www .spicejet.com THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 12

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T H E I N F L I G H T M A G A Z I N EVolume 12 | Issue 02 | February 2018

K AT R I N A K A I F | J A I P U R L I T F E S T | S P O T L I G H T O N I N V E S T M E N T S

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2 ||||| AUGUST 2016

Ajay Singh Chairman & Managing Director

Dear Readers,Welcome aboard SpiceJet!

I believe 2018 will be a watershed year in the history of our airline. Deliveries of our new planes, part of our massive aircraft orders with Boeing and Bombardier that made global headlines in 2017, will start this year. And I believe that this will change the passenger flying experience forever.

The state-of-the-art Boeing 737 MAX that joins our fleet later this year is one of the fastest selling airplanes in aviation history and will hugely enhance the flying experience for you, our customers. These new fuel efficient planes have a higher seating capacity and can fly longer distances thus bringing new unserved markets within reach.

The Max will surely take the inflight experience to the next level with its plush and spacious interiors – new sculpted sidewalls and ceilings, new window reveals coupled with colour-LED lighting and comfortable seating. The aircraft incorporates the best and the latest engine and winglet technology among other improvements to deliver the highest efficiency, reliability and passenger comfort.

With these new planes joining our fleet, SpiceJet will profitably open up new markets and expand connectivity within India and beyond.

We have worked hard to bring the country’s smaller towns and cities on the country’s aviation map and our new aircraft orders further reiterate our grand vision of making every Indian fly. We will launch flights on regional routes in a big way as our new Bombardier Q400s start to arrive.

In January, we were invited to the prestigious World Economic Forum at Davos, Switzerland. The Indian presence was the largest-ever at the international convention, with our honourable Prime Minister and senior ministers and top government officials. SpiceJet was also conferred the honour and privilege to be part of the official delegation.

Back home, SpiceJet, yet again, ruled the domestic skies, clocking an

occupancy of over 95% in January. We have recorded 90% plus load factor for 33 successive months, a feat unequalled in global aviation history and a testimony to the fact that SpiceJet is India’s favourite and most loved airline. Thank you for making this possible, month on month.

Starting February, we will launch 12 new domestic flights, adding muscle to our network in southern India. We are launching daily flights between Kolkata-Jabalpur and Bengaluru-Puducherry and a direct flight between Bengaluru-Rajahmundry. We will also enhance frequencies between Chennai-Vishakhapatnam, Kolkata-Vishakhapatnam and Bengaluru-Chennai. In March, SpiceJet will add new flights on the Chennai-Mangalore, Bengaluru-Tirupati and Guwahati-Chennai routes and an additional frequency between Chennai-Vijayawada.

All through 2017, SpiceJet has delivered success stories that further underline our exemplary turnaround and we look forward to a power-packed 2018.

May you have a “Red. Hot. Spicy.” experience each time you fly with us!

Wish you all a pleasant journey ahead.

Tailwinds & Happy Landings!Jai Hind!

FROM THECMD’S DESK

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FEBRUARY 2018

CONTENTSww

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T H E I N F L I G H T M A G A Z I N EVolume 12 | Issue 02 | February 2018

K AT R I N A K A I F | J A I P U R L I T F E S T | S P O T L I G H T O N I N V E S T M E N T S

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“NEVER LOSE YOURSELF IN LOVE” Katrina Kaif on the stupendous success of Tiger Zinda Hai, her

forthcoming movies, life and love

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ONE WITH NATUREA premier property in Kangra

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Rakkh Resort stands on the unique

tripod of personal interaction,

reconnecting with nature and a

passion for the great outdoors

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BOARDING NOW SpiceJet

continually

enriches the

travel experience

by adding new,

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destinations

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SPICEJET INSIDERSocial media 20SpiceVacations.com 24Spice products 26My town 145Mobile apps 146

Stars of SpiceJet 148

Onboard menu 150

SpiceJet add-ons 151

SpiceJet fleet 152

Route map 154

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CONTENTS

ROMANTIC ESCAPES FOR VALENTINE’S DAYFebruary 14 is one day when

crowds fill every restaurant,

theatres go fully booked and

lawns and gardens have more

people than trees! But worry

not, we have zeroed in on five

unique romantic escapes to ring

in the day with your special one

SIDEKICK CHOICENO MOREOften confused with fennel

(saunf), anise (also called

aniseed) is a sweet spice that

has been around for 4000 years

and is relevant even today

IN THE SPOTLIGHTHere are the Indian cricketers to

watch out for in 2018


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CONTENTS

A TEST OF CORPORAL ENDURANCE

The unique Kila Raipur Rural Olympics is an annual event drawing

visitors, participants and sponsors from near and far

DEMYSTIFYING ALL THINGS FINANCEFinance and related matters are a vital part of everyday life and it

helps if you get your fundas right

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BUZZ ON SOCIAL MEDIA

@flyspicejet Happy to be at the BGBS. Ajay Singh of

SpiceJet says Mamataji has a power plant inside her

to drive this state so well. SpiceJet grows 20% every

year. In all, 250 airplanes will be introduced.

@flyspicejet Thank you for yummy food and

amazing hospitality. It was a wonderful

experience on SG 3462.@MitanshuSarda

@flyspicejet Truly impressed with SpiceJet’s response in helping me recover my iPhone that I had left at the Starbucks counter in T1 Delhi.

@flyspicejet With all hope lost and less than half an hour to board a connecting flight from Kolkata, I was still stuck at immigration. The Spice crew at check-in helped me board at the last minute, arranging everything quickly.

@flyspicejet Kudos to your counter staff. Lady in front of me at Delhi airport check-in with tiny baby and tonnes of luggage. Girl at the counter got up, crossed two rows of people and got her out of there for a fast check-in.

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FIND YOUR FAVOURITE AIRLINE ON @FLYSPICEJET ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK

@flyspicejet What an amazing flight with Captain Danny Desai, the poet-pilot of our times.

@flyspicejet has some of the best food on board. Much impressed, very happy.

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@flyspicejet My compliments to your crew on board SG 198. They were just brilliant, each one of them serving with a smile in the middle of the night.

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SPICEVACATIONS.COM is a one-stop shop for hotel bookings and customised travel packages, offering services beyond the ordinary. Take your pick from a vast network of domestic and international holiday destinations, and book your flights with the right bundle of services to ensure an effortless journey. Carefully hand-picked hotels, quick car rentals, and travel packages

created in association with local holiday experts – you have much to benefit from SpiceVacations.com. On the website, you can choose between

cheap, budget and luxury vacations; search for the best hotels across India; and have a great experience while saving money. In addition, backpackers can add some comfort to their travels without lightening their pockets. For those who haven’t booked their hotels, you can book your hotel as soon as you land.

With SpiceVacations.com, you can make changes in your itinerary online, at every step of the trip. For instance, if you want to opt for a bigger car even if the package entails a smaller one, you can do so with ease. You need to simply decide on the theme of your vacation, such as pilgrimage, honeymoon, heritage, wildlife, beach or hills, and the platform throws up a wide variety of deals in terms of location, hotel arrangements, local sightseeing tours and car rentals, among others.

With this unique initiative by SpiceJet, you have the flexibility of booking a package at a minimal amount and can pay the rest later through various EMI options that are made available along with other regular options on offer.

As the website is powered by SpiceJet, you can enjoy great flight and hotel deals. All these culminate in smart, convenient and detailed travel packages. In keeping with the times, the new product will also be connected with SpiceJet’s mobile app but this will be done at a later stage.

So, travel the world with SpiceJet’s enviable travel packages and experience the perfect holiday.

Now book your hotel as soon as

you land

SPICEVACATIONS.COM GREAT DEALS ON HOTELS AND PACKAGES

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH SPICEJET’S UNIQUE INITIATIVE SPICEVACATIONS.COM, A PLETHORA OF END-TO-END TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, MAKING

YOUR TRAVELS NOT JUST CONVENIENT, BUT ALSO RED. HOT. SPICY

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INNOVATIONS FOR COMFORT& CONVENIENCE

AT SPICEJET, we believe that customer experience can always be improved upon. In keeping with this philosophy, we are constantly looking for ways to make travel not just a hassle-free experience, but also one that passengers will remember. Our slew of innovations reflects this: a product that rewards travellers who travel only with hand baggage; another that makes life easier for those who carry heavy baggage, but not heavy enough to be checked-in; yet another that offers a bigger choice of meals on board; a product that provides seat and meal of your choice; products to please those who are always on the lookout for extra legroom; a prepaid card that allows passengers to make cashless transactions; an add-on service that allows the flexibility of cancelling or changing ticket(s) to suit your travel plan; and finally a product that aims at greater customer ease in case of flight disruptions.

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2 Seat + Meal ComboThis provides seat and meal of the passengers's choice at discounted rates. The product can be purchased

for `399 on the Domestic and `499 on the International Sector. It is on a per passenger, per sector basis and can be availed of by guest and SpiceClub member. A passenger can purchase the product by clicking on the Add-On’s Page/Seat Map Page on www.spicejet.com at the initial booking stage or by clicking on Manage My Bookings tab after the booking has been made or minimum six hours prior to the scheduled departure.

3 Hot MealsPassengers have a wide variety of meals to opt for on SpiceJet flights when they pre-book

a meal. Those flying Boeings are spoilt for choice. There are four options for breakfast. All-day meals (which include snacks, lunch and dinner) are spread across eight menus. Seven Chef’s Choice menus and two kinds of Platters are available 24x7. Passengers taking Q400 flights can choose from eight different types of sandwiches. There is a great

variety on offer – from Vermicelli Croquette, Saute Broccoli and

Chicken Stroganoff to Angara Paneer Tikka Sub Roll. Pre-

booking a meal offers other choices and benefits, too: the option of a gluten-free meal; a menu with

Thai, Continental and Indian options as well as Indian Platters; discounted rates compared to onboard prices; passengers can wish their loved ones on

birthdays and anniversaries mid-air with a cake on select

flights; and a takeaway Kids’ Meal bag, shaped like an airplane.

1SpiceMaxSpiceJet’s SpiceMax provides more comfort and convenience. With extra legroom and greater personal space, passengers can travel with ease. Apart

from significantly extra legroom on board, fliers can also enjoy other added ancillary products such as priority check-in, complimentary meal and beverage, priority baggage handling and priority boarding (aerobridge gates) at dedicated SpiceMax counters at the airport for a modest add-on fee per sector. The ease with which fliers can opt for this product enhances the experience. When booking a connecting flight with a stop-over, passengers can purchase SpiceMax seats separately for the two flights. Pre-book your meals to make your

journey with us a more comfortable experience. You can enjoy exceptional discounted rates. It makes purchasing food and beverages onboard an entirely cashless affair. You can pre-book at the time of booking your flight, or add it later through ‘Manage My Booking’ on the website, www.spicejet.com.

PRE-BOOK NOW!

4 You 1stHelping you make your travels smoother is this special offering from SpiceJet. For just `399, you can now get a combination of

priority check-in as well as preferred bag-out by availing of this unique product. For passengers catching ex-India flights, it is available at `499. Passengers availing of this service will have to check-in for their flight at the airport check-in counter, as Priority-Check-In. The booking, made via the SpiceJet website (www.spicejet.com), can be availed latest up to two hours before the scheduled departure.


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8Carry More On BoardMaking air travel even more convenient, SpiceJet’s ‘Carry More On Board’ is a service for

travellers with heavier cabin baggage. It is targeted at passengers who carry cabin baggage heavier than 7 kg, and do not want to check-in. Fliers can carry bags weighing up to 5 kg extra, a maximum of 12 kg on board, while paying a nominal fee for each kg above 7 kg. Bags can be heavier, but not larger, and the standard free baggage allowances remain as before. Customers can opt for this product during airport check-in and at airport ticket counters

5 My Flexi PlanPlanning a trip will be easier than ever with SpiceJet’s new innovative add-on service, My Flexi Plan. Passengers can now

enjoy the flexibility of cancelling or changing the ticket(s) to suit their travel plan. If they are certain about travel but not about the dates, then they can book a ticket by opting for this service. Customers can opt for this add-on at the time of booking by paying a fee of `1,500 for domestic travel ticket and `1,750 for international travel ticket. The service will be applicable only for one change or one cancellation per ticket.

6 Fly For SureFly For Sure has been launched for greater customer ease in case of flight disruptions. It allows a passenger booked on SpiceJet a guarantee of flying in the next 24 hours in

case of a flight delay beyond 90 minutes, missing a flight not exceeding 30 minutes from airport check-in closure of the original flight or a flight cancellation by the airline. With Fly For Sure the passenger gets to fly, in spite of the above unforeseen circumstances. It is available while booking for the flight and SpiceJet will reimburse the passengers for an alternate flight ticket (not exceeding double the price of the original ticket or the cost of second ticket, whichever is lower) on the airline of their choice in the same sector within 24 hours of the original scheduled booking with SpiceJet.

7 Priority Check-InThis service provides the passenger a hassle free and comfortable check-in experience at the airport with SpiceJet’s dedicated priority check-in counter. The passenger can buy Priority Check-In while or after making the booking. It can be bought latest up to two hours

before the scheduled departure. The service is available only on www.spicejet.com or via SpiceJet’s Reservations. The pre-paid service can be bought for per passenger, per sector of the journey, on the payment of the non-refundable fees. A Priority Check-In for flights within and/or originating from India costs `200. For flights originating from out of India, the fare is `300. The fees are refundable if the booking is cancelled by the passenger or the flight is cancelled by the airline. There is no additional fee applicable for infant passengers. Passengers who have bought Priority Check-In will have to check-in for their flight at the airport check-in counter.

9 Hand Baggage OnlyThis is another unique product that offers a discount to those

passengers who carry only hand baggage. Available on most direct

domestic flights, this fare has a minimum 15-day advance purchase

period, and no free check-in baggage allowance is permissible.

Bookings for this can be made on www.spicejet.com, at airport ticket offices, and

through select online travel portals. Passengers should keep in mind that hand

baggage allowance does not change. Those who book these fares, but decide to

check in luggage later, will have to pay more.


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OPENING SHOTPERFORMING ARTS

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WHEN ANKLETS COME ALIVEONE OF THE MOST LOOKED-FORWARD-TO EVENTS in the country’s artistic calendar, the next edition of the Khajuraho Festival of Dances is all set to enthral audiences this month, between the 20th and the 26th. Entry is free for the event held against the backdrop of the world famous Khajuraho Temples in Madhya Pradesh. The Festival began in 1975 and since then has been one of the most popular cultural events in India, attended by local, national and international audiences. On display will be Indian classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Kathak and Mohiniyattam.

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OPENING SHOTGETTING AROUND

SEGWAYING INTO A FORT

IN THE GOOD OLD DAYS, the stunning Nahargarh Fort, standing tall in the Aravali Hills of Jaipur district, Rajasthan, along with Amer and Jaigarh forts, formed a formidable troika that defended Jaipur. It was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, the founder of Jaipur. The fort never came under attack during its 284-year-old history. Now there is one more achievement that can be added to its name: it is one of the first forts in the country that can be explored on a Segway. There’s much to see, beginning with a panoramic view of Jaipur city. Detailed stonework and delicate carvings, intricate murals and stucco work and a biological park within the premises are some of the other attractions. SH

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OPENING SHOTTRADITION

THE ART OF THE THANGKATIBETIAN BUDDHIST paintings on cotton or silk appliqués, thangkas go back to the seventh century and are great takeaway gifts from Buddhist tourist centres. They often depict a Buddhist deity, scene or mandala (a spiritual and ritual symbol). The origin of these paintings lies not in their aesthetic beauty but as aids in the meditation process. The next time you are in Dharamshala, do try your hand at painting a thangka. The Norbulingka Institute in the quaint Himachali town offers workshops ranging from one day to two months. Courses are designed based on the time and interest of individuals and groups. They are a great way to learn more about the sophistication of Tibetan culture and students will leave with a beautiful piece of their own. The institute also conducts wood carving and wood painting workshops.

