Spice Route January 2017 pdf

SHAH RUKH KHAN | UNKNOWN DUBAI | BALLOON FESTIVAL
spice
Volume 11 | Issue 01 | January 2017
THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE
LONG
WEEKENDS
HOLIDAYS IN
2017

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CL03749

FROM THE
CMD’S DESK
Dear Readers,
The year 2016 has been very
special for us. No longer were
we the airline struggling to
survive. In this year, we truly
re-established ourselves as a
leading airline in the country.
We flew 14 million of you, more
passengers than ever before. We
flew more flights and to more
destinations. And we were more
profitable than we have ever
been.
November 2016 saw us
register again, the best ontime
performance (OTP) of
all airlines in India. For 20
consecutive months in a row,
we have registered Passenger
Load Factor (PLF) of over 90%
– a feat that has no parallel in
India’s aviation history, and a
testimony of the fact that SpiceJet is
the country’s favourite airline.
SpiceJet had the best OTP in most
metros – including Mumbai, Delhi and
Hyderabad – amongst all airlines with
sizeable operations. And for the most
constrained airport in the country,
Mumbai, this is the fifth consecutive
month when SpiceJet has achieved
the highest OTP.
As we wrap up the year, we
rejoice in the knowledge of having
won several international and
domestic awards. Beginning with
the prestigious World Travel Leaders
Award at the WTM London to the
Best Check-In Initiative award by
Future Travel Experience Global
Awards in Las Vegas, we have become
a global business case study. The
domestic awards included the Best
Transportation Brand as well as the
Best Airline Brand in India for 2016 by
Brand Trust Report, the Smart Check-
In Initiatives awarded at CIO 100
India Symposium & Awards in Pune,
Best Employee Engagement
amongst 104 corporate entries
at the 4th DMA-Thomas
Assessments National Award
for Excellence in Talent
Management in New Delhi, and
the four Best Domestic Airline
Awards, one for each of the
four regions of India by DDP
TravTalk.
SpiceJet is at the cusp of
announcing a massive expansion
plan that will set the course for
us to becoming an even bigger
player in both the domestic
and international skies. This
will put greater responsibility
on us to uphold and enhance
the standards that have made
us India’s most popular airline.
We will continue to introduce
new products and services this
year and have started the process of
rebranding with our new tagline “Red.
Hot. Spicy.” This month, our crew will
wear a new look as well – a chic, new,
uniform, to be launched soon.
On behalf of all my colleagues,
may I wish you the very best for the
New Year. May this year bring love
and joy in your lives and give you
many, many reasons to celebrate.
We look forward to being a part of
your celebrations. And your lives.
Jai Hind!
Ajay Singh
Chairman & Managing Director
2 ||||| AUGUST 2016

Cover-Final 1.indd All Pages
SHAH RUKH KHAN | UNKNOWN DUBAI | BALLOON FESTIVAL
Volume 11 | Issue 01 | January 2017
THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE
30/12/16 10:35 AM
spice
JANUARY 2017 www.spicejet.com
LONG
WEEKENDS
HOLIDAYS IN
2017
Long
Weekends
Holidays in
2017
CONTENTS
52
LONG WEEKENDS IN 2017
We recommend some exciting destinations to fly to in the many long weekends coming up this year.
DUBAI BEYOND THE
GLITZ
There’s more to Dubai than
skyscrapers, glitzy malls and
sand dune driving.
76
THE SURVIVOR
Straight talk with Shah Rukh
Khan who has been in the top
bracket in the last quarter of
a century
64 82
7 LESSONS FROM A
SERIES
The recently concluded India-
England cricket series threw
up many surprises.
8 ||||| JANUARY 2017

CONTENTS
EDUCATION SPECIAL
A healthy education backbone
can help India build a dominant
force of professionals,
entrepreneurs and leaders.
86 106
92
NOT JUST PIZZA
GARNISH
Oregano has come a long way
from being Aphrodite’s favourite
to partner-in-crime of one of
the world’s most coveted foods
and more
UP, UP AND AWAY
A one-of-its-kind ballooning
festival was held recently
in Agra.
SPICEJET INSIDER
Social media 20
SpiceVacations.com22
Spice products24
Mobile apps126
My town 128
Music130
Onboard menu131
News132
Stars of SpiceJet134
SpiceJet fleet136
Route map140
SpiceJet add-ons142
16 ||||| JANUARY 2017

