gifting smiles - Max Life Insurance

PLAYING IT SAFEEnsuring safe festivities

for your children

IT’S PARTY TIME! Your very own party guide

GIFTING SMILESNovel gift ideas for the festive season

INSURE AND INVESTAll about Unit Linked Insurance Plans

A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FROM MAX LIFE INSURANCE

Vol 4 Issue I

Dear Policyholder,

Greetings from Max Life Insurance for the festive season!

It gives me immense pleasure to bring to you this issue of the Gold Circle e-magazine that celebrates the fervour of Indian festivals. It is a time to celebrate togetherness and traditions with our relatives, neighbours and community. With lights, colours and gifts, the festivities are all around us, bestowing smiles and cheer. Whether it’s the lights of Diwali, the beats of Navratri, the revelry of Durga Puja or the stars of Christmas, each festival gives us its share of joy and togetherness.

Keeping the festive cheer alive, I am happy to announce a new chapter in our i-genius journey — i-genius Young Singing Stars — promoting all round talent in children. The programme aims to celebrate, recognise and reward budding singing talent. Celebrated musician Salim Merchant and India’s biggest YouTube sensation Shraddha Sharma will mentor and judge the participants. With album and song contracts with Universal Music India in store for the winners, we invite your little bundles of talent to avail this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and register for this programme.

As the festivities bring families closer, the joy of our loved ones not only delights us but also reminds us of the necessity to secure their smiles. We at Max Life believe in putting customer satisfaction first. We understand that a true measure of a life insurance company is how appropriately it responds to customers’ needs at the time of a loss. Max Life Insurance Claims Guarantee ensures swift and easy claim settlements to minimise your hassles. So far, Max Life Insurance has paid claims worth over `1,000 cr. and in the financial year 2013-14, the company settled 99.95% of claims.

Here’s wishing you and your dear ones complete health and happiness. May wise choices and decisions double your joy this festive season.

Yours sincerely,

Rajesh SudCEO & Managing Director

CEO’s message

01Vol 4 Issue I | Gold Circle

Gold Circle | Vol 4 Issue I02

ContentsVol 3 Issue IV

MAX LIFE INSURANCE e

Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd., 11th Floor, DLF Square, Jacaranda Marg, DLF Phase-II, Gurgaon 122002

Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Max House, 1 Dr. Jha Marg, Okhla, New Delhi 110020

DIRECTOR & CHIEF MARKETING OFFICERANISHA MOTWANI

MAX LIFE INSURANCE EDITORIAL BOARDAMIT SHARMARASHI SINGHALAFREEN ALI

SPENTA MULTIMEDIAEXECUTIVE PUBLISHERMANECK DAVAR

EDITORIAL VIDYA KISHORE KUMAR

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER NAMRATA D. SHELAR

DIGITAL IMAGING NINAD JADHAV

COVER IMAGE Shutterstock.com

Gold Circle is the quarterly magazine of Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd. The views and opinions expressed or implied in Gold Circle are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd. or Spenta Multimedia. Unsolicited articles and transparencies are sent in at the owner’s risk and the publisher accepts no liability for loss or damage. Material in this publication may not be reproduced, whether in part or in whole, without the consent of Max Life Insurance Co. Ltd. or Spenta Multimedia. Insurance is the subject matter of solicitation. Max Life Insurance Company limited is a joint venture of Max India Limited and Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance Co. Ltd. Max Life Insurance Co Ltd., 11th Floor, DLF Square Building, Jacaranda Marg, DLF Phase II, Gurgaon (Haryana)–122002. Max life Insurance has been selected as a “Superbrand of the year 2013-2014” by Superbrands India Private Limited. Advertisement Ref no. (ARN - Max Life/Mag/Spenta/ Eng/GC/014/Sept’14). IRDA Registration no.104

Editorial and design by Spenta Multimedia

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The scintillating seven sisters

Gifting smiles

It’s party time!

Playing it safe

Insure and invest

Cover to cover

Relax & rejuvenate

10

A LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE FROM MAX LIFE INSURANCE

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The North-east is one of the least explored parts of our country.

Farvi Motiwale Wadhwa takes you through the colourful festivities

in this culturally endowed region.

The scintillatingSeven Sisters

Popularly known as ‘The Seven Sisters’, the North Eastern states of our country — Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram,

Nagaland and Tripura — have a culturally rich background and immense ethical and linguistic diversity. Each of these beautiful states can rightfully be called a paradise in itself. With their share of extensive forest cover and the eastern Himalayas, nature lovers can gaze at the wild life sanctuaries, picturesque mountains and flowing rivers. Also, if you want to experience the strong traditional and cultural milieu, visit the states during the host of festivals celebrated here.

