that Hakkas have been migrating out of Kolkata.

When asked if Hakka menu finds a permanent space in their homes, she says only on special occasions, otherwise it is the usual dal-chawal.

spains-tapas-culture-has-found-its-foot-in-india

Sun Jun 18 15:35:30 IST 2023

They say: speak English, kiss French, drive German and dress Italian – but with many countries adopting the Spanish Tapas culture, ‘eat Spanish’ is likely to be added to the adage soon. Tapas in Spain is not just food, but indeed a culture. It is a way in which the Spanish enjoy the company of their friends and loved ones over drinks and tapas – which are essentially small food servings that accompany a drink.

It offers a great opportunity to experience Spanish gastronomy since one can enjoy a wide range of dishes in small quantities. Owing to its popularity, a host of restaurants in India have begun celebrating the Tapas culture by introducing a specially curated Tapas menu which includes small snacks accompanied by drinks to be enjoyed with friends and family for a long time.

Legend has it that Tapas custom began when the bar keepers in the 13th century (under King Alfonso X ‘The Wise’ of Castile’s rule), began covering their customers' drinks with a slice of bread, ham or cheese to stop flies and dust from entering. ‘Tapa’ literally means an appetiser or snack in Spanish.

In Delhi, chef Ankur Gulati of Sevilla, The Claridges put together a 10-day special menu to celebrate the culture.

Chef Ankur Gulati, executive chef, of The Claridges, New Delhi agrees that there is a deep curiosity among Indians to indulge in Tapas culture. They have a penchant for experiencing different cuisines and exploring diverse palates, making it a popular choice among many restaurants, he says. He calls the Indian palate ‘exploratory’ and says the guests are always open to experimenting with international cuisines and seek to savour the true essence of diverse culinary traditions.

According to him, the Spanish Embassy provided their expertise and guidance and with their assistance; dishes that authentically represent the essence of Spanish cuisine were curated.

The set menu at the restaurant features patata bravas, shallow-fried potato smothered in a smoked pepper mojo, Hongos, wild mushroom croquettes served with garlic aioli, while the pimientos del piquillo rellenos de queso offers a blend of goat cheese-filled Spanish green pepper fritters. For seafood enthusiasts, the pan-roasted prawns with garlic, chilli, and fresh thyme, known as gambas, makes its place on the menu. The main course options include Cochin sea bass with seasonal vegetables, confit Potato, and lemon caper sauce, Josper grilled New Zealand lamb loin with ratatouille and lamb jus, and so on.

For a sweet conclusion to the menu, the traditional tiramisu or the Spanish saffron-infused crema catalana, an irresistible custard flavoured with saffron and a hint of cinnamon, topped with caramelised sugar, delight the visitors.

The most popular dish from their menu remains the patata bravas and the delectable green peppers filled with goat cheese.

Seeing a positive response to the menu, Sevilla is likely to collaborate with the Spanish Embassy on an annual basis to celebrate World Tapas Day and its culture, informs the chef.

The 10-day special Tapas experience at Sevilla, The Claridges, New Delhi ends on June 20th. The Tapas menu was curated by Sevilla in collaboration with Spain Tourism Office in India to celebrate the Tapas culture.

foreigners-want-to-try-indian-cuisine-as-they-consider-it-to-be-something-unique

Tue Jun 06 18:45:19 IST 2023

It's raining awards for India. After RRR's Oscar win, celebrity chef Shipra Khanna recently won World Influencers and Bloggers Awards at Cannes for 'Most influential personalities in social media world'.

From a very young age, Shipra Khanna was passionate about cooking. The MasterChef India Season 2 title winner has to defy societal biases to build her brand in the culinary industry. Shipra talks to THE WEEK about her journey, her struggles and her passion.

Congratulations on winning the WIBA award. What was your first reaction when you learnt you had won?

Firstly, thank you so much. Secondly, I went there with a positive mindset, it was an international platform and there weren't other Indians. So, I didn't know the chances; the permutation combination of me winning. And, when I actually won, it was an unbelievable moment for me. I don't think I can verbalize it. The feeling was so overwhelming. I don't think it hits you when you know you're there and actually experiencing it. I think it sinks in slowly. Before the award, I had to give a speech for about 10 minutes, followed by a Q&A session.

Since the attendees were all foreigners, they wanted to know more about India, Indian food and Ayurveda. They were really interested in doing the Q&A session. But, just being there, being on that stage... was a victory (to me), I felt like I had effectively conveyed what I had set out to convey.

So you were the title winner of MasterChef season 2. Can you share about your journey before MasterChef? How did you get into this field?

I was inclined towards cooking from a very young age. I started cooking when I was nine years old. Not that I cooked the best dish, but my whole interest in cooking and being in the kitchen and doing something started at that age. I just picked up things from the refrigerator and cooked something that my father would really like. But I wasn't actually aware of what I was preparing, I just wanted to make something nice. Whenever my parents weren't around, I would sneak into the kitchen to cook in my own style. My father was always cautious about me going into the kitchen due to the potential accidents that could occur. So my father used to say, “When the time comes, you will eventually land in the kitchen, but right now, you're a kid, you're young and you can let it be.”

I got married at a very young age. I had my first child when was 19. Later, I started cooking for my daughter as doctors advised she shouldn't be offered outside food. My daughter and I are foodies so that again attracted me to cooking. When I look back and introspect, (I believe) that was the main reason to start cooking.

In the world of haute cuisine, how do you see Indian cuisine evolving and gaining recognition?

So we do have a position out there, many foreigners are interested in trying out Indian cuisine because they consider it to be something very unique. I know everybody is a chef at heart and after the pandemic, so many people have become 'chefs'. But, frankly speaking, food is not just about cooking, its more than that.

For example, during the pandemic when everybody was cooking, I actually wrote a book called 'Health Unlimited' because I felt as a chef, it's my responsibility to reach out to people and tell them to build their immunity, to eat food which is healthy and save someone's life, your life, your family's life, because we were 'losing our loved ones like its nobody's business'. The book is based on the principles of Ayurveda and how you can make food healthy, with quick and easy-to-follow recipes.

So, my job involves a lot of travelling internationally and I host several H&I dinners. I curate menus, host pop-ups in Michelin star and high-end restaurants, and clubs. I served Indian cuisine-based lunch for 180 people in a 180-year-old gentleman’s club. I had hosted several dinners in Pittsburgh, which was for Duchesses, Dukes, for royal family members and multi-millionaires.

Whenever I travel abroad, the general imagery people had about Indian cuisine was just gravy and food lumped on a plate. After cooking, I would always explain to the guests what they are eating. I wouldn't do the regular Dal Makhani and Butter Chicken; I prepare more signature-style food which is well-plated, very polished, that could be paired with wine and champagne. I once prepared dinner for Mukesh Ambani and his delegates.

Could you share some of your learnings, techniques that inspired you in other cuisines?

There are quite a lot of them. I am a guest faculty at Le Cordon Bleu in Paris. It's one of the best (culinary school) in the world and I made sure all these French people eat my handsome biryani (she chuckles). I inaugurated the tandoor there. That school is really close to my heart. They never had a tandoor nor did they know how to use it. I was like, 'Come on, I am doing it, this has to be okay'.

In Japanese cuisine they do a lot of flambé, which is a technique to cook food with the torch, another technique is smoking. Then we have Brazilian cuisine where they grill pineapple and it's a part of the meal.

My father and I love Mexican food, they have different styles of serving margaritas and different taco fillings. I just feel lucky to have witnessed and gone to like so many Caribbean restaurants to just eat those delights. They have fish which is cooked in citrus. It's like an 'amuse-bouche' that cleanses your palate with amazing flavours and textures. Then there's something called 'tepache', it's a Mexican way of making kombucha, but it is made with citrus again.

Is there any particular Indian food ingredient or technique that you feel is underrated?

See, I think Indian cuisine, it's so vast. For example, I'm a Himachali. I was born in Himachal, I love my state and the cuisine. But the cuisine is a virgin cuisine because it's unexplored. We stay in extreme temperatures and we cure meat, duck and fish. Because during the summers or winters, there is nothing to eat, so we cure the meat, we smoke the meat and its called 'chha meat'. These are the same techniques that the French used. They cure duck, lamb, and pork. Many techniques of foreign cuisine are also practised by us, just that they do it in a polished way. I think our cuisine hasn’t gained popularity.

Outside India, there is a wide world and what really matters is that to whom you are reaching out to. What made me entirely happy about winning this award is that I could reach out to the right audience who wanted to know about Indian cuisine and how different it is to eat at restaurants, how different it is when you serve it, and how different it is to organise these dinners.

How do you balance between innovation and tradition when creating a new dish?

I represent myself in my food. It's very simple. When people see me, they assume I'm some trending model, a happening person, always well-dressed. But once they really meet me, they understand I'm really traditional. I respect elders, I love my culture and tradition. People who supported me since the start of my career are really proud of me; it makes me feel that I’ve achieved something in my life. I think the food is just a reflection of who I am.

What advice would you give to aspiring chefs?

Frankly speaking, I never thought I would be in such a position. Maybe I am paving a path for them to follow. It's not easy to get here because consistency, hard work, resilience everything matters.

Initially, I struggled to build my brand. Then there are factors like gender bias, age, position, power, experience, opportunities... everything becomes a factor to grow yourself and your career. But I still remember, I would pray to God to just age me faster. In my industry, people do not respect you because of your (young) age and think you are inexperienced.

So yes, definitely hard work, resilience and consistency are the keys to success. So whoever is looking to follow their dreams, they really have to have all of this.

You are an author, host, content creator and ambassador. How do you manage to wear all these hats at once?

It comes from passion. I love what I do and I believe in the YOLO (You Only Live Once)concept. Why not explore, why not break barriers, widen your horizons...life is full of abundance.

What are your upcoming projects?

I have a new cookbook titled 'Sinfully Yours Too' coming out. I'm also working on a television show. I am also a health and well-being ambassador with the health ministry where I promote healthy food.

this-summer-a-chef-experiments-with-traditional-mango-recipes-from-kerala-and-kolkata

Mon Jun 05 17:32:21 IST 2023

A sweet and sour, tangy, coconut-based curry made with the season’s best ripe mangoes, tempered with mustard seeds and red chillies—this traditional mango curry recipe finds its roots in Kerala. Often, for the seafood-loving population of the state, the mango curry is given a tweak with the addition of fish or prawns.

They say June best serves as the mango month with varieties of mangoes flooding the markets, making their way into Indian kitchens to be made into pickles, curries, aam pannas or desserts. When Chef Agnibh Mudi, corporate chef of one8 Commune, was customising his summer special mango menu this month for the resto-bar in Delhi, Kolkata and Pune, he not only derived inspiration from Kerala’s traditional curry recipe but from his hometown Kolkata, too, while also keeping in mind the north Indian recipes.

“In the mango season, Kerala does mango curries, Kolkata famously does mango dal, Gujarat loves the aamras curry. Everyone likes to utilise the seasonal fruit in one way or the other. Our 'Kerala Mango Fish Curry' and 'Mango & Summer Vegetable Curry' have been curated keeping in mind the north Indian palette. It is not very sweet,” he said. The base of the vegetarian and the fish curry remains the same—cooked in coconut milk and with a south Indian tempering. Chef uses raw and sweet mangoes as ingredients in the vegetarian curry. Both the curries are served with rice and Mudi insists that it makes for the perfect side pairing.

For starters, chef Mudi has curated the mango kerabu salad and mango and sprout salad, using different varieties of mangoes for different textures and flavours. Chef Mudi also made sure the pairing with the tacos was mango-inspired and he replaced tomato salsa with tangy mango salsa.

What strikes in the menu is the fact that mango finds its way into dishes that have never been paired with the fruit. As unusual as it may sound, the sushi, too, is not spared. Yet in this menu, a mango and avocado or salmon sushi is a fulfilling and unique experience.

The traditional mango barfi, too, finds a culinary twist as it has been made in creamy textures and served as a side pairing with mango tiramisu. “We topped the barfi with some coconut and did not make it very sweet. Traditional mango barfis sold at sweet shops are very sweet. Though the barfi comes as a side pairing with the mango tiramisu, it was my personal favourite and we loved the idea of serving it as a separate sweet altogether,” the chef said.

The 'Summer Vacations' mango menu is being served at one8 Commune in June.

10-sustainability-influencers-inspiring-us-to-live-greener-lives

Mon Jun 05 16:58:08 IST 2023

We live in a world that gives so much emphasis on skincare routines and fashion trends. Do we focus on giving our environment the same importance? Here are some influencers who will motivate you to go green and lead a sustainable lifestyle. They use Instagram as a platform to publish their content and spread the word.

Whether it's calling for waste reduction, reducing consumption, or making greener choices feel more accessible, these influencers are simply crushing it. We highly recommend giving them each a follow; you may even find yourself making better, good-for-the-earth decisions!

1. Nayana Premnath (@nayana_premnath)

She has gone from being a practicing architect, to a content creator and now a low- waste practitioner. Nayana discovered a zero-waste journey on her journey as a beauty and lifestyle YouTuber. The shift to low-waste happened in 2019 and as she shares, is still in progress. Nayana is the one to follow if you love having access to multiple resources. Along with her Instagram page, Nayana has her own website and YouTube channel. “The menstrual cup was what led me to a rabbit hole of information on sustainability and zero-waste living,” she says. All her offerings do not just showcase her low-waste journey but also her experiments with a vegan diet including some delicious recipes. You can also get your hands on a quick guide on easy zero-waste swaps that you can implement immediately.

2. Vani Murthy (@wormani)

Vani Murthy is a 60-year-old homemaker-turned-changemaker who goes by Worm Rani on Instagram, inspiring youngsters to compost and manage waste sustainably in urban spaces through her short and informative videos. “Urban farmer” and a “composting enthusiast” Vani co-founded the Bengaluru branch of the Solid Trash Management Round Table, an organisation devoted to solving the waste issue in cities. What can you do with the scraps from your kitchen? Use it to nourish the soil and grow your own healthy vegetables, says Vani Murthy who constantly addresses through her page.

3. Mrudula Joshi (@ullisubymrudula)

Although she comes from a fashion background, her habit of saving up made her discover a zero-waste lifestyle. Her endeavour is thus called “Ullisu” which in Kannada stands for “save”. Mrudula is not just a zero-waste influencer but also an entrepreneur. As part of her professor’s research, she had taken up the #NoStitchSeptember Challenge where she opted for drapes instead of stitched clothes to reduce carbon footprints. She made dresses, tops, skirts, and sarees from drapes. The pursuit brought out her creative side and the best part was that these styles were apt for all body shapes and sizes. She recently launched Ulisu Zero-waste Store, where you can buy zero-waste products and get them delivered pan-India.

4. Kopal Nanda (@witch_crafts)

Who would say no to an urban garden? This gardener's page is completely green, almost like a virtual nursery. One of India's emerging "plantfluencers," Kopal, speaks about different plants and demonstrates how to cultivate and care for them in an apartment garden. You will gain knowledge about both veggie gardening and decorative plants. She also gives you lessons on different varieties of hoyas, glimpses of a blooming cabbage patch, and her expertise on how to change the settings for the plants’ environment when the weather changes. Following her is a good idea if one of your aims is to become a green thumb.

5. Ripu Baman Bevli (@plogmanofindia)

Ripu introduced the idea of plogging in India by planning clean-up campaigns around Mumbai. He focuses on raising awareness about trash reduction and aspires to make India free of litter. By planning clean-up campaigns around Mumbai, Ripu introduced the idea of plogging to this nation. He works hard to raise awareness about trash reduction and aspires to make India free of litter. You may find hundreds of short films about sustainability and how to live a waste-free life on his Instagram page, which can inspire you.

6. Soumya (@greenfeetcleanfeet)

She is a sustainable lifestyle blogger and creates content that mostly deals with low consumerism and she began the “No Buy Challenge” on her page. She attempts to motivate people to stop buying things that were unnecessary, and thus reduce some amount of waste generation. In addition to this, she also speaks of sustainable hacks.

7. Saif (@thesustainabilityguy)

The handle says it all. He is ‘the’ guy if you want to know about sustainability.

If you would like to know more about ‘identification codes on plastic items’, check out careers in sustainability, or find out about how you can cut down your food wastage, his reels are the answer. With a varied range of topics and extremely entertaining reels, Saif makes sure that learning about sustainability is extremely engaging. He has posted engaging content centered around learning more about a sustainable lifestyle. If you would like to know more about ‘identification codes on plastic items’, check out careers in sustainability, or find out about how you can cut down your food wastage, these reels are the answer.

8. Pankti Pandey (@zerowasteadda)

Her Instagram is truly a zero-waste adda of resources. From video tutorials to product swaps, easy practices, and useful guides you name it. Pankti is an advocate for not just zero-waste living but also slow fashion and minimalism. Her content is perfect for Indians as it celebrates age-old sustainable practices we have been doing and about what more can be done. She also shares natural skincare methods that were passed down in her family. Don’t forget to check out her highlights for deeper insights into all her zero-waste endeavours.

9. Kamana Goutham (@mycocktail_life)

Kamana is a nutritionist who adopts the “sustainable parenting” approach and implements sustainability in every aspect of her family’s life. She educates her children about how growing food is important in contrast to ordering it from a restaurant and teaches them about their roots, as well as concepts such as harvesting, while urging other parents to do so as well. She believes that in this day and age, it is very important to think about our environment when you consider being a parent.

10. Pallavi (@modaninja)

She is a fashion blogger and nature enthusiast whose Instagram explores the fashion industry and attempts to raise awareness of ingrained colonial exploitation and unsustainable practices. Her page consists of resources for learning how fast fashion functions and what the possible alternatives are in addition to being visually calming because it offers a glimpse of fashion via nature.

environment-day-edible-landscapes-a-step-towards-green-living-in-urban-spaces

Sun Jun 04 16:35:56 IST 2023

In the face of increasing urbanization and environmental concerns, the concept of edible landscapes has gained significant traction as a way to transform unused city spaces into productive gardens. Urban farming initiatives and passionate individuals have embraced this movement, promoting sustainable and localised food production while simultaneously enhancing the beauty and functionality of urban environments. These edible landscapes not only provide fresh, nutritious food but also contribute to sustainable food production and reduce the carbon footprint associated with long-distance food transportation.

By growing food locally, urban farmers minimize the use of pesticides and herbicides, promote biodiversity, and reduce food waste. In addition, these projects help combat food insecurity by increasing access to fresh produce in undeserved urban communities, where nutritious options are often limited.

Urban farming has taken various forms, ranging from community gardens and rooftop farms to vertical gardens and hydroponic systems which doesn’t involve the presence of soil for plants to grow. These initiatives demonstrate the ingenuity and resourcefulness of individuals who are determined to make a positive impact on their communities and the environment. By repurposing underutilized spaces such as vacant lots, rooftops, and even walls, these urban farmers are turning concrete jungles into vibrant oases of green.

Urban Leaves

One inspiring example of an edible landscape is the 'Urban Leaves' led by Preeti Patil, catering officer with the Mumbai Port Trust (MBPT).

By converting 3,000 sq. ft of terrace space into an urban garden, she found a unique solution to the problem of waste generated in the MBPT kitchen. Earlier in 2000, the central kitchen of MBPT, which caters to departmental canteens in the docks, used to generate 30 kgs of vegetable waste daily.

When Patil, who is a Btech graduate in Food Science and Catering Technology, faced issues regarding the disposal of this waste, she decided to recycle it through terrace farming.

Inspired by the works of S.A. Dabholkar and the Prayog Pariwar Natueco Farming methodology, she started experimenting on the rooftop of the kitchen. The canteen's staff happily volunteered their spare time to be a part of this project.

Over time, the terrace transformed into a highly productive food forest, creating a lush green cover amidst the concrete surroundings. The presence of beneficial bugs, birds, bees, and butterflies further enhanced the ecological balance of the area. This innovative approach not only addressed the waste management issue but also provided a sustainable source of fresh produce for the canteens and added natural beauty to the surroundings.

In 2009, Preeti Patil founded 'Urban Leaves', a non-profit organization driven by volunteers. The main objective of 'Urban Leaves' is to raise awareness about organic food cultivation in urban environments by recycling organic materials and kitchen waste. Since its establishment, 'Urban Leaves' has expanded its operations and currently oversees the management and maintenance of two rooftop community farms. These farms not only serve as productive spaces but also function as educational centres, providing valuable learning opportunities for volunteers from various age groups and professional backgrounds.

Green Souls

'Green Souls' is an organization based in Mumbai that goes beyond spreading ecological awareness. They have created a 30,000-sqft urban farm in Kharghar where they introduce organic farming, composting, and sustainable living. They also conduct workshops in building societies and schools, reaching out to over 7,000 people.