CONTENTS
SPIRITUALITY
Compatibility affects our relationships across various stages
in life.
114
124
spice
JANUARY 2017
EXECUTIVE PUBLISHER
MINAL SURVE
EDITOR
RAJU BIST
rajubist@mwspiceroute.in
EXECUTIVE EDITOR
EKTA MOHTA
ekta@mwspiceroute.in
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
KAPIL C BATUS
ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR
HEMALI LIMBACHIYA
SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
TANVI SHAH
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
VIDHI DOSHI
PRODUCTION MANAGER
MANGESH SALVI
DIGITAL ARTIST
JAYESH V. SALVI
AD SALES
MUMBAI
VINOD MOHITE
+91 9323554207, vinod@mwspiceroute.in
RAHUL MUKHERJEE
+91 9029457667, rahul@mwspiceroute.in
NEW DELHI
TANVEER AHMAD
+91 9555098401, tanveer@mwspiceroute.in
TAMIL NADU & PONDICHERRY
CECIL S KOTEY
+91 9884232475, cecil@mwspiceroute.in
BENGALURU
ANURADHA KUBER
+91 9902329703, anuradha@mwspiceroute.in
WEST BENGAL & NORTH-EAST
MOHD. ASAD
+91 9718834941, media.asad@gmail.com
KOLKATA
ASHIT NARAIN
+91 ​9830006010, kolkata@mwspiceroute.in
​CHANDIGARH
A ANU
+91 7508049977, aryapuneet7@gmail.com
KERALA
T SIVASANKARAN
+91 9947683001, sivakeral15@gmail.com
GUJARAT
SANJAY CHAWDA
+91 98240 43072, sanjaychawda@gmail.com
TELANGANA & AP
ROCKWEL JOSEPH
+91 9885804155, rocky@mwspiceroute.in
PUNE
ARUSHI SHRIVASTAVA
+91 9538846897, arushi@mwspiceroute.in
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18 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
BUZZ ON
TWITTER
@flyspicejet had a fun
flight to Bengaluru
thanks to the cheeky
pilot and his funny one
liners. Fun & positive
attitude ;)
@cheribhengra
Super impressed with the fare
prices! When all other airlines just
hoarded money for New Year fest
dates, SpiceJet rescued :)
Just wanted to share a rather nice snap
of Bombay Harbour with the wingtip of
SpiceJet SG052 enroute Dubai-Pune
this morning
Gaville D’Souza
just landed!! Had a wonderful flight.
Crew Namrata et al take good care.
inflight food is awesome.
@chotisikhidki
Thanks for the valuable
response and information
through DM. Guys,
SpiceJet Twitter support is
cool
@sejith
@jamal11211
Destino Chennai!!!
@tonidoblas80
Awesome service. Great job Capt.
Sneha, Bikash and crew this
morning. Excellent Behaviour.
#SG136
Hey @flyspicejet lovely
experience with all that Bryan
Adams music on flight. Keep us
entertained with surprises
@Arhythmn
#spicejet #travellerlife #mumbai
#above #topview #bluesky # travellove
#picoftheday
saikrishna.gunti
@flyspicejet the flight made up the time
for the delay and landed 2 minutes earlier
than scheduled! #awesome
@shantanu_garg
@eraayushj
Yesterday (November 24), I was
ON MAIL on flight from Kochi to Delhi (via
Mumbai).
I wanted to send in my compliments
on the attitude and service of Vipin Sethi
who was the flight attendant in the front
cabin. His service levels were at par if not
better to what I normally experience in
business class on Qatar, which is my
choice of global airlines. He had a strong
attention to detail. He made it a point to
call me by name at all times without
having to look at the manifest, which was
a nice touch. Not something one normally
experiences in the Indian skies.
Vipin is an asset to SpiceJet and I
would like my appreciation for his service
to reflect in his records please. We, in the
service industry, rely on our team
members to go beyond the expectations
of our guests and Vipin delivered on that.
Rajeev Kohli
20 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
SPICEVACATIONS.COM
TRAVEL WITH EASE AND FLEXIBILITY
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
Customers need
to simply decide
on the theme of
their vacation
SPICEVACATIONS.COM is a one-stop
shop for 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.
With SpiceVacations.com,
customers can make changes in
their itinerary online, at every step of
the trip. For instance, if a customer
wants to opt for a bigger car even if
the package entails a smaller one, he
can do so, and with ease. Customers
need to simply decide on the theme
of their 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.
A separate online domain, this
product adds to the customer’s
convenience and also acts as an
information buddy. In the second phase
of operations, travel experts will share
their experiences, comments, blogs, etc.,
that can help customers plan their next
trip. Reviews from fellow travellers will
also help customers plan their vacations
in the right manner.
With this unique initiative by
SpiceJet, customers 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 to them along with other
regular options on offer.
As the website is powered by
SpiceJet, every customer 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.
SHUTTERSTOCK
22 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
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 latest 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; products to please those who are always on the lookout for
extra legroom, and those who are particular about where they sit on a flight; 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. No
surprise then that we are the country’s favourite budget airline.
24 ||||| JANUARY 2017