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SpiceJet flies to Dharamshala. Log on to www.spicejet.com for flight details

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M E R R YMONDAYS

MELANGEEVENTS

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FEBRUARY 2018

DANCE // MUSIC // THEATRE // ART

HOT DATES

CINEMAAIYAARY

A much-anticipated work from writer-director Neeraj Pandey of A Wednesday fame. All about two Indian Army officers, a mentor and his protégé. Starring Anupam Kher, Sidharth Malhotra, Manoj Bajpayee, Naseeruddin Shah and Adil Hussain. When: February 9, 2018 Where: All over

EVENT INDIA HERITAGE WALK FESTIVAL 2018

This month-long, multi-city event hopes to introduce people to the tangible and intangible culture and heritage of their cities, and in the process, celebrate India’s rich cultural diversity. In all, 50 heritage walks have been planned across 20 Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Agra.When: Whole of FebruaryWhere: 20 Indian cities

ART VIVAN SUNDARAM RESTROSPECTIVE

The Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) is holding a restrospective of one of the most prolific artists of our times. This exhibition will trace Sundaram’s development over the last half-century, exploring his unique trajectory as an artist, curator and editor. The exhibition features rare works from his early career and is curated by Roobina Karode and Vivan Sundaram.When: February 8, 2018Where: Saket, South Delhi

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MELANGEEVENTS

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COMEDYADITI MITTAL: GLOBAL VILLAGE IDIOT

A new show exploring how the entertainer’s place in our global village makes her feel she belongs nowhere and everywhere at the same time. The show will be packed with her trademark acerbic and cutting edge comedy and parodies of people she has met along the way.When: February 6, 2018Where: Bengaluru

SPORTSMAX BUPA WALK FOR HEALTH

The sixth edition of Max Bupa Walk for Health is back with cash prizes ranging from ` 6,000 to ` 25,000 across various categories: 5 km walk for adults, 2 km walk for kids and senior citizens, and 7 km Power Walk for fitness enthusiasts. In addition, leisure activities like music, food and performances have also been lined up.When: February 18, 2018Where: Mumbai

MUSICJAVED ALI: A BOUQUET OF GHAZALS

In a short span of his career, Javed Ali has had the privilege of working with eminent music directors and has performed for numerous films in several languages. Besides film music, he is known for his command over the idiom of ghazal. The presentation will include evergreen ghazals penned by great poets and immortalised by legendary singers.When: February 16, 2018Where: NCPA, Mumbai

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MELANGEEVENTS

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FEBRUARY LISTINGS

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What: Anirban Das ComedyWhere: Bengaluru

What: Kumar Sanu LiveWhere: Hyderabad

What: Go-Carting ThrillWhere: Chennai

What: Bicycle tour Where: Delhi

144What: Run 4 EarthWhere: Pune

What: World Sacred Spirit FestivalWhere: Jodhpur

What: Lost Treasure HuntWhere: Hyderabad

25What: Virtual Reality FiestaWhere: Bengaluru

What: Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety (Hindi film)Where: All over

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9 What: Auto Expo Where: Greater Noida

15What: Silent EchoWhere: Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai

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What: Balloon FestWhere: Goa

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WHAT'S NEWUMAID BHAWAN PALACE DECLARED BEST HOTEL

The luxurious Umaid Bhawan Palace has been adjudged as the best hotel in India by a leading travel site. The Jodhpur-based property, in which the former royal family still resides, was declared winner in nine categories, by TripAdvisor, as part of its annual Travellers’ Choice Awards. The residence of Maharaja Gaj Singh II, Umaid Bhawan Palace counts among the most opulent homes ever built, with over 350 rooms placed in between acres of splendid gardens. One wing houses the iconic Taj Umaid Bhawan Palace Hotel, managed by Taj Hotels Palaces Resorts and Safaris.

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AR RAHMAN IS BRAND AMBASSADOR OF SIKKIM

The annual Red Panda Winter Festival, whose third edition concluded in Gangtok last month, consisted of nine days of festivities aimed at promoting charming Sikkim as a major tourist destination. Held at the Titanic Park of MG Marg in Gangtok, it was a fiesta of culture, harmony, celebrations and ethnic food. A unique event this year was the announcement of music wizard AR Rahman as the brand ambassador of Sikkim. This news was conveyed to local and outstation tourists by the state’s chief minister Pawan Chamling.

THE ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL IS BACK

At one time one of the most popular cultural extravaganzas in Maharashtra, the Elephanta Festival is back after a nine year lull. It had been suspended after the 26/11 terror attacks of 2008 in Mumbai. The event will continue to be held at Elephanta island, 30 nautical miles (55 km) from the Gateway of India, Mumbai. On the island are located the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Elephanta Caves, a collection of cave temples dedicated mainly to Lord Shiva. Renowned dancers and musicians will perform.

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NO MORE TWO-WHEELING IN KODAI

Matheran, the small but picturesque hill station near Mumbai, enjoys a unique distinction: it is Asia’s only automobile-free hill station. Now Kodaikanal (Kodai for locals) is taking a leaf out of Matheran’s book. Two-wheelers have been banned at main tourist spots at this hill town in Tamil Nadu. This decision has been taken by the Forest Department to curtail human-animal conflicts. The reason: an increase in mist and wild animal movement. Pillar Rock, Guna Caves and Pine Forests are the tourist places which are most likely to be covered by the new legislation.

OVER HALF OF THE WORLD’S TOURISTS TRANSPORTED BY AIR

According to the latest figures released by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a United Nations specialized agency, last year, over half of the world’s 1.2 billion tourists who travelled across international borders were transported by air. This comes on the back of a 7.1 per cent annual growth in passenger traffic. Air travel demand growth has gained solid momentum, supported by the ongoing improvement in global economic conditions throughout the year, the ICAO report noted. Region-wise, Asia/Pacific had the second largest share with 29 per cent growth, and grew by 9.6 per cent, the second strongest growth among all regions.

CELEBRATION TIME AT VEMBANAD

Just 63 km away from Kochi airport, Vembanad is one of the more prominent backwater destinations in Kerala. A vast array of rivers and canals empty themselves into the picturesque Vembanad Lake. It is a lovely place to go for a picnic. There are many boating, fishing and sightseeing options available in the area. Now Vembanad has one more achievement to its credit. Aditya, India’s first powered ferry operating in the Vembanad lagoon, completed a year of its existence last month. The 75-seater ferry has eliminated water, air and noise pollution. It has drastically cut down diesel costs. And if the smiling faces of passengers on Aditya is any indicator, it scores very high on comfort.

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RED CHIEF.indd 1 18/01/18 4:51 PM

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Fantastic Friday Yes Bank.indd 1 19/01/18 2:20 PM

Tamil Nadu Tourism.indd 1 22/01/18 11:01 AM

COVER STORYDESTINATIONS

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BOARDING NOWSPICEJET CONTINUALLY ENRICHES THE TRAVEL EXPERIENCE BY ADDING

NEW, UNDEREXPLORED DESTINATIONS

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Trust SpiceJet to always keep the flying passenger in mind. Its slew of continuous innovations, by way of

new products and services, have contributed significantly towards making it India’s favourite and most loved airline. Another major contributory factor has been the addition of newer destinations.

In the short span of a little over a year, SpiceJet has added nearly a dozen new destinations on its routes. In this feature, we look at six of them, hitherto neglected but each with immense tourism potential. Two of these destinations, Jaisalmer and Puducherry, come under the ambit of the grand UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Naagrik) scheme launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on April 27, 2017.

SpiceJet has been a very enthusiastic supporter of the UDAN regional connectivity scheme that is enhancing connections to smaller towns and cities. Over the years, many states had been clamouring for the revival of dysfunctional airports and starting operations on un-served ones. This twin demand is being addressed by UDAN.

SpiceJet has been awarded six proposals and 11 routes under the first phase of UDAN. Out of the six finalised proposals, four will cater to unserved markets of Adampur, Kandla, Puducherry and Jaisalmer whereas two will be for underserved markets of Porbandar and Kanpur. Apart from Jaisalmer and Puducherry, SpiceJet flight operations have already commenced at Kandla and Porbandar.

That SpiceJet always has the convenience of its passengers in mind was evident from the words of Mr. Ajay Singh, CMD, SpiceJet, on October 28, 2017, while flagging off Jaisalmer as a new destination as well as introducing a

slew of flights to Rajasthan. “SpiceJet is proud to connect

Rajasthan like never before. Today is a very special day for us as we announce the launch of multiple new flights to Rajasthan, India’s most vibrant and colourful state, which will greatly aid both leisure and business travelers,” he said. “We are proud of the fact that SpiceJet will be the first and only airline to offer direct air connectivity between Jaipur-Jaisalmer; Jaisalmer-Delhi and Jaipur-Varanasi and we hope to continue to serve the people of Rajasthan with the same vigour in future.”

A similar sentiment was expressed a little earlier on October 3, 2017 when SpiceJet had added Dibrugarh as its 50th destination, further enhancing connectivity to the North East. Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam had then said: “We thank SpiceJet and especially Mr Ajay Singh for accepting our request and providing air connectivity to the citizens of Assam and North East. I hope that this service continues unabated. I had personally requested Mr. Singh to look into the gaps in air connectivity left by other operators and I am happy to share that the same was looked into with great urgency.’

Rajasthan and Assam are just two of the many regions of the country that SpiceJet has been improving connectivity to, one new destination at a time. Read on and explore some more gems of destinations that had been under the radar so far.

JAISALMER, RAJASTHAN Located at the heart of the Thar Desert, the beautiful town of Jaisalmer has a mystical charm that instantly draws you towards it. Perhaps it is the desert, the fort or its amazing natural sights – this is a potpourri of all things quintessential

SpiceJet flies to all the destinations covered in this feature. Log on to www.spicejet.com for flight details

The Golden Fort overlooks the sprawling city of Jaisalmer

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is a potpourri of all things quintessential Rajasthan. Being a rather small town on the border, Jaisalmer’s primary attraction is the Jaisalmer fort that happens to be a living fort where thousands of people live within its lofty ramparts. Named after the Bhati ruler Maharawal Jaisal, it is called the Golden Fort as the fort and residential buildings are made of yellow sandstone. The 5 km fortification wall has 99 bastions. Walking through the fort and seeing the sights I felt a sensory overload of colour in the form of the little street-side shops that sell local handicrafts and clothes. The old homes here take you back to the past and the beautiful Jain temple has stunningly intricate carvings.

Walking through the lanes I stop at the Patwa ki Haveli that has been preserved carefully and is a perfect ode to life in the past. I also recommend you check out the Kothari Patwa Haveli Museum that has a display of the erstwhile Patwa’s gracious lifestyle. I also loved the Nathmal ki Haveli that was the residence of the prime minister of Jaisalmer – it has a painting made with real gold. While you are here, take a morning drive to the Gadisar Lake, an artificial reservoir whose banks are dotted with small temples and shrines.

Take a boat ride in the lake and feed the catfish or simply soak in the serenity while you observe the many birds that flock here. Your trip to Jaisalmer is not complete without a desert safari. There are two kinds – a camel safari that will take you on a bit of a bumpy ride on the sand dunes and reward you with stunning sunset visuals. The bone rattling jeep safari is another must-have experience. Usually this is a package that is teamed with a cultural programme and tasting local food, so make sure you have this on your to-do itinerary.

- Bindu Gopal Rao

JODHPUR, RAJASTHANA friend once told me: “If you want to see the real Rajasthan, you must visit Jodhpur.” These words somehow stayed with me and on a recent trip to the Blue City, the second largest city of Rajasthan, I knew exactly what my friend had indicated. True to its moniker, everything in the old city is swathed in hues of blue that lends the city a unique character. I start my journey at the majestic Mehrangarh Fort that stands tall 400 feet above the city and is full of tales of valour and victory of the Rathore kings of Marwar. This is one of the largest forts in the country and you also have access by way of a lift. The Chowkelao Garden at the foot of the fort is over 200 years old and is a riot of colour courtesy the stunning floral cover. The Mehrangarh museum has several galleries that display a fine collection of arms, textiles, headgears, palanquins, manuscripts and decorative art. The Phool Mahal here has gold filigree and mirror ceiling and the walls are painted with moods depicting Indian classical ragas, royal portraits and incarnations of Lord Vishnu and Durga. The Moti Mahal and Sheesh Mahal are also particularly spectacular

The Mehrangarh Fort in the Blue City of Jodhpur

SPICEJET HAS BEEN A VERY ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORTER

OF THE UDAN REGIONAL CONNECTIVITY SCHEME

THAT IS ENHANCING CONNECTIVITY TO SMALLER TOWNS AND CITIES. OVER THE YEARS, MANY STATES HAD BEEN CLAMOURING

FOR THE REVIVAL OF DYSFUNCTIONAL AIRPORTS AND STARTING OPERATIONS ON UN-SERVED ONES. UDAN MEETS THIS TWIN DEMAND

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various maidams. The Barbarua Maidam, about 14 km to the south of Dibrugarh, houses two graveyards, one of Deka Dihingia Barbarua and the other of Bura Dihinigia Barbarua. Both were important officials from the Ahom dynasty. The Bahikhowa Maidam graveyard is dedicated to Bahikhowa Dasarath Dowerah, a Chief of the Army from the Ahom dynasty. The graveyard is in ruins now but it’s worth a visit for history lovers. Finally, there are the graves of Sarumechlow and Bormechow, queens of King Sukhampha Khura. These, my guide informed me, are two of the very few graves dedicated to royalty in Dibrugarh.

- Aparna Nambiar

PUDUCHERRY, PUDUCHERRY Puducherry(Pondy to locals) is one of those places that effortlessly envelopes so many worlds within itself that it is difficult to figure where one ends and the other begins. Located on the east coast of peninsular India, the sea of course is a constant presence here but it is the quaint overlapping of cultures that makes it endearing and irresistible.

By far, the French Quarter had always held a charming novelty for me and I wandered around mesmerised by the yellow facades, the lovely arched gateways, the beautiful windows and a plethora of other details. It was both fun and surreal to chance upon distinct French flavour through street names

Typical buildings in the French Quarter of Puducherry and (right) children at the Namphake Buddhist Monastery during the Poiu Chang Ken water splashing festival

While you are in Jodhpur, stop by at Umaid Bhawan Palace that has a whopping 347 rooms and a part still serves as the residence of the royal family. Apart from a hotel, the museum here has a special exhibition on Maharaja Umaid Singh and the making of the palace. The lifestyle gallery is an ode to the palace in the 40s and 50s and has art deco furniture, dining and writing sets as well as a sporting section. There is also a collection of antique clocks here. Another monument is the Jaswant Wada, a beautiful white structure dedicated to Jaswant Singh, who ruled Jodhpur. And while you shop in the busy Sadar Bazaar, stop by to admire the lovely Ghanta Ghar, the clock tower.

- Bindu Gopal Rao

DIBRUGARH, ASSAMDon’t be dissuaded by ̀ well-meaning’ friends who warn you that the only touristy attractions in Dibrugarh are acres and acres of tea gardens. True, I found majestic tea gardens in the easternmost part of Assam. But I also

found much more on my maiden visit to one of the fastest growing cities in the state. Apart from tea, as I was to discover in my short stay, the city contributes significantly to the economic growth of the state by hosting industries like oil and natural gas, power generation and fertilizer. Just 12 km away from the centre of Dibrugarh is the Jokai Botanical Garden, a part of the Jokai Forest Reserve. A Germplasm Section here showcases the valuable and endangered plants in the region. Other sections of the garden include orchids, medicinal plants, aromatic plants and rainforest specimen plants.

Among the other attractions in and around Dibrugarh, I was bowled over by the Tilinga Mandir, a 53-year-old Shiva temple in Tinsukia district. Tilinga means bell in the local language so tourist brochures also call it Bell Temple. The name is derived from the bells of different sizes and materials within the temple premises. It is believed that your wish will be granted in this temple if you donate a bell here. History buffs will love checking out the SH

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French flavour through street names such as Rue Romain Rolland and Rue du Bazar St Laurent. The beautiful Notre Dame des Anges (Our lady of the Angels Church) on Rue Dumas with its stained glass windows, tall columns, and ornamental figures, and the statue of Joan of Arc across from it, caught my breath.

In contrast, it was fascinating to wander around Auroville, a concept township that owed its origins to the Aurobindo Ashram. Houses interspersed with lush greenery, winding paths on which there were more bicycles than fuel vehicles, and interesting enterprises all populated this refreshing community. In the middle of all this was the brilliant Matrimandir, a beautiful golden dome and a sanctuary for peace and meditation, set amidst landscaped gardens.

Auroville also had a Visitors’ Centre, where I browsed through several shops which sold a variety of things made within the community such as garments, ceramics, jewellery, soaps, handmade

paper, and much more. Adjacent to the township was the Auroville beach which was scattered with people engrossed in meditation, yoga and other activities. There were also walkers and joggers, but it was the serenity, offset by the gentle lashing of waves against the beach, that was most heartening.

Back in town, the place to be in the evening was the Beach Road. It was crowded with people, pushcarts and sundry vendors. But I preferred to perch on a secluded stretch of the beach and watch the horizon grow gradually darker. Lights came on and the water shimmered, and it became utterly serene.

It was strange to think that in a

single day in Pondy, I had undergone such a range of emotions.

- Anita Rao-Kashi

PATNA, BIHAROnce called Patliputra, Patna is among the world’s oldest capital cities. It is now the fifth fastest growing city of the country. Many tourists use it as a gateway to visit the nearby Buddhist and Jain historic sites of Nalanda (90 km away), Rajgir (102 km), Pawapuri (90 km), Gaya-Bodhgaya (125 km) and Vaishali (90 km). But as I was to discover in my one-week long stay in the capital of Bihar, there are many other attractions within the city too, most of them unknown to people in other states.