The unique aspect of 'Green Souls' is that the produce they grow on their farm is distributed to cancer patients and their families. By composting 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste, they are actively reducing the environmental impact of waste disposal. The group was initiated in 2012 by Julius Rego, with a strong focus on community support and involvement.

In addition to their adult programs, 'Green Souls' has designed special programs for children and teenagers. They aim to educate and engage young minds in ecological practices, making it a fun and interactive experience.

'Green Souls' addresses the issue of waste management in Mumbai, a city that produces a staggering amount of waste daily. They emphasize the importance of composting organic waste to create useful compost and prevent fires in dumping grounds.

While they acknowledge that their mission is a long-term endeavor, Green Souls is determined to make a difference by involving volunteers and conducting workshops to raise awareness and foster sustainable practices.

Edible Routes

'Edible routes' is an organic farming company that offers organic farms, edible landscapes and create products to nurture the earth. They set up kitchen gardens, rent out farmland for urban growers, conduct workshops on organic farming and sustainability and sell natural farming products.

The company strives to reduce environmental effects and protect the integrity of natural ecosystems while promoting efficient resource utilization. By doing so, they empower individuals to cultivate their own organic and sustainable food in terrace gardens, balconies, and residential spaces.

The benefits of edible landscapes extend beyond food production and environmental sustainability. They have been shown to improve mental health and well-being by creating green spaces that offer respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. These urban oases foster a sense of community, providing opportunities for social interaction and skill sharing among individuals with a shared passion for growing food and connecting with nature.

Edible landscapes are not just a means to grow food; they represent a visionary approach to re-imagining and reinstalling the lost greenery of the world.

working-with-waste-carleigh-bodrug-and-her-scrappy-cooking-ideas

Sat Jun 03 16:19:11 IST 2023

As the world (with a little nudge from the wondrous invention called the internet) grows increasingly aware of the current climate crisis, the responsibility has fallen on everyone's shoulder to do their part in healing the ailing planet. Carleigh Bodrug, through her Instagram (@plantyou) account, has become quite a celebrity with her innovative ways to help reduce kitchen waste.

This Environment Day, let's take a look at some of her scrappy cooking ideas to lessen kitchen waste.

Onion peel powder

Collect onion peels, discard the unsalvageable ones.
Wash the peels.
Soak it in water for 30 minutes.
Drain and rinse.
Pat dry with a clean cloth.
On a dehydrator sheet or parchment paper lined baking sheet set it out in the sun for 24 hours or in the oven at the lowest setting for 3 hours.
Grind the dehydrated peels into a powder.

Use:

Onion peel powder, like garlic powder and dried herbs, enhances flavour.

Homemade apple cider vinegar

Add the leftover apple scraps into a clean glass jar.
Add warm water and sugar.
Cover the top with a cloth and secure it.
Put it away in the pantry for two weeks.
Strain the scraps.
Allow the liquid to ferment for another two weeks.

Use

Can be used in salad dressing, as a marinade or a substitute for white vinegar.

Corn cob broth

Place the cobs in a vessel.
Add poultry seasoning/Italian seasoning, bay leaf, garlic, onion skins and black pepper.
Set it to boil.

Use

Can be used like vegetable stock.

Candied orange peels

(4:2 ratio – 4 oranges to 2 cups of sugar)

Peel the oranges and freeze.
Slice the orange peels into thin strips.
Bring water to boil, and allow the orange peels to simmer for approximately 15 minutes.
Drain and rinse with cold water.
In the same pot, bring equal parts water and sugar to a boil to make a simple syrup.
Whisk until combined.
Add the orange peels back in, and set the heat low. Simmer for approximately 30 minutes, until the orange peels candies.
Transfer to a parchment paper-lined baking sheet, and allow to cool for 4 hours. It lasts for a month.

Ginger ice cubes

Peel the ginger and juice the lemon.
Add both, and water, to the blender.
Blend it at a high speed until the ginger gets pureed.
Pour into an ice cube tray and wait till it freezes.

Fruit leather

Preheat the oven to 79.4 °C.
Line a baking pan with a silicone sheet or baking parchment. (note: when using a parchment, make sure it is laid flat on the baking sheet)
Blend the berries with chia and maple syrup. Using a spatula, spread the mixture in the baking sheet as evenly as possible.
The layer must be thick enough to bind together, but at the same time thin enough to dehydrate properly.
The leather tends to shrink once water is removed. Leave this in the oven for two and a half hours, before turning it and let it dehydrate for a couple more hours.
When the fruit leather easily slips off, it is ready.

A dehydrator can be used instead as well; simply leave it in for 8-12 hours depending on the water content.

environment-day-5-indian-brands-championing-sustainable-fashion

Sat Jun 03 12:47:23 IST 2023

In recent years, the fashion industry has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability and ethical practices. With growing concerns about the environmental impact of fast fashion and the exploitation of workers in the supply chain, consumers are now seeking out clothing brands that prioritise sustainability. These brands not only concentrate on designs but also on good working conditions and preserving local craftsmanship.

A quick look at five Indian brands promoting responsible fashion:

1. Doodlage

Doodlage is renowned for its original approach to upcycling and waste reduction. The modest supply chain has been expertly selected by Kriti Tula, a 33-year-old fashion designer. Doodlage is renowned for repurposing leftover fabric and textiles to make inventive new patterns, hence minimizing the amount of waste that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. But why the name Doodlage? A pun on the word "doodles" or the practice of doodling. Every piece created at Doodlage includes extra doodles made by the artist during the creative process to address a problem specific to their composition. The origin of the brand's name, Doodlage, and its significance demonstrate how distinctive it is.

2. Nicobar

A company that believes in culture as much as commerce and that journeys are usually as worthy as destinations. Nicobar was born when Raul Rai and Simran Lal noticed how the fast fashion pendulum was swinging and yearned for products that are designed to last, and are inspired by natural design and materials. They aim to create a line that champions easy, effortless style, clothing that can be worn for years, and homeware that is with you for life. Even with their packaging style, they show how earnest they are about the idea of sustainable fashion. They use crumbled paper and egg trays instead of air and foam pouches to package fragile items.

3. Upasana

For the past 20 years and more, Upasana has been focused on grassroot movements centered around fashion, sustainability, ecology, weavers and artisans. To Upasana, design is just creative problem solving. “I consciously do not view fashion from the prism of beauty or vanity,” says the 50-year-old founder of Upasana, Uma Prajapati. They support organic farmers and their families by enabling them to switch to organic agricultural practices. However, Upasana states that “organic in itself does not mean necessarily mean sustainable’’. Uma is now exploring using only locally-made fabric.

4. Okhai

This is one the finest sustainable fashion brands with an exclusive selection of handcrafted dresses, handcrafted kurtas, hand-embroidered sarees, and many more. Okhai’s apparel includes heritage crafts like Ikat, Jamadani, and Ajrakh. Over the years, Okhai has expanded its reach to bring more rural communities into the fold. The members of the self-help groups formed by Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development (TCSRD) are the backbone of this handicraft project. Okhai helps in sustaining various crafts in India by partnering with different craft-based organizations and providing them with an online platform to sell their products.

5. B Label

This Mumbai-based company that showed us how it is high time we rethink our fashion choices and opt for sustainable clothing. The brand uses hemp which is better than other fabrics in many ways. It is stronger than any natural fabric and is hypoallergenic, moisture absorbent, fire retardant, and a good insulator while being one of the few fabrics that breathe. B Label is India’s first hemp-based clothing and lifestyle brand line that focuses on creating fashion and accessories “unbound by time and season”.

pride-month-2023-events-to-watch-out-for-in-indian-cities

Mon Jun 05 16:22:55 IST 2023

It is that time of the year when the world gets ready with rainbow flags and goes all out with elaborate costumes, makeup, and, of course, glitter in order to commemorate Pride Month. Pride Month is an entire month dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, celebrating their culture and supporting their rights.

The rainbow aptly signifies the colourful activities and flavour of this month-long celebration. These include massive rallies, pride parades, parties, workshops, concerts, and many more LGBTQ+ events to attract participants from all over the world.

How Pride Month came about

The month is dedicated to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots, series of gay liberation protests in 1969. The Stonewall Inn which is a popular gay bar in NYC was raided by police in the early morning hours of June 28, 1969. This was not unusual for the time, but on this particular evening, the patrons of the bar fought back, starting the Stonewall Riots that went on for days and ignited a long struggle to bring lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people into the American mainstream guaranteeing their rights. After a long history of protests and proud resilience, it was only in 1999 that former US president Bill Clinton officially proclaimed June as “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month''. It was later in 2011 that president Barack Obama underlined and emphasised the inclusive nature of the Pride movement by re-titling it as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month and also declared Stonewall Inn a historic one in 2016.

Pride Month in India

The onset of the Pride movement in India is associated with the discourse around Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, an antiquated impact of the British era that criminalised homosexuality. The impact continued in spite of Independence and the implementation of Article 24 which promises equality to all. The first protest for gay rights in India took place on August 11, 1992, outside police headquarters in Delhi’s ITO area. The protests were led by AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan (ABVA), in opposition to the police who had arrested men from Central Park in Connaught Place on the suspicion of homosexuality. Thereafter in 1994, ABVA filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the constitutional validity of Section 377 of IPC in the Delhi High Court and this is considered to be one of the first legal protests against the government repression of the LGBTQIA+ community in India.

In 2014, transgenders were officially recognised as a “third gender,” and in 2017, the Supreme Court recognized sexual orientation and was protected under the fundamental right to privacy. After this, a revolutionary ruling struck down a colonial-era law and decriminalised homosexuality in 2018. In 2022, the top court ruled that unmarried or same-sex couples were entitled to welfare benefits. Furthermore, in 2023 the Supreme Court is actively hearing petitions that seek to legally validate same-sex marriages.

Pride Parades around India

On July 2, 1999, India held its first Pride Parade in Kolkata— “The Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk” which was also the first-ever Pride march in South Asia. Post this event, Pride marches have been conducted in over 21 cities in India. In 2008, Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru saw their first parades. The following year Bhubaneswar and Chennai held their first marches. Kerala held the first such event in 2010 followed by Pune in 2011. The first Pride Walk in the northeast was held in Guwahati in 2014. As late as 2017, Awadh, Bhopal and Dehradun organised their first Pride marches, with Jamshedpur following the trend with its own event in 2018.

The Pride Flag

The rainbow-coloured flag was created by artist Gilbert Baker and the design was introduced during the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade celebration on June 25th, 1978. Its design was chosen specifically by Baker as a symbol of hope that has been used throughout history for the LGBTQ pride with each colour on the flag having its own meaning. In the six-colour flag, red is symbolic of life, orange is for healing, yellow is sunshine, green represents nature, blue indicates harmony and purple stands for spirit.

2023 Pride Month Theme

The celebration of Pride month is based on a different theme every year that helps people to engage in discussions and raise awareness about key issues that people of the community continue to face. The 2023 theme is Rage and Resilience, reflecting the current global climate with the resurgence of anti-LGBT bills and laws.

Pride events to look out for around India

This year Pride month is getting more colourful with some wonderful events spread across different cities. So watch out and save the dates!

1. KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

This is the first LQBTQ+ film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theatre and the first queer festival in India to receive clearance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. 2023 marks its 14th edition and will be held as an in-person festival from June 7 to June 11 followed by an online festival whose dates are to be announced. The theme of KASHISH 2023 is 'BE FLUID, BE YOU!', giving wings to the aspirations of the contemporary generation that is fluid in their thoughts, actions and sexualities; which is expressed through films, art and poetry that is universal in its appeal.

2. The LGBT Pride Summit in Mumbai

This summit is scheduled to take place on June 21 in Mumbai’s ITC Maratha from 9am - 6pm and is focusing on the top professionals across the industry to discuss why diversity is important, discussing diversity as a top priority for an organisation's development.

3. Queer Made Weekend: A Pride-worthy celebration in Delhi

Tinder India and Gaysi Family’s curated Queer Made Weekend happening from the June 17-18 at DLF Promenade in Delhi. One is invited to mingle with, peruse and shop from queer entrepreneurs and small business owners at a dedicated space for all things queer-made!

4. Chennai Rainbow Pride

Chennai marks the 15th year of Pride in the city in June-July. Events this season celebrate the visibility of alternate sexualities and gender identities and affirm the notion of self-respect as a key goal of the movement. This year's Pride march will take place on June 25, subject to police permission. The venue is yet to be finalised. It was in 2009, that local groups and collectives working in the areas of sexuality, gender identity, human rights and health/HIV came together under the banner of Chennai Rainbow Coalition, and organised a series of events in the city culminating in the first march on the last Sunday of the month.

5. Legends And Divas - Pride Edition in Mumbai

Be part of the only musical in India to be staged in support of the LGBTQ+ community! The hosts will take us down memory lane, creating a one-of-a-kind experience while giving an insight into the times of Legends and Divas such as Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, Madonna, Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli, Adele along with scintillating drag acts and much more. The roles of the Divas and Legends will be played by the best musical talent in the country. Spanning a period of more than five decades, this theatrical presentation is supposed to leave its audience mesmerised with dazzling performances, state-of-the-art lighting and sound effects, LED backdrops and stunning costumes that are sure to keep you wanting more at the end of this performance!

6. Pridesio Bazaar in Pune

Get ready to show your pride at the Pride Bazaar LGBTQ+ all-day fest! From flea markets to opening on June 3, from 11 am onwards at the F. C. Road Social in Pune for a day of shopping, music, and celebration with incredible performances by some of the most talented queer artists around.

7. Satrangi Mela (Pride Edition), Indiranagar SOCIAL, in Bengaluru

India's first all-day queer festival by a hospitality chain, Satrangi Mela, is all set to launch its third Bengaluru edition this Pride month on June 18 at 12pm in the Indiranagar Social, Bengaluru. Dedicated to promoting queer talent and queer-owned businesses, Satrangi Mela is nothing less than a celebration of queer folks, for queer folks and by queer folks. Their inclusion-oriented approach shifts the spotlight from a tokenistic rainbow flag to the more pressing and under-represented aspects of the queer experience, evidenced by their drag showcase in Pune and an LGBTQ-exclusive floor in Bengaluru. Given the raging success of the second edition in the city and on popular demand, the Mela is coming back to celebrate Pride this time with a bigger line-up and more events planned throughout the month.

this-mixologist-draws-inspiration-from-north-indian-kitchens-to-curate-cocktails

Thu May 25 15:12:39 IST 2023

Imagine finding the local Indian herb ‘mulethi’, used for treating cough, in your cocktail. This was the scene at Taj Palace’s Loya when mixologist Hemant Pathak took over the bar. A cocktail with a purpose and an ode to culture of the northern part of the country was what the bar takeover was all about.

Pathak’s philosophy for Loya’s cocktail menu was simple and rooted in ‘panjj or paanch’, meaning ‘five’, with the five tenets being — Harmony, Experimentation, Authenticity, Reverence, and The Spirit that come together to signify the HEART of the North. Hailing from Uttarakhand, he sought inspiration from the north’s botanical abundance, time-honoured techniques and heirloom ingredients to curate a unique concoction of cocktails—vintage paloma, mulethi (mulethi-flavoured gin cocktail), gulab (blended with vodka), masala whisky which is a blend of bourbon whisky, house masala syrup, orange bitters and smoked star anise, and himalayan negroni which is infused with gin, campari and timbur.

A mixologist/bar manager at Junoon, a New York-based restaurant redefining Indian gastronomy, Pathak says, “Loya is a project dedicated to the heart of north India, from the Hindu Kush to the north west frontier and the foothills of the Himalayas. Since I am from Uttarakhand, it was easy for me to think about what ingredients from this region feature in history and then come up with a menu.”

The mixologist takes cues from traditional home kitchens and their long-lasting bond with spices and herbs. “Our entire mixology is based on spices, herbs and exotic fruits. For the first cocktail menu at Loya, when we were doing the research about the north, two ingredients stood out for me. The first is mulethi, which my mother used to give as an antidote to cure mild cold and cough. The second is gulab (rose) which has been blended with cardamom, vodka and citrus for a sour cocktail.”

Talking about Delhi’s cocktail palate, he says, “Delhi, certainly has a very sophisticated palate and I have served in Delhi for five years between 2007-2012. Delhites are well-traveled and know exactly what they want.”

The ode to the northern part of the country is not limited to the cocktail menu. The food menu at Loya, the restaurant brand of Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), is a culinary tour through ingredients, dishes and cooking techniques from Punjab to the Kangra Valley and the Garhwal hills. The restaurant’s subtle yet ancient grandeur takes one back to the simpler times when cooking was slow and sustainable. The seating arrangements remind one of the ‘khatias’ of northern villages and the chefs use slow cooking techniques to keep the flavours intact. The menu draws heavily from the cuisines of the soldiers of the north, the native tribes, and warriors.

To add to the appeal, the restaurant recently launched its own album created by musician Shreyas Patkar, which is a collection of classical, indie, and instrumental sets.

couturier-mayyur-girotra-collaborates-with-google-for-pride-month

Fri May 19 16:46:18 IST 2023

As the same-sex marriage debate rages in India with many eagerly awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision, couturier Mayyur Girotra is quietly but creatively making a statement. His latest collection ‘Aikya’ is his first luxury pret line that is debuting at an exclusive showcase that will kickstart Pride month.

The collection is a fusion of western silhouettes with Indian embroidery and techniques. Girotra says it blends colours and emotions that represent the LGBTQIA+ community worldwide. For the showcase, the designer has collaborated with Google and the Indus Google network Employee Resource Groups by being a concept partner for runway representation that includes various gender identities and sexual orientations.

Shilpa Maniar, Leader of the Indus Google Network in New York says they are excited about the collaboration and hope ‘to extend the conversation beyond conventional boundaries.’ The collection will be showcased to celebrate New York Pride 2023 on June 2 at Ave – Soho NYC agianst a backdrop of historic photographs of queer people from India.

Excerpts from the interview:

Tell us about your new collection Aikya.

It has been going on since the last two-four months. It is all about South Asian communities celebrating pride, but we wanted to keep the language of the brand intact which is traditional embroidery, non-binary, gender fluid fashion. Every garment of mine on the runway is gender fluid. This collection is luxury pret but acceptable in all forms. ‘Aikya’ means unity and it is dedicated to pride.

How is your gender fluid collection different from other gender fluid lines coming up?

My collection is all about Indian traditional culture, arts, embroideries, traditional heritage based mirror works, resham, Kashmiri aari work; very boho chic yet speaks in the light of India.

Do you also hope to make a statement through your collection in the light of the marriage equality debate?

My statement has always been clear. You have the right to love and marry whomever you want to. It is a personal choice and love cannot be defined. Gender fluidity has been there since humanity. Vedas and shastras, too, talk about it. How this positioning has arrived with us going to court is not clear but love has to win and will win. All my collection screams LGBTQIA because I am all about pride. I come from a Punjabi family and have gone through hell as a closeted, confused kid. I have seen so many lavender marriages happening because of family pressure. Things are changing in the metros but what about small cities where there is no education and many do not know what they are dealing with. There is a long way to go. I feel proud and soulful about this collection and I am attached to every piece.

On your collaboration with Google.

The team loved my work. One of the leaders from Google network contacted me and was very supportive. They gave me full freedom of to conceptualise the show and runway and it was a very smooth sailing.

With so many Indian designers going global, how has the perception of India changed on the runway?
India is centrestage now. A lot of international brands are getting embroideries done here, archiving our stuff, using mood boards with Indian concepts. I retail from New York, New Jersey and California and live between New York and India and have many international clients now. Many like to pair my lehengas with crop tops or jackets and sport a very boho chic look. Men like to wear my short kurtas with denims. My designs are no longer restricted to Indian or South Asian communities.

Are there any international collaborations on the cards?

Nothing is closed as such but something good should come up hopefully.

What is your next collection about?

It is going to be out in September. It is the Indian wedding couture and I am working on it. The collection is inspired by my trip to Istanbul and Cappadocia in Turkey. I had initially gone there for three days but then extended it for 12 days and ended up archiving everything and making mood boards. So, in my next collection, from the design inspirations to fabrics, everything has its inspirations from Turkey.

varun-bahls-ss23-collection-is-an-ode-to-nature

Sat Apr 01 20:44:07 IST 2023

More than two decades in fashion and Varun Bahl’s retail network stretches to over 20 outlets, including his three flagship stores – two in Delhi and one in Mumbai. His work marries the beauty of heritage Indian handcrafted embroideries with a modern colour sensibility.

His clothes range from traditional saris and lehenga ensembles to contemporary separates like trousers, tunics, jackets, and dresses and the designer is known for the lightness of his fabrics. Owing to his love for floral motifs that he explores in each of his collections, he is labelled as the ‘couturier of flowers’.