September witnesses the Solung fest in Arunachal Pradesh. This socio-religious festival sees the worship of deities, sacrifice of animals, and rituals to protect houses from evils. A special rice and beer preparation called ‘Apong’ is prepared.

In Manipur, we see a pleasant and cheerful boat race festival, Heikru Hidongba. The races see participants riding 16-metre narrow boats. Before the race begins, a statue of Lord Vishnu is brought to the venue in a boat and garlanded as an age-old religious ritual.

In mid-October comes Bihu, one of Assam’s most important festivals. Kaati Bihu is celebrated after paddy plants are transplanted and the farmers light lamps to guide good souls to heaven and pray for a good harvest. There are two other significant Bihus, popularly known as Bohaag Bihu (celebrated in mid-April, the seeding time according to the farming calendar) and Maagh Bihu (celebrated in mid-January, marking the end of the harvest season).

In Meghalaya, the three-day Shillong autumn festival is celebrated in the month of November. This is by

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far the best time to visit Meghalaya, as you get to see the best of the cultural side of the state. It is a three-day colourful riot of beauty pagents, street carnivals, fashion shows, traditional and rock music shows, flower decoration shows, golfing, fishing and kite-flying. The event is organised by the Meghalaya Tourism Department.

The Nongkrem Dance Festival is celebrated in November in Meghalaya. The five-day annual fest is the thanksgiving festival of the Khasi tribe, accompanied by a lot of traditional dancing. Vegetarians may want to give this one a miss.

In the second week of November falls the two-day Wangala Festival in Meghalaya. It is a harvest festival, dedicated to Lord Sun. The best part of the festival is the mesmerising sound of 100 drums beaten together.

The highlight of December is the Hornbill festival of Nagaland, the largest festive showcase of the

North-east. Commencing on the first of December, the festival lasts seven days and sees 16 different tribes — wearing their trademark hornbill-feather headgears — showing off their dance, hunting and warring skills. The festival has gained immense popularity and the Hornbill National Rock Concert attracts bands from all over the country for the one-night competition. n

Must-visit places on your tripAssam• Kamakhya Temple• Majuli Island• Manas National Park• Kaziranga National Park• HaflongMizoram• Tualchang• Tomb of Vanhimailian• Mangkahia Lung• Vantawng Falls• Dampa SanctuaryManipur• Shaheed Minar• Khwairamband Bazar• Shree Shree Govindajee Temple• War Cemetery• Sadu Chiru WaterfallArunachal Pradesh• Roing• Namdapha National Park

• Kane Wildlife Sanctuary• Tawang monastery• Daying Ering Wildlife SanctuaryMeghalaya• Mawsmai Cave• Krem Dam cave• Krem Soh Shympi• Jaintia Hills• Nokrek PeakNagaland• Japfu Peak• Kohima• Mokokchung• Khonoma Green Village• Dzukou ValleyTripura• Gumti Wildlife Sanctuary• Bhuvaneswari Temple• Tripura Sundari Temple• Ujjayanta Palace• Rowa Wildlife Sanctuary

» If you wish to cover more than one state on your trip to the North-east, it may be advisable to start with Assam, which is best connected to most other capitals. Flights from Delhi and Kolkata will take you to Guwahati (capital of Assam).

» Shillong (Meghalaya) can be reached by road from Guwahati (128 km).

» Guwahati is directly connected to Imphal (Manipur), Agartala (Tripura) and Aizawl (Mizoram) by flight.

» To get to Kohima (Nagaland), you would have to first fly to Dimapur and then travel by road (74 km).

» Arunachal Pradesh is the remotest state to reach. The nearest airport is Lilabari in North Lakhimpur which is around 70km away from Itanagar (capital).

» Please note that you would need Inner Line Permits issued by respective governments to enter Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Nagaland. Several parts in the north-east being protected/restricted areas, it is best to check on travel facilities before you reach the airport in any of these states.

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Gold Circle | Vol 4 Issue I

Trendz

06

Gifting smilesIt’s that time of the year when homes and offices are filled with gifts. Gone are the days when sweets and dry fruits were the obvious choices, gifting options are getting more thoughtful and innovative.