There is Patna Museum with its metal and stone sculptures from the Maurya and Gupta periods. The Jalan Museum has a rich collection of Jade, Chinese Paintings and Louis XIV chairs and crockery. The Harmandirji at Patna Sahib is a shrine consecrating the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh. Patna is also home to the world famous Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Library. Set up at the turn of the century, the library has a distinguished collection of rare Arabic and Persian manuscripts, Rajput and Mughal paintings and oddities like an inch wide Quran.

I would also recommend the Sanjay Gandhi National Park aka Patna Zoo. Established in 1970 over an area of 34 acres, the park is now spread over 153 acres. It is home to mammals like tiger, leopard, lion, rhinoceros and hippopotamus, apart from various kinds of birds, reptiles and fishes. Patthar ki Masjid, built in 1621 by Parvez Shah, son of Emperor Jahangir, stands out for its stunning medieval architecture, with two big minarets at the entrance and four smaller ones at the corners. The Nawab Shahid Ka Maqbara tomb contains the grave of Nawab Zainuddin

THE BRILLIANT MATRIMANDIR IN THE CONCEPT TOWNSHIP

OF AUROVILLE IS A BEAUTIFUL GOLDEN DOME AND A SANCTUARY FOR PEACE AND MEDITATION, SET AMIDST LANDSCAPED GARDENS

The Patna Museum houses many attractive metal and stone sculptures

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[email protected]

Representing one of six countries from around the world, we are the ONLY school from India to participate six times in the United Nations Student Leadership Conference on Development. Students debate global problems related to the Sustainable Development Goals through a live video conference. A final resolution, arrived at through consensus, is presented at the UN General Assembly at New York.

To better equip themselves with the debate topic of the year, students host deliberation sessions, Model United Nations and collaborative workshops with Global Education Motivators.

Students organize a variety of outreach programs such as UN debates, road rallies and exhibitions for causes related to Climate Change and the Sustainable Development Goals, by involving students from the neighbouring community schools.

Students have ample opportunity to perform and shine on the national / international stage through a number of co and extra-curricular programs designed to showcase their abilities.

We are now open for admissions for the academic year of 2018-19.

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We believe that the goal of education must be to help children discover their inner learning potential, and to assist and mentor them on the path to realising this potential.Values and skills are together, the foundations on which the children’s education is built.

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Haibat Jung, the Governor of Bihar (1740-48) and father of Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah, whose defeat at the battle of Plassey in 1757 had paved way for the establishment of British rule in India. The Padri-ki-Haveli (Mansion of Padre), is also worth visitng. The oldest church in Bihar (since 1713), this is the place where Mother Teresa received her training.

- Mitesh Garodia

BELAGAVI, KARNATAKAAt first sight Belagavi (formerly known as Belgaum) in North Karnataka seemed like an ordinary town whose life hinged on outright commercial activity. Though Kannada was widely spoken, it was also common to hear snatches of Marathi owing to its proximity to the Maharashtra border. But the city had so many other different layers that were revealed only while wandering around it.

The city itself was quite sprawling, with the city centre going back to historic

times while the outer layers were more modern. At the heart of the city was the Belgaum Fort, in a ruined state currently but there was enough to point to its bygone majesty. It was built in 1204 by the Rattas who belonged to the Rashtrakuta Dynasty.

But it was constantly ravaged and occupied by various dynasties including Vijayanagar, Bahmani, Adilshahi, Mughal, Hyder and Tipu of Mysore, the Marathas, and ultimately the British. It was roughly oval with a deep moat around, a majestic gate, imposing bastions, other defensive elements, guard chambers, temples, mosques and much more, incorporating several architectural styles and decorative motifs. Among the fascinating things inside the fort were the two Jain temples — Kamal Basadi and Chikki Basadi. The former was most elaborate with pillars, lotus pedestal, dome and elaborate roof details. The latter was in partial ruins but had equally arresting details on the

facade, especially carving of musicians, dancing figures and flowers. Other religious structures included Hindu temples dedicated to Ganesha and Durga, and mosques called Jamia Masjid and Safa Masjid.

After wandering around for more than a few hours I sat down to a North Karnataka meal that was earthy, spicy and delectable. However, I rather enjoyed the local sweet, kunda, made with milk and sugar. Suitably fortified, and wanting a change of scene, I headed out of the city.

Belgaum is surrounded by a plethora of waterfalls and forests but I opted to go towards the Northeast to Gokak Falls, which has earned itself the name of Niagara of the South for its horse-shape waterfalls on the Ghataprabha river. It was fascinating also for the Chalukyan era monuments and temples that were around, and made for a perfect end to the trip.

- Anita Rao-Kashi

The Swami Vivekananda smarak in Belagavi

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How does one balance work and life, and especially family and children?If your work is not life, I do not see why you should do it. Your work also is life. Would your life happen if there was no work? – do not think of only the economic aspects. Do not ever make this demarcation that there is something called as work and life. There is life and life. Different aspects of life need to be dealt with. You probably spend more hours at your workplace than anywhere else. When this is so, is it not important that we make this into a beautiful experience?

One of the important things that people should do is – I know people are trying to keep them apart, but I would say that is a mistake – allow family conversations also to revolve around various things that you are doing as a part of work. This will build a completely different level of trust. And

you do not know what kind of insights may come from trusted people – not some other commentators – who are outside observers to your business and activity. People whom you trust, and who love you and want you to succeed – their input may be extremely valuable. It may be your wife, it may be your five-year-old child, you do not know.

So I think there should be no such demarcation. Why cannot work conversations be very interesting if you are creating something? Family could get involved in it and when you are at home, though you may not be actually working hands on, you could still be thinking and evolving things for tomorrow or for the future. I think it is very wrong for people to work for five days and live for two days in a week. It is a horrible way to live. You must live all the seven days.

SpiceJet welcomes its passengers to ask Sadhguru questions on yoga, health, wellbeing, and other topics of

general interest. Select questions will be answered in forthcoming issues. Please email your question to [email protected]. For more of Sadhguru’s wisdom, visit isha.sadhguru.org

THROUGH THE MYSTIC EYERANKED AMONGST THE 50 MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN INDIA, SADHGURU IS A YOGI, MYSTIC, VISIONARY AND BESTSELLING AUTHOR. SADHGURU HAS BEEN CONFERRED THE PADMA VIBHUSHAN BY THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA IN 2017

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ARTSEVENTS

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THE WRITE WAYCOME JANUARY, AND THERE IS A SENSE OF LITERATURE IN THE AIR. THIS IS THE TIME FOR ALL THINGS BOOKS, AUTHORS AND ALSO A TIME WHEN RAJASTHAN TOURISM'S ZEE JAIPUR LITERATURE FESTIVAL (JLF) TAKES PLACE. BY BINDU GOPAL RAO

Often described as the ‘greatest literary show on earth’ and the ‘Kumbh Mela of literature’, JLF has

hosted nearly 2000 speakers and welcomed over a million booklovers over the past decade, evolving into a global literary phenomenon. This year, the festival had 350 writers, thinkers, politicians, journalists and popular cultural icons from over 35 different nationalities congregating at Diggi Palace in Jaipur.

The festival also featured a spectacular line-up of speakers representing the major awards including the Nobel, Man Booker, Pulitzer, Padma Vibhushan and the Sahitya Akademi Award. In its 11th edition this year, JLF played host to a whopping 200 sessions spanning a multitude of topics, trends, ideas and genres ranging from fiction, poetry and nonfiction to gender, environment, science, history, liberal arts, journalism, economics, travel and

cinema. All this happened over a five day period of intense activity from between January 25 and 29, 2018.

This year, for the first time, the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival also hosted a preview in Mumbai, followed by Delhi. In Mumbai, the preview was held at the magnificently restored Royal Opera House and found an opportunity to connect with a large number of Mumbai literature-lovers on their home ground. Another first this year was the sessions on music prior to the performances at the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival’s Music Stage. These happened each day at 6 pm and featured hour-long curated discussions around music-based themes and explored narratives, trends and ideas in music’s lush canvas. This apart, JLF also had many firsts in programming as well with many speakers making their maiden visit to the festival, and some even to the country.

Aside from the sessions, there were several book launches such as Padmini:

Mei Fong

Mita Kapur flanked by Franck Thilliez

and Vikram Chandra

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The Spirited Queen of Chittor by Mridula Behari; Citizen Delhi: My Times, My Life by Sheila Dikshit; and India’s Heritage of Gharana Music: Pandits of Gwalior by Meeta Pandit; many awards like the Ojas Art Award, the Vani Foundation Distinguished Translator Award, the French Book Award and the Kanhaiya Lal Sethia Award for Poetry.

Marquee speakers like British playwright Sir Tom Stoppard, winner of an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for Shakespeare in Love, discussing his life and work in a fascinating free-flowing session called The Real Thing; a discussion aptly titled The Great Survivor where Hamid Karzai, former President of Afghanistan, and William Dalrymple discuss his life, legacy and leadership through the country’s recent turbulent times, his views on India’s role in Afghanistan past and present and his predictions for the future of his country; were some of the highlights of JLF 2018.

In The Bridget Jones’ Diaries, novelist Helen Fielding spoke with publisher Meru Gokhale of the comic and the tragic, film and fiction and Bridget Jones’ bumpy ride to motherhood. In The Joy Luck Club,

celebrated novelist Amy Tan spoke to Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi about her extraordinary life and her emergence as a writer of stature against many odds.

Also present at the event were Kathy Reichs, an American crime writer, forensic anthropologist, academic and producer of the TV series Bones (loosely based on Reichs’ works); award-winning Indian film director and producer Anurag Kashyap; Indian art critic, art historian, Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee, BN Goswamy; British-born Indian origin essayist Pico Iyer, who leads a nomadic life between a Benedictine hermitage in California, Nara in Japan and international airports around the world; New York Times bestselling poet and illustrator Rupi Kaur; Indian classical dancer and Padma Vibhushan awardee Sonal Mansingh; Indian philanthropist and writer Sudha Murty; Sahitya Akademi Award winner Mridula Garg; 2006 Nobel Peace Prize Laurate Mohammad Yunus; Portuguese-American journalist Michael Rezendes, who won a Pulitzer Prize for his investigative work as a member of The Boston Globe’s legendary Spotlight Team; and tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, were also present.

The ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival sets literary conversations, debates and dialogue against the backdrop of built and cultural heritage including curated art installations, world music performances at the Music Stage and cultural evenings at heritage venues like the Amber Fort and Hawa Mahal. “Each year, the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival celebrates the cultural riches of Rajasthan with heritage evenings. Bringing an amalgamation of music, poetry and art, this year the heritage events witnessed a visual delight with a multimedia theatre act The Troth —Usne Kaha Tha by the London based dance troupe Akademi in the ‘Under the Stars at Hawa Mahal’ segment. At the ‘Majestic Evening at Amber Fort’, maestro Ustad Kamal Sabri performed a sarangi rendition and musician Shekhar Ravjiani paid a musical tribute to his mentor Jagjit Singh. ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival’s Music Stage featured an eclectic mix of musicians who performed in the mornings and evenings during the festival. Some of the leading names included Kailash Kher, Shilpa Rao, Grammy nominated David Gray, Afro Celt Sound System and Blackstratblues, among other performers, to create world class music for the audience,” said a spokesperson from JLF.

A true champion of literary and artistic traditions and democratic discourse, the ZEE Jaipur Literature Festival encourages freedom of thought through a range of voices from India and abroad engaged in informed and enlightened dialogue and promotes above all a love for literature. In addition to the revelatory discussions, the festival is setting the stage for unparalleled experiences in music, art and culture.

(Note: The photographs shown here are from a previous edition of JLF)

From left: Pushpesh Pant, Jim Mallinson and Bibek Debroy

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There is no room service. The ubiquitous television set and mini bar are missing. Wi-Fi is restricted to the

reception area. Liquor is not available in the solitary restaurant. Then why do guests visit Rakkh Resort in secluded Ghamrota village, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh? Rajat Rialch, the man behind the hospitality project, provides the answer: “We deliberately decided to not have room service as I always had the idea of serving food to my guests straight from the kitchen and

promoting the concept of communal dining.

“It helps in cracking the formal vibe, encourages bonding over meal and in getting to know about different experiences. We clearly see the formality and awkwardness of meeting strangers for the first time, immediately wearing off the very next day after the first communal meal together.” And as far as drinking is concerned, he clarifies that guests are free to carry their own booze and consume it in their rooms.

Spread over six acres, the resort is located a little away from Rakh village

(population 700), after which it has been named. It is perched on a hilltop. All around are terraced hillsides. Rakkh Resort provides a wide variety of accommodations, all made using local materials. Six hill cottages come with their own private sit-out terraces and bonfire pits for cozy evenings. Each of the nine mountain cottages provides spectacular views of the peaks of the

ONE WITH NATUREA PREMIER PROPERTY IN KANGRA DISTRICT OF HIMACHAL PRADESH, RAKKH RESORT STANDS ON THE UNIQUE TRIPOD

OF PERSONAL INTERACTION, RECONNECTING WITH NATURE AND A PASSION FOR THE GREAT OUTDOORS. BY RAJU BIST

SpiceJet flies to Dharamshala airport, 34 km away. Log on to www.spicejet.com for flight details

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Dhauladhar range, a part of the lesser Himalayas which rises majestically from the north of Kangra. In addition, there are two spacious, interconnecting family rooms as well, ideal for large families or two families travelling together.

Dhaam (meaning feast in the local language), the restaurant, is open only for residents of the resort. It is a multi-cuisine eatery, serving the best of pan-Indian and international cuisine, including south Indian breakfasts, fresh salads, and mouth-watering South East Asian and Mediterranean fare. All meals are included in the guest’s stay at Rakkh, including bed tea in the morning, breakfast, all refreshments during outings, unlimited juices throughout the day, sundowner snacks and dinner.

After a long day of trekking, when

you return to your room, Rakkh makes sure you don’t have to make any compromises on comfort. When staying at the resort, you can treat yourself to a variety of rejuvenating spas that are sure to leave you relaxed and pumped up for your next expedition. Baanka (meaning beauty in Pahari) is Rakkh’s exclusive spa, designed to help guests relax and unwind from the day-to-day stresses of life, or after a long journey, to restore

body and mind. The spa features three

treatment rooms and both male and female steam rooms. A team of talented therapists deliver a comprehensive variety of healing and pampering treatments, including Aromatherapy, Swedish, Balinese, Deep Tissue, Thai and Reflexology, as well as body scrubs and wraps using all-

natural ingredients to achieve maximum sense of well-being.

The resort’s managers count connecting to nature in its true essence, experiencing the warm culture of Himachal Pradesh and bonding time for family and friends without technological interference as some of the USPs of the resort. The activities at the resort like hiking, mountain biking, tea tasting, wall climbing, pottery,

`LOCAL CUISINE IS SEEING A MAJOR COMEBACK’A first generation entrepreneur, apart from

Rakkh Resort in Himachal Pradesh, Rajat Rialch

runs four Drool restaurants in New Delhi. But

a large chunk of his time is taken up by H.P.G

Consulting, which specializes in food service

design and hotel technical services and which

Rialch set up after doing his Hotel Management.

Here, he talks about what makes Rakkh tick even

though it does not have all the trappings of a

typical holiday resort.

Can we go back to the beginning and trace the

genesis? Where and how did the Rakkh Resort

story begin?

The idea of Rakkh had always been on my mind.

My village Malan is in Himachal Pradesh and I

always had this dream of coming back to my

roots. When you visit Rakkh, you will witness

the local culture of Himachal in its product

and operations - right from the use of slate in

the flooring, to the traditional dhaam served

(communal eating), to supporting and

empowering local artisans for activities and also

hot water foot baths with salt at night. Apart

from this, Rakkh has a lot to do with my personal

interest in adventure and we have activities like

mountain biking, hiking trails, wall climbing and

slack-lining on offer for our guests.

You studied in a military school. Then what

made you take up hotel management as an area

of expertise?

I wanted to join NDA initially but I couldn’t get

through. Then I started exploring my interest in

hotel management and became a chef followed

by a small stint with a consulting firm before I

started my own consulting company.

Two challenges new Indian companies often

face are getting the right talent and managing

them. How did you overcome both at Rakkh?

Ninety per cent of my team members are from

Himachal Pradesh itself and about 70 per

cent are from nearby villages. It’s a big farce

that guests only look for highly educated staff

to serve them. I think what guests look forward

to is genuine hospitality and the attitude of

the service staff. So I think we really have an

edge there, as the people from villages have

genuine warmth and the right attitude towards

hospitality.

RA

JU B

IST

(RES

OR

T ST

AFF

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handloom weaving, yoga, archery and indoor games like badminton and frisbee also entice the audience to visit Rakkh Resort.

“With technology kicking in, nowadays people spend most of their time on gadgets rather than on interacting with their loved ones or with people in the same vicinity,” says Rialch. “We really wanted our guests to get over their gadgets for a bit and hence we are a non-gadget resort with plenty of

activities on offer so that there is a push to communicate with family.”