The designer derives inspiration from the Art Nouveau period and blends that with his innovative design aesthetics to create a series of vintage floral stories. He prefers playing around the lines for romanticism, Victorian textures and extravagant embroideries. Regency classicism has been one of the important aspects of his design as from that the forms and motifs have been derived keeping in mind ancient Greece and Rome. He has dressed celebrities like Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone, Kangana Ranaut, Parineeti Chopra, Bipasha Basu, Huma Qureshi, Kajol, Madhuri Dixit, Amitabh Bachchan, and so on.

This love for flowers continues in his latest Spring/Summer 2023 collection titled ‘Secret Garden’. Bahl has derived inspiration from the summer sun, the warmth of summer and the joy of spring, the burst of colour, the vibrance of nature, the reds from roses, hot pink hibiscus and delicate pastels of blooming daisies. The collection features bridal lehengas, breezy styles, and playful silhouettes that complement the season. The ensembles are adorned with delightful summer blossom-inspired corsages, and elements like seashells, and feathers to bring forth the presence of nature as an inspiration.

Daytime styles include ivory embroidery on shades of peaches where natural pieces like seashells come into play. The collection also features unique two tones in patchwork, with ‘summer bright’ which has pastel shades of lehengas, yellow to bring in the summer sun, and peach shades to add a sense of freshness. Bridal tones, red, and hot pinks with traditional zardozi embroidery have also been incorporated. He says the bold floral motifs are a refreshing reminder of a season where everything flourishes and that each element is handcrafted, from intricate florets to vivid blossoms.

Excerpts from the interview:

How is your collection different from your other floral collections?

'Secret Garden' gives a whole new dimension to my statement embroideries. In this collection, I have used my exotic floral artworks in form of appliqué work and 3-dimensional elements and corsages combined with delicate silk thread work.

What colours are likely to dominate this wedding season and what colours have you worked with in the latest collection?

Brides are more into experimenting with newer colour combinations instead of traditional colours. So, among bursts of colours with shades of red and berry pink, Secret Garden also features pastel colours such as mint greens, lemon yellow and ochre teals which I believe would be at the forefront for this summer wedding season.

Sustainable patchwork is your staple, what does it entail

My statement upcycled multi-patchwork plays on the idea of sustainability because I believe that’s definitely the future of the fashion industry. My Spring Summer’23 collection also features unique two-toned patchwork embroideries, with bright hues of yellow to bring in the summer sun, as well as shades of pink to add a sense of freshness.

What next collection are you working on, and what’s the inspiration?

The next collection that I am currently working on is the Winter Couture’23. We are experimenting with a diverse range of fabrics and newer dramatic silhouettes along with our classics.

India has seen a number of fusion saree brands come up. Since you too have showcased saree collections in the past, do you think you would like to do a saree-only collection unique to your sensibilities?

Definitely, going forward in the current season, I would artfully incorporate my signature drapes in saris which would also include modern and contemporary silhouettes.

Does your latest also include men’s wear, if yes, what has it been designed keeping in mind?

Yes, we are including menswear. It is an extension of our womenswear floral design aesthetics reflecting the same vivid language.

how-sports-helps-develop-a-childs-personality

Sat Feb 25 13:31:50 IST 2023

Covid-19 changed our lives in unimaginable ways, be it the way we greet each other, or travel, or eat, or even play. In fact, outdoor sports and games came to a standstill, and one of the most affected by it were the children. The days and months they would otherwise had spent in the dusty streets or on muddy fields, passed away within the confines of their houses. And, with outdoor activities dwindling, children started looking inwards.

Online gaming grew by leaps and bounds and spending hours in front of screen – mobile, tablet PCs or TVs - became the norm, as parents, too, became helpless. Even the classes were held online. The habits picked up during this period spilt over to the post-pandemic months and years.

So, where does this leave our children?

“The best way for any child to grow up is by physically indulging themselves in activities like sports, and steering clear of sedentary activities,” says Muneer, an archery coach in Kerala.

Dr Nanaki J. Chadha, a Chartered Sport and Performance Psychologist under the British Psychological Society (BPS), agrees. “Engaging in any kind of physical activity results in the release of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.”

Chadha says that sports can add an element of fun in a child’s life and help them deal better with their stress and anxiety.

Sports also has the potential to provide a framework for learning values, thereby aiding in the development of a child’s personality, she says.

Dr Vipin Roldant, a sports psychologist in Kerala, says that sports can help with physical, muscular, and mental development, as well as hormonal balance in the body. It also acts as a form of communication between others and, at times, between ourselves. Roldant identifies sports as “an excellent expression of emotions".

Hockey player Sarange Mohan, 23, says the game allowed him to achieve focus in life and to think practically and rationally. Meanwhile, basketball player Sheethal feels the game has allowed her to be independent in life.

Also, sports have rules and regulations that one has to follow, which helps a child develop a sense of discipline. Though individual games and sports have their positive aspects - like how the game of chess can help in the cognitive and intellectual development of a child - playing a team or a group sport helps in the personality development of the child.

“Friendships are an essential part of a child’s development, and sports helps build connections,” says Chadha.

She also emphasises on the importance of sports in schools and colleges, and the need to have the necessary infrastructure in place.

how-to-avoid-online-scams-this-valentines-day

Tue Feb 14 16:55:33 IST 2023

This Valentine's, you might be celebrating with your better half, fiance, beau or gal-pals. Whichever route you choose, don't let e-scammers get to you. Here's how you can protect yourself against fraudsters.

Valentine's season is when retailers offer chocolates, roses, all things heart-shaped and other related merchandise. It is available in stores and websites around the world.

As per a Check Point research, in 2022, email-delivered-attacks reached a record of 86 per cent of all file-based in-the-wild attacks. As per the research, there's been a 54 per cent increase in the number of new Valentine’s Day-related domains, compared to previous months and since the beginning of February, 1 in 1,000 Valentine's Day-related emails are found to be malicious or suspicious.

About 12,441 new domains were registered to contain the terms 'love' or 'valentine' in their names since January and approximately 1 out of 10 of these domains were found to be potentially risky.

These sites often phish for user information by manipulating users to install malicious files, clicking malicious links, or divulging sensitive information. Phishing content can be delivered via any medium, but, emails are most common. Phishing attacks are often combined with malware, code injection, and network attacks.

Scammers also tend to launch 'free' campaigns-- campaigns offering free goods with messaging like 'Your valentines day reward has arrived!'. These are usually sent out from unused domains and/or from multiple users. The domain might have already been used to collect user or payment information.

AI or artificial intelligence can be used as a tool to trick people into giving sensitive information or opening malicious emails. Chatbots can be programmed to send messages that appear to be from a trustworthy source. Domains can be designed to look legitimate. For example, instead of the email address boss@company.com, a phishing email may use ‘boss@cornpany.com’.

Chatbots can also be programmed to impersonate potential romantic partners. Or to send automated messages that appear to be from friends or family members.

Phishing emails might also contain suspicious attachments. For example a zip file of an invoice for flowers or a gift sent to your significant other. The attachment most probably could contain malicious content. Many-a-times, phishing emails contain grammatical error or is written in language that sounds wrong. Phishing emails, which, in most cases try to steal money, might demand sensitive information.

So, what to do if you get a phishing email?

Delete any suspicious mail. Also, don’t reply, click links, or open attachments from such emails.

beyond-pizza-pasta-risotto-spaghetti-or-lasagna-as-we-know-it

Fri Dec 09 16:30:06 IST 2022

Just like in India where food habits and culture change every 200km, Italy, too, experiences a shape-shifting culinary identity from one region to another. Often considered the greatest mecca for food, Italian cuisine is beautiful and highly complex. But globalisation has ensured that some its greatest culinary exports—pizza, pasta, spaghetti or gelato—now belong to the world, often in not so savoury ways. To showcase its rich and deeply rooted food culture which champions a field-to-fork ethos, the Embassy of Italy organised the seventh edition of the 10-day World Week of Italian Cuisine in India spread across New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Bengaluru. Apart from introducing agri-food products like Red Gold tomatoes from Europe, there are Michelin-starred chef demonstrations from the likes of Cristina Bowerman and Adriano Baldassarre.

As the World Week comes to an end on December 10, Vincenzo de Luca, the ambassador of Italy to India, speaks to THE WEEK on the lamp-bulb shaped Tomato San Marzano, its alternative nutritional labelling scheme and the many Italian dishes India can easily embrace beyond pizza, pasta, risotto, spaghetti or lasagna.

Q/ What makes the seventh edition of World Week of Italian Cuisine in India special compared to previous iterations? What does it hope to achieve?

A/ The World Week of Italian Cuisine (WWIC) was launched in 2016, one year after Expo Milan, by the Italian government in order to celebrate and promote excellence not just of the food and wine traditions abroad but the Italian agri-food chain as a whole. This year we celebrate the 7th edition of WWIC specifically focused on its conviviality, innovation and sustainability. With this edition, we hope to demonstrate how Italian cuisine is suitable for Indian palates, how it is healthy and sustainable, how it is fitting not only for starred chefs but also for everyday family cooking. We also aim at showing how the quality of its ingredients matter. We know that often some dishes like pizza, spaghetti and meat-balls prevail in the collective imagination in versions that we would never find in Italy. We want to showcase the real essence and the incredible variety both in terms of ingredients and dishes.

Q/ In terms of exchange of agri-products, which Italian ingredients are set to enter the Indian market in larger numbers? There's already been the formal launch of canned tomatoes from EU. Can you elaborate more on how this particular variety of tomatoes is special and which market category would most benefit from it?

A/ Canned tomatoes that have been shown both in our events and at SIAL represent the basis for many of our dishes. They are cultivated and processed in Italy in the most sustainable way, meaning there is low use of chemicals, optimisation of water-use through very advanced satellite-based systems and reduced wastes. There is not only of one kind. You can find, for instance, the most known lamp bulb type – The San Marzano, which is very juicy and excellent for pizza-making. Or the red and yellow cherry tomatoes of which many varieties exist. All are tasty, easy-to-use and healthy as they are rich in vitamins and low on calorie content. Moreover, our cheeses represent a very interesting product for Indian consumers but their import for the most part is not possible at the moment because of non-tariff barriers in place. In addition, we consider wines an essential accompaniment for a good meal. We also believe that our good wines play a large part in shaping our most loved landscapes—from Tuscany to the Prosecco hills in the northeast which is one of the UNESCO sites in Italy. Good wines have nothing to do with heavy drinking but at the moment they face both high import tariffs and heavy taxes. Citrus fruit could also be another product that Italy can be exported in massive quantities. And going into processed food, Italy has a good performance worldwide in not just cereal derivatives like pasta but also baked and confectionary products.

Q/ In what way is Italy championing the cause of sustainable food practices through the Milan Charter? What are some examples or the ways in which it is being realised?

A/ I have already given the example of the use of smart technologies for water use for tomatoes but there are many others. About one fifth of our land area is organic and we have a 25 per cent target by 2030. Organic pastures are very important for our dairy products such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana and Pecorino, just to quote the most known ones. We have 53 cheeses with denomination of origin that constitute the excellence of our production. These products are sustainable because they are based on the rich biodiversity of pastures in our mountain and hill regions. They also benefit the rural communities to which they belong. Besides organic pastures, our agriculture is oriented to smart input use and we are helping farmers substitute their tractors with new ones based on precision methods. Sustainable innovation is the keyword in agri-food processing, too. This is increasingly based on renewable energy, water-recycling and zero wastes. Many advanced bio-products can be obtained from tomato processing, such as films, biomolecules that are used in the chemical and pharmaceutic industries, bio-fertilisers and many others. And this concept applies to the whole Italian food processing industry from wine and olive oil to processed cereal products, fruits and vegetables.

Q/ Could you elaborate on defending alternative nutritional labelling schemes to expose mechanisms that penalise the Mediterranean diet and traditional European industry?

A/ There is a discussion going on in Europe on the best way to inform consumers on how healthy the stuff they eat is via the front-pack label. Our position in proposing the NutrInform battery system is that we have to look at the diet more than a single ingredient. A varied and balanced diet is a fundamental requirement for good health and that individual foods have relative importance in the context of the diet as a whole. The application of nutrient profiles as a criterion is intended to avoid situations where the nutrition or health claims obscure the overall nutritional value of a given product and can therefore mislead the consumer who seeks to make healthy choices within the framework of a balanced diet. Our scientifically-based “Guidelines for a healthy diet” specify that there is no "complete" food, containing all the necessary substances and in the right quantity and capable of satisfying all our nutritional needs. For this reason, an adequate and balanced diet can be achieved with a combination of different foods, each with distinct nutritional characteristics, which ensures all the necessary nutritional elements and energy intake. These principles are at the core of a typical food model under a Mediterranean diet recognised as intangible UNESCO heritage. No food, with exception made for allergies and intolerances, should be excluded from a proper diet.

Q/ Which lesser-known Italian dishes do you feel should rule the global culinary landscape?

A/ By showing our tomatoes, we have celebrated here the Eggplant parmigiana, a much loved dish in Italy, and also the rice suppli’, one of the most celebrated street foods in Italy. All our dishes can be loved by Indians. Risotto and pasta are the basis for an infinite number of plates and we make it with all sort of vegetables or with seafood. Also, our soups, for example the Ribollita from Tuscany or the Acquacotta are vegetarian dishes that Indians would love. All our stuffed pasta, tortellini, agnolotti and ravioli need to be mentioned here. Also, we must not forget our incredible variety of dessert—from the traditional Panettone and Pandoro, very popular around Christmas that come from the north of Italy, to the cannoli from Sicily and a lot more. I also think Indians would love Italian ice-creams made with fresh, natural ingredients.

Q/ How do you feel Indian and Italian food are similar in their sensibilities?

A/ Definitely, they have some commonalities and potential for cross-pollination. Our cuisine is based on seasonal products and there is a strong vegetarian basis in the form of wheat flour, rice, tomatoes, all the vegetables. Then there is the way food is prepared at home with love and passion. Finally, the way food is consumed both at home and in restaurants with friends and family without any rush. Slow food was born in Italy. Conviviality – together with sustainability - is one of the keywords of the seventh edition of World Week of Italian Cuisine.

a-gifting-guide-for-the-boozehound-this-holiday-season

Sat Oct 22 18:57:54 IST 2022

From rum produced in Caribbean countries to homegrown tipples from Goa, beer inspired from the House of the Dragon to a prestige whisky, here's our round-up of alcohol gifts to indulge in this festive season.

Diwali Vintage Scotch Ale

India’s first Scotch Ale, Diwali Vintage, is a malty and rich beer with mild sweetness from the dark malts, balanced delicately with the spicy bitterness of noble hops. The beer gets its robust flavour from the dominant smoky aromas of peated malts used in the best Scotch whiskeys. The Diwali Vintage is a beer for sipping slowly by the fireplace and celebrating the year gone by. The Scotch Ale is part of a portfolio called Imagined-in-India series where the premium beer company has three new limited-release beers---Fest Oktoberfest Lager, Fireworks Hoppy Wheat, and Diwali Vintage Scotch Ale---launched specially for this festive season.

Price: Karnataka - Rs 150 a pint || Mumbai - Rs 190

Plantation 3 Stars

3 Stars is a blend of aged and unaged rums from three primary terroirs: Barbados, Trinidad and Jamaica. While Barbados delivers a rich and balanced palate, Trinidad adds finesse, and Jamaica provides an emphatic structure. The final product is filtered to remove colour making it a smooth-tasting white rum that blends well with cocktails. A perfect rum for Daiquiris.

Price: Goa - Rs 2,985 || Mumbai - Rs 3,400

Short Story Dry Gin

Short Story—the latest from Goa-based Third Eye Distillery—aims to drive the conversation homeward on creating a benchmark for quality spirits. At the helm of the brand is Pankaj Balachandran as the brand director of Short Story—a well-known figure in the beverage industry. Their gin is an 11-botanical blend of traditional, pot-distilled London dry gin (Juniper, Coriander, Bitter orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, cubeb berries, long pepper, anjelica, hazelnut, black cardamom and star anise). It has a strong and vibrant citrus and juniper foundation on the palate.

Price: Maharashtra - Rs 1,850 || Karnataka - Rs 1,950 || Goa - Rs 1,050

Trading Tides - Coastal Dry Gin

With Australian lemon myrtle, anise myrtle and river mint and the Indian flavours of mangosteen, kokum and tamarind—Stranger & Sons crafted Trading Tides, a coastal dry gin, is an ode to this rather strange trade. Trading Tides Gin is a bright bouquet of citrus notes that’s vibrant with a refreshing hint of mint and a soft, spiced finish.

Price: Goa, Bangalore and Mumbai - Rs 3,500

Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (19 Years)

Ardbeg is soon to debut in India a limited edition expression from its prestige range. The fourth bottling of its permanent 19-year-old expression, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan (pronounced tri-van) will be made available in the country exclusively via Duty-Free retail outlets in Mumbai and Delhi airports. Produced in small batches and released year-on-year, Ardbeg Traigh Bhan 19 Years Old Batch 4 is a rare and ever-changing whisky, drawing its inspiration from Islay’s Traigh Bhan beach, known locally as the Singing Sands. Matured with a higher proportion of Oloroso Sherry casks, Batch Four takes on more flavours of chocolate and raisin, alongside a distinctive mentholic character.

Price: Available in travel retail outlets at Mumbai and Delhi International Airports for Rs 24,000

Hapusa-Distiller's Cut

Hapusa meaning juniper in Sanskrit is the first gin to be made with the Himalayan juniper berry. Found near the snowline in the Himalayas, the elusive juniper berries provide a beautiful structure to the gin while the turmeric and the delectable raw mango make Hapusa, a unique contemporary gin. Nao spirits recently launched a special variant of Hapusa Himalayan dry gin in New Delhi called Distiller’s Cut. Bottled at a higher alcohol strength of 47 per cent ABV, this Gin is able to retain and showcase some of the more delicate notes of its botanicals like raw mango and turmeric resulting in a taste experience that is familiar, yet richer and even more complex than the original.

Price: Delhi - Rs 3,000

international-coffee-day-shruti-shibulal-talks-coffee-and-responsible-hospitality

Sat Oct 01 13:26:52 IST 2022

It was in 2012 that Shruti Shibulal, CEO and director of Tamara Leisure Experiences, started her first coffee plantation resort at Coorg. Ten years later, The Tamara Coorg, which is spread over 180 acres at 3,500 feet above sea level in the Kabbinakad estate, regularly features as one of the top luxury retreats for all coffee lovers.

Daughter of SD Shibulal, co-founder of IT giant Infosys, Shruti found her calling in the hospitality industry after an internship stint at the Shangri-La in Hong Kong. Named a "Young Global Leader" in 2017 by the World Economic Forum, the 36-year-old has carved a niche in the realm of eco-tourism with properties from Kodaikanal to Germany. An industry historically associated with high pollution, Shruti has been one of the leading figures in rethinking hospitality in India as a responsible endeavour.

Her company added three new properties in the first fiscal year of 2021 including an ayurvedic retreat in Alleppey, a 147-room hotel in Coimbatore and Moxy Bremen, a 128-room hotel in Germany, the fourth acquisition in the country. But it was in Coorg, India's own coffee bowl country, where the journey started. The Tamara Carnival this year in October-November will feature acts like multi-Grammy award-winning music composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej.

On International Coffee Day, Shruti talks to The Week about growing coffee, responsible tourism and the several waterfalls flowing through the estate.

Edited excerpts:

As an eco-resort trying to minimise your environmental footprint, what are some of the practical challenges of keeping up with commitments to sustainability? Could going on a luxury-leisure stay really protect the environment considering the demands for comfort and several other amenities?

Our offerings are authentic and harmonious with social and environmental well-being. For instance, our properties in Coorg and Kodai feature wildlife-sensitive LED lighting which preserves the natural ecosystem of both native and migratory species. This feature makes both estates a haven for rare and beautiful varieties of birds. Bird watching is among the most popular guest experiences we offer. In Coorg, rainwater harvesting tanks with the capacity of around 90 lakh kilo litre allow conserving rainwater which is used for resort operations and landscaping. Our guest experiences include plantation walks, cardamom and Rudraksha trails, etc., and learning about the process of coffee making from blossom to final brew.

What are the challenges of running a coffee estate resort, as Tamara Coorg is spread across 180 acres?

Considering the resort is built on steep terrains, we have Maccaferri walls for soil enforcement to prevent landslides. Cottages are constructed at varying heights on wooden stilts. In keeping with our ethos we have battery-operated buggies ferrying guests to their rooms and across the property. We have ensured not to divert natural water bodies flowing through the estate, rather have developed around them, to ensure their natural flow. Fencing around the property is created such that it provides a path for wild animals away from the property rather than hurt them in any way. Rainwater harvesting measures have been installed with a capacity of 1 lakh KLD which ensures self-reliance in running the plantation and for guests, without burdening the natural water table or communities downstream. These are just some of the many innovative ways we run a coffee estate resort.