Text: Vidhya Velayudam

Gifts light up special occasions in our lives. You not only get happiness

receiving gifts, but are equally happy when you gift something to your near and dear ones. Occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, weddings and festivals are the times when you get that chance to bring a smile on others’ faces. Over the years, dresses, cakes, chocolates, dry fruits, cards, pens etc. had become the obvious gift choices. Today, times have changed and innovation is the keyword. Think out of the box to make gifting a delightful experience!

For familyPersonalised items form a major chunk of the gifting space today. There are various websites that offer to personalise photo frames, stationery and much more for you. If you are looking for gifts for your family, t-shirts (for siblings) and coffee mugs (for parents) are great ideas. Sentiments are never out of fashion; hence you could add a bit of poetry or your own message on a mug, a jewellery box or a photo frame to make it a gift your loved one will cherish forever.

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For spouseMen are easy to please! You can gift them anything that says technology and they will be excited. Of late, play stations, sleek earphones, notebooks, luxury watches, leather wallets, exquisite ties, branded laptop bags etc. are some of the gifts that women choose for their better halves.

On the other hand, men don’t have it that easy at all — they say it takes a lifetime to please a wife! If she has been having hard days at office recently, you can surprise her with a fully paid spa session for a day when she can pamper herself. Jewellery is another department that will help you with impressive gifting. Save up some money and try gifting a solitaire! The twinkle in her eyes will be brighter than the diamond. If you are looking at something simple, a little coffee mug with one of your “together pictures” and a few lines telling how much she means to you is sure to bring a smile to her face.

For friendsBooks are back in trend! You are sure to know your friend’s tastes and preferences, so you could gift a book accordingly, with a personal note signed by you. You could also

get him or her, a prepaid annual membership for something that he or she has been waiting too long to join. Handmade gifts like paper cards, quilling earrings (for girls), remote-controlled video games (for boys) etc. are some of the other unique gifts that you can consider.

For employeesCorporate gifts were directly linked to diaries and planners. Not anymore. Today, companies are thinking of giving unique gifts to their employees to show that they care. USB drives, power banks, laptop bags, high-quality leather wallets, meal vouchers for star hotels, aesthetically designed and personalised pen stands, sophisticated noise-cancelling earphones, wrist watches with the company’s logo, vouchers at leading textile stores etc. are some of the corporate gifts in vogue today. n

Sentiments never go out of fashion, so you could add a bit of poetry or your own message on a mug, a jewellery box or a photo frame to make it a gift your loved one will cherish forever.


With holidays and festivities around the corner, it’s time you

threw some parties to celebrate with your near and dear ones.

HEER PARESH KOTHARI gives you insights on how to get that

successful party rolling.

Hi-life

in your celebration by planning a fancy sundowner at a hotel or at a suitable outdoor venue.However, do keep a track of how much you are spending while planning an outdoor celebration. Because it is not only about the food or alcohol, but also about the little extra that you pay for the music and the venue itself. Ensure that you get the right value for the money spent.

WWhiilee pplanniingg an ooutddoooor ppartty... 1. Ensure you have been billed

appropriately for what you have ordered.

2. Keep tabs on the number of alcohol bottles you have consumed. Try to choose a venue that allows you to bring your own alcohol. That way you can send for alcohol at wholesale rates, and not get ripped off on taxes.

3. Always try and negotiate for a better deal. Check for offers posted on popular websites.

4. Make sure samples of the food have been tasted by you before you finalise the dishes.

5. Take care of details like the accessibility of the venue, parking space and the weather.

ith a string of upcoming holidays this festive season, it's just the right

time to throw a party for your near and dear ones. Festivals give you the time and opportunity to get together and enjoy with them. It's just the right time to organise a party — a perfectly fun-filled way of welcoming positive energy and companionship in your life.

GGoinngg Out! There are numerous ways in which one can celebrate. You could call your friends over or take them out for a casual lunch or dinner. You can even step up the spark

PPlannnninng aa paartyyy att hoomee turns oout tto be eeassierr onn the poccket as ccoommparredd wwithh oouutdooorr paartiees, but itt is aa loot mmore ssstreenuous oon the efforts.


HHommelly Addd-on For fewer people and a homely feel, many of us prefer to invite our friends over for a house party. Planning a party at home turns out to be easier on the pocket, but a lot more strenuous on the efforts.

WWhile pllannningg a hhousse partyy…• Choose designated areas for seating

your guests, for the food, for drinks, snacks, and also for the trash such as used cans, packets and cups. Also ensure there is a restroom available to them with enough utility items stacked up. Put away your personal diaries, files, phones, etc. in your cupboard.