Having made a name for itself in Kangra, Rakkh Resort now wants to give something back on the region. Its promoters are therefore planning to have a Kangra Museum – which is now in the design stage. They are also constructing a craft hub to integrate local craftsman with the resort. A Kangra coffee table book will also be launched soon. So after a few years the

resort will be a sort of replica of whatever happens in the Kangra Valley.

In the ultimate analysis, what makes Rakkh a cool getaway is the fact that it offers fun-filled holidays full of comfort, luxury and thrill. A trip here can be a liberating experience. You not only stay in the lap of nature, you also find time to reconnect with yourself, friends, and family. What else can city-bred folks, jaded denizens of concrete jungles, ask for?

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself – your

background, etc. Does the entrepreneurial bug

run in the family?

I started my business with 800 rupees in my

bank account. I come from a family with defence

background — my grandfather was in the British

Army, my father was in the Indian Navy, and

my brother was martyred in the Kashmir Valley.

When I first spoke to my parents about starting

a business, I was totally snubbed. I am the first

entrepreneur in my extended family.

What are the main food trends that you have

noticed in India in recent times?

Local cuisine is seeing a major comeback in

almost all parts of the country. At Rakkh Resort,

we serve a dhaam-inspired thali which is very

local to the Himachal region. With social media

going big these days a lot of focus goes on how

a dish is served. And finally, organic in-house

kitchen gardening will pick up. At Rakkh Resort

we have a farm-to-fork approach with an

extensive in-house kitchen garden growing our

own strawberries, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower,

fennel, parsley, celery, etc.

Tell us something about H.P.G Consulting? What

are its main areas of activities?

H.P.G Consulting is our main bread and butter

business. It was born out of necessity because

consulting business does not require funds

and 16 years back I didn’t have any money to

start a business. Today we are doing projects in

27 countries. We have two offices in India and

one in Dubai and will soon open in East Africa.

We specialize in food service design and hotel

technical services.

Besides the Hyatts, JW Marriotts, St Regis

and Conrads of the world, we are also associated

with the complete planning for Golden Temple

Amritsar’s Langar Hall, all the 21 kitchens

of Vaishno Devi and the tallest temple in the

world at Vrindavan, In addition, we have been

involved with Google, Wipro, IBM, etc, for their

campus cafeterias.

You provide consultancy to hotel groups like

the Taj, Hilton and Hyatt who themselves run

numerous hotels and also provide consultancy to

others. So what does H.P.G bring to the table?

The area that we specialize in, no chain in the

world has the in-house capabilities for the same.

The main thing what we bring to the table is the

experience of doing consulting jobs in various

countries. This enables us to know the trends

at a global level. So maybe a good mid-eastern

cuisine restaurant which we had done in

Dubai would be suitable for North Africa. Or a

traditional restaurant in Saudi or Lebanon would

be a good option for Bahrain or Qatar, etc.

From left: Mountain bikes for guests;

the resort is named after the nearby

Rakh village; and wall climbing is one

of the popular activities


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“NEVER LOSE

YOURSELF IN LOVE” KATRINA KAIF ON THE STUPENDOUS

SUCCESS OF TIGER ZINDA HAI, HER FORTHCOMING MOVIES, LIFE AND

LOVE. BY AARTI KAPUR SINGH

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Katrina Kaif is riding the high waves at the moment. The fact that she had a stupendous New Year

getaway in Thailand may be one reason. She stayed at the Soneva Kiri luxury resort on Koh Kood island in Thailand, where she found, in her words, “heaven on earth!” The other reason for her beaming smile is that Tiger Zinda Hai has crossed the Rs 300-crore mark and is still counting. And she is all set to star alongside Shah Rukh Khan and Anushka Sharma in Anand L Rai’s Zero. She will also be seen this year in her Dhoom director Vijay Krishna Acharya’s magnum opus Thugs of Hindostan, that boasts of an ensemble cast comprising Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Fatima Sana Shaikh and Jackie Shroff, among others. It is a reprieve for the actor after a string of duds like Fitoor, Baar Baar Dekho and Jagga Jasoos that did leave Katrina rather disappointed. “It is better to move on and not mope over things that didn’t work. So I never get into the whys of a film not doing well. I had loved the concept of Baar Baar Dekho as it was very novel. Sometimes, you don’t understand why a movie didn’t work. With Jagga Jasoos, it was an epic journey... Dada (director Anurag Basu) had a beautiful vision and we did some amazing things. We don’t have answers to why the film didn’t work. But that is how life is. It was last year and this year seems promising. I am keeping my fingers crossed!”

At the outset, congratulations for Tiger

Zinda Hai.

Thank you so very much. Yes, it was a great Christmas present and a wonderful start to the year. I am excited about this year and looking forward to 2018. There is great work and amazing projects that I am thrilled to be part of.

Shah Rukh Khan as a dwarf in Zero… what

did you think of the film when it came

to you? You know the final product will be nothing like what came to me. I think it would be better. That is the best thing about working with Anand Sir. There is so much dynamism and creativity. Initially, I was supposed to play myself in Zero. The film was titled Katrina Meri Jaan. There was a different cast on board and Shah Rukh sir wasn’t part of it. Now, it’s a satirical take on an actress. Other than that, I am not saying a word (laughs). We are having such a blast on the sets. Shah Rukh Sir is one of the best

actors in the industry and his drive, energy and passion are infectious and commendable. It is great just to be around him on a set. To be working with him is a privilege. This is a different concept not just for India, but I could say, even for international cinema.

Technically, he is the only mainstream commercial star from Bollywood to step into the shoes of a dwarf. Appu Raja, a southern import (the dubbed version of Kamal Haasan’s Tamil flick Apoorva Sagodharargal) remains Bollywood’s only exposure to the antics of a dwarf. Not just that, even established



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Hollywood actors have enacting the role of a dwarf in films says a lot. Indeed, actors like Peter Dinklage, Warwick Davis and Tony Cox have been roped in for the same. I think it takes guts to be able to do that. And this is also why I am thankful to be a part of the story and the film.

And are you worried about

the fate of the film? Some time back I would have felt scared, even insecure. But at the moment I don’t feel threatened by failure. I’m at peace with myself. Not to say that I am not working hard. It’s just that I am no longer over-thinking or getting hyper about things. I don’t let failure or success affect me personally. I learn from them but I don’t let them take over my life. I have said this earlier that the last two years have taught me much more about myself — how to work, introspect and lead our lives.

But critics are still not as impressed. Does that bother you? I guess everyone has faced this at some points in their career. After all, acting is an art form and it’s subjective. Everyone has their own opinions and they need to be accepted and respected. When I hear people saying things to me, I listen to them and take anything which is constructive. But for me, only my process is important to me. So, if I know that I’ve been professional and given it my heart

and soul, I’m always confident of my work. But if I haven’t put in enough, then, of course, I’ll suffer somewhere. I’ve been working in this industry for many years with some of the most incredible people, that is the greatest gratification I can have. I am in a state of constant learning. If I feel that I’m evolving, what more do I want? The best directors and technicians are working with me and I’m doing films that are big-event films. You can criticise me as much as you want. But there’s no end to perfection.

You are one of the few actresses that are

doing action as well. Do you think there will

be more roles written for

women? Action is just one part of a film. The whole picture needs to look good. Yes, the action sequence that I did in Tiger Zinda Hai is definitely one of the highlights because it was designed that way. But there are so many other incredible things in the film which makes it an overall great viewing experience for the audience. That’s what I look for in a movie. Do I want to be part of action movies? If the story is great, yes! But I’m not looking for that one film where I’m doing action or something else. It can’t be uni-dimensional. I’m looking for roles where the audience will come out of theatres satisfied.

What about the personal

front? Do you see yourself

finding love this year?

I am a firm believer in the philosophy that what you think is what will happen. At the moment, my work requires complete dedication. Of course, there are some people who balance work and life which is incredible. There comes a time in your life when you get married and have kids. At that point, work takes a backseat because family becomes your first priority. It will happen to me too, I’m no different. It does not matter when I will find love. What is important is what is the love going to add to your life. Never lose yourself in love. You don’t have to lose yourself just because you’ve found someone.


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As the shops flood with red hearts and over-sized cards, trying to put a different twist on Valentine’s Day can be

tricky. Here are five off-beat destinations that have something for every kind of romantic heart (chocolates and flowers optional).

PENCH TREE LODGE, PENCH NATIONAL PARK It’s everybody’s childhood fantasy to live in a tree house – and this one at Pench is a five-star version, swapping creaky floorboards for a bay window lounger that doubles up as a day bed. Located in the picturesque village of Sarahiri, the

tree houses here peep out from the shade of mahua trees they are perched on. The biggest ‘coolness’ factor comes from the private deck which have been specially designed to maximise your chances of spotting wild boars, civets, jungle cats, jackals and spotted deer as you sip your morning tea or the evening sundowner. There is also an infinity pool to lounge after a dusty drive and a picturesque village to explore. Where: Pench National Park, Seoni, Kurai, Madhya Pradesh Tel: 088006 37711

FORT JADHAVGAD, PUNE Spend the most romantic day of the year at this charming, unassuming and

unhurried masterpiece perched on a hill. The fort was built in 1710 by Pilaji Jadhavrao, a Maratha general in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj as a residence as well as a safe haven during Mughal attacks. It was restored and converted into a resort by hotelier Dr Vithal Kamat in 2007. The armour of spikes on the main durwaaza, the rock stairways and the stone balconies are a relief from the sterile glass and steel structures of today. Rooms come with stone balconies overlooking the hills and open to the sky bathroom. Explore the many dungeons at the fort, lounge by the frangipani pool or experience the Maratha way of life through a bullock cart ride. Other interesting activities

ROMANTIC ESCAPES FOR VALENTINE’S DAY

The path to a treehouse at Pench Tree Lodge

FEBRUARY 14 IS ONE DAY WHEN CROWDS FILL EVERY RESTAURANT, THEATRES GO FULLY BOOKED AND LAWNS AND GARDENS HAVE MORE PEOPLE THAN TREES! BUT WORRY NOT, WE HAVE ZEROED IN ON FIVE

UNIQUE ROMANTIC ESCAPES TO RING IN THE DAY WITH YOUR SPECIAL ONE. BY NIVEDITA JAYARAM PAWAR

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include plucking fresh figs off a tree on a fig farm and even milking a cow if you please! Or get clicked for posterity with your beloved alongside a real cannon. A cultural cognoscenti can easily spend a day at the Aai Museum here which exhibits a superlative collection of everyday items dating back to the early 17th century. Where: Hadapsar Saswad Road, Jadhavwadi, Pune, Maharashtra Tel: 9987573811 / 15 / 18

AKKARAKALAM MEMOIRS HOUSEBOATS, ALLEPPEY How about cruising the breath-taking backwaters of Kerala on Valentine’s Day with a houseboat all to yourself? Watch pelicans dive for fish right outside your window, drift aimlessly past villages, temples and churches, lounge on the sun deck, relax in your personal Jacuzzi in the bedroom or enjoy a glorious sunset with a drink on the upper deck. The romantics can stop to renew their vows at the 500-year-old St. Mary's Church at Champakulam. After a marvellous day, catch a glimpse of a soul-stirring sunset. If you love fishing, the captain will drop anchor midstream and lure the fish. There is also an 18th century palace to

explore. A personal butler is on board to

rustle up all kinds of treats from fruity to fiery. Where: Akkarakalam Memoirs, Pooppally Jn., Alleppey, Kerala Tel: 8606000430 / 9400005314 AMAN-I-KHAS, RANTHAMBOREThere’s something so intrinsically romantic about a night spent under canvas; knowing that the stars are twinkling above you as you drift off into the best sleep of your life. Snuggling up, far away from anyone else, perhaps with

just the flickering glow of some candles – how much more romantic can it get!

Glamping (glamorous camping) is the cosy and warm alternative to camping where you’re still under canvas, but with a marshmallow duvet pulled up around you and a steaming mug of hot chocolate in your hand – with no rogue blades of grass in sight.

Spend a dreamy day in a forest on the edge of a national park at Aman-i-Khas. These tents are not just some of the most luxurious but also romantic with cotton drapes separating sleeping, dressing and bathing sections; a luxurious bathtub; and a fireplace to

down a few cocktails before a dinner in the wilderness with local musicians. Take an exhilarating safari to Ranthambore National Park or cruise through the scenic Chambal river where you can spot river dolphin, 20 different varieties of fresh water turtles and many bird species. If you don’t feel like conking out when the sun sets, enjoy the night time sky, a blazing campfire and the company of the person for whom you've planned your intimate excursion.Where: Sherpur-Khiljipur, Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan Tel: 7462 252 052

Luxury tent bedroom and lounge at Aman-i-Khas

Poolside at Fort Jadhavgad


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HILTON SHILLIM ESTATE RETREAT & SPA, LONAVALA Take a mental detox in the mountains at Hilton Shillim, one of the most beautiful spa retreats in the country. The scenic drive from Mumbai with snaking roads, streams and the majestic Sahyadri

Mountains adds to the appeal. After gorging on the delicious detox dishes by chef Shubhendu Kadam you could meander through the fields surrounded by seasonal creeks, explore the various historical monuments or soak yourself in your own private pool. But the piece de

résistance here is the spa located on the part of the estate that has the highest concentration of underground crystals. The energy from these crystals is said to revitalise the therapy rooms. If you're looking for some paradigm-shifting spa experience, go for the Dharana Blessing Couple massage which goes deeper, awakens your chakras, clears blockages in your energy flow and helps you experience your luminous spirit. The two and half hour treatment begins with a relaxing foot massage followed by a body scrub and rain shower. The treatment continues with a back massage, soothing facial and pouring of warm oil on the forehead. There is also a meditation cave and yoga pavilion for those seeking peace and calm. Where: Pawana Nagar, Taluka Maval, Pune, Maharashtra Tel: 02114 712 468

Hilton Shillim is one of the most beautiful spa retreats in the country

A houseboat cruise is a very good option to enjoy the famed

Kerala backwaters


bONTON.indd 1 25/01/18 2:52 PM

SPORTSCRICKET

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2017 WAS A REMARKABLE YEAR FOR TEAM INDIA as we ended the year ranked as the number one Test side and were among the top ranked teams in ODIs and T20 Internationals. This was possible with top notch performances from some players who were highly consistent and hopefully they will continue to do well in the upcoming tours. India’s skipper Virat Kohli has done exceptionally well in both the formats but Cheteshwar Pujara’s dominance over Australia in the Test series where he scored 405 runs at an average of 57.86 compel us to pick him ahead of Kohli who managed just 46 runs in the series at a forgettable average of 9.2.

HERE ARE THE INDIAN CRICKETERS TO WATCH OUT FOR IN 2018 BY MKM FAIYAZ AHMED

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

CHETESHWAR PUJARA

MATCHES 11

INNINGS 18

RUNS 1140

AVERAGE 67.06

HIGHEST 202

100’s 4

50’s 5

RAVINDRA JADEJA

MATCHES 10

INNINGS 20

WICKETS 54

AVERAGE 23.06

STRIKE RATE 56.50

BEST 6/63

5 WICKETS 3

BEST TEST BATSMAN

BEST TEST BOWLER

CHETESHWAR PUJARA has done everything that a number three batsman is supposed to do. Score runs and bat long. Ever since he made his debut for India in 2010, Pujara has been consistent especially playing at home. For the first time he went on to score more than 1000 runs in a calendar year as he ended with 1140 runs at an average of 67.06. India will be hoping he plays valuable knocks in the overseas tours this year. His temperament and technique will be put to the test as he will face tougher challenges against South Africa, England and Australia this year.

RAVINDRA JADEJA, the silent assassin, does his job without too much fuss and his ranking is proof of how consistent he has been last year. When all the limelight was on frontline spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, Jadeja ended as India’s best spinner with 54 scalps at an average of 23.06. Jadeja always ensures that the runs are dried up from his end which allows other bowlers to stick to a plan. It will be interesting to see if he will get a chance ahead of other bowlers in overseas tours this year.

SHU

TTER

STO

CK

;ALA

MY

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SHU

TTER

STO

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;ALA

MY

VIRAT KOHLI

INNINGS 26

RUNS 1460

AVERAGE 76.84

STRIKE RATE 99.12

HIGHEST 131

100’s 6

50’s 7

ROHIT SHARMA

INNINGS 21

RUNS 1293

AVERAGE 71.83

STRIKE RATE 99.46

HIGHEST 208*

100’s 6

50’s 5

BEST ODI BATSMEN

INDIA’S CAPTAIN FEARLESS has been in raging form and is currently the top-ranked ODI batsman ahead of AB De Villiers and David Warner. Virat Kohli has been unstop-pable since the last couple of years and has scored 1460 runs in 26 innings at an average of 76.84 which are the most by a batsman in 2017. Kohli’s range of shots is amazing which doesn’t allow the opponents to stick to a plan. His ability to win matches while chas-ing is unmatchable. Kohli has scored as many as six ODI hundreds in 2017 and stands sec-ond in the list of most ODI hundreds just behind Sachin Tendulkar with 32 centuries.