Any outward collaboration was done to promote the coffee at Tamara Coorg?

At Tamara Coorg, we follow regenerative and sustainable farming practices like maintaining soil fertility and bio-diversity and cultivating coffee in a shade-governed environment to differentiate our coffee. Sustainable and organic cultivation processes like using bio-fertilisers, bio-pesticides and composts nurture and nourish the precious topsoil, the loss of which is of grave concern today. We have entered into knowledge-sharing and collaborative initiatives with renowned coffee brands in the country to share organic coffee farming practices and enhance how guests can engage hands-on with our coffee and plantation.

Can you tell us about some of the new initiatives introduced to help attract guests from a younger demographic slice?

Millennial and GenZ travellers are notably the most informed and conscious. Since their preferences align closely with our own values we find that our offerings across the board are meaningful to the younger demographic. With the rise in popularity for nature-centric, wellness and mindful travel, we’ve been able to experiment further with the experiences we curate.

Any new initiatives that you would like to highlight in the run-up to International Coffee Day?

A flagship experience on offer at The Tamara Coorg is the Blossom to Brew coffee experience where our coffee professionals take guests through every step of how coffee reaches us in a cup. One of the highlights is the seasonal cherry blossom picking. The experience culminates at The Verandah, our coffee bar and souvenir store on the property. Our focus will remain on promoting the Indian coffee brew experience.

this-designer-resort-goa-tribute-indus-valley-civilsation

Tue Jun 28 23:08:06 IST 2022

The tourism industry was one of the worst-hit sectors during the pandemic. But even in the midst of crisis, there are those who try to tread a new path and explore options.

Experts say that experiential tourism is the way forward, and many properties in Goa, like 3102bce, a designer boutique resort, are gaining traction post Covid. It is more than a resort—it is also an extraordinary tribute to the legacy of the Indus-Saraswati civilisation.

Since it started operations just before the Covid-19 outbreak, the property was only able to serve domestic customers. “We now have a visitor ratio of 90:10, which means that 90 per cent of the visitors are from India, and 10 per cent are from other countries,” said Ishaan Bhutoria, operation director of the property group.

Despite the fact that Goa is presently experiencing its off-season, Bhutoria was fascinated by the level of interest in the Goan hospitality industry. “I expected hotel occupancy to be around 60 per cent during the off-season, but to my surprise, the facility is currently at over 90 per cent,” he said.

The key factor that makes a resort stand out is that urban dwellers nowadays are in search of immersive experiences. “Today’s travellers expect more than just five-star accommodations; they like being immersed in the natural beauty, cerebral connect and ethnic flavours even as they indulge in delectable cuisines they have not experienced much. They are mostly interested in expeditions and experiences, the lesser-known and unknown places and legends, and developing a deeper connection with local culture and nature,” said Bhutoria.

Speaking about choosing a rather unusual name for the resort, Bhutoria said it is a tribute to India's culture and philiosphy. “Inspired by the prehistoric Vedic era, our designer boutique resort offers an experiential experience that lies beyond the boundaries of an average hospitality experience. The Indus-Saraswati civilisation-themed resort pays homage to the sublime culture, philosophy and legacy of India’s ‘itihas’. This enabled us to provide our guests that cerebral link to the timeless heritage of this ancient culture,” he said. He added: “Nestled in the proximity of Vagator, Mini-Vagator and Anjuna beach of North Goa it is also very strategically located.”

To provide an immersive experience and evoke the purity and grace of a bygone era, the architectural team took cues from the Indus-Saraswati culture. The rooms are adorned with replicas of figurines uncovered during archaeological excavations. While we ensured that all the rooms feature modern facilities and comforts, the interiors were designed to give the impression of being transported to the ancient world, he said. The resort was given a rustic feel throughout, with Harappa-style city walls and a Great Bath-style structure right in the middle. “Each of the 37 rooms of the resort are associated with seven Chakras that hold the key to our physical well-being, thus a guest is never short of a new experience,” Bhutoria added.

Hailing from a family of hoteliers, Bhutoria takes inspiration from his father, Rahul Bhutoria, who has already created a name for himself in the field with ‘The Lindsay Group’.

trends-and-predictions-for-the-future-of-mental-health

Sat Jun 04 22:45:37 IST 2022

As the fourth wave of the Covid-19 pandemic looms large, life restriction could enhance more trouble for working class of India. The pandemic has emphasised the importance of mental health and has altered the healthcare landscape.

During the pandemic, demand for mental health services skyrocketed. Recent trends in the healthcare community show that there has been a substantial increase in the online education sphere with increased access to healthcare. Needless to say, both are proportionately increasing.

In 2021, Olympic athletes, celebrities, and other public figures came forward about their mental health, helping to reduce stigma. As we enter the third year of the pandemic, mental health is expected to remain a top priority in 2022, say experts.

While mental health technologies exploded during Covid-19, the trend had already begun before the pandemic. In 2019, there were over 10,000 mental health-related smartphone apps available to assess the behavioural techniques of the patients.

With the rise of mental health technologies during Covid-19, the trend is gaining traction and becoming less stigmatised with increased health screenings.

"According to recent trends in mental health, personal hygiene patterns have shifted as depression, anxiety and PTSD, and even sensory processing disorders have an impact on our personal hygiene," said a senior doctor in Kolkata.

Furthermore, children and the elderly have been affected by the pandemic, resulting in the loss of relationships and social networks. Many children have been abused at home, leaving them psychologically vulnerable and traumatised. Many are now struggling academically as a result of increased exposure to pornography, violence, and video games, which has impacted young children. Many paediatric neurologists asking the same questions to every child visiting them, "What is the progress report of your wards?"

Aside from that, adult people are looking for geographic flexibility and, in some cases, a return to in-person office work since 'work from home' has been isolating and anxiety-inducing for many.

According to the research of a psychotherapist in Kolkata, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is caused by a genetic-environmental interaction. The stress of Covid-19 is likely to trigger or worsen OCD in people who have a genetic predisposition to some forms of OCD (for example, contamination obsessions and cleaning compulsions). Unless they receive appropriate mental health treatment, some of these people will develop chronic germophobia.

People’s “money mindset” has shifted, and they now want to invest in “meaningful activities”, which is more spending and less hoarding. There is a trend toward reconnecting with friends and family. Some are even suffering from social anxiety as a result of being isolated and used to being alone.

It is critical for parents to learn about attachment parenting and work on their relationships with their children, which provide them with opportunities and space to express their feelings on a daily basis. Buying books on emotions for young children and reading to them every few days, as well as discussing it with the child, is an activity highly recommended. Teens need a lot of help because many of them have struggled during the pandemic. Instead of pressuring children to become pandemic-ready, acknowledge the changes that have occurred and collaborate with the child to help them cope.

“It is critical to acknowledge that the pandemic had an impact on all of us in some way. We must stop striving for pre-pandemic state and instead focus on current challenges and strengths, as well as how we can shape our lives to accommodate the changes that have occurred,” says Mansi Poddar, certified Psychotherapist and founder of Mansi Therapy.

“People’s fear of death and loss is a major issue in the mental health field, in my opinion. This is what we are left with as a result of the trauma. It is necessary to work with such fears, but will we ever be completely free of them? No. As a result, therapy is critical. And it must be treated in the same manner as physical treatment. As a necessity”, she added.

bees-sentinels-wild-ecosystems-rajani-mani

Sun Jun 05 21:24:35 IST 2022

Unlike 'cute' mammals like pandas and tigers, insects such as wild bees are often not given the importance they deserve. Colonies in Conflict, Rajani Mani's feature length documentary deals with the state of wild honey bees in a fast changing ecosystem.

In an interview with THE WEEK, Mani talks about the major threats faced by the wild bees, how climate change spells disaster for them, and also ways to increase awareness about the species we share urban spaces with.

Excerpts from the interview:

Why are wild bees declining?

Wild bees are on the decline due to several reasons like loss of habitat, air pollution, introduction of invasive species, heavy use of pesticides in agricultural areas, light pollution and climate change.

How does climate change affect wild bees?

Insects are perhaps more sensitive to changes in climate patterns than we know. More so as they depend on floral resources for their forage, and climate change is altering the weather and temperature causing trees to bloom sooner or later than they normally would and this could be disastrous to migratory bee species such as Apis dorsata for example. Different species of wild bees inhabit temperate and tropical areas, and many of these species have a specific temperature range required for their survival, unless they adapt or evolve to match anthropocene changes, species decline or extinction is almost certain.

How does the decline of wild bees impact the environment?

We don't know how it would specifically impact us, but generally speaking it would most certainly adversely affect nutritional security. The diversity of fruits and vegetables that humans are used to consuming and that our children require for their growth and well being will become rarer. But to me the most important impact would be on our forest systems. Bees are the sentinels of wild ecosystems, pollinating trees, shrubs, and providing a vital link in the food chain.

Are there any measures that can be taken in urban areas in order to protect and preserve pollinators? If so, what are they?

The first would be to increase awareness about the species that we share urban spaces with. Bengaluru for example is home to a wide variety of birds, insects, reptiles and small mammals. Most of these creatures have adapted to live alongside their human neighbours and are tolerant towards us, we too should reciprocate similar ethics to our wild neighbours.

One of the ways to do this is to find time to spend in nature, visit neighborhood parks and lakes, take an interest in urban wildlife and share it with children. Manicured lawns for example are a favourite in apartment complexes, instead allow some wild spaces, low growing shrubs, indigenous trees that bees love to nest on. Avoid mosquito smogging, adopt herbal equivalents for mosquito control. Do not be in a hurry to remove a beehive by spraying pesticide, contact a humane beehive remover, or better still, leave them alone for 3 months.

Rockbees are migratory and will leave once the floral season is over. By observing nature around you, over time patterns will emerge and we can better predict our surroundings and the creatures that inhabit our neighbourhood.

how-taro-is-teasing-the-taste-buds-of-fine-diners-in-india

Fri Jun 03 23:06:04 IST 2022

The root vegetable taro, or the humble kochu in Bengali, is used for all intents and purposes in China—as a flavour-enhancing element, as a bottled drink, a bun or a stew in a hot pot. It is also fashioned into a nest in traditional Chinese cuisine where grated taro (which is, in fact, arbi in Hindi) is fried to a delicate crisp and is later used as a base for fillings. The beautifully frizzled nature of its outer shell found a perfect expression in taro dimsums, part of the menu at the splendidly redesigned House of Ming in central Delhi.

Reopened last month after a year of full-scale renovation, House of Ming at the Taj Mansingh Hotel in Delhi has a gastronomical confluence of the old and the new where Sichuan, Cantonese and Hunan cuisine are celebrated in a timeless manner. It was also the capital's first five-star Chinese restaurant when it opened in 1978. In its latest iteration, the legend of the mysterious Ming princess floats like a shimmering dream over the restaurant. They are realised in chandeliers which hang down like her expansive, star-studded hair bun and light fixtures which could well be her beaded pendants. An Indian painter who is supposed to have spotted the elusive princess only by her intricately decorated hair bun once produced her possible likeness in a painting. A version of that mysterious painting is rendered as a striking intro to the restaurant.

With over 140 dishes, this is more than a house of plenty. But the sumptuous dimsum spread is unmissable with a range of stuffing, and several inventive casings—from potato starch and wheat flour to deep fried and baked rice. Prawn har gow bedecked with a gold leaf to truffle oil prawn sumai. But the taro dimsum steals a march in the most surprising way, reminding one of flavours and textures which are a curious blend of the classic and the evolved. "This dimsum is fried in a very specific way where it is inserted in the oil very slowly. Taro is first cooked like a mashed potato but a little bit more drier. While taro forms the casing, the stuffing is made of water chestnut. If taro is not cooked properly, it can burn your throat," says Chef Arun Sundararaj, director of culinary operations at the hotel.

Taro is an extensively used ingredient in Bangladesh and has been introduced in the kitchens of West Bengal as an act of cultural memory, enriching the narrative of "migrant seasonings". Think maan kochu bata (taro root paste) to kochu shak. The root vegetable from the colocasia family may not be very appetising to look at, but taro's breathtaking range as is now being realised in fine-diners across India, in tacos, crackers, dimsums and beyond.

cycle-with-kochi-how-wnvironmental-initiative-empowering-women-follow-their-dreams

Mon May 23 15:05:25 IST 2022

Sindhu T. is in search of a new job now. She was working in a paint company in Mattancherry before, to which she had to walk around 3km daily. She lost her job when the company faced a shutdown. Sindhu, who is in her late 40s, is determined to find another job.

“I will find a new job; I will cycle to my job place,” she said. “I do not have to depend on anyone else to travel now.” Sindhu is one among the many women—mostly in their 40s and 50s and are from economically weaker backgrounds—learning cycling as part of the ‘Cycle with Kochi’ programme. “I came to know about this programme from a neighbourhood group,” she said. “I always wanted to learn cycling. I got the chance only now.”

'Cycle with Kochi' is an initiative to make Kochi the cycling capital of India,” said Prakash P. Gopinath, the bicycle mayor of Thiruvananthapuram, who is a mentor for the initiative. “We want to create a generation of cyclists who would make Kochi a greener city and would create a stronger cycling culture here. Also, this unique training programme would empower many women, who otherwise have to depend on a male member of the family for the commute.”

As part of the initiative, around 300 women and girls have already got training. The initiative by Kochi Corporation and Cochin Smart Mission Limited is supported by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). GIZ is a German organisation with the self-declared goal of delivering “effective solutions that offer people better prospects and sustainably improve their living conditions”.

Stephen Fuchs, a diplomat and a spokesperson of the German embassy, said: “Germany has a big tradition in cycling. It is sustainable. [The initiative] would bring more cycles on the street and it takes cars away from the street. Millions of people die in India because of pollution, as also many places in the world. So, getting people off the cars and on the bicycles will help in reducing the death numbers. This training initiative in Kochi is attended by women who are working mainly as maids and fish sellers. Until now, they need to walk to their workplace, and it is a very cumbersome exercise. By learning to ride a bicycle, these women will have more confidence and they will be able to reach more places and generate more income. This initiative definitely will change lives.”

'Cycle with Kochi' is one among the many GIZ-supported initiatives for sustainable urban development of Kochi. “GIZ is providing financial and technical support to Kochi Municipal Corporation for the procurement of 80 e-autos. Implementing physical and digital way signages, and a web application for travellers (Kochi Ithile), is another urban transport and mobility programme supported by GIZ,” Fuchs added.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Berlin, India and Germany signed several bilateral agreements with a focus on sustainable development. As per the accord, India will receive $10 billion in aid by 2030 to implement clean energy projects. “India is a very important partner for Germany to fight climate change,” said Fuchs. German development bank KfW is providing 100 million euros as a climate policy loan for Kerala alone. KfW is also providing 170 million euros for rebuilding the Kerala roads that were damaged in the massive floods in recent years in the southern state.

Kochi’s climate-friendly integrated water transport initiative, Kochi Water Metro, has received support from KfW to develop electric-hybrid ferries locally. These ferries will save 1.58 lakh tonnes of greenhouse gases in the next 20 years. For developing climate-friendly urban infrastructure in Kochi, GIZ is supporting three major projects. The organisation is supporting the corporation to introduce green-building certifications—based on the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) framework—to make building designs sustainable and climate-resilient. GIZ has assessed Kochi’s climate action plan and has given support in identifying the major drivers of greenhouse gas emissions. It is also providing technical support for establishing decentralised sewerage systems in Kochi.

Fuchs pointed out that a German university, the University of Stuttgart, has created a sustainability profile of Kochi and has proposed several projects with potential for GHG savings. Kochi is receiving German support for sustainable waste management, too. Based on the request of the city, GIZ undertook a pilot study for the collection and transportation of solid waste. GIZ is supporting Kochi in managing plastics and other non-biodegradable waste materials, too.

digital-marketer-to-producer-sanjana-parmars-journey-in-the-entertainment-industry-is-creating-waves

Thu Oct 06 17:56:21 IST 2022

Shifting to another field isn't duck soup. But not following your heart is even tougher, isn't it? Thus, there are only a few people who take the chance to revamp their lives by turning over a new leaf, and we know of someone doing just that! Meet producer Sanjana Parmar. You might already know this young and exceptionally talented woman for adding lustre to the entertainment world with her intriguing work.

However, did you know that Sanjana Parmar is also a digital marketer by profession? Yes, you read it right! She was an established digital marketer with a passion for social media management and a knack for content creation. And during the lockdown, when everything was knifed, Sanjana Parmar decided to venture into filmmaking and launched her production house called 'House Of Joy'.

But don't you want to know what inspired her to make this move? "Being someone who relies upon movies to satisfy her entertainment keeda, I always wanted to be a part of this world. There are so many elements that go into making a movie, but being a producer is the best way I can use my skills to bring some truly outstanding stories to life, " said producer Sanjana Parmar, who made her mark with her maiden project, 'Suraj Aur Saanjh'.

It was during the lockdown when her debut work fell into her lap and the producer helmed it with love, effort, and time. Addressing her journey, Sanjana said, "In order to launch a production house, I had to learn the ropes of filmmaking. The process taught me the value of patience. However, the journey to date has been cherishable."

After this smashing foray, Sanjana Parmar continued to add one after the other super-hit projects to her resume, including Surprise, Online Girlfriend, 2 Square and Raja Beta. All of these are bathed in love and support from the viewers and are successfully streaming on Disney Hotstar.

Producer Sanjana Parmar has several trailblazing projects looming over the horizon, which include numerous short films; two rom-com feature films; a thriller feature film; a music video; and a web show. Needless to say, Sanjana Parmar is proving her prowess as a producer, and we hope all these upcoming projects are a huge success too.

makeup-artist-deepti-mohindar-on-the-initial-challenges-she-faced-in-her-career-as-a-beginner

Thu Jan 05 16:45:02 IST 2023

Deepti Mohindar is a popular makeup artist in India who owns a salon called Studio MeCHE. She is a media student who developed an interest in makeup during her college days. For 14 years, Deepti has become a trustworthy name, especially for bridal makeup. She worked hard, learned every brush technique and thoroughly understood how to blend everything perfectly.

Make-up artist Deepti Mohindar reveals that from a third-person point of view, doing makeup seems fun and easy. But to be the best and perfect with it requires a lot of patience. One has to be calm and patient while handling clients. Her patience, determination and zeal helped her become popular in 2007 when she introduced airbrush makeup. She was even hired as an airbrush makeup trainer by VLCC back then.

Deepti saw the works of some talented makeup artists and self-taught other important makeup skills. Being from a media background to a makeup artist to owning a salon has been quite a roller coaster ride. There were challenges, but Deepti’s dreams were bigger and stronger that every obstacle.

When asked what challenges she faced during her journey, in the beginning, Deepti Mohinder shares, “Thankfully, when I started my career as a makeup artist, there were few like me, and specially in Kolkata. So getting work was not difficult. But yes, handling clients and tantrums were definitely challenging. No institute teaches you how to handle such clients. But we learn to tackle them in our way.”

Along with being a phenomenal makeup artist, Deepti is also a doting wife and mother. She has 2 girls, currently studying in school. Thanks to Deepti’s talent, her phone is almost always buzzing with messages and calls from clients for an appointment. She feels good to see how many people trust her work and want to collaborate with her for some special occasions in their lives.

potsandpansin-presents-spacious-square-tawas-for-smart-cooking

Sat Dec 10 18:19:04 IST 2022

Why only have round tawa have best quality spacious square tawas for that edgy cooking experience.

It’s time for innovations. It’s time for the unique tawas launched by Meyer. Adhering to its promise of spoiling customers with choice, Meyer India proudly offers roti tawas and dosa tawas that are anything but round. Meet the super smart, functional and spacious square tawas by Meyer. These tawas are great to prepare your daily staple and break the old-set and never experienced norms. In fact, square tawas gives you the advantage of wider space (more breads to fit, larger dosas to prepare) then a regular round tawa. So, if you toast 2 bread loaves on a round tawa, you can toast 4 on a square tawa. The larger cooking space helps you cook more in less time and reduces your effort as well as fuel consumption.

Here are there top three bestseller square tawas that you certainly bring in your kitchen:

1. Circulon Non-Stick + Hard Anodized Square Tawa, 28 Cm

https://www.potsandpans.in/products/circulon-hard-anodized-non-stick-square-griddle-28-cm

Your kitchen your rules. Infuse the best of tradition with a generous dose of innovation with this incredible tawa. Replace your regular round roti tawa with this unique and superior square tawa. This square tawa's 28 cm diameter gives you a generous surface area to cook more food. Therefore, you can prepare four sandwiches at once rather than just one or two. This tawa males cooking completely comfortable because of its innovative non-stick technology, raised and incredibly comfortable handle, and immaculate cooking performance. It is a terrific kitchen investment that will help you churn out mouth-watering flatbreads, sandwiches and more with ease.