1SpiceMax
SpiceJet’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.
2
SpiceClub
This prepaid card allows
passengers to make cashless
transactions. With the
SpiceClub card they can
purchase meals, merchandise and add-on
services. Every recharge entitles the card
holder to get additional credits, which
convert to currency on the card. By
paying just `599, a passenger can enjoy
a host of exclusive benefits worth up to
`3,000. The introductory benefits are
two free vouchers worth `599 that can
be used for domestic flight bookings; a
Marriage Anniversary Special (50% off on
domestic air tickets for two passengers);
free priority check-in; preferred
communication for any SpiceJet Promo
Sale; and more.
3
Hot Meals
Passengers 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 midair
with a cake on
select flights; and a
takeaway Kids’ Meal
bag, shaped like an
airplane.
PRE-BOOK NOW!
Pre-book your meals to make your
journey with us a more comfortable
experience. You can enjoy exceptional
discounted rates, with meals starting
at `180. 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. If you prebook
on the SpiceJet mobile app, you
can even get 50 per cent off on meals.
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 25

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
4
SpiceFlex
The next time you book a
flight on SpiceJet, opt for
SpiceFlex, a uniquely crafted
bundled fare that offers
passengers immense benefits such as
preferred seat choice at no additional
charge and change fee waiver. Enjoy
these benefits at a marginal premium
only. Considered an ideal option
for frequent travellers and business
executives, these fares are valid on all
direct, via and onward flights. Customers
can book SpiceFlex only on www.
spicejet.com, and via travel agents.
7
My Flexi Plan
Planning 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 `1,125
for domestic travel ticket and `1,250 for
international travel ticket. The service will
be applicable only for one change or one
cancellation per ticket.
5
Fly For Sure
Fly 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.
6
Carry More On Board
Making 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.
8
Hand Baggage Only
This 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.
26 ||||| JANUARY 2017

OPENING SHOT ||||| PHOTOGRAPHY
THE WILD AND THE BEAUTIFUL
Clockwise from left: Tiger clubs in a playful
mood (Vedwati Padwal-Birje), On the edge
(Sandip Chatterjee), Brahminy kite (Goutam
Som), Cheetah silhouette (Amit Rane),
Grasshopper molting ((Vedwati Padwal-Birje)
and Incoming (Sarang Bhand)
WHAT BEGAN AS A SMALL group of
photography enthusiasts has now blossomed
into a 15,000 large collective of wildlife and
nature photographers all over India, all united
under the banner of Dr Caesar Photography
(DCP). DCP undertakes photography
expeditions and walks, conducts workshops
and holds exhibitions. Here are some images
that we liked from their second annual
exhibition, held recently in Mumbai.
28 ||||| JANUARY 2017

OPENING SHOT ||||| INNOVATION
THE WATER MAN
OF LADAKH
LIKE MOST OF HIS BRETHREN,
Sonam Wangchuck agonized over
the lack of water for agriculture in
his native Ladakh. But only he came
up with a solution and in the process,
became one of the winning laureates
of the Rolex Awards for Enterprise
this year. A 50-year-old Ladhaki
engineer, Wangchuk solved the
problem by building ‘ice stupas’. The
conical ice mounds behave like
mini-glaciers, slowly releasing water
for the growing season. He intends
to build up to 20 such ice stupas,
each 30 metres high and capable of
supplying millions of litres of water.
Clockwise from top: Sonam Wangchuck; a tree
plantation watered by ice stupas; Wangchuk
and a colleague create a drip irrigation network
to use water from ice stupas; and gravity
pressure forces water up through a pipe to form
ice stupas that store water
30 ||||| JANUARY 2017