THE SWASHBUCKLING ROHIT SHARMA is probably the most feared batsman in this format alongside Virat Kohli. Once settled on the crease, there is no bowling attack that can stop him from destroying the crick-et ball. His unbeaten 208 in the previous series against Sri Lanka was the highlight of his amazing performances. Sharma was consistent than ever as he scored 1293 runs in just 21 innings at an average of 71.83. His 50 to 100 conversion has been worth prais-ing for a top order batsman. India will be hoping that he continues to score at the same frequency against South Africa.

JASPRIT BUMRAH

MATCHES 23

WICKETS 39

AVERAGE 26.26

STRIKE RATE 30.67

ECONOMY 5.14

BEST 5/27

4 WICKETS 2

JASPRIT BUMRAH’S consistent perfor-mances has certainly solved India’s quench for the death bowler. He is among the top ranked ICC bowlers with 39 wick-ets in 23 One Day Internationals at an average of 26.26. Bumrah’s accuracy to bowl yorkers and his variations in the end overs has stopped the best of batsmen from scoring freely. His career economy rate of 4.75 deserves appreciation in times when teams are scoring 300 plus consist-ently. He along with Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has played a pivotal role in mak-ing India a very strong ODI side.

BEST ODI BOWLER

Cricket.indd 88 23/01/18 5:00 PM

INTERNATIONAL YOGA FESTIVALat Parmarth Niketan, Rishikesh

(Himalayas), India

MARCH 1-7, 2018

/InternationalYogaFestival /IntlYogaFest #IYF2018

REGISTER TODAY!WWW.INTERNATIONALYOGAFESTIVAL.ORG

Pujya Swami

Chidanand Saraswati

Pujya Radhanath

Swamiji

Gurmukh Kaur

Khalsa

Bruce Lipton

Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati

Sharon Gannon

Ana Forrest

Akira Watamoto

Jules Febre

Mohan Bhandari

Kia Miller

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IT IS EASY TO CONFUSE ANISE (vylati saunf) with the ever popular saunf (fennel seed). The 4000-year-old spice of Egyptian origin in fact is a known mischief maker when it comes to recognizing the spice through smell and bite. And the single reason that allows it to get through is the flavour profile. Anise, which Pliny nicknamed as Solamen Intestinorum courtesy its use as a comforter of the bowel, as a digestive and for curing bad breath, shares its characteristic with that of fennel. It is, says Chef Arun Kumar TR (Owner, Zeaside), “a cross between cumin and fennel with an aromatic feature closely resembling that of mulethi.” The strong profile, says Chef Navin Kumar (Executive Chef, Radisson Blu, Paschim

Vihar), “makes anise a solo player when it comes to cooking, especially Indian dishes, giving it a special versatility.”

Agrees seasoned bartender Yangdup Lama (Owner, Cocktails & Dreams - Speakeasy), who has worked extensively with anise. “It is one of the most amazing ingredients to play around with to create your own flavoured spirits – like bitters or liqueur. In fact, thanks to its interesting profile of being sweet, pungent and earthy, it ends up being an integral part of pastis (France), anesone (Spain), sambuca (Italy), zebib (Egypt), and arak (Syria).”

So does that mean anise, which is also described as the more dominant brother of the ever happy fennel, a tough spice to decode? After all, it isn’t a spice that pairs easily with other tastemakers. If the

OFTEN CONFUSED WITH FENNEL (SAUNF), ANISE (ALSO CALLED ANISEED) IS A SWEET SPICE THAT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR 4000 YEARS AND IS RELEVANT EVEN TODAY. BY MADHULIKA DASH

Whole anise-peppered bread with flavoured butter

EACH SPICEJET AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN NAMED AFTER A PARTICULAR SPICE. IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND USAGE OF ANISE

SIDEKICK CHOICENO MORE

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history of the herb that dates almost to the early years of the Roman Empire – and those of ancient Pharaohs - is anything to review, anise then was indeed a valued, solo all-cure. While Egyptians used it as a healing spice for all illnesses stemming from the stomach, the Greeks utilized it as an amuse-bouche to an evening of rich (gourmet) entertainment. Then Julius Caeser took it a little ahead by incorporating it into a multifunctional cake that he carried to his battles so that he could keep up the morale and the health of his soldiers with the sweet smelling and tasteful cake.

Such was the value of this currency spice that Charles the Great released an order that the imperial farms should be filled with anise plants – at least one side of them. Edward IV took this royal love for anise a step further by introducing it in his bedchambers both to have a good sleep and also to wake up smelling sweet and refreshed. Chewing on anise in fact was a suggested practice for emperors and queens for the upkeep of their dental health.

This could explain why years later, anise, which formed the basis of much of the medicine in ancient Roman Empire, was adopted by Tudor Cook to lend a certain sweetness and pleasant aroma to dishes made of meat and bread. Folklore

has it that when Henry VIII became bed-ridden and his teeth started rotting, anise hidden in bread and meat, was the only way that his breath could be kept from turning rancid.

Of course the world over, anise's popularity, like most of ancient brethrens, grew first as a wellness herb and then as a major flavourant in food. What is interesting about this seed, says Chef Sabysachi Gorai (Owner, Mineority By Saby) “ is the fascinating way it works with prominent nutrients in a produce, like meat, tubers and grains. It works almost like a good tapestry where instead of overpowering the natural taste, anise lends itself to enhancing or contrasting a taste.”

This, says Chef Deepanker Khosla (Co-owner, Karma Kismet), who has harvested the sweet profile of anise in oil to create his signature Mushroom Galouti using sous vide technique, “is the reason that dishes that use anise only have it as a main spice with the rest playing a supporting role, because if you know how to extract the flavours anise can be a single wonder kid – a spice mix in itself.”

Both Chef Gorai and Chef Khosla in fact disagree that anise isn’t a versatile spice as its milder cousin fennel or saunf is. It is, says Gorai, “the case of knowing your spice. And with anise, which has rarely made its journey to the ports of India, except perhaps when the Armenian and the Jews came to our ports, the spice, though beautiful, remains in the region of the unknown. It is thus sparingly used.”

But having said that, says Chef Vikas Seth (Culinary Director, Embassy India), “once you understand how the spice works – you know the drill of what happens when it is boiled, put in hot oil, roasted and then infused in oil or produce – it transforms from being a delicate alternative to star anise or fennel seed and becomes a spice that can actually help you evolve the dish.” Take the instance of the

From above: Anise Pumpkin Soup; Anda Seekh Paratha


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Roasted Pumpkin Soup, he adds. “All you need is a drizzle of the infused oil on the top and there is that little bite to the otherwise naturally sweet yellow pumpkin soup.”

Likewise is the case of Chef Navin Kumar’s (Executive Chef, Radisson Blu Paschim Vihar) steamed river sole fish with anise foam. “The foam actually recalibres the flavour layers to create this earthy, slightly bitter sweet tones that perfectly complement the sweetness of a river sole. And helps create the fresh mouthfeel of having a dish next to a beach.”

The “mouthfeel” is one of the reasons that even Chef Gorai uses the spice in his bread and butters. And Chef Khosla’s prizes the impressive twist that he used often for his palate cleanser. Case in point is his Candied Anise Chutney With Saunf and Lemon Sorbet. “It is light on the palate, very summery and can leave you with this nice sweet clean feeling for a long time.” Or as the famous Dioscorides once wrote about anise, “It warms, dries and dissolves all ills.”

ANISE SEED CHUTNEY AND LEMON SORBET

INGREDIENTS

FOR ANISE SEED CHUTNEY Anise seeds 1 cup Garlic cloves 7 Chilli powder 1 1/2 tsp Coriander powder 1 tsp Roasted jeera powder 1/2 tsp Salt To taste

FOR LEMON SORBET Mineral water 100 ml

Lemon juice 1 cupLemon zest 1 tsp Black salt 1 pinchHoney 2 tbsp

METHOD To make the chutney, roast the anise seeds for five to seven minutes or till they turn light brown in colour. Mix all the other ingredients and grind coarsely. For the sorbet , mix all ingredients well and hold in the freezer. Once a thick sheet of ice forms on the mixture, break it and whisk vigorously. Repeat the process 2-3 times. Once the mixture is hard and set, put in a high speed blender and churn. Serve the sorbet with a dollop of chutney on the top.

Anise flavoured Roasted Chicken


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SPOTLIGHT BANKING AND FINANCE

DEMYSTIFYING ALL THINGS

FINANCE FINANCE AND RELATED MATTERS ARE A VITAL PART OF EVERYDAY LIFE AND IT HELPS IF YOU GET YOUR FUNDAS

RIGHT. BY BINDU GOPAL RAO

I just cannot get my head around it. I don’t know what mutual funds are or what the stock market is all about,” said a friend to me quite recently. When I spoke

to her, trying to help her decode her doubts, I realized quite quickly that this is a problem that is quite commonplace. Unless you have studied finance as a subject, it is likely that most terms appear as jargon. However, finance and related matters, whether loans, banking, insurance or mutual funds, are a vital part of everyday

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life and it is imperative that you understand them right. So, here is a guide that will come in handy.

LOANSWith limited money at your disposal, the only way to make larger investments especially in property is via a loan. And this is the time when loans are growing tremendously as a sector. In India both banks and Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs) offer a range of loans. Of course most of us are familiar with housing or home loans that are taken to fund the purchase and/or construction and/or repairs and renovation of a house or a flat. Likewise there are education loans to fund further studies, car or auto loans to buy vehicles, commercial property loans to fund the purchase of immovable property for commercial purposes, personal loans that are unsecured and come with a high rate of interest as well as gold loans where you can get money for collateral of gold.

There is also loan against

property where the collateral pledged is an immovable property and loan against security where the collateral pledged is a fixed deposit or a bond. The loan amount given is always based on your current earning level so make sure you take a loan which your income can help you service. Also there is a Credit Score, a three-digit number that is indicative of money-management skills and financial credibility and banks will check yours before giving you a loan. You can check yours online too.

Whatever the kind of loan you are taking, it is important to choose wisely. The first thing is to take an informed decision and choose the right institution from which you will be taking your loan. A key factor that will

help you make this decision is the interest rate. This is the bank charges for lending you the money and is integrated into the EMI or equated monthly instalment that you pay the bank back monthly once the loan tenure starts.

When choosing a loan, read the fine print to check if the interest is charged as fixed or floating. Floating interest rates vary through the tenure of the loan as and when the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) changes the interest rates in tune with current market conditions. Fixed rate on the other hand is constant through the tenure of the loan. However several times there could be a caveat clause that allows the fixed rates to change which is something you should look out for. Processing fee is a fixed charge that the bank takes to process your loan application and can vary from 0.5% to 3% of the loan amount.

Do ensure you check on these charges before you take a loan. Some banks also charge for prepayment (when you choose to close the loan before its due date) as well as late payment charges that you must take care to avoid. In order to get the better of competition, banks also offer an option of auto transferring loans from one bank to the other. This is also called refinance loans and this can help you consolidate all your debt in one place. However, do remember that loans are to be taken only with full information and exercising the best caution – after all it is a debt that you need to repay.

BANKS WILL CHECK YOUR CREDIT SCORE BEFORE GIVING YOU A LOAN. YOU CAN CHECK YOUR CREDIT LINE

ONLINE TOO

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BANKINGThe history on banking and banks in India dates back to several centuries and the RBI is the country’s central banking authority that regulates, controls and inspects all banks including giving licences for new banks. All banks are broadly divided into scheduled banks and non-scheduled banks. All banks that are part of the second schedule to the Reserve Bank of India Act 1934 are called scheduled banks. There are 27 public sector banks, 26 private sector banks, 46 foreign banks, 56 regional rural banks, 1574 urban cooperative banks and 93,913 rural cooperative banks in India. A new banking model called Payment Bank has also been launched where banks can accept a specific deposit currently limited to Rs 1 lakh per customer but cannot issue loans and credit cards. Before you open a bank account check the terms and conditions attached including the annual fees for credit and debit cards that are not explicitly stated.

Coming to the aspect of the kind of accounts you can open, there are several choices with the most popular one remaining the savings account. Even within a standard savings account, there are variants that some banks offer and these include Max account where there is an auto transfer of funds into a fixed deposit that will earn you more interest as well. Likewise, there are women’s savings bank accounts that allow special benefits like customized debit cards, exclusive shopping benefits, insurance benefits and preferential loan rates. Also check out the Kids Advantage accounts that give education insurance cover benefits as well. Senior citizen accounts that come with a slightly higher rate of interest are the best way to park their money. Current accounts are usually used by business folks as these allow for more flexibility as well as an overdraft facility (where you can withdraw money over and above your balance) if you are credit worthy. Foreign nationals can also open their bank accounts in India.

This apart you can go for a fixed deposit where you can set aside a lump sum amount that will earn you a fixed rate of interest. Most banks offer an additional 0.5% interest if the deposit is in the name of a senior citizen. Usually the rates are better for longer terms. If this does not work, you can also invest in a recurring deposit where a set stated amount is automatically debited from your account and moved to earn a higher rate of interest. Looking ahead, there is a clear thrust on improving banking infrastructure and technology. With the tremendous growth in mobile and internet banking services the need of the hour is to ensure these services become both reliable and robust. There are several banks that are also looking to launch contact-less credit and debit cards that use near field communication (NFC) allowing customers to transact without having to insert or swipe their cards.

MUTUAL FUNDSAs a form of investing your money, mutual funds are an option that is available especially when you are not aware of how to invest in stock markets. Simply explained, a mutual fund is a professionally-managed investment scheme offered by an asset management company whose expert fund managers invest money in stocks, money market instruments, bonds and other securities on behalf of the investors. Once you choose your predefined investment objectives and goals, the fund managers select broad portfolios including SH

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large cap, mid cap and small cap stocks to balance the risk and give you higher returns. As an investor, you can buy mutual fund units which are nothing but your share of holdings in the particular scheme. These units can be purchased or redeemed at the fund’s current net asset value (NAV). Mutual funds are registered with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and function within the regulations created to protect investor interest. In fact you can start small and also do it in small steps. Going for SIP (Systematic Investment Plan) you can have your bank debit a set amount (as small as Rs. 500 also) to transfer into a predefined portfolio every month. SIP works on the principle of Rupee Cost Averaging, that keeps your money insulated

against NAV fluctuations. You can also opt for Systematic Transfer Plan (STP) which is a plan where you can transfer your funds systematically from one portfolio to another based on your changing financial requirements.

There are several types of mutual funds and they are essentially classified on the types of securities where the funds are invested. Equity mutual funds are those that invest in stocks, debt mutual funds invest in fixed income securities like government bonds and treasury bills, hybrid

income funds invest in a mix of equity and debt mutual funds and index funds track the performance of a specific index like the National Stock Exchange. Likewise, a closed-end fund is open for subscription only during the initial offer period and has a specified tenure and fixed maturity date when it can be redeemed. An open-ended fund is a scheme that is available for subscription and redemption on every business day through the year and is like a savings bank account.

An Equity Linked Savings Scheme (ELSS) is an equity oriented Mutual Fund that invests for tax saving and wealth creation with a lock-in period of three years. There are also speciality funds that invest in specific sectors, industries, regions or SH

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A SIP WORKS ON THE PRINCIPLE OF RUPEE COST AVERAGING,

THAT HELPS KEEP YOUR MONEY INSULATED AGAINST NAV

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securities. Always remember to read the offer document which will explain aspects like management and expense ratio which gives you important data about the fund. For small investors, mutual funds are a great option as it gives them access to professionally-managed and diversified portfolios of equities and bonds.

INSURANCEAs an investment vehicle that offers tax saving, long-term retirement benefits and also cover for unforeseen situations, insurance wins hands down. Insurance is a contract between the insurer (the company that provides the insurance) and the insured (person who buys the insurance). The insured pays an amount at regular intervals called premium to the insurer who agrees to make good any financial loss that the insured may suffer during the tenure of the policy. The premium can be paid in fixed intervals, quarterly, half yearly or annually and there are

some policies that have a one-time premium too. It is a great idea to cover your life through life insurance and health through health insurance. Other kinds of insurance include auto insurance for your vehicle, home insurance for your house, travel insurance and pension linked insurance schemes.

Do bear in mind that typically returns on insurance policies are relatively lower as they are intended to help you battle unknown events that can potentially disrupt your life. Currently there are 57 insurance companies in India with 33 non-life and 24 life insurers. The Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the only public sector government company and The Insurance Act, 1938 and Insurance Regulatory & Development Authority (IRDA) Act, 1999 are the primary legislations that govern the insurance business in India.

Since the premise is that it will protect you in the case of an unforeseen event that may or may not happen, companies

are able to provide cover when required. The cardinal principle is to choose a policy based on your current and projected income, medical state, age and future financial needs as well as the cost-benefit ratio.