2. Meyer Trivantage Stainless Steel Triply Cookware Open Square Tawa, 27cm

https://www.potsandpans.in/products/meyer-trivantage-open-square-tawa-27cm

A stainless steel tawa that is anything but ordinary. This stainless steel features unique square design and numerous convenient features that makes cooking fun. The strong triply construction of this completely nickel free tawa gives it the added benefit of providing unrivalled heating for fluffy rotis. For additional comfort, the tawa's handles are firmly riveted with silicone-covered stainless steel. Additionally, this tawa has lipping all the way around it. The stainless steel dosa tawa is compatible with all types of cooktops because of its highly magnetic conductive stainless steel base. So, go ahead and create culinary wonders with the help of this wonderful tawa in your kitchen.

3. Meyer Premium Non-Stick Square Tawa 28cm (3mm Thick)

https://www.potsandpans.in/products/meyer-premium-non-stick-square-tawa-28cm-3mm-thick

Here’s bright and beautiful cooking tool to help you prepare delicious flatbreads without any fuss! This is a great substitute for the typical round tawa. This non-stick tawa is ideal for cooking your daily staple with utmost comfort because it features a high-quality non-stick coating and a solid aluminium core for even heating. The tawa has a porcelain enamelled exterior with a scratch-resistant finish for easy and quick cleaning. With its flaming and brilliant orange colour and unique shape, this will undoubtedly be the star of your kitchen.

Explore the widest range of Tawa , kadhai , frypan and casseroles and much more from this best quality cookware D2C brand potsandpans.in . They believe in quality products to safeguard the health of their customers.

3-super-cute-sassy-and-girly-instagram-captions

Wed Dec 21 15:35:25 IST 2022

In today's blog, we have compiled a list of 50+ super cute, sassy, and girly Instagram captions. Whether you need a caption for your latest selfie or an inspirational quote to keep you motivated, this list will help you find the perfect words to share!

Cute Instagram Captions for Girls

- I'm the girl that can do both!

- Life is an adventure, make it a good one.

- You can't handle this level of cuteness.

- Friday night vibes ✨

- Sweet and sassy since birth.

- When in doubt, wear pink!

- Sparkle like nobody’s watching.

- Shine bright like a diamond 💎

- Keep calm and be fabulous 🤍

- Pretty in pink and ready for anything.

Girly Instagram Captions

- Who runs the world? Girls 💪

- She believed she could, so she did.

- Remember that every moment is a new beginning.

- Always be independent and never underestimate your power.

- Life is too short to wear boring clothes.

- Today I choose joy - always!

- Inhale the future, exhale the past.

- Feeling beautiful, powerful, and feminine today 🦋

- Beautiful things don't ask for attention.

- A woman with a voice is by definition a strong woman. 👩‍❤️‍👩

Instagram Captions for Baddie Girls

- Bad girls club! 🔥

- Turn that frown upside down ✨

- I'm my own definition of beautiful.

- Always classy, never trashy, and a little bit sassy.

- She is sugar and spice and everything nice - with a dash of bad behavior.

- Better to be strong than pretty and useless.

- Live for today; plan for tomorrow; party tonight!

- Baddie alert 🚨

- Rules were meant to be broken! 😉

- A sassy girl knows her worth - always remember that!

Sassy Instagram Captions for Girls

- Take me as I am or watch me as I go.

- I’m not gonna sugarcoat it - I’m not that sweet.

- Find someone who loves you as much as I love myself.

- No, my attitude hasn't changed - you're just seeing it for the first time.

- Keep rolling your eyes; maybe you'll find a brain back there.

- Don’t worry, I’ve got enough sass for the both of us!

- Love me or hate me, either way, I'm gonna shine.

- Do more things that make you forget to check your phone.

- A wise girl knows her limits but a sassy girl will never accept them!

Instagram Captions to Empower Women

- Women are the real architects of society.

- I'm a strong cup of black coffee in a world that is drunk on the cheap wine of shallow love.

- Women should never be afraid to speak up and speak out.

- When women support each other, amazing things can happen!

- A woman is like a tea bag - you can't tell how strong she is until you put her in hot water.

- Give her two wings to fly, one is hope and one is faith.

- You have what it takes to be a victorious, independent woman.

- She was powerful not because she wasn't scared but because she went on so strongly despite the fear.

- The future belongs to those who believe in the power of their dreams.

Super Girly Instagram Captions

- Just a girl in love with glitter and sparkles.

- Life is too short to not wear cute shoes!

- Girls just wanna have sun ☀️

- Strong things come in small packages.

- Life isn’t perfect, but my outfit is!

- I'm the kind of girl who can make anything look cute.

- She has fire in her soul and grace in her heart.

- No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.

- A sprinkle of fairy dust and a whole lot of sass.

- Today I am choosing joy over sadness ✨

We hope this list gave you some inspiration for your next Instagram caption! Be sure to show yourself and other women some love - spread positivity and never forget how powerful, unique and beautiful each woman is! 💖

Looking for more captions? Checkout this list of 500+Best Instagram Captions to get more likes, views & followers!

Happy posting! 🤳🏽

dermatology-meets-technology-in-this-new-indianderma-start-up-clinikally

Fri Oct 28 17:22:50 IST 2022

The pandemic has brought an unimaginable change in not just our lives but also in the manner we approach or seek healthcare services. Telemedicine rules the roost today and digitisation has taken a giant leap, bringing even skin and hair industry in its ambit.

Users can now opt for dermatology consultation experience right from the comfort of their homes and in quick time. High quality skin and hair consultation is now at your fingertips and is as simple as taking a personality quiz online.

Clinikally is a digital dermatology clinic providing personalised consultations, prescriptions and Rx-grade medicines at your doorstep. The impact of digital dermatology consultation is such that people have begun prioritising skin and hair health and are actively opting for treatment plans for chronic conditions.

"Barring hair loss and chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, skin and hair care treatments had largely fallen by the wayside during the pandemic," says Dr Guneet Bedi, a member of the Indian Association of Dermatologists (IADVL) and the head of Telehealth at Clinikally.

Adding to this, Arjun tells FIT, "Most people across the world, and especially in India, have inadequate access to dermatologists whether it is for consumer skincare, or like cancerous, more serious conditions."

Clinikally handles issues of accessibility, waiting queues, time constraints and physical restrictions, which have helped it thrive. "Professionals soon realised also that a lot of the conditions that they present to the clinics can be effectively tackled with a combination of telemedicine and product delivery," says Arjun Soin, ML Researcher and Co-Founder of Clinikally.

Whichever part of the country you reside, you can have access to the best of skin and hair specialists from the metropolitan cities and with a click on your handheld device.

The Process

It’s simple! A patient is required to fill out a detailed 5-7 minute questionnaire with his or her skin type, medical history, concerns and requirements. "That questionnaire encodes learnings from previous patients history and doctors prescriptions in a qualitative fashion," adds Arjun. He or she is then connected to a professional for an online consultation after which a prescription is handed out on how to move ahead on the skincare or treatment journey. The focus is on making tele-consultation thorough and accessible without compelling the patients to buy products if they choose not to.

Artificial Intelligence is the key

After patients submit the questionnaire, they receive a highly sophisticated treatment line. The idea of AI looking at an image is the future several people in the dermatology industry are looking towards. However, setting up the framework for that will require a lot more data sets.

"There is a huge lack of publically available datasets that are dermatologically approved, and biopsy proven.", says Arjun Soin

"You need to be able to look at if it's a pigmentation or eczema or a scoliosis, you want to make algorithms that are effective across races, across skin types and there tends to be a lot of bias in these algorithms in the skincare space right now," Arjun adds.

Research is in progress on this area at Stanford University and we may soon witness Clinikally deploying AI, even better than it already is, for serving patients.

survival-101-the-story-behind-american-brand-survival

Tue Nov 22 11:20:05 IST 2022

Survival is an urban fashion brand created by Miami-based entrepreneurs Manny Garcia and Gregory Morales in 2016. The two aim to create a community and be positive leaders and role models by using fashion as a voice to motivate the youth and inspire others. 90's Hip-Hop, sneakers, and a love for fashion inspired them to create the brand. Growing up, they were always the best dressed in school and stood out with their sneakers and outfits. Their love for fashion developed into hustle and hunger and ultimately into the Survival brand.

Manny and Gregory partnered to start a business, Survival Clothing & Footwear, which directly led to the establishment of their brand. Determined to achieve their vision, and without a single hand-out, they ventured into the competitive industry. They brought a unique style to urban wear that rapidly propelled Survival to the forefront of Streetwear's Elite, fueling a new dynamic in retail and design that did not exist in the South Florida menswear/streetwear market.

Survival Clothing is the epitome of a culture-forward brand that pays massive attention to detail. When asked what they think Survival Clothing’s strongest edge is, one of the founders responded, "We are also unique for the brands/products we carry at Survival. We carry many underground brands; we produce all of our in-house brands ourselves and are exclusive to Survival. We also carry a lot of Heritage Brands such as New Balance, Karhu, Saucony, Diadora, and Asics that set us apart from the average footwear boutiques/stores.” They do not use middlemen since they create their designs, develop, manufacture, and create content for the brand. The innovative businessmen also market their products, making Survival a one-stop brand for fashion.

For over six years, Survival Clothing has continued to push boundaries in fashion. Although many businesses failed during the pandemic, Survival managed to grow and thrive during this period. The ardent entrepreneurs launched four retail stores in South Florida, and an e-commerce platform, and have several in-house brands, such as Paradise Lost, THRT Denim, and Yesterday is Dead, among others. "We also secured space at one of the top three malls in America: Aventura. We have created job opportunities for over 50 people while positively impacting many people's lives and expanding to new avenues such as jewelry, wholesale, and footwear," says Gregory.

Manny added, "Amazingly, we also found a way not only to break trends and bring awareness to the community but lead our industry in product development and now offer wholesale for our in-house brands to over 500 international boutiques. We are humbled that our self-made brand is now creating generational wealth. We also look to inspire and educate the youth and be positive examples to pave the way for more successful minorities in the community. The key is not only to survive but to strive and prosper."

Survival brand’s rise to success did not happen overnight. They faced many obstacles along the way but overcame them. Just like the definition of the word, “survival”, Manny and Gregory adapted to challenges and prospered. According to them, anyone looking forward to establishing a business should do it now. Don't wait for a perfect time or when you think you are ready, as that time may never come. The dynamic team plans to expand their supplies worldwide and launch more in-house brands in the coming years.

ozone-complexion-brightening-face-wash-and-hydrant-for-a-fresh-and-energised-feel

Fri Nov 04 11:13:49 IST 2022

Ozone Pharmaceuticals’ skincare range – Ozone Ayurvedics has always stood out with the quality of their formulations, their age specific skincare range as well as the potency of the ingredients used in their formulas.

Ozone Ayurvedics has been the skincare brand of choice for spas and professional aestheticians throughout India. Ozone is used professionally in salons for facial treatments targeting specific skin concerns from acne to dry skin, de-tanning and complexion brightening – they offer easy to use at home regimens as well to maintain the radiance from the treatment at spa.

A much loved and trending combo from their range is Complexion Brightening Facewash and Complexion Brightening Hydrant.

With an array of serums, essences, toners to build a multi-step skincare routine, the staples of good skincare and the most effective in results remain a good facewash and moisturiser. Ozone’s complexion brightening range is indicated to improve dullness in the skin, improve un-even skin tone and pigmentation. The entire range uses organic eco-cert ingredients, is certified cruelty free and paraben free.

Both external and internal factors like hormonal changes, environmental pollution, sun exposure, stress, environmental pollution, sun exposure, stress, eventually deprive our skin of its natural glow and sheen. Ozone’s complexion brightening range is curated to supplement the skin with replenishing nutrients like Liquorice, Sweet Almond, and Mango Seed Butter. With consistent use, complexion is noticeably enhanced, and skin looks lit with an iridescent glow.

Complexion brightening facewash works to gently cleanse the skin, removing dead cells, impurities and gives the skin a brightened refreshed appearance. It dwells on the goodness of nature with organic ingredients like sweet almond oil, liquorice, and mango seed butter. With consistent use, both the complexion and the texture of the skin is noticeably boosted. Using a gentle, sulphate-free, but potent facewash such as the Complexion Brightening Facewash enhances skin health by gently exfoliating dead skin cells to clear dark spots and improve pigmentation. Boosted with Chironji Oil (Buchanania Lanzan) the Complexion Brightening Face Wash is suitable for sensitive skin with its healing properties that relieve problematic skin by reducing itching and irritation in the affected areas.

Follow up this facewash with the Complexion Brightening Hydrant. Their use of the word ‘hydrant’ other than ‘moisturiser’ or ‘cream’ clearly reflects the combination of humectants to hydrate and occlusives to maintain the hydration and moisturise. It contains natural ingredients such as aloe vera, lemon extracts and Indian gooseberry and deeply nourishes the skin to enhance youthful glow. Neem (Azadirachta indica) inhibits premature ageing, protects against UVA/UVB rays, pollution, and other external factors. The vitamins and fatty acids in neem improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Regular use of Ozone’s Complexion Brightening Hydrant brightens complexion by reducing signs of pigmentation, dull skin, and un-even skin tone. Overall, it also helps with collagen production which smoothens out the skin texture and restores its elasticity.

The complexion brightening duo of facewash and hydrant combine and work to inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme responsible for melanin production. Therefore, 94% of users have reported the treatment to be effective for reducing un-even patches and sun tanning – making it a much loved after-sun care and post vacation skin revival.

zach-lus-patek-dominant-patek-philippe-and-richard-mille-watch-collection

Thu Nov 17 10:23:34 IST 2022

In his 17 years as an active timepiece collector, 32-year-old New York horology enthusiast Zach Lu, (or @zachattack__25 on Instagram) has amassed an enviable collection of watches, and prestigious connections with watch world stalwarts.

When most of Zach’s guy friends developed an abrupt overnight obsession for fancy wheels, a teenage Zach Lu found he couldn’t stomach perpetual conversations about motor vehicles. However, he discovered that he could digest watch-talk. Indeed he relished it. He spent weeks buried in dusty horology treatises, learning whatever possible about luxury timepieces, and savoring the way the watch world seemed to slowly open for him. Captivated by the lure of horloges he’d spent his fifteenth year researching, Zach Lu made his way to the 2005 Geneva Antiquorum celebrating Vacheron Constantin’s 250th year at the age of 16. He used the auction to pick up a VC that he proudly dubs his “first legit purchase” and scope out the horomtry stage in Switzerland. During this time, sympathetic watch enthusiasts that Zach had met through his family, introduced Zach to Patek Philippe and Zach began attempting to acquire Patek pieces with eager determination.

Within the year, Zach Lu’s name had begun to ripple across the Geneva watch circle and the-then CEO of Patek Philippe Stern, had heard that Zach had been trying to contact Patek. Intrigued by Zach’s persistence, he asked the Patek Manager to personally contact Zach. The boutique led the teenager on tour through Patek’s Siege Principal and then settled him at a lunch table set with Patek’s indomitable CEO. Zach recalls that this lunch with Philippe Stern transformed his view on good horology. Zach became a Patek loyalist and even now more than half his impressive collection is filled with Patek timepieces.

Some of Zach Lu ’s most prized pieces include Patek's most valued innovations. Zach nabbed the firm’s second perpetual calendar chronograph, the legendary Ref. 2499 first series in exceptionally unusual yellow gold. He also has both the most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch and the second most complicated Patek Philippe wristwatch, that is the Grandmaster Chime 6300 with its unique reversible case and the Grand Complication Sky Moon Tourbillon 6002R with its ornate rose-gold and brown enamel, respectively. And as if this gamut of monumental models wasn’t enough, Zach recently acquired the limited edition Tiffany Nautilus 5711, or the blue-dial crown jewel of Patek’s signature steel timepiece co-signed by Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co. This last acquisition comes with the added perk of opening previously uncharted territory in the watch world. In a recent interview with Hodinkee, Zach detailed the meeting he had with Tiffany’s High Management when he took ownership of the 5711. He added that this purchase “opens up the door for me to Tiffany America, and to Tiffany Patek. I think this will be the beginning of an adventure and a long relationship with [Tiffany] and [Patek USA President] Lisa Jones… Phillips, Patek”. Zach’s new connections and his noteworthy plans for the future signify the promise of his enduring presence in important horology circles.

Despite the domain that he has already made for himself in the watch world, Zach frequently looks out at the watch vista and spies pieces he cannot yet have. For example, he coveted the Tiffany-signed Patek Philippe Nautilus 5740 which also boasts a unique blue dial, before gracefully turning his back on the model. The watch belongs to Bernard Arnault, the chairman and chief executive of LVMH. “If anybody deserves this watch, it's him,” said Zach.

Zach Lu adds that he categorizes his watches by their ‘classy’ or ‘sporty’ appeal and as far as he is concerned Patek entirely satiates his yearning for classy timepieces. For daily sport wear on the other hand, Zach gravitates towards Richard Mille’s futuristic appeal and innovative material design. He particularly treasures his 52-05 Pharrell Williams Sapphire, with its transparent case, sapphire crystal and shocking yellow band and his Rafael Nadal RM 27-04 which was limited to 50 pieces worldwide. And as of today, Zach hasn’t felt the need to venture beyond Patek and Richard Mille yet. When he speaks of other high-quality watchmakers however, he does speak with reverence and wonders if he will be tempted by some other brand one day in the future.

sensational-snack-tainment-snac-atacs-taste-ka-twist-challenge

Thu Feb 02 10:27:05 IST 2023

Tongue twisters, we all must have heard of them at least once in our lifetime. Not everyone can speak these tongue twisters because they are pretty tough but are super fun to try! It would not be wrong to say that tongue twisters spark nostalgic feelings.

One such brilliant tongue twister was put forth by Snac Atac, one of the only brands across India that offer healthy snacking options.

'Taste Ka Twist', is the tongue twister presented to the audience by Snac Atac subtly hinting at the multitudinous flavours in each of their unique products. Moreover, the brand Snac Atac decided to launch a filter on Instagram with the same name. Thereupon the audience was given an exciting challenge where they had to speak "Taste ka Twist" 8 times in just 5 seconds! Now the question remains, what do you get for completing this challenge? An Apple Watch (yayy), one lucky participant will win an actual Apple Watch!

AND GUESS WHAT?? Netizens loved this contest because a large number of people decided to partake in it by uploading their attempts to conquer this tough tongue twister on Instagram using the filter.

This step was taken in order to promote the brand's image on social media using such vibrant and engaging campaigns. It allowed Snac Atac to boost its brand awareness and social media presence. All these factors ultimately lead to greater business! The sheer number of people who connected with us astounded us. This engagement from the audience was a clear indication of yet another successfully executed and result-rich campaign.

The snacks are made with diet-friendly components like corn, potatoes, lentils, and natural flavours, with no artificial colours or preservatives. Cornado by Snac Atac also has delightful flavours that will satisfy your hunger without consuming extra calories. The brand is also one of the greatest options for satisfying your spicy and tangy needs at any time of day. People who have become health-conscious or fitness freaks prefer Snac Atac snacks as their perfect snacking selection.

We consider ourselves fortunate to witness a growing and healthier family. We have successfully transformed garbage into something pleasant and nutritious, and you may join us on this adventure! Our products can be found on Amazon. So join us on this adventure and stick to a healthy diet for a healthy life.

SnacAtac is full of surprises and such unique and sensational campaigns are our speciality. Because extraordinary products need extraordinary marketing tactics to captivate the hearts of the audience.

Visit our official website to take a look at corn-tastic products. And don't forget to follow us on our Instagram handle for more such sensational content!

Relish the guilt-free snacking with Snac Atac!

meditation-how-to-get-started-if-you-are-a-beginner

Tue Apr 26 11:23:49 IST 2022

A balanced diet and workouts help us keep our bodies physically fit. In addition to this, it is important to take proper care of our mental health too. Meditation is like a workout for our mind. Usually practised after yoga or as a stand-alone, meditation helps recharge our minds.

Amid trying to balance work-life, even as we slip into the social media rabbit hole, maintaining a healthy frame of mind can be tough. Here's where meditation comes in. the practice has its roots in Hinduism and Buddhism.

There are various types of meditation and all share the same goal of achieving inner peace. The various ways of meditation include guided meditation, mantra meditation, mindfulness meditation and transcendental meditation.