OPENING SHOT ||||| ACHIEVERS
A YEAR OF SPORTING KUDOS
2
1 3
4
5
FOR ONCE IT WERE NOT JUST OUR
Bengaluru FC finishing runners-up in
off the fields.
CRICKETERS who hogged all the
the AFC Cup; Indians coming second at
Wrestler Sakshi Malik with her
limelight in the sports arena. The bygone
the 2016 Men’s Hockey Champions
bronze medal at the 2016 Summer
year will go down in history as one in
Trophy tourney; the Indian women’s
Olympic Games
which our sports stars cut across various
kabaddi team picking up the gold in the
Handangbam Kothajit pushes the ball
disciplines to make an impact at the
South Asian Games; the Indian men’s
during Hockey Champions Trophy Mens
international level. We had the three
hockey team finishing second in the
finals
golden girls putting up brilliant displays
Sultan Azlan Shah Cup tournament but
Olympics gymnast Dipa Karmakar
at the Olympics. But we also ended the
triumphing at the Asian Hockey
with her coach Bisweshwar Nandi
year with fond memories of Indian men
Championship along with their women
The Indian team that won the Kabaddi
lifting the Kabaddi World Cup; Indian
counterparts; and the Indian men’s
World Cup with cricket legend Kapil Dev
men winning the hockey gold at the
South Asian Games; Indian football club
football team winning the SAFF Cup.
We relive some key moments on and
Badminton star PV Sindhu with her
parents at a felicitation ceremony
ALAMY
32 ||||| JANUARY 2017

OPENING SHOT ||||| STATES
ALL ARE WELCOME
TELANGANA, INDIA’S 29TH AND YOUNGEST STATE, is going all out to woo tourists
with its many attractions. Having inherited some perennial favourites like
Charminar and the Salar Jung Museum from Andhra Pradesh from which it was
carved out, the new state is also busy promoting other destinations. It has much going
for it – an abundant of natural beauty, a pluralistic society and a repository of culture,
among others. Here are some attractions that we have always liked.
Clockwise from above: The Salar Jung
Museum; Golconda Fort; Hyderabad city
centre; pillars of the Papanasini Temple in
Alampur; and the Gateway of Glory at
Warangal Fort
ALAMY
34 ||||| JANUARY 2017

OPENING SHOT ||||| FESTIVITY
MAGIC IN THE SKY
IT IS RAINING FESTIVALS in the opening month of the year – including Pongal,
Bikaner Camel Festival, Chennai Music Festival, Guru Gobind Jayanti, Jaipur
Literature Festival, Mamallapuram Dance Festival, Lohri and the Kochi-Muziris
Biennale, all being celebrated in different parts of the country. But for kiting
aficionados, the must-go destination will be the pristine white Great Rann of Kutch
stretch in Gujarat, venue of the annual Kite Festival, being organised as a part of the
Rann Festival. Attracting skilled kiting enthusiasts from India and abroad, it will be a
colourful and joyous occasion. Here are some glimpses from an earlier edition.
RAJU BIST
36 ||||| JANUARY 2017

OPENING SHOT ||||| ENTERTAINMENT
LOOK WHAT IS BACK!
MOVIE-LOVING MUMBAITES enter the new year with a smile on their lips –
their city will get a brand new drive-in theatre, 13 years after the first one
downed shutters. Located in the same locality of BKC (Bandra-Kurla Complex),
the new theatre will be managed by PVR Cinemas. Too young to ever having
been to a drive-in theatre in the past? Here is some gyan you can catch up on:
• The first drive-in theatre came up in Mexico in April 1915.
• But this unique movie-watching experience really took off in the
neighbouring Mecca of entertainment, the US.
• The first American drive-in theatre opened its grounds for business in
1921 – in Texas.
• By the late sixties, at the peak of the drive-in popularity, there were about
5,000 drive-in theatres all over the US.
• The decline began with the arrival of the VCR (Video Cassette Recorder),
colour television and other modes of home entertainment.
• Today there are only about 400 drive-in theatres in the US.
• Only two other Indian cities can boast of having a drive-in theatre: Chennai
and Ahmedabad.
ALAMY
38 ||||| JANUARY 2017

MELANGE ||||| HAPPENINGS
HOT DATES
EVENTS // MUSIC // THEATRE // ART
Books
JAIPUR LITERATURE
FESTIVAL
Described as the greatest literary
show on earth, the ZEE Jaipur
Literature Festival is the world’s
largest free event of its kind.
Equity and democracy run through
the festival’s veins, placing some
of the world’s greatest minds from
all walks of life onstage.
When: January 19-23, 2017
Where: Diggi Palace, Jaipur
Comedy
EIC ALL STARS
TOUR, DELHI
The EIC All-Stars
double-header is the
biggest live tour EIC
has ever planned,
and probably the
most ambitious by
an Indian comedy
collective. For the
first time, all seven of
East India Comedy’s
core members will be
onstage together.
When: January 14,
2017
Where: Delhi
Festival
JAYDEV MELA
Every Makar Sankranti, the community of wandering
minstrels known as bauls converge on the banks of the
Ajay River to fill the air with music and soul. The mela begins
on the last day of the Bengali calendar month of Paush and
continues to the second of the month of Magh.
When: January 15-16, 2017
Where: Jaydev Kenduli, West Bengal
SHUTTERSTOCK (BAULS)
42 ||||| JANUARY 2017