The insurance must cover all your dependants especially for health insurance policies. As a large number of people exposed to a similar risk participate in the scheme and contribute, it helps the insurer compensate the losses of some people who face these situations. Within the life insurance space, there are Endowment Assurance policies that also give a lump sum amount on the policy maturity in case the insured survives the policy term. Money Back policies on the other hand pay back set amounts at specific times through the course of the tenure. Unit-Linked Insurance Plans (ULIPs) are life insurance policies whose value varies based on the value of the underlying assets.

To protect customer interests, the insurance industry has ombudsmen in 12 cities who are empowered to redress customer grievances. With a plethora of options available in the market, choose your policy wisely and online comparison tools are a great way to check the short-listed options. It is important that you find out how the company has performed in terms of settling claims which is a key factor. Also look out for hidden charges as well as important features like continuance of life coverage post the completion of the policy term. SH

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A TEST OF CORPORAL ENDURANCETHE UNIQUE KILA RAIPUR RURAL OLYMPICS IS AN ANNUAL EVENT DRAWING VISITORS, PARTICIPANTS

AND SPONSORS FROM NEAR AND FAR. PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANSHUL AKHOURY

SpiceJet flies to Chandigarh, 114 km away. Log on to www.spicejet.com for flight detailsA Nihang astride two

galloping horses (with one foot on each horse), a competition involving the lifting of tyres, a man pulling a truck

with his teeth, another doing 500 push-ups in 15 minutes, horse carts being raced against one another, a young man spinning on his thumb and one finger, a relay of police hunting dogs and a contest with two teams competing to load the maximum sacks of potatoes onto a tractor. Clearly, this is a sporting event like no other.

The Kila Raipur Rural Olympics, being

held annually in a small village in Ludhiana district of Punjab since 1933, has grown from a local sports event to an international extravaganza celebrating the limits of the human body and spirit. Apart from the sporting events with a rural touch, there are also other normal events and games like 100 metres dash, high jump, shot put, air pistol shooting, kabaddi, archery, hockey and weight lifting (clean and jerk).

The latest edition of the Rural Olympics is being held between the 2nd and 4th of this month. In all, about 10 lakh visitors are expected, 33 per cent of them from urban and semi-urban areas.

The Nihang sect in Punjab is known for the traditional martial art form known as Gatka. It includes several styles of self-defence and battle tactics that the sect’s members perform using different weapons

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A participant tries to lift the maximum number of tyres by placing them all over his body. You are disqualified if a tyre falls or touches the ground

A cart racer cheers his mule, encouraging him to get ahead in the race. The entire village contributes for the training of the mule as it represents the community and not just an individual

A para-glider tries to outperform other competitors by trying to spend the maximum time in air. The only qualifying criterion for this event is that the equipment should be homemade

Relays are one thing but Kila Raipur takes it to a whole new level. When competitors race across the track with truck tyres, you cannot help but wonder if there is anything left to see


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A weight lifter shows off his strength by lifting a huge block of stone. There are other

competitions which focus on display of strength. The most unique ones are the ones

where you pull a car with your teeth or hair

The organizers of the Rural Olympics invite photographers and journalists from all around the world. Their agenda is simple — they want the whole world to know about these unique games

Asian Martial Art is the latest addition at the

Rural Olympics. Teams of hearing and speech

impaired martial art exponents showcase

their talent that makes the spectators bite

their nails in awe


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IN FOCUSMONTAGE

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BHARATHI CEMENT is part of Vicat Group of France. The capacity of of the Kadapa cement plant is 5 million tonnes in Andhra Pradesh and 2.75 million tonnes in Kalburgi district of Karnataka. Vicat Group has a total capacity of 7.75 million tonnes in India. This makes it one of the leading players in the Indian cement industry. A global cement player with an expertise of 200 years, the Vicat Group operates

in areas of Cement, Concrete Products and Aggregates. The company was started by Joseph Vicat, son of Louis Vicat, an engineer who invented artificial cement in 1817. Bharathi Cement produces OPC53, OPC43, PPC and PSC. The premium cement is of superior quality, the services are of world class, and the packing is tamper proof. It was the first cement company in combined Andhra Pradesh to install an ultramodern cement plant with quality being controlled by a Robolab to ensure consistency in every bag of cement. The commissioning of Kalburgi Cement in October 2012 with a capacity of 2.75 million tonnes per annum was a milestone in the history of Bharathi. Bharathi Cement is being

sold in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamilnadu, Kerala, Goa, Pondicherry, Andaman Nicobar Islands and Maharashtra. It has a strong network of 3,000 dealers and 10,000 sub-dealers which ensures availability of the product at all places. Bharathi Cement is also being exported to Sri Lanka. The company has deployed 47 mobile vans and 15 two wheeler mobile labs in all southern states and Maharashtra. These mobile vans are manned by highly qualified technical officers who train masons, construction supervisors and customers about good construction practices. These mobile vans are continuously on the road for site visits and to advocate free construction tips to end customers round the clock.

BHARATHI CEMENT ON A GROWTH TRAJECTORY

THE LATEST EDITION OF THE NEW DELHI BOOK FAIR attracted many well-known personalities including Ms Mridula Sinha, Hon’ble Governor of Goa. A large number of children along with their parents and teachers, students from colleges and universities and general readers could be seen visiting the fair. It was clear that regardless of new developments in technology, the fascination for books will continue. The theme of the fair was ‘Environment and Climate Change’. On this occasion, Ms Sinha’s book Reflections, which is the English translation of the Hindi title Samajik Sarokar, was released. In addition,

the books Rastriya Chetna Ke Vividh Aayam, authored by Shri Baldeo Bhai Sharma; Abhimanyu Anant Kavya Rachnawali by Dr Kamal Kishore Goenka; Sant Sahitya Ki Samajh by Shri Nandkisore Pande; and Mahamanav Abraham Lincoln by Shri Ramesh Patange, were released.

A number of activities for children were organized at the Children’s Pavilion in which several children from various schools and

voluntary organizations participated. A ‘Youth Parliament’ was organized by Amity University Press where students discussed about ‘Interlinking of Rivers: A Boon or Bane’. A puppet show on ‘Pollution caused by digital devices’ was also organised at the fair. A book release function

was organized by Royal Collins Publishing Group, Canada. Kamal L Anand, author of the book Natural Health and Healing, interacted with the book lovers. He talked about the lifestyle of people in recent times and gave tips to tackle health hazards. He also discussed about basic habits that one should adopt to stay fit and healthy. He was of the view that meditation along with yoga and walking bare feet can cure any disease.

NEW DELHI BOOK FAIR BRINGS YOUTH CLOSER TO BOOKS

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WHEN IT COMES TO FINDING THE IDEAL CANDIDATE to represent CD and the style that we stand for, we know that we’re lucky enough to have thousands of brand ambassadors in each one of our customers. And we’ve decided to put that to the test! And frankly wouldn’t it just be amazing to have your face splashed all over town? Here’s your chance to be the next face of Charagh Din!

Are people always talking about your mysterious charm? Have you ever been praised for your rustic beauty? Is your enchanting smile the talk of the town? That one quality that catches everyone’s eye is exactly what we are looking for! So if you feel like you fit the bill, just follow these simple steps to win

a Rs 500 voucher and possibly become the face that sweeps them all off their feet as the next face of Charagh Din. All you have to do is click a selfie wearing one of our shirts at the CD Canter, like

the Charagh Din page on FB, comment on the contest post on Facebook with your selfie, and share it on your wall with #CDOnTheGo. And finally, tag your BFF.

ALL SET TO BE THE NEXT FACE OF CHARAGH DIN?

SSVM INSTITUTIONS, COIMBATORE, is a group of schools established with a view to offering world-class educational opportunities to young minds. The schools are affiliated to the CBSE, New Delhi, to prepare students for the AISSE & AISSCE along with NEET/IIT classes. The School Award of International Accreditation by British Council, UK, reinforces its commitment to provide global holistic educational opportunities to students. The teachers have rich experience in teaching. The

institution aims to provide an enabling environment that helps nurture and develop every child’s unique talent and potential to the fullest. SSVM believes that education must help children to excel holistically across academics, sports, arts and co-curricular pursuits, while ensuring their safety and well-being. It is the endeavour of the schools to provide children with opportunities to learn in multi-dimensional ways and explore the limitless possibilities in their quest for knowledge. Since inception, the aim has been to make teaching a pleasure and learning a joy; where learning and excelling is a passion; and culture and values have a pre-eminent place. SSVM’s excellent educational programmes are complemented by futuristic facilities

and resources, and there is a focus on sports and co-curricular opportunities such as Aero modelling, NCC, Scouts & Guides, Swimming, Tae Kwon Do, Yoga, Athletics, Chess, Rifle Shooting, Roller Skating, Football, Badminton, Volleyball, and so on. Besides, the learners participate in activities such as International Model United Nations Conferences, University visits, International Summer School Programmes, etc., that help them identify their potential and pursue their passions. The accomplishments over the past 15 years and the reputation as one of the top Institutions exemplify the success of SSVM’s Educational Model. A school of international paradigm with Indian ethos; Picturesque Campus, World- Class Laboratories and Library; Most Modern Infrastructure, Digital Learning and many more unmatched features help learners and teachers inspire to continue to do the best.

SSVM REDEFINES EDUCATION

Dr. Manimekalai Mohan, Managing Trustee

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FROM THIS FAIRLY NEW COMPANY COMES A BLUETOOTH SPEAKER that’s really big on design. It’s called the Shield because of the shape but the interesting thing is that it looks like something Bang & Olufsen would make. In fact, it looks a bit like the B&O Play A9 speaker — just a lot smaller. This is an all-metal design with a small stand, designed to be kept on a desk or countertop. BoomSlang Shield produces outstanding audio from the beautiful boombox. Upgraded 2x 10W drivers blast out rich, clear sound. The 4.0 Bluetooth chipset and the enhanced bass resonator offer class-leading performance for incredibly clear

sound quality; the 20Watts acoustic output ensures an amazing audio experience with loud and rich music. There are no exposed screws or flashy lights — just the brushed aluminium exterior that glints in the weakest of light. It certainly looks very nice, with the machine drilled holes exuding a contemporary aesthetic. Like most Bluetooth speakers, this too has an Aux input, located on the stand on the back.

Also on the back is the active subwoofer, covered with aluminium

and hidden so well in the disc-shaped structure that you will probably miss it at first glance. It charges via micro USB and has a built-in microphone, in case you want to use it for conference calls. The stand houses the rechargeable battery (roughly 8 hours playtime on a full charge) and the basic controls. BoomSlang Shield

bluetooth speaker is a stunning looking metallic finish speaker for your home and the office. Its brushed metal finish is impeccable and makes the speaker look good from any angle. Pairing is a straightforward process with no PINs needed. The audio is pleasing at low to mid volumes but we wouldn’t describe it as room-filling. It’s more at home on the coffee table when you have a small gathering or on your study table for personal listening.

A SPEAKER THAT’S ALSO A CONVERSATION

STARTER

DUKE FASHIONS (INDIA) LTD., a leading lifestyle fashion brand, has just introduced an extensive collection of Duke Loafers and Moccasins. The collection celebrates the spirit of fashion as inspired by the style of Las Vegas, USA. These shoes go very well with casual or semi-formal look and ensure smooth movement.

Cushioning, support, shock absorption, breathability, traction, lightweight, and stability are just some of the elements you’ll find in this new range.

These shoes are easy to wear, as well as stylish, and combine the look of professional dressing with the comfort and informality of casual wear. These shoes offer more formal, gentlemanly look as well as relaxed fashionable look. The collection revolves around several interesting concepts and promises to offer a global fashion statement. The footwear can be worn to work or used casually.

DUKE LAUNCHES NEW LOAFERS AND MOCCASINS COLLECTION

A RICH TRADITION AT MANOHAR LAL JEWELLERSTHE HOUSE OF MANOHAR LAL SARRAF & SONS JEWELLERS PVT. LTD. was established in 1930 in Meerut. Today it is a complete and one of the most respected jewellery houses around. Always excelling, always innovating and always complementing the wonders of a woman’s beauty through its ageless and timeless jewellery. Today, it

operates through five outlets - Defence Colony, Preet Vihar, Pitampura and Indirapuram in New Delhi and at Sector 18 in Noida.

Manohar Lal Jewellers have always been famous for their gorgeous jewellery which are perfect for celebrating any major milestones in a customer’s life — be it her wedding, her anniversary, her birthday or that of her loved ones. The jewellery styles and designs range from traditionally elegant and simple to highly intricate designs that would be appropriate for any formal event. To provide the best possible value to its customers has been the ethos at Manohar Lal Jewellers, right from its inception.

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Sankalp.indd 1 24/01/18 10:50 AM

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ARE YOU ONE OF THE MANY WHO HAVE COMPLETED YOUR GRADUATION and are looking for a job that will fetch you a handsome pay? Are you disappointed that you are not landing a plum job? It’s time you look ahead and do a Master’s in Business Management. Not just an ordinary Master’s. Stand out in the crowd with an international degree. Study in Singapore and India for a Master’s from a reputed university in the UK. The student studies partly in Singapore and partly in India (Chennai). The degree is awarded by the University of Sunderland in the UK. MDIS marked its third overseas expansion with the establishment of MDIS-VELS India. The joint venture with Vels University is a significant step in extending the imprint of the MDIS brand in the region. This JV allows students in India to pursue international degrees from across the globe by studying in Singapore and India.

For graduates in India, MDIS will offer this one-year MBA programme certified by the University of Sunderland in UK. The intakes for the same will be thrice a year. The next intake will be in May 2018. Students who pursue this programme will be starting with the initial four months of the programme in MDIS, Singapore followed by the remaining eight months at VELS. All lectures in India will be done by faculty flying in from MDIS. This ensures that the delivery of the programme in India is maintained to international standards. The students on completion of their Masters in Business Administration (MBA) will be offered a six month internship opportunity in Wall Street, New York.

THE DISTINCTIVE VELS EDGE

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ODISHA’S SWOSTI EXPANDS ITS WINGS

THE SWOSTI GROUP, in its constant endeavour to provide the best of services since 1982, has been a pioneer in Odisha’s hotel industry in adding and achieving new milestones and new features each and every year. Swosti Grand has won many international and national awards and has now been completely renovated into a boutique hotel. Swosti Travels, the largest inbound / outbound tour operator in Odisha, is recognized by the governments of India and Odisha. Swosti Travels has its own fleet of cars and coaches at Bhubaneswar and Kolkata and extends professional service at most competitive prices. Swosti Travels also handles event management and MICE and has handled large medical conferences with delegates ranging from 3000 to 5000 in numbers. Swosti Premium Ltd is the largest convention hotel in Eastern India. Swosti Premium has the highest number of guest rooms in Odisha and has successfully handled some of the mega medical conferences, international meetings, exhibitions and conferences. Gopalpur Palm Resort is the only luxury resort at Gopalpur-on-Sea. For more details, please visit www.swostiindia.com, www.orissatravels.com, www.swostichilikaresort.com or www.swostihotels.com.

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THE INDIAN ASSOCIATION OF AMUSEMENT PARKS AND INDUSTRIES (IAAPI) is geared

up to unveil the 18th Amusement Expo from February 27 to March 1, 2018,

at Hall 2, Bombay Exhibition Centre, NESCO Compound, Goregaon East, in Mumbai. The Expo is supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. It will witness over 120+ exhibitors from India and 16 countries and is spread across 10,000 sq m exhibition floor area showcasing

latest innovative rides and equipment for Amusement Park, Theme Park, Water Park, Adventure Sport and Family Entertainment Centers. IAAPI Amusement Expo will also bring a comprehensive range of products and services offered by the industry under one roof and provide an international platform to the participants to interact with the end users. The expo aims at creating an ideal business environment to explore new avenues of growth for all involved. Apart from business transactions, the show also provides an exposure to international trends through its many foreign participants.

The three day exhibition will provide a platform to share and learn new ideas. Big players from the industry will share their learning, innovative ideas, schemes and experience. Many important issues

related to the amusement industry will also be discussed in depth. The event will be visited by decision makers from the Amusement Park, Theme Park, Adventure Park, Family Entertainment Centres (FEC), Resorts, Hotel Chains, Real Estate, Mall Developers, Sports Bar, Cafes, Museums and Science Centres, Government officials from Tourism Development Board, PWD, Town Planning, Municipal and Local Body over the period of three days. IAAPI is a non-government, not-for-profit, industry-led and industry-managed organization, playing a proactive role in the development of this sector. Founded in 1999, it is India’s premier business association having over 355 members from the private sectors including small and medium enterprises consisting of park operators and equipment manufacturers.