Meditation can help beat sleepiness and sluggishness. Medication can also be used as a tool to beat stress and anxiety. Meditating in the morning is considered to be very beneficial.

Kochi-based meditation instructor Sudakshna Thampi says “Meditation is the art of focusing your attention, uninterruptedly towards the object of your focus. Yogis use any object with a light of its own. Another popular object of attention is the breath.” According to her, a novice can start meditation by the simplest technique-- which is, set a timer for about 5 minutes, to begin with, sit in any comfortable position, close the eyes and watch one's breath without controlling it. Resolve to keep your attention focused on the breath till the timer goes off, gradually increasing the duration. Whatever thoughts may cross your mind during this time, watch them as an observer, try and detach from the thought.

Remind yourself that you are the master of your mind. With practice, lesser thoughts will occur during your practice, she adds.

Covid caused a lot of people to be isolated and unemployed several others, increasing stress and anxiety. Because of the work from home protocol, a lot of people found it hard to draw the line between work and home life.

Doing yoga regularly helps you to keep in touch with your inner self. It also helps you manage your emotions. "Yoga and meditation have completely changed my life. I used to be the kind of person who regularly gets cough and cold in every season and also was not touch with my emotions. Yoga helped me understand my emotions. It also increased my productivity and confidence in my body," says Kochi-based yoga instructor Priyamvada Mangal.

Time and budget constraints often hold people back from consulting a yoga/meditation instructor. This is where apps like Calm, Headspace, Daily Yoga, Asana Rebel and so on come in. There is, however, no single app for yoga and meditation. Try the apps first and select the one which suits you.

cashmere-yarn-to-cashmere-scarf-a-saga-of-luxury-by-pashminacom

Tue Oct 18 15:35:49 IST 2022

A regalia of luxury and stature, the art of Pashmina is handcrafting of the finest Cashmere based on knowledge of the skills passed on from generation to generation and designed purely by the intuition of Kashmiri artisans. The exquisiteness of the exceptionally warm and delicate Cashmere yarn transformed into extravagant Pashmina has fascinated the Royals all over the world for centuries with its enchanting glamour and traditional elegance.

The compelling seed of handcrafting Pashmina was sown in the alluring valley of Kashmir where the “diamond fabric” has been around for more than 5 centuries. Cashmere is found in the mountains of a lot of countries including Nepal, China, Mongolia, but the finest of all is found in Ladakh, India, that is particularly used by the craftsmen of Kashmir valley. The incredibly warm and fantastically gossamer Cashmere fleece from the Himalayan Changthangi goats is passed on to the highly skilled artisans of Kashmir who intricately weave it into wrap accessories on traditional wooden handlooms.

The timelessly luxurious Cashmere Scarf is ornated by different techniques of weaving and embroidery to give them the prestige of “one-of-a-kind” masterpiece. The craftsmen learn these skills and techniques from their family and community where the secrets of this heritage art are passed down to generations. On the canvas of the Cashmere Scarf, an artisan paints the picture of his life experiences by his threads. The experiences he gathered growing up in the lap of the beautiful Kashmir valley with impressively craggy mountains, majestic forests, and jewels of rivers. The saga of Cashmere Yarn to Cashmere Scarf is as magical as a starlit sky making the artwork reminiscent of India’s heritage.

The Turmoil of Artisans

With modernization of industries, the handicrafts were converted into machine-made crafts that produced everything in abundance with low cost and adulterated cashmere scarves with synthetic fibres. This toxic system of overproduction and consumption not only led to polluting the environment, but also negatively affected the artisan communities. The disposable trendy pieces of fast-fashion took over the luxury of slow and sustainable work of art. The highly skilled artisans lost their privileges as the creators of artful wonders with traditional practices.

The makers of Cashmere Scarves who once lived a flamboyant lifestyle, were deprived of even the basic income. Their financial independence was wrecked by the factory-owners. Markets were flooded with cheap replicas, forcing the grassroot artisans to either sell their precious work of art at extremely low prices or change their profession altogether. With such minimal earning, basic education was also a luxury they could not afford. This resulted in the artisans abandoning and drifting apart from their path of glorious Pashmina Art.

The Intervention

Exploring this painstakingly handcrafted luxury, Varun Kumar, a social entrepreneur, founded Pashmina.com to demonstrate the highest level of craftsmanship to the world with timeless collection of handmade luxury. With a mission to revive the lost glory of Pashmina art, Pashmina.com has become the largest curator of authentic wonders where each piece crafted exhibits beautiful artwork while displaying expert craftsmanship. “We created this platform with a vision to help the artisan community of Kashmir to access the global market where they can present their exceptional skills of shawl making. Preserving our heritage of this fascinating craft is need of the hour to empower the community and help them flourish,” asserts Varun.

In the present scenario, millions of adulterated and machine-made Cashmere Scarves are being sold in the name of pure Pashmina. These scarves are not only fake but also harmful for our ecosystem. The synthetic fashion has been slowly poisoning our society with the toxic system of overproducing never-lasting pieces and wasting natural resources. Encouraging and emphasising the importance of authenticity of the regal art of Pashmina, each Cashmere Scarf at Pashmina.com is 100% Himalayan Cashmere, handwoven and hand-embroidered, certified by Ministry of Textiles.

The Independence of Artisans

Today, more than 100 artisan families are connected with Pashmina.com where they enjoy the freedom of selling their art to the true patrons without having to compromise on the earnings or the quality of what the authentic heirlooms of Pashmina have always been celebrated for. Varun explains, “These are not merely scarves that you drape. These are the miniatures of the life and experience of the artisan who has crafted it. Every piece has a unique identity elucidating the imagination of its maker.” All the associated artisans are not only paid upfront, but a reward of 5% of the proceeds is also contributed for empowerment of children and women of the artisan families.

maby-the-ultimate-solution-for-nail-salon-owners

Wed Nov 09 10:12:28 IST 2022

If your Nail Salon is experiencing one of these conditions:

Unable to attract potential customers despite trying advertising tricks . Scarcity of personnel. Can't find artists even though you've searched on social media sites or handed out flyers

On holidays, there are long lines of customers, and they feel unhappy because they have to wait their turn . Spending a lot of time managi ng employees, dividing work schedules, handling inventory, revenue. Even if you have 3 heads and 6 hands, you can't manage it if you're alone. DON'T WORRY!!! THERE IS THE MABY APP TO SUPPORT YOU.

No need to hire additional management personnel; just o pen the app, "touch," and "click," and you can control your business anywhere! Maby app helps you to break through revenue - Easy business management for shop owners who want to work and chill

There’s no need to worry when you have MABY. The leading applic ation for nail salon owners with outstanding features:

1. Manage customer appointments easily .

2. Managing workers and employees of the shop

3. Manage the import and export of products of the shop

4. Smart payment gateway

5. Statistics of income by week, by mont h, to have a suitable business strategy

6. Convenient customer care

Monthly tip report

See customer reviews about the level of satisfaction and service quality of the salon

Update the latest nail trends . Moreover, with the Locator feature, Maby will he lp customers find the nail salon near me . From there, many new customers will come to your salon, boosting sales.

Download the Maby app now to make your business easy.

how-radiance-is-the-best-skin-care-clinic-and-dr-rakhavi-midhun-is-the-best-dermatologist-who-is-changing-the-skincare-game-in-tiruchirapalli

Mon Oct 17 10:35:39 IST 2022

Meet the Dr Rakhavi Midhun MD DVL co-founder of Radiance Skin Hair and Laser hospital Dermatologist who is not just a skilled consultant but also educating their patients about the science behind dermatology:

Whether you are looking for a specialist to treat your skin rash or acne or are planning to undergo a skin treatment for looking younger, going to a skin specialist is the answer. And “dermatologists” is the name that comes to mind when anyone asks you about a skin specialist. And in many cases, people use skin specialists and dermatologists interchangeably. But in reality, there is much more to skin specialists than just being a dermatologist

There are different types of dermatologists out there. There are those that focus more on the basics of dermatology, such as rashes and rosacea, then there are cosmetic dermatologists who combine the medical side of the practice with aesthetics. If your main concern is aging, you may want to focus your search more on a cosmetic dermatologist who can deliver treatments that address issues such as skin laxity, wrinkles, and volume loss.

Dr Rakhavi Midhun currently a renowned cosmetic dermatologist inspires confidence through medical beauty. A dermatologist by training and an entrepreneur at heart, she is the co-founder of Radiance Skin Hair & Laser Clinic. She is an outgoing gold medalist in the field of dermatology, venerology, and leprosy from the prestigious JIPMER, Puducherry. She has delivered major lectures and won numerous prestigious awards, including an award for "Women of the Future" in Sep 2022 by the All-India Women’s Welfare Association. She provides guidance in acne treatment, hair loss treatment, skin allergies, and many more with the latest medical technologies & machines.

Website - https://www.theradianceskin.in/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/radiance.trichy/

little-danish-aka-danish-khatri-suggests-budding-content-creators-to-create-content-that-people-can-easily-relate-to

Fri Oct 14 18:17:07 IST 2022

His millions of fans across social media look up to his content that is honest, entertaining, and all heart.

A lot has been said about how people have worked their way to the top, thriving on their innovative approaches and confidence in their work. Still, there are a few that the world needs to know more about, for these individuals and professionals faced all possible challenges, stayed resilient, learned patience, and then went ahead in reaching a prominent position in their careers while being youngsters. Little Danish, originally named Danish Khatri today as a social media influencer and content creator, highlights how his journey too wasn’t all about sunshine and happiness and he too had his share of struggles, but that never dimmed his light within, and he kept focusing on how he could better his craft as a creator to reach more people and influence them positively through his content.

Little Danish says that social media today has become a world of its own, and to enter it may be easier, but to survive and thrive in the ever-growing competition may prove to be too taxing and challenging. Hence, he suggests that budding content creators create content that must not just stand unique from other creators’ content but must also be powerful enough for audiences to relate to it. He recalls how he had started with TikTok videos, following video trends and gaining enormous followers. However, after the app was banned in India, he began focusing on growing his Instagram and YouTube ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvSWW90Ace5v8GsBJ0v9wfQ/featured ) and knew he had to brainstorm a lot of ideas and create content that could effortlessly impact people’s mindsets for the better.

Today, more and more brands wish to collaborate with this 20-year-old from Mumbai, India, as his growing fan and follower base relates to him and all that he creates to make them laugh and to entertain. The comedian, YouTuber, and content creator want other young influencers like him to pick up a niche and determinedly and consistently keep creating content to earn audiences’ love and recognition.

Do follow his content on Instagram @little__danish to know more.

how-to-turn-the-humble-gourd-into-art-and-more

Sun Apr 10 00:06:32 IST 2022

The humble lauki (gourd) is the last thing you would expect to yield a bun stick.

Yet Daisy Christine Momin, a multidisciplinary artist from the Garo hills of Meghalaya, is sporting exactly that around her bun-like hairstyle. As she demonstrates clay modelling techniques of slapping and rolling in a traditional craft store in central Delhi, three brown toy-like bottle gourds elegantly dangle and dance on one side of her neatly tied bun. Using a wire, she slices through a square block of clay into smaller pieces. She later kneads and squishes them into roundish, double-bottomed bottle gourds again. "Earlier, the gourds were a very important object of utility in the daily life of the Garo tribe. They used to carry water in the gourd all the way to the jhum fields," says Momin during a chat at Meghalayan Age - The Store which was re-launched in December in a contemporary avatar in a line of older shops selling handicrafts from several Indian states.

"There are long-necked bottle gourds, short-necked ones and then the abnormally-shaped ones. The long-necked ones were used for taking out rice beer from an earthen pitcher. But with the availability of more conventional utensils, storage spaces and containers, people there didn't feel the need to grow these gourds anymore," says Momin, who has been working with gourds in her artistic practice since the 90s. Today, her studio in Bonepa Atila, Tura, in the West Garo Hills of Meghalaya, is filled with flower vases, hanging lamps, earrings and bangles fashioned out of bottle gourds; they almost look and feel as if they were light wooden toys. "I am used to collecting boxes full of gourds. But these days they get over so fast in the market. People visit my studio, see the artworks that have been birthed by the vegetable and they go and buy it to hang them as decorative pieces outside their houses," laughs Momin, who has inadvertently managed to revive an interest and demand in the good old vegetable with her art.

Momin was at Meghalayan Age - The Store as part of its cultural fest Maniani which, in Garo language, means celebration. Ceramic artist Arak Sangma and filmmaker Dominic Sangma whose, MA. AMA won the Best Garo film award at the 66th National Film Awards, were also part of the event. Meghalayan Age – The Store now stands out at the Rajiv Gandhi Handicrafts Bhawan at Baba Kharak Singh Marg for its beautifully lit interiors refurbished for a more minimalist look with a cafeteria and a bookstore. A state government initiative, like most of the handicraft stores in this address, Meghalayan Age has curated agri-products like Lakadong turmeric and Sohiong Jam alongside Larnai pottery and Ryndia silk in a more modern, studio-like set-up. The store seeks to deliver the most original and distinctive products to the market by showcasing Meghalayan artists’ outstanding art and craftsmanship in newer ways through talks, film screenings, exhibitions and artist demonstrations, especially through the work of the three ancient hill communities of Meghalaya.

Fashioning handicrafts from gourds is an ancient practice. Artists from Mysore to Madhya Pradesh, where it is called Tuma craft in Bastar, have harnessed the untapped potential of gourds which are hardly considered much of an investment by farmers across the board. For artists like Momin, the possibilities of this underdog vegetable are limitless. She plans to make elaborate sculptures from here on. "Now everyone here in Delhi is asking me if my bun stick is also for sale here at the store," she giggles. Sadly, it wasn't.

of-cakes-cookies-new-age-mithais-delhi

Thu Apr 07 23:42:23 IST 2022

Sweet-tooth cravings go beyond digging into Tiramisu and the sugar-and-ghee fare from the neighbourhood store. The newest dessert outposts promise novelty and that substance of the soul.

Bombay Sweet Shop: When a halwai harnesses the glamour of a pastry chef, modern mithai is born. For example, a three-layer Chocolate Fudge at the Bombay Sweet Shop is 70% dark chocolate peda stuffed with peanut chikki and dark chocolate ganache. This decadent combo is lightly topped with a peanut cashew tuile (wafer biscuit). The result is a warm, comforting texture of a sandesh infused with the kick of a nutty-gooey fudge brownie. Other delectable experiments being undertaken at the Bombay Sweet Shop---owned by Hunger Inc. Hospitality, the parent company of celebrated brands The Bombay Canteen and O Pedro---include Coconut Caramel Patissa Bar, Ghevar Tart and Ferro Rocker Laddoo where besan ladoo plays tango with hazelnut. If the sacred Mysore Pak decided to have some fun, you might consider Kaapi Pak which is injected with a hint of coffee and crunchy sesame seeds. From Nolen Gur & Coconut Kheer Kadam to Kaju Marzipan Bon Bon, Indian jujubes--a take on Karachi Halwa---to a whole bar dedicated to chikkis, head to the Bombay Sweet Shop to lap up some of the most innovative dessert mithais you probably didn't know existed. Started in 2020 in Byculla, Bombay Sweet Shop is now delivering across India. For their all-India shelf, they have Chocolate Butterscotch Barks, inspired by the brittle candy texture of the Karak Sohan Halwa from Lucknow. Bombay Bhel Chikki is packed with chakli, salli, chips, sev, gathia, nuts and bhel held together with jaggery. Their Khasta Kachori is a combination of two ‘kachori’ and ‘bhakarwadi,’ stuffed with a spicy filling of dried coconut, sev and moong dal. Don't forget the Chilli Cheese Bhujiya and the delightful jujubes.. Prices of boxes range from Rs 600 to Rs 4,000.

Le15 pâtisserie: The reigning queen of macaron, Pooja Dhingra, perfected her dream cookie recipe after years of testing and tweaking. The constant trials at Le15 pâtisserie--her brand which made French macarons marketable in India---has finally yielded an all-new cookie collection range in four exciting flavours. Launched in January, they come with the same passion for creating a confection that is truly heartwarming and easily accessible. The Crunchy Toffee Cookie is a nostalgia-laden ode to the taste of butterscotch and cashews with coarse sea salt and cornflakes; Brown Butter Pineapple Cookie is a mix of almond, corn flakes and candied pineapples. Signature Pink Cookies are made with cherries, almonds and corn flakes while the Dark Chocolate Hazelnut cookies come with a hint of sea salt. Perfect for days that are awful and those that are bright and cheery. Shipping across India now, a box of four cookies costs Rs 1,250.

Colocal: This is a veritable chocolate factory, or India's first live bean-to-bar chocolate factory along with a cafe. This artisanal chocolate brand is hidden oasis in the quiet lanes of Dhanmill Compound. The factory gives chocolate aficionados a chance to experience the process of chocolate-making like roasting and conching while they dine. The brand opened a new branch in Khan Market last year. Last month during Holi, they introduced chocolate bon bons in six flavours, thandai, gulkand, pistachios, gujiya, elaichi and nariyal. They also made a heel-shaped chocolate sculpture the same month.

Love & Cheesecake: Entering its 10th year of operations, Mumbai's Love & Cheesecake opened its doors in Delhi's Defence Colony in February. With 17 outlets in Mumbai and its first outpost in the capital, this cheesecake factory of sorts with some 56 flavours on offer is on a pan-India expansion drive with plans to triple the number of the outlets in the next six months. Some of their most popular flavours include Red velvet, Baklava, Salted Caramel, seasonal fresh alphonso mango layered cheesecake and the brand also offers liquor variants like Baileys Cheesecake, Tequila and Lime Cheesecake and Orange and Cointreau cheesecake. With floral ceilings and walls in white and pastel pink in their Delhi outlet, savour the cheesiness here with love and cake.

Bougie: Although Bougie is an expensive restaurant with chandeliers and old-school yellow lamps on every table, the food and dessert selection here doesn't disappoint if you are in the mood to indulge. They specifically have a sumptuous dessert menu with artfully done European classics. Like Paris Brest is a round pastry filled with praline vanilla cream, topped with Turkish hazelnuts in the form of a wheel as a tribute to the Paris-Brest cycle race, believed to be the oldest cycling event. Tarte au Chocolat is a buttery cocoa crust filled with a rich valrohna chocolate ganache infused with cointreau and topped with chocolate quenelles. A special shout-out to Baba au Rhum which a small white cake filled with vanilla cream and heftily shot through with cognac.

Brisk: CDC Experience - India's largest sneaker store at 6,000 sq ft which stocks some of the world's most coveted brands, also has a craft coffee bar and patisserie called Brisk run by the Altogether Experimental Cafe dishing out toothsome cinnamon buns, among other things. CDC Experience, which is CrepDog Crew's first retail store, is also planning a pop-up burger bar. The co-founder of the popular sneaker store, Anchit Kapil, has cut his teeth running F&B outlets like Summer House Cafe. "I wanted to create a space where you can enjoy great burgers and buy a pair of kicks. Or have a cup of coffee and shoot some hoops," says Kapil.

mensho-tokyo-a-goody-little-ramen-bar-for-novices-and-seasoned-noodleheads

Thu Mar 03 22:40:34 IST 2022

In strict Japanese custom, you are not supposed to linger over your bowl of ramen. Popular as a working-class dish during the reindustrialisation of Japan in the 20th century, traditional ramen joints are standing rooms where you quickly dive into your bowl of steaming hot noodle soup, slurp and begone to make way for the next in line of noodleheads.

At Mensho Tokyo, one of Japan's most popular chains of ramen bars which opened its first India outlet in Delhi last year, you won't like leaving so quickly. The basic, effortlessly curated palate lulls you to stay. They say it's only a matter of time before you find your kind of true ramen and become a devotee for life. It is hard to say which restaurant in the capital serves the best ramen - and frankly it doesn't matter - but if you are open to switching allegiances from sushi to ramen as the go-to Japanese staple, then Mensho Tokyo might be the place to start. In fact, you can trust your food memory to erase sushi here as the diner with a giant communal table serves a wholesome mix of ramen, donburi (rice bowls) and zensai (tapas) like their delicately patterned gyozas and spicy dynamite prawns. A live kitchen looks out to the whole seating area with no-fuss interiors. Hard-pressed servers burst in and out through swinging doors. By 9pm on a drizzly Friday evening, it's full and lively with people waiting to clamber onto bar stools or talk over each other in scattered groups. Mensho Tokyo has all the trappings of a quaint little ramen shop if there could be one recreated in Delhi.