• Chart out your guest list. Make sure that you have grouped people

of a similar age or interest to make the party lively and happening.

• Today, we have numerous means of sending out an invite. The array comprises phone, e-mail, social media tools and a lot more. But the personal touch can only be gained with a hand invite. Design an interesting invite in accordance with the theme of the party, and ensure that you send them on time, reminding your guests to R.S.V.P. you.

• Good food is a signature to every party. If you are not really sure about the cuisine, check with your guests about their favourites before drawing the final list. Don't forget to take into account food allergies and preferences. If you are calling for beverages, make sure that they are served chilled. See to it that your ice creams and slushes are properly stored, too.

• Games and activities are the life of every party. Card games for adults are an evergreen charmer. Kids and adults alike enjoy their time with Playstation and the Xbox. Don’t forget to charge the camera batteries.

• Have lots of music in different genres loaded in your hard drive. Have good-quality speakers for the added groove. Take requests from your guests and if someone wants a song you don’t have, they’ll be happy to lend you their phone to play it.

• Try and use disposable utensils to save the effort on the cleaning. Some kind friends will help you with the cleaning, but ensure that you also make it easy on yourself.

• Send a 'Thank you' note to all those who attend your party, after the same is over. It is an added personal touch.

With these nitty-gritties taken care of, have a great party your guests will remember you for!

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Parenting gup-shup

10

The season of festivals is here. While it’s time

for fun and frolic for your little ones, it’s also a

time for you to be extra cautious about their

safety. Read on…

Text: Priya Kumar

Playing it SafeAs the monsoon transforms

the landscape into soothing shades of green, the season

of festivals also sets in! These joyous festivals offer precious occasions for family and friends to meet and bond in a spirit of celebration.

Each festival brings its own share of happiness. While you have already enjoyed watching human pyramids breaking clay pots during

Janmashtami, the joy of brotherly love during Raksha Bandhan and the beautifully decorated pandals during Ganesh Chaturthi, gear up now for the garba revellery in the evenings of Navratri festival, the glorious rituals of Dussehra and the rangolis, lamps and firecrackers during Diwali. But even as the celebrations go on, keeping a few precautions in mind go a long way in ensuring that children have an enjoyable time in the thick of festivities...

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What do our festivals symbolise? • Makar Sankranti or

Pongal - Harvest festival and celebration of the sun's journey northwards.

• Holi - Spring festival; stands for true, unwavering devotion.

• Bihu - Celebrates the advent of spring and bountiful life.

• Eid al-Fitr - Conclusion of a month of dawn-to-sunset fasting, celebrates unity.

• Ganesh Chaturthi - Believed to be the days when Lord Ganesha visits the earth; it celebrates togetherness.

• Durga Puja - Victory of good over evil (Goddess Durga's victory over demon Mahishasura).

• Dussehra - Victory of good over evil (Demon king Ravana's defeat by Lord Rama)

• Diwali - Victory of light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance.

• Chhath Puja - Thanking the sun for all that it provides.

• Children stepping out to see events in public spaces should be explained the importance of watching performances from a distance, not getting lost in crowds, staying away from low parapets of terraces and water-bodies, and always being near known adults.

• Firecrackers mean noise, smoke and sparks. Children could either stay away from them or choose to burst very few. It's best to keep our celebrations as environment-conscious as possible by using firecrackers that emit minimum smoke and are not noisy.

• Keep burnt firecrackers in one place so no one steps on them. A bucket of water should be kept nearby as a precaution.

• Children who have respiratory ailments should ideally stay indoors. Cotton wool or ear plugs can be used if loud crackers are being burst in the neighbourhood and children should be advised not to go near crackers that have failed to ignite.

• Electric lights work well for decorating homes, but see to it that the electric sockets and wires are out of reach for children. When lighting diyas,

keep them away from places where children may be running around and also away from inflammable articles including decorations like paper lanterns.

• As you buy new clothes for your little ones for the festivities, see to it that they are comfortable. Long, flared garments should be avoided. Girls with long hair can tie it up or in a plait or braid, perhaps with colourful clips, so that it suits the occasion but is manageable at the same time. Comfortable footwear — rather than going barefeet — will ensure young feet are protected from any sharp objects or burnt crackers lying around.

• While enjoying sweetmeats is a given at any celebration, children may be advised to have small portions and limit sweetened drinks. Offer them their favourite fruit juices as far as possible. n


Money matters

Intelligent and informed decisions constitute the backbone of financial security. Whether is for insurance cover, investment opportunity or savings, we explore a variety of options to secure our future. Unit Linked Insurance Plans or ULIPs make for one such option combining several advantages.