IAAPI LINES UP 18TH AMUSEMENT EXPO 2018

Mr Shirish Deshpande, President, IAAPI and CEO, Essel World and Water Kingdom

ZEBRONICS INDIA PVT. LTD, India’s leading supplier of IT peripherals, Audio/Video and Surveillance, has unveiled its newest Orion gaming headphones. Artistically designed to provide highest earvv comfort merged with simulated 7.1 surround sound performance to enjoy every game, Orion promises to bring an eternal gaming experience, making it more enjoyable! Designed to appeal to next gen gamers, Orion sports

a clutter free, seamlessly integrated design bringing an unparalleled experience. Engineered to make every minute of gaming real, the headphone is supremely comfortable,

and sounds great with advanced sound processor inside. It comes

with USB interface and very durable 3m long braided cable. Its metallic ear cup

makes it look chic and feel tough. It offers a striking

and durable aluminium design in addition to a wonderfully cozy set of earcups

that are perfect for marathon

sessions.

Performing with a 40 mm driver unit along with 20–20,000Hz frequency response of non-stop gaming effects, the headphone has exceptional 7.1 simulated surround sound. The 7.1 simulated surround sound will give an edge in gaming. Apart from 7.1 sound it also delivers crisp highs and rich bass. With multi-functional in-line controls, the headset effortlessly allows you to balance game and chat audio. You can control the RGB lights, mic and volume through the inline control. Commenting on the newest addition to its gaming category, Mr. Pradeep Doshi, Director, Zebronics, says, “Zebronics has carved a niche for itself in the gaming category. Our latest is designed in sync with what a gamer truly needs — rich, surround audio; a clear microphone and a healthy amount of sound customisation options for the real gaming experience”

ZEBRONICS ANNOUNCES PREMIUM GAMING HEADPHONES

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LOVELY PROFESSIONAL UNIVERSITY (LPU), the largest university of the country, is known for its great placement records. For the last three years, LPU has set the highest placement record, and the year 2017 too proved no different. Crossing the mark of expected placement drives and offers, the year proved job-productive for LPU

students not only in number but quality placement also. In all, 5015 offers (including internships) for graduating batches 2017 and 2018 have already been generated, with highest annual salary package of Rs 31.83 lakh for engineering students and Rs 15.20 lakh for management students. Of these, more than 600 offers are extended alone by Fortune 500 companies. One of the top selectors, Schneider Electrical, which hires from only 21 institutes of the country like IITs and NITs, has preferred just one private university, that is, LPU.

During 2017, LPU also added many big brands to recruit its students, including Direct I,

Morgan Stanley, VMware, TIVO, ThoughtWorks, Ashok Leyland, Siemens, Honda Two-Wheelers, Renault Nissan, Schneider Electrical, L’Oreal, Federal Bank, Airbus, Allegis Group, GSFC Agro-tech, Cipla, Must Garments and more.

Says Chancellor Ashok Mittal, “We at LPU are happy to see our students making their presence felt in almost all the top cities of the world, including California, Vancouver, Sydney, London and more, where LPU alumni meets are also regularly going on. Great universities world over are known by their successful alumni and we are happy to be one of them."

LPU CREATED ANOTHER UNBEATABLE PLACEMENT RECORD IN 2017

BENJAMIN GRAHAM, the author of Intelligent Investor writes, ‘Investing has nothing to do with IQ or SAT scores… This kind

of intelligence… is a trait more of character than of the brain’. Time and again it has been established that patience has more value than intelligence when it comes to investing.

It is for these reasons that

investors find it difficult to make money from equity. Is there a way to insulate ourselves from these dominant emotions, which overpower at the wrong time? Even as the problem sounds like a huge one, the answer to this question is a surprisingly simple and a highly effective one. Systematic Investment Plan (SIP) is an automated process of investment which gets triggered at a pre-defined frequency and regularity, making investment insulated from emotion driven errors.

Our mind adjusts to the debits from the bank. I have heard many investors say that when it comes to writing a cheque for any investment there are multiple thoughts that plague them, whereas if there is a direct debit from their bank account, they somehow do not get perturbed. The same principle is responsible for the irrational spends we make on plastic money rather than on physical money. An SIP is a simple tool that helps bring in the discipline required to tide over emotions.

SIPs: A WAY TO KEEP EMOTIONS AWAY

DISCLAIMERThe opinions expressed in this article are those of the author alone and not of HDFC, AMC, and should not be regarded as investment advice. Investors should obtain their own

independent advice before taking a decision to invest in any securities.MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY

BY SHYAMALI BASU (THE AUTHOR IS SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT & HEAD - PRODUCTS & MARKETING, HDFC ASSET MANAGEMENT CO. LTD.)

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UNWIND WITH YOUR LOVED ONES AT THE RESORT

TRAVEL IN STYLE WITH THE NEW MIRAGE COLLECTION

THE RESORT, MUMBAI, located on the shoreline of the Arabian Sea, is a 4 star deluxe property offering modern rooms which are beach facing. Spread across five acres, The Resort has 94 newly refurbished rooms, three lush green lawns, nine banquet halls, two food & beverage outlets, swimming pool, spa and a gymnasium. Plus, recently they have launched the “Gravity”, an adventure zone for their guests, which consists of 12 adventure activities. Only 23 km from the international airport, The Resort is an ideal place to relax with your loved ones, conduct your corporate meetings and trainings or experience a wedding overlooking

the beach. The Resort has spacious Banquet and Conference Halls that can easily be converted to meet your every requirement with multiple Banquet Halls to offer and the availability of rooms make it an ideal MICE destination. Feast on a variety of international flavours as well as local cuisines and a

vast array of mouthwatering exotic dishes, desserts, exotic mocktails and cocktails prepared by professional bartenders and renowned chefs.

At The Resort, enjoy a complete wedding experience with the convenience of hosting all your wedding function at one location. It has spacious

indoor and outdoor facilities that can accommodate up to 1200 guests. The Resort being the only property offering adventure sports for all age groups, is an opportunity where you can learn and take part in team building skills and programmes apart from enjoying many other comforts.

SKYBAGS, the stylish bags brand from the house of V.I.P. Industries, introduces its Mirage range of trolley bags. The favorite luggage brand of today’s youth presents a ravishing new collection of designer travel strollys to travel in style. The collection offers a perfect amalgamation of comfort and contemporary designs. Skybags offers world class functional features, vibrant colours and unique designs that add an edge to the traveller’s personality. The brand is committed to help you move in style through its style statement collection. The collection is available in

vibrant color options - Purple and Orange, designed in three sizes for the customer to choose from for their varying luggage needs, 55”, 69”, and 80”.

The strollys provide TSA Lock, duplex wheels, organized interiors and light weight for the world traveller in you. Simplistic in design but yet stylish, the collection has been created keeping in mind the young free spirited travellers. The bags are light in weight and very convenient to carry around with ease. Priced perfectly, the collection meets the needs of all urban travellers.

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Consider Mutton Curry. It is loved by everyone, every community has its own speciality and each mutton dish not only

defines the food characteristics of its place of origin, but has also stood witness to a major historical movement. Example: Raan. Initially called the Sikandari Raan, this culinary masterpiece is said to have been created by Porus in honour of Alexander. It of course did more than just make the evening memorable, that Raan forged a friendship which lasted an entire Maurya dynasty. Of course over the years the mutton dish has had many versions including the Peshawari Raan. What however hasn’t changed is the taste and instant connect this dish brings along. In fact, such was the reverence of Raan in history that its presence on the table often signified a peace treaty.

Another example of an exemplary mutton dish is the Junglee Maas. Considered by many as the original Laal Maas, this rustic dish originated as a game dish around the 10th century AD. Legend has it that when maharajas went on hunting expeditions, they would usually travel with their trusted entourage of 10 cooks, whose work back at the hunting tents was to prepare food from the entire kill. While this led to an array of interesting barbecued dishes and snacks, Junglee Maas was born as a centrepiece for the evening. Made from yogurt, ginger-garlic and locally produced Maithania Mirch, it represented the Rajput philosophy of life. It was this dish that eventually became Laal Maas, a warrior celebratory dish made by the male members of the royal family.

Fascinatingly, Junglee Maas from the house of Samode or the Laal Maas

Raan (top); Safed Maas (bottom)

GOSHT STORYTHE RICH AND DELICIOUS TALE OF SOME OF INDIA’S FINEST BUT LESSER KNOWN MUTTON DISHES THAT SCORE ON TASTE, TEXTURE AND ROYAL PEDIGREE. BY MADHULIKA DASH

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were not only mutton dishes that were considered masterpieces of food and politics, there were many, now lesser known ones too that contributed to the envious repertoire as well. Like the Matki Maans. A speciality of the royal kitchens of Deolia Kalan, a small hamlet near Ajmer, which was founded by Rao Akheraj, the great grandson of Rao Chandrasen of Marwar-Jodhpur, this dish was developed in the military garrison as a dish that healed wounds and forged friendships.

Cooked inside a matki (earthen pot), the highlight of this slightly sour dish was not only the use of clever use of kachri, a local superfood that was high in

protein content, antioxidants and immunity boosting properties, but also the purpose it was invented for: drinks. Legend has it that the idea of the dish came while soldiers were busy drinking and needed something to munch along. Limited with spices but not meat, they quickly marinated some minced meat. Generously sprinkled with red chillies makes Matki Maans a treat but not for the fainthearted or the delicate palate.

Among the lesser known mutton delicacies is also the Yakhni Khusk Jama Maza. A signature dish from the royal Thakurs of Kanota, this delicate, yogurt-based mutton curry was developed for the celebratory table called the Rehan, a

tradition the household follows

till date. Tempered with fragrant clove and

saffron, this 18th century dish was created more to celebrate the guest of honour than the occasion. The beauty of this traditional recipe is the clever use of saffron that gives the mutton dish its unique aroma and taste. Interestingly, it is a recipe that has remained relevant to all kinds of table and era – and is today considered an heirloom dish of the royal house, much like the Safed Maas (which gets its name from the rich, silken white gravy made of yogurt, ground cashew nut and cream) from the House of Dungarpur and Akka Murg and Handi Sula from the House of Bedla.

In fact, the little known aspect of the House of Bedla who served as main advisers to the Maharajas is their 200-year-old Karan cuisine, which was especially developed for food diplomacy with smoked mutton dishes playing more than just specials of the evening. Take the case of Handi Sula. For a kingdom, where yogurt was the common base for all kinds of meat dishes, the Handi Sula was made with a special Bedla sauce created with 32 ingredients and matured over eight months. Into this sauce, the lamb was marinated, then slow cooked in a specially crafted handi and then smoked – giving it a texture and flavour that could floor Queen Elizabeth II, and it did too, eventually.

Another gem in this category is the Khade Masale Ka Gosht from the oldest estate of Awadh or Oudh, which remained the culinary superhub before Lucknow took over. Given to Nawab Mahmud Khan by Emperor Akbar, this little hamlet was the birthplace of some of the finest Awadhi food including the Kathal Biryani, the Borani and the exquisite Naan-e-Niyamat, our version of the Mille Feuille. However, the one reason Mahmudabad was known in the Mughal court was the Khade Masale Ka Gosht. This many believe was what

Left: Railway Mutton Curry; Below: Ghee Roast Mutton Boti, Chutney Trio

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inspired the later techniques of nihari and mutton making in Awadh. One of the slow cooked wonders and the best kept secret of the House of Mahmud’s , this mutton dish is a winter speciality and served as a taste test during one of the masterchef competition

between Awadh, Hyderabad and Rampur. Some say that the Rampur signature dish, the Taar Gosht, a winter delicacy as well, was inspired by the Khade Masale Ka Gosht. Though the claim is often refuted by those in the know, what is interesting to note is how both the dishes use the tough meat of a lamb and turn it into an aromatic, flavoursome treat with mutton pieces.

While most mutton dishes were often made to impress like the Ghee Roast and Rogan Josh and even the Tabak Maaz, few were about showcasing the local culture like the Mutton Stew (which even Pliny The Elder agreed was the finest on the Silk Route) and the Ladakhi Chu-tagir. A mutton special from the House of Namgyal of Ladakh, the unique thing about the dish is that unlike its Northern brethren, Chu-tagir

is a light broth of lamb, which is served with cubes of lamb, seasonal vegetable and bao, making it a meal in itself. A sheer comfort food, Chu-tagir is a popular celebration breakfast – and has a vegetarian version too.

Another example of functional speciality is the Khatta Meat from the House of Dogras (Jammu). A far cry from the usual Pahari style mutton dishes that uses buttermilk and fat to cook a dish, Khatta Meat’s origin was to explore the interesting qualities of anardana (dry pomegranate). A sweet-sour preparation with that smoky aftertaste, what makes this royal table essential an exceptional palate delight is the fragrant, tender meat despite the extremely frugal use of tenderizing ingredients in the dish and the dungar given with mustard oil and not ghee. In fact, the dish continues to be the skill test for most khansamas in the royal household even today.

Much like how Kosha Mangsho rose from the army kitchens to grace the table of the new royals in the 19th century, where the trick was to get that sweetness and spiciness balanced without the use of water or any sweetening ingredient. In fact, it was Kosha Mangsho that inspired the Railway Mutton Curry, the famous export to reach Buckingham Palace before the iconic Chicken Tikka.

The interesting culinary skills were a major reason why mutton dishes were given such high value in the culinary ledger. Each dish, even those inspired, had enough tricks to become a conversation starter. One such dish is Nimaj’s Maas Ka Soyata. Described aptly as the Rajasthani Haleem, this porridge based dish was inspired from the popular breakfast of Bajra and Makki Ke Keech, which occasionally was had with Laal Maas. Legend has it that the dish was developed as a meal in a bowl for busier days when a sit-down meal was next to impossible. And while it may look like a meat-khichdi, the dish can rival any modern-day dish.

From top: Maans Tikka; Kosha Mangsho


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MORNING ANNOUNCES itself with birds chirping, followed by cattle grazing in the green pastures surrounding Gudipur locality of Pinguli, home to the Thaker adivasi tribe of the Konkan region in Maharashtra. This community boasts of the only traditional puppeteers of Maharashtra. Pinguli, 10 kn away from Sindhudurg town, is known as the ‘puppet village’ and has been home for traditional folk artists from mid-eighteenth century onwards.

Although the cultural richness of Maharashtra is spread wide in its various geographical divisions, nevertheless, one gets to see a mesmerizing folk art performance in Konkan that comes alive in the form of the Thakar adivasi kala (art). It was my quest on traditional puppet forms of India took me to Gudipur vadi of Pinguli. A wonderful two hour drive took me from Goa (Dabolim) airport to Gudipur.

Here reside Parshuram Gangavane and his family. Members of the Thaker

tribe, they are proficient in three puppetry art forms: Kalasutri Bahulya (traditional string puppetry), Chamdyacha Bahuliya (shadow puppetry), and Chitrakathi (Picture Storytelling). The origin of Kalasutri Bahuliya can be traced to 1600 A.D. Also known as Zaiti, this from was immensely popular till the 20th century. (Kal means forefinger, sutra means thread and bahuliya means puppet).

There is a mention of Kalasutri in the 15th chapter of the famous and sacred Gyaneshwari written by Sant Gyaneshwar. These small wooden puppets less than one foot in size have shoulder joints and less moveable arms. However, as part of a revival act, Gangavane family members are now making these puppets with more flexible arms too.

It is widely believed that the Kalasutri string puppets came from the Rajasthan-Gujarat area to Maharashtra. They were given patronage by the rulers

of Sawantwadi, a large town located near the Maharashtra-Goa border.

The Chamadyacha Bahuliya art form, with origins in Maharashtra, later travelled to even South India. These small size leather puppets made from sheep hides are drawn and designed in accordance with Chitrakathi painting style. These puppet figures do not have hand or leg movements. Usually, a man stands behind the stage and performs by manipulating the puppet, while the main artists play instruments like harmonium and a traditional instrument called the gummat (a clay pot with one end covered by iguana hide and other end open). Chitakathi is a unique painting style of the Thakers, involving colouring on handmade papers (12” by 18” in size) and then drawing on them. The Gangavane family has been practicing this art for the last 500 years.

Kalasutri Bahuliya, Chamdyacha Bahuliya and Chitrakathi performances start with an invocation to Lord Ganesh and Goddess Saraswati. The full length performances from Ramayana and Mahabharata which stretched for more than six hours in the night have now been trimmed to tailor-made episodes of 30-40 minutes each to suit the tastes of the present generation.

Gangavane family members welcome visitors and extend a culturally rich hospitality along with sumptuous tribal food. Appreciable work by the younger generation of family members is helping revive the Thaker community art forms. The youngsters are also active in setting up a museum called Thaker Adivasi Kala Aangan Museum and Art Gallery.