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MELANGE ||||| HAPPENINGS
Culture
RANTHAMBORE FESTIVAL
The cultural festival is a unifying platform for international
and Indian musical luminaries and nature and wildlife lovers.
Apart from concerts by Maati Baani (in picture), Zila Khan and
others, expect interactive music workshops, Rajasthani folk art
workshops, wildlife panel discussions, TED talks, India’s first
wildlife film festival, street theatre, yoga workshops, a food
festival and a crafts souk.
When: January 27-29, 2017
Where: Nahargarh Palace, Ranthambore
Theatre
MUGHAL-E-AZAM
The film Mughal-e-Azam is turned into a spectacular stage
musical. With the glamour of Manish Malhotra costumes,
technical expertise from Broadway and original hit songs such
as ‘Pyar kiya to darna kya’ and ‘Teri mehfil mein’, the production
is an exhilarating experience.
When: January 5-15, 2017
Where: NCPA Mumbai
Music
THE MANGANIYAR
SEDUCTION
In The Manganiyar
Seduction, 43
musicians are seated
in 36 red-curtained
cubicles arranged in
horizontal rows one
on top of the other.
As the song gathers
steam, each cubicle
lights up one by one,
creating a dramatic
visual and aural
spectacle.
When: January
21, 2017
Where: Chennai
44 ||||| JANUARY 2017

MELANGE ||||| HAPPENINGS
JANUARY
ISTINGS
1
What: New Year's Day
Racing (Horse-racing)
When: 12.00 pm
Where: Royal Calcutta
Turf Club, Kolkata
What: New Material
Nights – Evam
(Stand-up Comedy)
When: 7.30 pm
Where: Hotel Savera,
Chennai
L
4&5
What: The Nutcracker (Ballet Screening)
When: 6.30 pm
Where: NCPA Mumbai
5-8
What: Under 25
Summit 2017 (Youth
Summit)
When: 10.00 am
onwards
Where: Jayamahal
Palace, Bengalur
What: Shaame-Ghazal
with
Pankaj Udhas
(Music Concert)
When: 7.00 pm
Where: Sirifort 6Auditorium, Delhi
What: Don’t
Make That Face
by Naveen
Richard (Standup
Comedy)
When: 7.00 pm
Where:
Chaicofi, Kochi
7
What: OK Jaanu (Hindi Film)
Where: Across India
What: Chords of Giving by
Sona Mohapatra & Ram
Sampath (Music Concert)
When: 6.00 pm
Where: Phoenix MarketCity,
Bengaluru
13
What: Sunburn
Arena with David
Guetta
When: 4.00 pm
Where: Hyderabad
What: Masterclass by
Soumitra Chatterjee
(Acting Workshop)
When: 10.00 am
Where: The FTI,
Kolkata
14
15
What: Nrityagram’s
Sriyah (Odissi
Performance)
When: 7.00 pm
Where: MLR Convention
Centre, Bengaluru
19
What: Thaikkudam Bridge
(Music Concert)
When: 8.30 pm
Where: Hard Rock Cafe,
Mumbai
21-22
What: Nariyal Paani
(Festival by the Sea)
When: 12.30 pm
onwards
Where: Alibaug
22
What: Murali in Mouna
Raagam (Music Concert)
When: 7.00 pm
Where: Sir Pitty
Thyagaraya Hall,
Chennai
26 28
What: Republic Day
Where: Across India
What: August: Osage
County (English Play)
When: 28th
Where: NCPA Mumbai
46 ||||| JANUARY 2017

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MELANGE ||||| INFORMATION
WHAT'S NEW
GOA TOURISM WON
THE ASIA-PACIFIC
SABRE AWARD LAST
MONTH •
The Goa Tourism
Development Corporation
(GTDC) has shown that its
endeavours to promote
tourism are in tandem with
the tech-savvy world. The
destination bagged the Asia-
Pacific Sabre Award for its
commendable initiatives in
social-media networking. The
award receives close to 5,000
entries globally every year.
THE 22ND MADAME TUSSAUDS TO OPEN
IN DELHI
World renowned for over 250 years for the creation of detailed and
life-like wax figures, Madame Tussauds will pay homage to A-list
celebrities from Bollywood to Hollywood at the new attraction
in Delhi, in addition to featuring icons from sport and music.
Launching mid-2017 in Regal Cinema at Connaught Place, Madame
Tussauds Delhi will be spread over two floors.
BIKANER HOUSE IN DELHI REGAINS ITS
LOST GLORY
Bikaner House has been meticulously restored to its
original form. In its reinvention, the architectural gem will
showcase the fine skills of the master craftspeople that are
rooted in Rajasthan, each one embodying the spirit and
ethos of ancient design and technique, of contemporary
form and product.
SHUTTERSTOCK (GOA)
48 ||||| JANUARY 2017