Started in 2005 by Michelin-rated chef Tomoharo 'Menya' Shono, the Mensho Tokyo chain of restaurants soon branched out of Japan to set up outposts in San Francisco, San Rafael and Bangkok before making a foray into India, which is learning to appreciate ramen a lot more with increasing Japanese investment. In Delhi-NCR itself, there is a sizeable number of authentic Japanese restaurants in and around the business towers and sky-scraping condominiums of the Millennium City, Gurugram. These are restaurants run by Japanese expats who dish out menus far more diverse and edgy than the gleaming, fine-dining, “contemporary” variants in south and central Delhi.

But Mensho Tokyo can be relied upon to take on the mantle of whipping up a discerning yet hearty bowl of ramen in the heart of Delhi. From Enoki chips to the lamb ramen spiced with sichuan pepper, panko fried Tofu Donburi to the Vegan ramen in a heartwarming broth made of chilli oil, nuts, crisps and micro-greens, there's something here for everyone, ramen-raver or not. The acclaimed chain in Japan is known for its tonkotsu style of ramen where hand-pulled noodles are dunked in a deep, rich pork-based soup. Popularly known as "ramen creator", chef Menya Shono is also known for more experimental variations like the chocolate lamb ramen. The Delhi outlet is also overseen by Menya Shono, who flew in directly from Japan to train his Indian kitchen army about the strict portions, ingredients and the specific noodle varieties to use. Noted Chef De Patisserie Vidushi Sharma and her partner Viren Khuller brought the Michelin-starred chain to India.

The ramen industry is an ever evolving one and the love and care that goes into dishing out the perfect bowl of this intricate noodle soup is the stuff of documentaries and TV shows. But Mensho Toyko is worth a try if you are still searching for that perfectly nourishing bowl of ramen.

Mensho Tokyo is open at New Delhi's M-Block market in Greater Kailash-2. A meal for two is around Rs 2,500 without alcohol.

what-is-plant-based-meat-why-gaining-popularity

Thu Feb 17 14:52:52 IST 2022

Plant-based meat has been around for a while now—it has become a solution for all vegetarians to satisfy their meat cravings without cheating on their vegan-friendly and cruelty-free diet.

With rising awareness of climate change and animal cruelties, an increasing number of consumers are opting for vegan meat that tastes exactly like meat but has none of the drawbacks. Vegan meat gained a lot of popularity since celebrities started to endorse and promote veganism and alternatives for non-vegetarians. Also, trends like ‘Veganuary’ have been promoting switching to vegetarianism and thus a one-stop solution for all non-veg lovers to switch their diet was to consume vegan meat and slowly adapt to the changes.

What is vegan meat?

Vegetarian meat is manufactured using meat replacements that have the same taste, texture, and flavour as meat, but without causing any cruelty. Vegan meat, also known as faux, fake meat, mock meat, meat analogues, or plant proteins, are products that have a similar texture, flavour, or appearance like that of animal-based meat.

Cell-based or lab-grown or cultured meat products are another meat alternative that is created from genuine animal cells that are developed in a food production plant rather than acquired from animals bred in captivity and butchered for human food. Except for a few eateries in Singapore, these aren't yet on the market. They are, however, meat alternatives and they may play a role in the larger picture as we strive to transition away from industrial farming and toward producing the meat that customers desire without any harm.

These vegetarian meat replacements are designed to provide one with all the nutrition that non-vegetarian diets provide. Because of its striking resemblance to genuine meat, vegan meat is difficult to distinguish. A variety of components are utilised in the production process including pea protein, plant-based proteins, wheat gluten, soy, potato protein, mung bean protein, and rice protein.

Imagine Meats is an Indian plant-based initiative launched by actors Genelia D'Souza and Riteish Deshmukh. The brand that debuted a year ago offers a range of products that are produced completely plant-based. Speaking to THE WEEK about increasing demand for meat alternatives, Sudhish Sukumaran, Head, Imagine Meats said: “People have grown more conscious of the ill effects of real meat, in addition to animal cruelty and the water consumption in rendering cattle. Plant-based meat has become more popular in recent times due to an increase in awareness of the health issues people face when eating meat. Awareness and self-consciousness in the minds of people have given a lot of scope to the people to make their way to plant-based Meats and meat alternatives.” Recently actress Anushka Sharma and cricketer Virat Kohli were also seen endorsing plant-based meat company Blue Tribe.

A recent study conducted by the US National Institutes of Health discovered that vegan meats were high in fibre, folate, and iron, and had less saturated fat than that ground beef. However, they have less protein, zinc, and vitamin B12, as well as a lot of salt. But the study had concluded that vegan meat is a healthy alternative to real meat.

How did it begin?

Meat substitutes can be traced back to 206 BC China where ‘Tofu’, a meat alternative, was primarily seen. It was popular during the Medieval Ages in Europe during the Christian observance of Lent, when eating meat from warm-blooded animals was restricted. Over time the popularity increased and currently, a lot of brands have come up with a wide variety of meat alternatives. In certain regions of the world, the market for plant-based meats surged by 37 per cent. In 2020, meat replacements accounted for around 11 per cent of the global meat and alternatives market. Vegan meats can be found everywhere nowadays, in restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries, vegan school lunches, and private residences. Many famous fast-food chains have also partnered with vegan meat brands and added a few vegan-friendly dishes to their menu. McDonald's and Yum Brands, which owns KFC, Taco Bell, and Pizza Hut, have announced partnerships with Beyond Meat. Burger King has partnered with Impossible Foods to provide meatless Whoppers. Del Taco has also announced that Beyond Meat would be available.

Why switch to vegan meat?

The popularity and demand for the same are increasing day by day. So why exactly should a person shift to vegan meat? The answer is simple, for starters, vegan meat is the best solution to reduce animal cruelty. People have started to adopt diets that are sustainable and environmentally friendly. With rising concerns in the environment and surroundings, everyone has become more cautious and aware about their actions and steps that they take in every sector. Practically in every parameter including land usage, water consumption, and combating climate change, vegan meat has the potential to make a significant impact favouring the environment. Livestock farming is one of the most carbon-intensive activities around, it releases a lot of greenhouse gases. Plant-based meals can reduce carbon emissions significantly.

fashion-blogger-roma-jani-highlights-the-importance-of-confident-dressing

Thu Sep 29 16:02:48 IST 2022

Remember when Audrey Hepburn said, "To pull off any look, wear it with confidence," how many of you agree with him? There's no doubt in the aforementioned quote, and if you still have one, Roma Jani will blow it off! This fashion lady is causing ripples on social media with her style and her outfit ideas are all over the internet.

Aren't you too swayed by her impeccable vogue? Don't you want to know her secret? If you ask Roma Jani, she says that confidence dressing is everything you need to look outstanding. She believes that two main ways to look dapper are: first, you should always wear outfits that you are comfortable in; and second, be confident about what you wear.

Roma Jani says, "Wearing high-quality, well-tailored clothing can help you feel more confident." She further explains this by underlining how formal outfits make one look powerful. "Whenever you wear those perfectly helmed trousers with your pastel shirt and pump heels, not only will you feel optimistic but also look bright. Confidence dressing will diffuse your charm through every aisle you walk and keep turning heads," Roma Jani further added. And we completely agree with her! Don't you?

Fetching a few outfits that she slayed with her confidence, here's what we found... Roma Jani's black shimmery blazer one-piece dress from her recent photoshoot. The influencer looked glamorous, classy, and confident. Similarly, she styled her green and white striped co-ord set with sneakers and looked unbelievably charming.

Roma Jani has always been a fashion enthusiast. From keeping an eye on new brands to the latest trends, she never diverted her focus from fashion. Consequences? She is one of the leading fashion influencers today. Roma Jani has worked with several brands like Dior, Kazo, OPI, YSL, Aldo, Loreal, Daniel Wellington, Kama, Biba, Shein, Nexus Seawoods, etc. Not only that, but she has also worked with celebrities like Alia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan and many more.

having-and-following-a-passion-is-of-the-essence-says-gaurav-manoj-singh

Mon Sep 12 15:30:26 IST 2022

How many of you have or are trying to make a profession out of your passion? We bet the majority are pursuing that contemporary 9-5 lifestyle. Therefore, Gaurav Manoj Singh has come forward to address the primacy of following a passion. He believes that in the hunt for a steady life, we often sacrifice our dreams.

Gaurav Manoj Singh has shown his firm belief in heeding passion. He is not only a lifestyle influencer but also an Entrepreneur, travel enthusiast and a foodie. Through his Instagram, you will learn how exuberantly he travels to different countries and tries new cuisines. This young man accomplishes everything that his heart says. Explaining why Gaurav Manoj Singh says, "It pacifies my soul. Every time I go to some country and learn more about it, I feel awakened. Travel makes me realise how big the world is and that we need to go beyond our own selves."

Enlightening on the prerogative of passion, Gaurav says, "Having and following a passion is of the essence. You need this to keep your soul alive and so you achieve what you are aiming for. Somewhere I've read that having a passion is not about the job we do, but about the love and thrill of doing it. That's what makes our lives fulfilling. "

Gaurav Manoj Singh is following his passion in every possible aspect. Besides being a social media influencer and ideal for thousands of people, he is also an entrepreneur. He believes that we always have to make sacrifices. While choosing a secured career option, we give up on our dreams, and choosing otherwise makes us sacrifice a secured income. "However, only pursuing your dreams will bring you peaceful nights," said Gaurav.

With his words and way of living, this young man has emerged as an inspiration for millions. If you think Gaurav is only outstanding in the digital space, then reconsider your thoughts! Why? It's because he has also been an active student and served as president of the student council at his university. But now, Gaurav Manoj Singh is the president of the Indian Student Union of Poland and has helped rescue more than a five hundred Indians during the Russo-Ukrainian war.

life-coach-abhishek-raj-jain-adopts-a-unique-approach-to-inspire-optimism

Thu Sep 22 17:53:36 IST 2022

Stay positive, keep negativity at bay, embrace optimism are some quotes that everyone uses loosely to motivate others to persist and perform. However, they have become cliché and fail to create the intended impact. Life coach Abhishek Raj Jain says that these cliches cannot inspire success. According to Abhishek, demotivated individuals need advice that works. While he does not deny the law of attraction and the power of staying optimistic, he believes that one needs to put the point across in a different way.

“While everyone faces challenges, it is not fair to tell a struggling person that what they are facing is insignificant because others face it too”, says Abhishek who knows quite a bit about achievement psychology. He says that telling people to hide their fears and display a positive stance is unfair and detrimental to their mental health and success. They need to be shown the right way to navigate their challenges and fear.

Abhishek has passed several dark phases of life to reach where he is today. He has achieved phenomenal success on his own terms despite coming from a simple family. His crowd-moving abilities have always received recognition and now he is moving crowds by telling them the secrets he learnt on his way to success.

To motivate his followers to be optimistic, he tells them to set small goals that matter and not chase illusions. He tells them that instead of chasing the limelight they should chase small goals that make the bigger picture. He often quotes this example: “If you wish to climb a mountain, think about walking a kilometer first. When you see small goals, you are automatically optimistic about them because you know you can achieve them. This helps you to achieve that goal and helps you with the motivation to chase the next milestone. Thus, step by step, you climb the mountain.” According to him, it is not difficult to stay positive for smaller goals.

Abhishek Raj Jain often talks about the phase when his family was in constant limelight, and he understood the negatives of being a social figure. He saw his father and uncle struggle with business challenges and navigate through the issues with thought, planning and control. Here is where he learned about the right way to manage aspects of practical life. He admits that he has lost his motivation and positivity several times but soon regained it by following the small-goals approach.

He also worked hard to bring his weight from 126 kgs to the normal range of 75Kgs. The same approach helped him there too. He says that he looked forward to each kilogram and every kilo lost motivated him to tackle the next.

He now wishes to change lives, one coaching session at a time. He is achieving significant success in these goals as he is becoming popular among middle to elite people significantly.

To fulfill this goal, Abhishek is planning to launch courses which would help millions of users to kick start their journey of self-reliant. The course would be under 3 categories including social media and digital marketing, health and wellness, professional services. There will be a multitude of courses under each category, and it will increase skills in youths and will make them self-reliant. By taking these courses, user will enroll under a loyalty program and business opportunity, with such program, one can earn from 50k to 2 lakhs per month. You may get the latest update on Abhishek Raj Jain’s new initiative by following him on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/abhishek_raj_jainofficial/ and through is official website. https://abhishekrajjain.com/

entrepreneur-shipra-neeraj-talks-about-the-onboarding-process-she-and-her-qnet-team-follows-for-beginners

Wed Sep 14 17:58:54 IST 2022

Shipra Neeraj is one of those entrepreneurs who have made their life purely on the basis of their strong willpower and perseverance. From her childhood to being a grown-up, Shipra has struggled with a lack of self-confidence and a very volatile career trajectory. She faced a lot of challenges even when she entered the direct selling industry but like a true champion, she overpowered every resistance towards success.

Shipra Neeraj is one of the topmost leaders of reputed direct selling company QNet. As a leader who is managing a team of hundreds of successful people, she has been recognised as the diamond star, which is the highest earning rank in the company. Her future plan is to become Blue Diamond Star and increase her income from millions to billions so that she can increase the radius of giving back to society.

Talking about the onboarding process of the company, Shipra tells that they give a clear overview of the industry and the business before taking anyone onboard. "We have a one-on-one meeting for at least 2 hours where we give a clear understanding of the business. We share everything about the industry, company, its mission, vision, operating procedures, and the compensation plan which also includes rank advancement (ways to increase the income with the same effort)." she says.

"Not only this we also explain about our market share in the industry, our diversification in the business without compromising the core mission and also the after business compensation, i.e. how our next generation gets benefited which we call as Legacy Plan. Further, we also allow them to have their own research and answer every question they have." she adds.

Interestingly, Shipra was introduced to the world of direct selling by a friend. When she entered the industry it was a learning period for her. Despite having a long professional experience in other industries, she had to learn and unlearn so much. But in the end, it's all worth it! Isn't it?

how-flipspaces-is-turning-the-tide-in-the-global-interior-design-landscape-with-tech-enablement

Fri Aug 19 17:25:18 IST 2022

Behind the semblance of towering skyscrapers and contemporary designs lies a disintegrated world of interior design. The interior design and associated supply chains for products and services form a largely fragmented market with multitudes of small and medium businesses swamping the design and build landscape. As a result, there is no de facto brand to design and execute business mandates at a large scale. This leaves business owners having to deal separately with a slew of designers, suppliers and contractors.

Changing the course of the global interior design paradigm is Flipspaces- a virtual reality-powered commercial design and build venture. Leveraging their proprietary technology suite, Vizworld, Flipspaces envisions creating a global platform where interior designers, product and service suppliers can come together to deliver a seamless and differentiated experience to the customer looking to furnish their commercial space. Vizworld allows for significantly better control over cost, quality and timelines by integrating the entire supply chain onto one platform while creating a seamless scale.

Technology- a key enabler

The infusion of technology into the design and build landscape has enabled Flipspaces to reimagine an organised and unified interior design and build industry. Vizworld, Flipsaces’ proprietary technology suite comprises a product discovery platform, VR and gamification-enabled design visualiser and an integrated design and project management system. Besides streamlining the design and build process, the VR-based design and build venture also envision becoming the Integrated Operating System for the furniture and furnishing industry. The company has empanelled over 750 retail furnishing stores using Vizstore, a breakthrough technology that acts as a digital twin of retail stores.

“We truly believe that we have a product which can transform omnichannel commerce in the FnF

category. With our presence in India and US, and with an amalgamation of having critical skill sets which are deep domain expertise and understanding of technology, we are uniquely positioned to crack this complex problem and create a highly valuable SaaS business from Vizstore”, says Kunal Sharma Founder and CEO of Flipspaces.

Charting the Path to Global Dominion

Flipspaces enjoys a unique position in the design and build landscape owing to the size of mandates it executes across the globe and the gross margins it commands. Fundamentally robust unit economics has allowed the company to scale the business while remaining profitable even at the EBITDA level. As a tech-led commercial design and build leader, Flipsaces has a ticket size that is 10X of other Interior Design startups, a market size 8X of these players, with India and the US combined, and a more streamlined product and delivery ecosystem.

In an otherwise execution-heavy business, Flipsaces has been able to scale without compromising on time or quality because of the category it operates in and the supply chain and delivery mechanism it has developed to seamlessly operate at scale. Another key driver behind the growth of Flipspaces would be the repeat business that is generated from referrals which equates to around 60% of its current business, making it a highly preferred brand across startups, MSMEs & MNCs. The tech-led design and build startup boasts a long repertoire of repeat clients such as The Address, No Broker, Opulence, Times Group, Aditya Birla, InstaOffice, Nivea, Oppo, P& G, Reebok, Royal Enfield and Razorpay in India and the US.

Eyes on the Sky

Flipspaces has executed over 600 projects both in India and the US spanning over 6 million square feet. The design and build venture projects the revenue growth of around 2X at the end of FY22-23. Additionally, the company has grown 35X in the last 6 quarters in the US market.

Building on its strong growth momentum, Flipspaces aims to progress towards a future of interior design with engaging and inclusive customer journeys. With the help of its integrated technology stack, the company has the sole vision of becoming the biggest global design-tech brand by bringing the three disjointed aspects of design, product and delivery experience under one roof for its customers.

Flipsaces now has a fully operational business presence within the US where it has grown substantially and validated the same business thesis of organising the design and build of the small and medium-sized commercial floor plates globally. With its presence now spreading across the country, the company has further established a stronger foothold with its new office in New York. Additionally, the tech-led design and build venture has also started to hire local talent for various roles spread across the design and build sector. The company aims to strengthen its presence further in India and the US before its forays into other international markets.

archives-outdated-customs-of-the-armed-forces-that-refuse-to-die

Mon Feb 07 21:51:18 IST 2022

This story was published in THE WEEK issue dated January 28, 2001. After the removal of 'Abide with Me' from Beating Retreat, R. Prasannan wrote a column (issue dated February 13, 2022) on respecting Army sentiments, which you can read here.

To the uninitiated, it may seem an act of disloyalty—drinking a toast to the Supreme Commander sitting down. They do it in the navy because a king of England permitted it.

To us, superstitious civvies, right foot forward is auspicious. But soldiers step off with the left foot. Left-right-left is the norm, because that is how Roman legionnaires went to war. Maroon may be considered a garish colour, too girlish for the tough image of a paratrooper, but he's possessive about the maroon cap suggested by novelist Daphne de Maurier.

Officers of an armoured unit wear their shoulder straps back to front because more than a hundred years ago, a cavalry officer arrived thus on parade in a hurry.

Officers of the Rajputana Rifles Regimental Centre wear a red and gold knot at the end of the lanyard. It was earned not in battle, but thanks to a particularly good dinner given to Field Marshal Sir William Slim.

In the world of the brass hats—colonial to the core—an idiosyncrasy often spawns a custom. While many customs have tales of valour and sacrifice to back them, many others have been earned after a hearty champagne dinner or rum call.

Every inch of their uniform—especially the bright ceremonials—has a story to tell. Observes N. Kunju, a retired subedar-major who is a 'dissident' writer on military matters: "If a British Commander-in-chief of the Indian army were to walk out of his grave to review the Indian army, he would find it just as British as he left it, perhaps more British than the British army."

Most military brass have no qualms about it. Often it is these customs and traditions, strange to the civilian eye but solemn to the soldier, that keep the man in the uniform going in the unexciting times of peace. In war they keep him fighting at the front. The fiery regimental spirit fondly polished over decades and centuries possesses him in the face of the enemy. As veterans say. no soldier is fighting for the country. He fights for the regiment, his battalion, his company, his platoon, his section, his comrade. The honour of all these abstractions are ideogrammed on every inch of his ceremonial uniform and etched in his mind.

There is much debate about whether the colonial practice of regimenting on ethnic (read caste) lines, perfected by Sir Frederick Roberts, in the aftermath of the 1857 mutiny, is in tune with the secular values of the country. And the patriotic soldier still swears by the battle honours won against Tipu, or Holkar or the Rani of Jhansi. Till a few years ago the commandant of the Rajput Regimental Centre displayed on his car and office a blue pennant with an image of the Bailly Gate, the gateway of the Lucknow Residency captured from the 1857 'mutineers'. The image was replaced by the regimental crest.

The Rajputana Rifles' crest is the Maltese Cross with an olive wreath around it and crossed yamadhars (Rajput daggers) above it. Also the crest of British rifle regiments, the Maltese cross was adopted by the mounted cavalry of the Hanoverian army because their commander was related to the then grand master of the Knights of Malta. The only post-Independence change was that the yamadhars replaced the crown.

The Madras regiment's elephant crest was won after the Madras army's daring action under Wellesley against the Peshwa's army at Assaye—a battle he once described as tougher than Waterloo.