A PUPPET VILLAGE IN KONKAN GUDIPUR IN THE KONKAN REGION OF MAHARASHTRA IS HOME TO FAMILIES INVOLVED IN THE ART OF PUPPETRY FOR MANY GENERATIONS. BY PADMINI RANGARAJAN

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SPICEJETINSIDER

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MY TOWNConnection to the city: I am originally from Mangalore and have been working here since the last two and half years.Best thing about Mangalore: People here are very friendly and polite. The standard of living is very high – you will not find any slums here. Mangalore is also a major tourist centre of Karnataka, renowned for its beaches, parks and mouth-watering seafood and ice creams.Favourite eating place: I am a diehard foodie and the unique cuisine of this city is a major draw for me. The restaurants here are great at serving tempting Indian, international and fresh seafood dishes. My favourite eating place is

Village Restaurant. The ambience here is awesome. There are also some other eateries that I like. Juice Romantic in Kadri serves the best shawarma and juices. I also like the prawns and other coastal food at Hotel Machali, Shetty’s Lunch Home and Giri Manjas. I love Mangalore special ‘Ideal Ice-Cream’

which is famous in Coastal City. It’s very famous for its unique ice creams. Places to hang out: I would list Kadri Park, Tagore Park, City Centre Mall, Forum Fiza Mall, Retox Lounge Bar and Pabbas Ice Cream Parlour as the best places to hang out in .Local attractions: If you are a water person, then the beaches of Panambur, Thannirbavi and Mulki are just right for you. The religiously inclined can visit Kudroli Gokarnath and Mangaladevi temples and St. Aloysius Chapel. The Bejai Museum and the Surathkal Lighthouse are other attractions within Mangalore.Recommended places nearby: The Thousand Pillar Jain Temple in Moodabidri; Kaup and Malpe beaches; St. Mary’s Island off the Malpe coast; Kudremukh National Park; Hanuman Gundi and Abhi waterfalls in Chikkamagaluru and Coorg, respectively; Lakya Dam; and Bekal Fort, are all worth a visit. Finally, there is the trekkers’ paradise of Baba Budan Giri. Mangalore when compared to other cities: Apart from Mangalore I have also stayed in Mumbai and Delhi. But I love Mangalore because it is calm and quiet and is surrounded by nature. Nature is god here. People here are inclined towards culture and tradition — and that is something I like very much. S

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Our ongoing series in which we look at various Indian cities through the eyes of SpiceJet staffers. This month, Jasmine Lobo, Customer Service Executive, Airport Services, holds forth on Mangalore

From above: St. Mary’s Island; Mangalore city

SpiceJet flies to Mangalore. Log on to www.spicejet.com for details

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SpiceJet’s popular mobile app offers never before convenience and speed for customers on-the-go

FLIGHT BOOKINGS AT YOUR FINGERTIPSWith SpiceJet’s new mobile

app, customers will find it more convenient than ever

before to make and manage bookings, check flight status, and receive exclusive offers on their mobile devices. The interface is so simple that even the origin of journey helpfully gets auto-

filled thanks to inbuilt geo-tagging.The app also allows customers to

book or add exciting SpiceJet add-on products such as choosing premium SpiceMAX seats, in-flight meals and Priority Check-in. Customers can also pre-book excess baggage at discounted rates through this app.

The payment gateway of the app offers a variety of options like Quickpay, credit card, debit card and Internet banking. The Quickpay option ensures instant booking with just a single click.

You can download the official SpiceJet app from Google Playstore and App Store.

STEP: 1The main menu screen offers four options. To book a flight, select Flight Booking

Spice First Check-in

SpiceJet has raised the bar of customer comfort and convenience with the effective integration of technology into its services. In a first of its kind initiative by any airline in the country, the carrier has launched Spice First Check-In. This enables customers to get their boarding pass on their smartphones at the click of a button. The service will be initially introduced at Hyderabad as a pilot project.

The airline which has set a new benchmark in the country by launching a slew of customer-friendly and innovative products and services has effectively incorporated Near Field Communication (NFC) and Beacon technologies with its mobile application. This enables customers who have booked tickets through the SpiceJet mobile app to receive boarding passes directly on their smartphones. Customers will thus be relieved from standing in long queues thus further enhancing their travel experience.

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STEP: 2

Choose the required field. Fill in the details and click on the Search

Flights options

STEP: 3

Flights options according to date of travel are displayed. The fare details

are at the bottom

STEP: 4

On selection of the button, the detailed fare sumary is displayed

STEP: 5

Once the required flight option has been selected, fill in your

contact details

STEP: 6

Fliers can choose numerous add-on options that will make the journey

hassle-free

STEP: 7

Customers can pay via Credit or Debit card. QuickPay option saves

transaction time

ENJOY EXCLUSIVE OFFERSWith Spicejet’s hot new mobile app, one can not only book flight tickets on the go, pre-book spice add-ons, check flight status and manage one’s bookings, but also get access to exclusive discounts. Book through the mobile app and get up to 20% discount on flight tickets and 20% discount on meals

SpiceJet App.indd 147 29/01/18 10:55 AM

SPICEJETINSIDER

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ANKUR JAINGURGAONInternal appreciation: He

is the blue-eyed guy of the

Revenue Team. An energetic go-getter and

a team player, he is always ready to accept

new challenges. His extraordinary efforts at

the workplace are remarkable. He has the

potential to rise to new heights. We wish

him all the best for his future endeavours.

Experience with SpiceJet: Spending

almost a year with the SpiceJet family

has been one wonderful journey. I enjoy

my work here as I get to learn something

or the other on a daily basis. This place

stands out for its professional and growth-

oriented environment. I shall always be

thankful to my seniors and colleagues for

all their support and motivation. I believe

in one thing: “You might not get this day

again, so make it count.” I love to be a

SpiceJetter.STRS

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MAANAS BATRAGURGAONInternal appreciation: An

asset of our department, he

is a man with many wonderful qualities.

He is dedicated towards his work and

is the calmest person in the Revenue

Management Team. A perfect example

of devotion towards work, he has zeal

in him and fire in his belly to achieve all

the targets that are assigned to him. His

helping nature makes him a freat team

player.

Experience with SpiceJet: During my

tenure I have come across many challenges

and have been able to overcome them

with proper guidance and support. I am

very thankful to SpiceJet for giving me this

wonderful opportunity of growing in this

industry and in believing in me. Thanks to

SpiceJet, I am always motivated to give off

my best.

SANDEEP SANTOSHIGURGAONInternal appreciation: It’s

been four years working with

Sandeep. He has grown through the years

thanks to his hard work and passion for the

job. His approach towards work as well as

his behaviour have always been positive.

He is a good team player and has always

been supportive towards his teammates.

Experience with SpiceJet: It has been a

great journey with SpiceJet. This journey

has been very pleasant, especially the kind

of support I have got from my colleagues

and seniors. I thank each and every

individual who has directly or indirectly

helped me in my journey. SpiceJet

has given me a fantastic opportunity

to enhance my career in a fast-paced,

dynamic and rewarding environment.

SHIVANI DHAWANGURGAONInternal appreciation: I would like to appreciate the

sincere efforts she puts in towards her

job responsibilities and in executing them

very well. A good organization needs staff

members like her who understand the

sensitivity and responsibility of the role

they have to play. I must appreciate her for

dealing wisely with both the internal and

external customers.

Experience with SpiceJet: It has been a

wonderful experience at SpiceJet. I have

been supported by seniors and would like

to thank the management for providing

a good platform where I can perform to

my full potential. Also, there is a lot of

knowledge sharing here and this helps

immensely in your career growth.

NETWORK PLANNING SALES SUPPORT

REVENUE

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FEBRUARY 2018

ARPITA BANERJEEKOLKATAInternal appreciation: Arpita

is a dedicated, committed

individual. Her follow-ups are excellent

and her positive attitude and self-belief

are exemplary. She has a professional

approach and is a go-getter. She works

extremely well under pressure and is a

very good team player. Very persistent,

she ensures that all the given tasks are

accomplished in the stipulated time.

Experience with SpiceJet: It has been an

honour to work for SpiceJet. I joined the

airline in May2017 and my experience till

date has been wonderful. I am grateful

to SpiceJet for having provided me with

the perfect platform to grow my career

and enhance my skills along with my

personality.

JITU THOMASBANGALOREInternal appreciation: Jitu

is a hard and smart worker

and keeps organisational goals as his top

priority. He shows an urgency in achieving

the goals that have been set for him. He

never compromises on his work ethics and

is very dedicated and passionate about

his job. He understands the business well

and knows how to prioritize his work. A

confident individual, he always wants to

understand the customer’s needs.

Experience with SpiceJet: My journey with

the SpiceJet family began on September

15, 2008. It has been a great delight and

experience to work with SpiceJet. The

work environment is very pleasant and

professional. I am proud to be a part of it. I

would like to thank SpiceJet.

SHWETHA SHETTYMUMBAIInternal appreciation: Shwetha is a hands-on

worker and has no qualms in working

for long hours. She is dedicated and has

a great attitude, ensuring that any work

assigned to her gets done before the

deadline. Very approachable, she has a

never-say-no attitude. The entire corporate

team is dependent on her back-office

efforts and she ensures that she doesn’t let

down any of her team members.

Experience with SpiceJet: I joined

SpiceJet in June 2014 and it has been a

great journey. My current role gives me an

opportunity to interact with a lot of people

across different regions and hence there is

immense learning. I am proud to be a part

of this growing airline.

SUSHANT OJHAGURGAONInternal appreciation: Sushant is a consistently

best-performing executive with a very

focused and targeted approach. His overall

performance has set new benchmarks in

Reservations. His dedication towards work

always being the best, it has earned him

many individual performance rewards over

the last six months. Reservations is proud

to have talent like him.

Experience with SpiceJet: It’s been two

and a half years since I got associated

with SpiceJet. The overall journey has

been tremendous. My achievements are

not only my efforts but the sincere efforts

of all my mentors who were always there

to guide me. I would always like to work

with a great level of competency and

commitment as winning is not a sometime

thing, it’s an all time thing.

VISHAL CHOWDHARYGURGAONInternal appreciation: Vishal

is a star performer as far as selling skills are

concerned. His commitment towards work

is valuable. He always maintains a never-

say-no approach. His unwavering approach

has earned him many performance

rewards. He has truly been an asset for

Reservations.

Experience with SpiceJet: It’s been one

year of working with SpiceJet. I am grateful

to the SpiceJet family for having given

me an opportunity to be associated with

it. It has been a privilege and an honour

working here. I would like to thank my

seniors and colleagues whose support

has made me a driven individual. I will be

forever obliged to them and hope that

some day I will be able to return at least a

fraction of their generosity.

SANJEEV SAXENAGURGAONInternal appreciation: Sanjeev is an aggressive

group sales member and is very dedicated

to his job. An exceptional team player, he

always completes the job given to him

within the stipulated time. He always tries

his best in finding the solution to all issues

and delivers 100 per cent results. He has

been achieving his targets, is customer-

centric and understands the needs of

passengers or clients. He is a valuable team

player and always extends support towards

his colleagues.

Experience with SpiceJet: I joined SpiceJet

back in 2011 as a Reservation Executive

and am now working as a Senior Executive

in Group Sales. It’s been a great span of

almost seven years and I have enjoyed

every bit of it. It really feels awesome when

our work is appreciated by our seniors.

SALES

RESERVATIONS GROUP DESK

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FEBRUARY 2018

NON-VEG TANDOORI PLATTER

o

Hearty platters are for your asking 24x7

You can now even pre-book a menu with Thai and

Continental options

THAI CHICKEN CURRYo Enjoy traditional

and mouth-watering home-like food up in

the sky

STEAMED RICE WITH KADI

PAKODA

o

SPICEJET'S EXTENSIVE INFLIGHT MENU will leave flyers delighted with their onboard experience. The 'Hot Meals' section will bring a warm smile to your face. From filling breakfast options to lip-smacking snacks, from sumptuous lunch and dinner options to vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, SpiceJet offers a multitude of meal choices on pre-booking. In addition, special meal categories such as Jain meal, Navratra meal, meal for diabetics, gluten-free meal and cakes are also on offer, along with Thai, Continental and Indian platters. Hot favourites like Pringles have been retained in the non-perishables section to entice kids. All in all, SpiceJet's menu is a red, hot, and spicy treat for your taste buds.

THE MID-AIR MENUSpiceJet's 'pre-booking only' menu offers Thai, Continental and Indian Platters

Check out this variation of a mid-19th century

Russian dish

CHICKEN STROGANOFF WITH YELLOW RICE

o

New On Menu.indd 150 29/01/18 10:58 AM

SPICEJETINSIDER

*SPICEMAX SEATS OFFER SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LEGROOM, PLUS COMPLIMENTARY MEAL, PRIORITY CHECK-IN, PRIORITY BOARDING (AT AEROBRIDGE GATES), AND PRIORITY BAGGAGE HANDLING. *BASIS AIRCRAFT TYPE/SECTOR **NA STANDS FOR ‘NOT AVAILABLE’ *THE ABOVE MENTIONED PRICES AND FEATURES ARE ACCURATE AS AT THE TIME OF MAGAZINE PRINTING, AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

ADD- Know more about SpiceJet’s innovative products and services

SEAT SELECTION DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL

SpiceMax Seats M 600/1000/-* M 1200 /-

Preferred Seats - on Boeing /Airbus

Ahead of exit row window /aisle M 300/- M 450/- Ahead of exit row middle M 250/- M 400/-Behind exit row window /aisle M 200/- M 350/-Behind exit row middle M 99/- M 150/-Preferred seats Q400

Front half of cabin window /aisle M 250/- M 400/-Rear half of cabin window / aisle M 150/- M 300/-

Seat + Meal Combo

Combo Price M 399/- M 499/-PRE-BOOK EXCESS BAGGAGE

5 kgs M 1425/- M 2450/-10 kgs M 2850/- M 4,900/-15 kgs M 4275/- NA20 kgs M 5700/- NA30 kgs M 8550/- NA

PRIORITY CHECK-IN M 300/- M 400/-Preferred Bag Out

1 Bag M 100/- NA2 Bags M 200/- NA3 Bags M 300/- NA

YOU 1ST M 399/- M 499/- (Ex-India flights)

CARRY MORE ONBOARD (FREE ALLOWANCE 7 KG; BUY UP TO 5 KG MORE)Pre-book M 250/- per kg M 450/- per kgAt Check-in M 350/- per kg As per current excess baggage rateAt boarding gate M 350/- per kg As per current excess baggage rate

MY FLEXI PLAN (EFFECTIVE FROM DECEMBER 21, 2017) M 1500/- M 1750/-HAND BAGGAGE ONLY FARE - CHARGE AT AIRPORTFare type change fee if checking-in bag at airport after purchasing HBO fare

Up to 15 kgs - M 400/-

NA

SPICE CAKE M 750/- M 800/-

SPICE LOUNGE (Delhi/Bengaluru/Hyderabad/Kochi/Varanasi/Guwahati/Jaipur)

M 750/- M 1400/-

FLY FOR SURE M 299/- Only ex-India M 499/-VALUEPACKa) Pay M 499/- and get a SpiceJet voucher worth M 1999/-b) Pay M 999/- and get a SpiceJet voucher worth M 3999/-

Add Ons New.indd 175 29/01/18 11:01 AM

Boeing 737 - 700/800/900ER Series

Interior arrangement of Boeing 737 - 700 (149 Passengers)

Row 1 -26Entry / Exit

Entry / Exit Emergency Exit

Emergency Exit Entry / Exit

Entry / Exit

BOEING 737-700

149Passengers

(single class configuration)

6200 km

0.79 M (840 km/h)

2

BOEING 737-800

BOEING 737-800

4

BOEING 737-900 ER

BOEING 737-900 ER

BOMBARDIER Q400

BOMBARDIER Q400

2000 km

666 km/h

22

5000 km

0.79 M (840 km/h)

212

28

5,600 km

0.79 M (840 km/h)

189 78

BOEING 737-700

93 ft 3 in (28.42m)

107 ft 9 in (32.83m)

24 ft 4 in (8.34m)

8 ft 2 in (2.49m)

112 ft 7 in (34.3m)

117 ft 5 in (35.7m)

110 ft 4 in (33.6m)

41 ft 2 in (12.5m)

11 ft 7 in (3.53m)

Speed unit M denotes Mach Number; 1 Mach is equal to the speed of sound.

*These numbers exclude wet lease aircraft.

Row 1 -20

Row 1 -32

Interior arrangement of Boeing 737 - 800 (189 Passengers)

The above mentioned descriptions are accurate at the time of magazine printing.

*

SPICEJETINSIDER

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Route map.indd 1 19/01/18 12:40 PM

Edify.indd 1 24/01/18 3:26 PM

Agarwal packers.indd 1 25/01/18 11:24 AM

Window magic.indd 1 18/01/18 3:44 PM

Featherlite.indd 1 23/09/17 2:01 PM

ZEBRONICS.indd 1 22/01/18 11:11 AM

R.N.I NO:DELENG/2015/63282

W BC AD.indd 1 23/01/18 5:03 PM

www .spicejet.com THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 12

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Transcript of www .spicejet.com THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE Volume 12