MELANGE ||||| INFORMATION
BOLLYWOOD PARKS
DUBAI OPENS ITS
DOORS •
Dubai Parks and Resorts,
the Middle East’s largest
integrated theme park
destination, has opened
its doors to Bollywood
Parks Dubai. This is a
first-of-its-kind theme
park that showcases rides
and attractions based on
Bollywood blockbusters.
The park opened with a
ceremony that included
various live entertainment
shows performed by
Bollywood artists.
37% INDIAN TRAVELLERS
CHOOSE PLASTIC MONEY
The inclination of Indians travellers to
use card over cash has seen a growth
post demonetisation, with 37.4%
travellers choosing plastic money
for bookings and while travelling, as
revealed by a Yatra.com survey. The
demonetisation move has further led
to 57.9% travellers booking through the
desktop and a dip in booking through
offline agents.
BENGALURU AIRPORT ORGANISES ‘SEASON OF SMILES’
FESTIVE EVENT
Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, which is preparing to welcome over
one million travellers during the peak holiday season, has organised the third edition
of its annual celebration, 'Season of Smiles', concluding January 3, 2017. Travellers
and visitors will be treated to shopping attractions, music performances, interactive
photo opportunities and attractive installations during this period.
SHUTTERSTOCK (PLASTIC MONEY)
50 ||||| JANUARY 2017

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under Section 80C of
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Riskometer
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* Investors should consult their financial advisers if in doubt about
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Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related
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CNo.00059

COVER STORY ||||| TRAVEL

THE GREAT ESCAPES
TRAVEL OPTIONS FOR THE LONG WEEKENDS COMING UP IN 2017
BY NAMRATA ASTHANA
Exhausted by a busy
lifestyle? Feel like
getting away from it
all? The good news is
that the new year is
brimming with long
weekends, offering you wide options of
short holidays to take off on. Here are
some of them. Whatever be your interest
– a hilly getaway, religious tourist spot or
an adventure holiday getaway– we have
got it all covered for you. SpiceJet flies to
most of these destinations – or to nearby
airports. Enjoy!
4 DAYS
THURSDAY, JANUARY 26: REPUBLIC
DAY; FRIDAY, JANUARY 27: AVAIL OF
YOUR LEAVE; SATURDAY, JANUARY
28; SUNDAY, JANUARY 29.
OUR RECOMMENDATION:
MAHABALIPURAM
Within its small periphery,
Mahabalipuram (new name
Mamallapuram) packs some of the most
beautiful temple architecture in this
part of the world. This is just the right
time to visit the place, 56 km away from
Chennai and proud owner of the epithet
`Poetry in stone’. This distinction comes
from a series of structures adjacent to
the seashore, each unique from the
other. At 27 m x 9 m, Arjuna’s Penance is
the world’s largest bas-relief. The Shore
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Chennai, 56 km away. Log
on to www.spicejet.com for details
Temple complex, built in 700 AD,
consists of one large and two small
temples. And a huge boulder known as
the Butter Ball of Sri Krishna is a
popular tourist attraction.
3 DAYS
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24:
MAHASHIVRATRI; SATURDAY,
FEBRUARY 25; SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: GOA
Catch a part of Goa’s biggest annual
attraction, the Goa Carnival 2017, being
held between February 25 and 28 this
year. This extravaganza is a delightful
combination of giant presentations,
dance, music and floats. The climax of
the event is an eye-catching and
colourful parade on the streets of the
state. The carnival apart, there is, of
course, much more to do in Goa: laze on
its numerous beaches, indulge in water
adventure sports, check out its various
temples and churches; go back in history
at its forts; be mesmerized by its
cascading waterfalls; and visit wildlife
and bird sanctuaries.
GOA WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Goa with
SpiceVacations.com which offers you
great deals across numerous hotels;
flight and hotels; flights and packages;
and 22 packages. Log on to www.
spicevacations.com for more details.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Goa. Log on to
www.spicejet.com for details
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 53