WHAT ARE ULIPS?

Unit Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) are market-linked insurance plans which help you plan for long-term savings and protection. Depending on the fund selected, ULIPs have the potential to deliver higher returns. However, ULIP policyholders need to be more involved as the responsibility of the investment risk rests with policyholder.

Know more about Unit Linked Insurance Plans — a combination of life

insurance cover and investment opportunities.

Text: Arthur CandillacInsure

investand

LIFE COVER+

INVESTMENTS+

TAX BENEFITS=

HOW TO MAKE SURE THAT ULIPS ARE SUITABLE FOR YOU

What is your risk-taking ability? In general, the risk-taking ability is ascertained by various factors including age and number of dependents in the family. For instance, a young investor may be more aggressive as he/she will have more risk-taking appetite and remain invested to average out market fluctuations, and opt for ULIPs, whereas a sole breadwinner in the family who has dependents relying on his/her income, may not want to take any risk with savings.

How much returns do you expect? If as a customer you expect returns similar to stock markets and are also willing to take the risk of fluctuations in policy value depending on market performance, then you may decide to go for ULIPs.

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Are you comfortable with

The kind of volatility you are willing to handle as an investor also affects investment decision. Depending on the fund selected, investment in ULIPs may fluctuate more than traditional insurance plans.

ULIPS ARE NOT JUST ABOUT EQUITIES AND SHARE MARKETS Policyholders have the option to move within different types of funds by using the fund switching facility to re-balance their portfolios.

Do a thorough market research and understand what kind of fund would suit you; accordingly decide and take it forward with your insurer. Ensure that you are aware of the applicable charge structure and value of investments.

Things you need to keep an eye out for while buying ULIPs:• Charges deductible under

the policy• Payment on premature surrender• Features and benefits of the plan The insurer would provide regular updates on your investment portfolio through annual account

statements, quarterly investment portfolios and daily NAV reporting so that you can easily track the fund performance.

APPLICABLE CHARGESIt is important to know the various charges applicable under ULIPs before investing. The charges applicable are listed below:

The charge deducted upfront before the premiums are invested in the chosen fund. The charges gradually decrease over the period of the policy term (as applicable).

The charge is levied through deduction of units on every monthly anniversary. This is for management of the policy over lifetime i.e. sending out reminder notices, premium receipts etc.

Charge is levied through deduction of units on every monthly anniversary to provide life cover under the policy.

As the name suggests, this is the charge deducted for the management of funds by the insurer.

KNOW ABOUT FUNDSIn ULIPs, the premium paid by you is invested by the Insurer in fund(s) chosen by you after deducting applicable charges. Most insurance companies provide different types of funds that suit an investor’s financial objectives. The level of risk and the expected amount of returns may differ as per fund. The most common funds offered are:

In these funds, money is primarily invested in company stocks. The risk here is medium to high.

In these funds, money is invested in the equity markets and fixed instruments. Here the risk level is medium.

- Sometimes known as debt fund, these funds are invested in corporate bonds, government securities and other fixed income instruments. Here the risk level is low to medium.

These funds are invested in cash, bank deposits and money market instruments. Here the risk level is low.

You can change the units from one fund to any other fund, at any time during the policy term, also called . Further, you have the option to allocate future premiums, fully or in parts, to alternate funds, while existing investments would continue as per funds selected earlier. This is also called .

Depending on your preference, you can select one of the above mentioned funds or a mix of all. However, its very important for a ULIP policyholder to make an informed decision and remember that the investment risks rest with him. Always consult your investment advisor before taking any decision.


Review

14

India is synonymous with an ancient living heritage manifest in a spectrum of objects, artefacts,

monuments and experiences. Here are five prized publications that convey the beauty and meaning of

different aspects of Indian history and culture.

Text: Priya Kumar

Cover to cover

Dining with the Maharajas: A Thousand Years of Culinary Tradition By Neha Prasada, Ashima NarainThoughts of a royal past are invariably tinged with nostalgia of a grand era. They bring to mind images of royalty savouring elaborate meals served in great elegance. For those who love to know more about India’s royal families and their kitchens, here is a sumptuous offering! Dining with the Maharajas: A Thousand Years of Culinary Tradition takes readers on a glorious culinary trail to different royal houses of India and shares fantastic stories about their food and culture that come alive with beautiful accompanying photographs.