The Grenadiers' badge bears the White Horse of Hanover. The Jat Regiment has refused to part with the Roman numeral IX even though it no longer occupies the ninth position in the regimental hierarchy unlike in the 1920s. The 3rd Sikh uses the 45th Rattray's Sikhs' silver bugles; the 4th prefers the old XXXVI Sikhs' devices. Kumaon bears the Russel demi-lion.

Most colonial customs and associations continue. Except perhaps for the replacing of beefsteak and bacon with pulao and puries, little has changed.

In the eighties one chief is said to have tried to replace the ceremonial straight sword with the Indian curved tulwar, which made its exit with the chief.

Old British tunes like Abide With Me and the Scottish favourite Auld Lang Syne are played, as much as Saare Jehaan Se Achcha, by bands wearing leopard skins since the British army employed (not in India) similarly-clad West Indians in 1843. Ask why the colonial tunes still linger and the clipped English reply is: "Even Mahatma Gandhi thought Abide With Me is a jolly good one."

Regimental bonding still inspires old British officers to fly across continents to attend obscure reunions. Major Ted Morrow, who served with the 2nd battalion Rajputana Rifles and its machine-gun battalion, was in Delhi in November to attend the regiment's 12th reunion. Morrow is active in the UK Raj Rif Association, and hundreds of Englishmen still write letters or exchange e-mail greetings on raising days and on anniversaries of the battle victories of Indian battalions.

Brigadier Nandlal Kapur, 79, who retired in 1968 and settled in South Africa, attended the Rajputana Rifles reunion with the other 'old faujis' who had captured Ruweisat post in Montgomery's El Alamein victory over Rommel. "My battalion, the 4th Rajputana Rifles, was the most decorated one in World War 11," said Kapur, not hiding his pride. "This regiment brought me up. So I came to see it."

Troopers of the 4th Horse (old Hodson's Horse) lined up in ceremonial dress outside the Cathedral Church of Redemption in Delhi on November 30 to honour 90-year-old Brigadier Bill Magan, their old regimental officer. He came with his wife Maxine, whom he had married in the cathedral 60 years ago as a captain.

Records of the Sikh regiment mention the touching meeting between 74-year-old Lt.-Gen. Sir Reginald Savory and Lance Naik Bhola Nath of the 14th Sikhs when President Zakir Hussain gave colours to the regiment in 1968. Meeting after 52 years, the knighted general and the peasant recalled their action in Gallipoli in 1915 where both were wounded. Regimental records, however cliche-ridden, echo many such reunion stories.

The last British soldier left India with the Somerset Light Infantry, but Indian army regiments had British generals as colonel-commandants for many more years. The practice of designating a general officer who had served with any of the battalions of the regiment as colonel-commandant continues. Of course, they are all Indians now. The idea is that an avuncular figure, not directly in command, would take a personal interest in the welfare of the regiment, its troops and its widows.

So when 2 Madras had their raising day bash on December 13 (it was raised in 1776 as 15 Carnatic Infantry at Thanjavur and underwent many nomenclature changes), Lt.Gen. A.S. Rao, director-general of the National Cadet Corps, went around the tents, recalling his days with the regiment and cheering the thambis into higher 'spirits'. Present were also the father-son duo Lt.-Col. (retd) L.R. Route and Col. R.L. Route, both of whom had commanded the battalion. The elder Route says he was born to serve the battalion. "December 13 is my birthday, too."

Though reformists allege that the colonel-commandant practice is wasteful and that the battalion commander can look after the troops' welfare, most senior officers swear by the practice. "I visit all units," said Lt.-Gen. R.S. Kadian, colonel-commandant of the Rajputana Rifles. "This is the oldest rifle regiment; its first unit was raised on January 10, 1775. I check if anything further has to be done to maintain troop motivation, morale and other things. I also recommend remedial measures, if needed."

Civilian observers are often mystified by how the force can swear by colonial motifs. But Rajputana Riflemen are as proud of Captain Wood, who won the first Victoria Cross in the Indian Army in 1856 (battle of Bushire), as of the four Maha Vir Chakras in the 1999 Operation Vijay and of Captain Hanifuddin after whom the Turtuk sub-sector is named. "We are apolitical," said Brig. Kapur. "We had no problems in switching loyalty from the Crown to the President. We serve the supreme commander. It was the King once. Now it is the President."

In other words, little has changed except the nomenclature of the supreme commander. Naval officers continue the practice of sitting down when raising the toast to the President. While the origin of the custom is lost in history, the most popular story is of King George IV, who dined on board when he w as a regent. As the officers rose to call the toast, he said: "Gentlemen, pray be seated. Your loyalty is beyond suspicion." Another is that King William IV hit his head against the low ceiling on board and decreed sitting toasts. A third tale has its origin in the Glorious Revolution. Officers loyal to the dethroned James II used to take their pistols to the mess and sit on them to prevent them being taken away by the loyalists of Mary and William of Orange. The custom of the toast itself is said to have originated during the English civil war as a declaration of loyalty among the Cavaliers.

Yet the officers could be rather protective about the custom of sitdown toast. When INS Tir visited Saigon in 1958, both the Vietnamese protocol officers and Indian diplomats insisted that everyone remain standing in the presence of President Diem, who was visiting the captain's cabin. But Commander Mehta maintained he would sip champagne seated. The commander had his way as Indian diplomats sweated in their shoes.

The naval ensign retains the red cross of St. George, patron-saint of England. The navy would not part with it for "it is a symbol of the Indian Navy's association with Commonwealth navies". While ships visiting foreign ports offer a 21-gun salute to the flag of the host country, the firing is dispensed with if the host is a Commonwealth country. Firing guns in salute is said to have started during early European seafaring days as an indication that the ship is making a friendly entry and has discharged all ammunition. The origin of the hand salute also indicates that the saluting person has no weapon in hand. The naval salute, which conceals the palm, has a more practical reason—to hide the palm soiled by work on board.

The guard of honour is meant to convey to the guest that he may dispense with his troops and inspect for his personal satisfaction the fine soldiery set up to guard him. Over the years, the services have evolved finer details—a head of state receives a 150-member guard, a Prime Minister 100 and others 50.

The air force has comparatively fewer ceremonial hang-ups. Being a 20th-century service, it is yet to acquire the 'aristocracy' of the 'colonial' army and the 'imperial' navy, but is also inventing customs. So unlike in the army and the navy, junior officers move into the dining room in the air force messes when dinner is announced, but after dinner they stay in the ante-room till the seniors and guests leave.

The air force's fly-past is a custom that originated in World War days. Formations returning after operations used to fly past the base to enable those on the ground to count them and estimate losses. It is now part of every major national and service celebrations, the most noted being the Republic Day parade.

The R-Day parade, much maligned now because of the traffic inconvenience it causes in Delhi, has a deeper meaning to the services than a mere show of colour. "It is the armed forces conveying to the supreme commander that they are at his beck and call as ever and in fine state to go to battle," said an army officer connected with the R-Day ceremonies. "They are also displaying their newly acquired weapons for him. Then they entertain him, with a musical extravaganza and beat retreat."

One of the main attractions of the R-Day parade is the 61st Cavalry, the only surviving horse cavalry unit in the world. The other mounted unit, the President's Bodyguard, considers itself the most senior regiment in the Indian Army, having been raised by Warren Hastings at Varanasi in 1776.

The Beating Retreat ceremony of the Indian armed forces is today hailed as the most magnificent display of martial music and colours in the world. As Gen. Shankar Roychoudhary observed while releasing the first military music cassette a few years ago, "not even the British army is maintaining its musical tradition as we are doing." Carrying drums and bugles to battle is a tradition that began thousands of years ago.

There is much criticism that the Indian army uses colonial instruments like bagpipes, but military historians are quick to point out that the tradition of going to battle with bagpipes could very well have started in India. The earliest mention of it is in Cannon's Historical record of the 71st Regiment. It went to the Battle of Porto Novo in 1781 against Hyder Ali playing bagpipes. Sir Eyre Coote, greatly pleased with the battalion's fighting spirit, told a piper in the heat of battle: "Well done, my brave fellow, you shall have silver pipes when the battle is over." And he kept his word. So the 71st is the only regiment that has silver pipes in the army.

At parades, too, marching paces are not the same for all units. Foot guards march 116 paces to the minute and infantry march at 120. The rifle and light infantry regiments were raised for quick movement and proved their worth in the Peninsular War of 1808-1814. To further lighten their load they carried bugles instead of the heavier drum. Even today only rifle regiments have bugles and all of them, except the Sikh Light, carry a bugle image on their cap badge. Since they were raised for quick movement, they are never called to attention; they march on from the 'at ease' position.

The regimental bugle call of the Raj Rifles was adopted in March 1902 and was initially that of the company of the 104th Wellesley's Rifles. The 104th Wellesley's Rifles had moved to Fort Sandeman in relief of 103rd Rifles, which had taken part in the Waziristan blockade. The meeting of the link battalions furnished an opportunity for discussing many points of mutual interest and it was decided to adopt a similar regimental bugle call.

Rifle regiments were also originally meant for stealth and were given black buttons, badges and belts instead of shining metallic ones. Even today, they wear black, including the shoulder ranks, while others use metal pieces. Buttons are of white metal for cavalry, black for rifles and yellow metal for all others. The distinction is followed in leather accessories, like belts, as well. Rifle regiments wear black; others brown. Cavalry and rifles wear cross-belts while others have Sam Browne belts, named after Sir Samuel Browne, who lost an arm and wore a waist belt supported by a light strap from the shoulder to carry his sword. Only the 1 Gorkha Rifles wear brown leather belt and boots because in one action all their officers, except one medical officer who had brown belt and boots, were killed.

The line infantry, except for the rifle regiments, display their battle honours in their colours. The armour or tank units are considered successors to the horse and are still called cavalry. In line with their mounted tradition, armour units display their battle honours on their standards and guidons. The artillery, however, have no colours. Their guns are regarded as colours and saluted on parade. The practice of treating guns as colours started when cannons were precious possessions and had to be prevented from falling into enemy hands, much like colours.

The 16th Light is considered the most senior cavalry (tank) regiment and it alone is permitted to carry two standards on parade. Standards were presented to it in Trichnopoly in 1788 on the orders of Sir Archibald Campbell, commander-in-chief of the Madras army, for its services in the war against Hyder Ali. They were abolished in 1869 when the Madras army withdrew standards and guidons from all cavalry units. This led to much heartburn and finally, following special sanction, the Prince of Wales presented new standards in 1922 at Rawalpindi. These standards were replaced in 1976 with new ones given by President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed.

The navy used flags for communication. Ships do not fly flags, but 'wear' them. When a ship is decorated with flags on ceremonies, they are 'dressed'—as they are going to be at the International Fleet Review in Mumbai next month.

The red tabs, worn on the collar by colonels and higher ranks, have their origin in the mediaeval age of knights. The tabs are officially called Gorget Patches, the gorget being piece of armour that protected the knight's throat. The practice was picked up again during the 1899-1902 war in South Africa where red tabs were introduced to distinguish senior officers from the khaki crowd. Sashes used to be worn around the waist (sometimes from the shoulder) for carrying wounded pals. Since the load had to be light and strong, silk was used and is still worn as part of ceremonial dress. While the Rifles have sashes in black the others wear crimson.

The ceremonial head-dress for the Garhwal and Gorkha Rifles is the double felt hat. Berets are black for armour corps, olive green for most others, and maroon for airborne (parachute) regiments, the last of which has a story behind it. It is said Sir Frederick Browning, who raised the first airborne division, found troop morale down one day in North Africa. His wife, the novelist Daphne du Maurier, suggested they be given new hats of maroon.

The colour of the parachute worn on the left pocket denotes the number of jumps one has made. Blue indicates 25 to 49; yellow 50 to 99 and red 100 and above.

Madras Sappers wear a dupata which reminds them of their days of valour under Sir Charles Napier, the punning conqueror of Sind who sent the famous 'Peccavi' or 'I have sinned' message. Napier led 3000 men including C company of Madras Sappers in an attack against the Baluchis at Meeanee in Sind in February 1843. The British 22nd Regiment of the Foot (later Cheshire Regiment) was also present and there was much fraternisation after the victory. The British troopers gave their shakos to the Madrasis. Later they adopted the headgear and called it dupata.

Before the 1922 reorganisation, each battalion had its own cap badge. Now there is only one for a regiment. The Punjab Regiment's cap badge has a galley on it commemorating the fact that its 2 battalion was the first to serve overseas and was there at the capture of the Isle of Amboyna.

The style of wearing lanyards also differs from unit to unit. Officers of old 'Royal' regiments, corps and departments, and those permitted as a mark of appreciation by the President wear them on the right shoulder. Rajputana Rifles have a red knot with two zig-zag golden stripes, which Gen. Cariappa allowed, impressed by a dinner they gave Field Marshal Sir William Slim. Nicknames or honorific titles are adopted by units through historical associations. The 2nd battalion of Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry (JAKLI or Jaklight) is called Sherwani Paltan (paltan is Hindustani for battalion) after the schoolmaster and poet Maqbool Sherwani of Baramulla, who joined the force and organised volunteers against Pakistani raiders and was captured and nailed alive on a tree. 'MMG Parade' in this regiment means mandir, masjid and gurdwara which are under the same roof.

Naval ships 'crossing the line' (Equator) have unusual rituals on board. A mock court of Lord Varuna is held and the captain is tried on fantastic charges. Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, sailing to Indonesia, was 'tried' for overworking and having too many phones on his desk. Finally the 'old man' (captain) is given Varuna's certificate.

The sailors' tongue is a separate lexicon by itself. A story goes that a Society for the Study of Naval Language sent a questionnaire to Admiral Lord Nelson, who returned it with the remark, "Please forward through proper channel". The study team went to the shore of the English Channel, put the questionnaire in a bottle addressed to Nelson at Portsmouth. Two centuries later the bottled questionnaire reached the Florida beach where a Green group sued the long-defunct society for littering the sea.

makeup-is-magical-reveka-setia

Wed Aug 31 10:40:59 IST 2022

When it comes down to wearing makeup, the advantages go beyond looks. Believe it or not, wearing makeup can help you transform your life in ways that you couldn’t even imagine. Reveka Setia has discussed the benefits of wearing makeup that can't be overlooked.

Reveka believes that makeup can bestow individuals an enthusiasm upswing by making them feel more physically desirable, heightening feelings of self-esteem, attitude, and personality. Subsequently, this assurance can also stimulate your cognitive abilities. She acknowledged that women have proven to show higher productivity while wearing makeup than women who don’t wear makeup.

She is of the opinion that makeup can help protect your skin. An additional advantage that cosmetic makeup offers is that it helps you keep your skin safe from outside forces. With the distinct mixture of SPF components, colours, and reflectors of solar radiation, practical coloured cosmetics can be a significant basis of a woman's anti-ageing and skin cancer prevention armoury. She believes that makeup cosmetic products can help you prevent skin cancer. All in all, wearing makeup can also play a beneficial role in your overall health.

Aside from the health benefits of wearing makeup, she believes that visiting a makeup artist can be a great way for you to take out some time for yourself. In today’s world, most people never take the proper time out for themselves. And just as you might imagine this shows. Therefore, spending time with a makeup artist near you can help you relax, and start the proper healing process to get back to being your usual self. Reveka Makeup Studio & Academy tries to make her makeup artist studio feel like a home away from home. She strives to make everyone feel amazing from the inside out.

One of the considerable advantages of wearing makeup according to Reveka is that it helps you look younger. Makeup can help you suppress wrinkles, ageing spots, and other imperfections. With the right makeup artist's glimmer, you will never have to bother about your age showing. You will look younger than you’ve ever looked. She also believes that makeup can help your skin cleanse by removing all the impurities and excess oil on your skin. It can wonderfully contribute to achieving the glowing skin that you desire. Likewise, makeup can be an exciting experience and helps you to express yourself effortlessly.

Reveka Setia has undoubtedly suggested the benefits of make-up that can hardly be overlooked and neglected. She knows the charm behind cosmetic products.

dr-elie-organics-revolutionizing-the-skincare-industry

Tue Aug 30 18:03:00 IST 2022

Dr. Elie Organics Founder Profile:

Founder of Dr. Elie Organics, Dr. Elie, brings her understanding and wealth of knowledge from her Persian Indian origin- into the realm of the Indian skin care market. This integrative approach has allowed her to create a company that involves the best of both worlds. The idea behind this immersive approach was born from observing her cats. Her companionship with them led her to watch them groom for hours on end. This led Dr. Elie to understanding how important taking care of one’s body is- even her cats invest time in it! Furthermore, her expertise as a doctor brings an edge to the brand. She knows the tricks of the trade from a medical standpoint, bringing in her own niche of professionalism to the field of beauty and skincare. Dr. Elie Organics background as a dentist gives Dr. Elie the precision skills required in curating products that are reliable and healthy to use. Above all this, observing her journey is inspiring. Her entrepreneurial spirit is easy to spot. Her resilience has allowed her to make a simple idea, into a business and a brand name.

Dr. Elie Organics Conceptualization and Vision

It’s Dr. Elie Organics founder vision to bridge the need gap for natural, sustainable, and clean products. The phrase ‘less is more’ hasn’t continually been detected when it comes to tending to our skin. The cosmetics business and their clientele are perpetually indulging in a market that requires long and drawn-out skin care routines. Here’s where Dr Elie Organics can be useful. For those that don’t have all the time to go through various steps in taking care of their skin - Elie Organics focuses and specializes in an all-in-one approach. It’s a brand that provides maximum efficacy through minimal self-care work! Elie Organics sees the importance of delivering a batch of clinically researched, quality ingredients into the market. Dr. Elie products are designed to make sure that their customers don’t invest all day taking care of their skin (like her cats!), by providing them with quick, practical, and easy to use, skin care solutions. This vision of hers was curated by observing the Indian skin care market where brands would offer tangible products. Dr. Elie Organics has the capability to cater to a holistic approach, taking care of each facet in an individual’s needs.

Dr. Elie Organics Products & Benefits

Dr. Elie Organics store is designed for those who prefer natural ingredients and clutter-free convenience, as the brand literally brings the purity of nature to the palm of your hand. “Organic” strictly refers to ingredients that are farmed without pesticides, chemicals, or artificial fertilizers and genetically modified organisms. Without harsh chemicals, organic skincare products are less likely to cause allergic reactions, inflammations, or irritations. With products (for women) ranging from face washes and serums, body oils, and hand creams; to shampoos, conditioners, and hair masks- Dr. Elie has it all. The Elie Organics store consists of a range of products not only for women, but men as well. They’re advanced in their concoctions, sourcing organic compounds that have a lasting impact on the skin. The ingredients that make up Elie Organics are sustainable and environment friendly. Our skin absorbs almost 60% of what we apply on it, therefore, it’s imperative that one is conscious on what is put on it. Think about all the products we are using every day that come in contact with our skin: makeup, fragrances, moisturizers, soaps, deodorants and so on. Therefore, following an organic path with Dr. Elie products nourishes any issues our skin might face. If this isn’t enough already, the company has a line of products for men as well- inclusive of shaving oils, shaving gels, aftershave, shampoos, conditioners, and face and body washes. Within this variety, all the products are made with natural formulas that are rich in antioxidants, sooth the skin, lock in moisture and have long lasting effects. Dr. Elie ‘Moisture Absorb’ shampoo and conditioners are made from aloe vera and oat extracts that penetrate deep into the scalp, smoothen the hair and nourish it while preserving its shine. The ‘Hydro Protect’ hair mask, made with conditioning shea Butter & candelilla wax comes with the benefits of frizz control and detangled hair. Moreover, their make-up remover for women is coconut based- which is important for dry skin and is beneficial to all skin types. Dr. Elie products for men contain 2-1 properties, largely made with aloe vera leaf juice, natural vitamin E, calendula extracts, argon oil and sweet almond oils. With this blend, the shaving gels, face and body washes and shampoos, are anti-inflammatory, hydrate the skin- leaving a fresh feel on the face and body. The clean nature of Elie Organics come with them being paraben free. They display quick results and are gentle- ensuring no harm to the skin in the long run. These benefits lure in a large sector of consumers who are invested in wellness as a holistic approach.

Value Proposition

The worth of Elie Organics is found in having faith in the notion that both you and your skin are in good hands. Through its skincare products, shampoos, conditioners and more- Dr. Elie Organics store is able to offer the whole package. In today’s world, accessibility is at the forefront. The simpler and more effective the products are, the more they sell. Moreover, in light of climate change and environmental crises, the demographic is gradually gravitating toward more natural, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Millennials in particular want to be a part of the healthy skincare revolution. Products from the Dr. Elie store are perfectly compatible with this mentality- tried and tested with effects! The consumer can have confidence in the fact that the skin-care products are clean, clutter-free, and most importantly, organic as the brand name implies!