COVER STORY ||||| TRAVEL
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Jaipur. Log on to
www.spicejet.com for details
3 DAYS
SATURDAY, MARCH 11; SUNDAY, MARCH 12; MONDAY,
MARCH 13: HOLI.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: JAIPUR
It’s the time to Holi and there’s no better place than Jaipur to
enjoy India’s most colourful festival. There is a touch of
uniqueness to the Holi celebrated here. For example, it is one of
the rare places where some locals play Holi not with traditional
colours, but flowers. That apart, Jaipur is also famous for its
palaces (Amber, Jaipur City, Jal Mahal), museums (Albert
Hall), forts (Nahargarh, Jaigarh), and temples (Akshardham,
Lakshmi Narayan, Govind Devji). In addition, there is the
Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. This museum has a varied
selection of block-printed textiles.
JAIPUR WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Jaipur with SpiceVacations.com
which offers you great deals across numerous hotels; flight and
hotels; flights and packages; and 12 packages. Log on to www.
spicevacations.com for more details.
4 DAYS
SATURDAY, MARCH 25; SUNDAY, MARCH 26; MONDAY,
MARCH 27: AVAIL OF YOUR LEAVE; TUESDAY, MARCH 28:
GUDI PADVA.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: COONOOR
A part of the Nilgiri Hills, there’s much more to Coonoor than its
famous tea gardens. It is also blessed with verdant vistas, bracing
climate and a variety of birds and wildflowers. Places of interest
in this hill station include Sim’s Park, a 200-year-old botanical
garden. There are also numerous picnic spots and view points in
the vicinity like Lambs Rock, Lady Canning’s Seat, Dolphins
Nose, Droog, St.Catherine Falls and Ralliah Dam.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Coimbatore, 54 km away.
Log on to www.spicejet.com for details
4 DAYS
THURSDAY, APRIL 13: BAISAKHI; FRIDAY, APRIL 14:
DR AMBEDKAR JAYANTI AND GOOD FRIDAY;
SATURDAY: APRIL 15; SUNDAY, APRIL 16
OUR RECOMMENDATION: AMRITSAR
Located 233 km away from the state capital of
Chandigarh, Amritsar is home to the Golden Temple,
the most revered shrine of the Sikhs. It is also famous
for Jallianwala Bagh, where the April 1919 massacre of
Baisakhi pilgrims had taken place.
AMRITSAR WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Amritsar with
SpiceVacations.com which offers you great deals across
numerous hotels; flight and hotels; flights and
packages; and three packages. Log on to www.
spicevacations.com for more details.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Amritsar. Log on to www.spicejet.com
for details
54 ||||| JANUARY 2017

AUTUMN
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COVER STORY ||||| TRAVEL
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Srinagar. Log on to
www.spicejet.com for details
BURJ
26 to 29 January Day 1 KHALIFA
Day 2
26 January: Republic Day
MADINAT JUMEIRAH
& SHOPPING
Day 4
CITY TOUR &
DHOW CRUISE
MALL HOPPING &
DESERT SAFARI
Day 3
JANUARY 2017
Sun 1
Mon 2
Tue 3
Wed 4
Thu 5
Fri 6
Sat 7
Sun 8
Mon 9
Tue 10
Wed 11
Thu 12
Fri 13
Sat 14
Sun 15
Mon 16
Tue 17
Wed 18
Thu 19
Fri 20
Sat 21
Sun 22
Mon 23
Tue 24
Wed 25
Thu 26
Fri 27
Sat 28
Sun 29
Mon 30
Tue 31
3 DAYS
3 DAYS
SATURDAY, APRIL 29; SUNDAY, APRIL 30;
MONDAY, MAY 1: MAY DAY
OUR RECOMMENDATION: SRINAGAR
Take off for these three days to some place
where you can escape the summer heat
building up in most parts of the country as
well as enjoy the local sights. We
recommend Srinagar, often described by
travellers and poets alike as a “heaven on
earth”. There are Srinagar’s legendary lakes
(Dal, Nigeen, Manasbal), gardens (Mughal,
Nishat, Shalimar), palaces (Pari Mahal),
mosques (Jama Masjid) and temples (Kheer
Bhawani) to be visited. But this is also the
time to see tulips in full bloom at the Tulip
Garden Festival. The annual show is being
held at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip
Garden, Asia’s largest tulip garden.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24; SUNDAY, JUNE 25;
MONDAY, JUNE 26: RAMZAN EID
OUR RECOMMENDATION: MUSSOORIE
Mussoorie is well-known for its quaint
bungalows, well laid-out gardens and the
Kamptee waterfalls. Tourists enjoy taking a
beautiful nature walk on the Camel’s Back Road.
MUSSOORIE WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Mussoorie with
SpiceVacations.com which offers you great deals
across numerous hotels; flight and hotels; flights
and packages; and one package. Log on to
www.spicevacations.com for more details.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Dehradun, 34 km away.
Log on to www.spicejet.com for details
56 ||||| JANUARY 2017