2Traditional Jewelry of India By Oppi Untracht Traditional Jewelry of India embraces the long history of adornment and jewellery in India. The result of Oppi Untracht’s 35 years of research and travel through India, the book is packed with authoritative text and photographs of exquisite jewellery that thoroughly explain different jewellery-making techniques, designs and types of ornaments worn in India, as well as their symbolism. From ancient amulets and navratna necklaces to tribal and royal jewellery, the pages span the heritage of Indian jewels. Equally enjoyed by the casual reader and researcher, the book is a delight to learn of one of India’s most coveted crafts.

For: Lovers of authentic Indian food

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For: Connoisseurs of ethnic jewellery

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The Temple Architecture of India By Adam Hardy Temple architecture in India — encompassing Jain, Buddhist, Sikh and Hindu temples — holds in its essence an entire body of thought and belief. Temple architecture evolved across 2,000 years to encompass exquisite structures of brick and stone. The Temple Architecture of India brings the reader a treasured peek into the vast field of temple architecture, the symbolism of different aspects of temple architecture and their beauty. The two main styles of Indian temple architecture — the northern Nagara and the southern Dravida — and their varied expressions are described and illustrated with photographs and drawings. A collector’s copy!

The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity By Amartya Sen This is a selection of essays by eminent economist Amartya Sen who won the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1998 for his contributions to welfare economics. His writings convey the need to understand contemporary India considering the country’s age-old traditions of public debate. Sen believes that knowing and applying this tradition is vital for understanding different aspects of India. An interesting read that spans a period from ancient to contemporary times and offers an insight into India’s unique pluralism and the issues it faces.

India: From Midnight to the Millennium and Beyond By Shashi Tharoor India, the world’s largest democracy with a pluralistic, multilingual and multi-ethnic society, and an ancient living culture manifest in varied expressions, makes a fascinating subject of study. Author Shashi Tharoor writes on the developments in India in the post-Independence period highlighting several issues that define the nation. With first hand experience of India as well as a view from afar, Tharoor writes an interesting account of history and politics of modern India, India’s position in the 21st century, the challenges it faces and its potential for contribution to the world.

The views expressed in the article are those of the writer. Max Life Insurance does not endorse any of the above.

Book images courtesy amazon.in

For: Lovers of ancient architecture

For: Analysts of social and economic disparities in India

For: Those tracing India's growth after independence

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Well-being

EKA PADA PRANAMASANA (One-Legged Prayer Posture)How: Stand straight with your legs together and relax. Slowly transfer the weight on to the left leg. Bend the right leg and place the sole of the foot on the inside of the left thigh. Join your palms, close your eyes and concentrate. Repeat with the other leg.

Why: Improves balance and focus, strengthens leg and foot muscles.

Struggling for time to hit the gym? Just give 10

minutes to each of these yoga postures to invigorate your

senses and keep you fit.Text: Vidya Kishore Kumar

rejuvenateRelax&t

PADMASANA (Lotus Posture)

How: Sit straight on the floor with your legs outstretched. Fold your

right leg and place the right heel on the left thigh. Repeat the same with your left leg. Place your palms on

your knees and meditate.

Why: Helps develop a good posture, stretches your leg

muscles and calms your mind.

BADHAKONASANA How: Sit straight with your legs outstretched. Bend your legs towards yourself such that the soles are facing each other. Hold your feet and pull them close to your pelvis. Then move your thighs up and down, just like the wings of a butterfly.

Why: Stimulates the pelvis, abdomen and back; relieves fatigue and helps in bowel movement.

GOMUKHASANA (Cow-Face Posture)How: Sit on the floor with legs outstretched. Fold your left leg and bring the foot under the right hip. Similarly, fold the right leg over the left. Raise your right hand and bend it behind the shoulder. Repeat with your left hand and entwine the fingers. Hold for 30 seconds and

repeat by reversing the sides.

Why: Strengthens palm joints, shoulders and hips; stretches

your chest, thighs and triceps.

BHUJANGASANA (Cobra Posture)

How: Lie down on your belly with your hands beside your body and palms pressed against

the ground. As you inhale, try to straighten your arms and lift up your chest and upper back off the ground. Remain steady for 15-20 seconds

and then release. Repeat.

Why: Stretches chest, shoulders and abdomen; strengthens back muscles and

arms; firms buttocks.All the above information are the views of the writer. Max Life Insurance does not endorse any of the above. Always consult your doctor and obtain medical clearance before practicing yoga.

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