COVER STORY ||||| TRAVEL
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Bengaluru, 136 km away.
Log on to www.spicejet.com for details
3 DAYS
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30; SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1; MONDAY,
OCTOBER 2: GANDHI JAYANTI.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: MYSORE
If you plan well, you can catch the last day (September 30) of the
renowned 10-day Mysore Dussehra festival. Events take place all
across the city, including the Mysore Palace, auditoriums,
Maharaja’s College Ground, exhibition grounds, Kuppanna Park
and Chamundi Hills. For the rest of the weekend, you can enjoy
local sights like the Mysore Zoo, Brindavan Gardens, Karanji
Lake, historical temples at Talakad, Srirangapatna, the
Government Silk Factory, Railway Musem, Lalitha Mahal and
Shivanasamudra Falls or take off for the Kabini National Park, 94
km away - it is the national park season.
MYSORE WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Mysore with SpiceVacations.com which
offers you great deals across numerous hotels; flight and hotels;
flights and packages; and seven packages. Log on to www.
spicevacations.com for more details.
3 DAYS
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1: EID-E-MILAD; SATURDAY, DECEMBER
2; SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: ALLEPPEY
Backwater rides are a speciality of Kerala and where better to
enjoy them than Alleppey (new name Alappuzha). You can glide
on a labyrinth of canals while on the Alappuzha Canal Cruise. Or
you can enjoy various sights while on the Alappuzha-Kochi
cruise.
ALLEPEY WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Allepey with SpiceVacations.com
which offers you great deals across numerous hotels; flight and
hotels; flights and packages; and 14 packages. Log on to www.
spicevacations.com for more details.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Kochi, 45 km away. Log on to www.spicejet.com for details
3 DAYS
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23; SUNDAY, DECEMBER 24;
MONDAY, DECEMBER 25: CHRISTMAS.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: DHARAMSHALA
Located in Himachal Pradesh, the hill resort of
Dharamshala is at the base of the high snow clad
Dhauladhar ranges. Places of interest here include the
Kangra Art Museum; the War memorial; St. John’s
Church; Mcleodganj, home to His Holiness, The Dalai
Lama; and the Chinmaya Tapovan.
DHARAMSHALA WITH SPICEVACATIONS.COM
Plan your long weekend to Dharamshala with
SpiceVacations.com which offers you great deals across
numerous hotels; flight and hotels; flights and
packages; and five packages. Log on to www.
spicevacations.com for more details.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Dharamshala. Log on to www.spicejet.com
for details
58 ||||| JANUARY 2017

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WALLET WHERE
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SpiceCash*
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INSTANTLY REDEEM UP TO
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TRAVEL PERIOD TO REDEEM `1000 SPICECASH:
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*1 SpiceCash = `1
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*1000 SpiceCash will be credited on every new registration done on or before 26th Jan., 2017.
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EXPERIENCE ||||| CITIES
Clockwise from above: Taragarh Fort
overlooking the city; devotees at Ajmer
Sharif; and camels on sale at Pushkar
DESERT
CHARM
Apart from being an education
hub, Ajmer is well-known as
a religious draw for people
across different faiths
ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL
CITIES in Rajasthan and a perennial
favourite with tourists from all over
the world, Ajmer derives its name
from ‘Ajay Meru’, meaning invincible
hills. It lies 140 km away from Jaipur
in the south-west direction. The city
has played important roles in history.
It was here that an important meeting
took place in 1616 between Mughal
ruler Jehangir and a representative
of Queen Elizabeth. After a few
centuries, the city was handed over
to the British. Ajmer thus became the
only region in Rajputana to be directly
controlled by the East India Company.
Ajmer is well-known for Mayo
College, one of the country’s first
schools which imparted the British
style of education. It is also renowned
for being a centre of culture and
beauty. While in Ajmer, you just
cannot miss these wonderful places,
sights and experiences:
PUSHKAR: Ajmer is the springboard
to the holy town of Pushkar, 15 km
away and famous for its temple
dedicated to Lord Brahma. This is also
the place where the world famous
Pushkar camel fair is held every year.
AJMER SHARIF: This shrine
dedicated to Sufi saint Khwaja
Muin-ud-din Chishti attracts many
seeking blessings. Many Mughal rulers,
including Akbar are said to have
visited the shrine.
TARAGARH FORT: It was built by
Ajaipal Chauhan, the founder of Ajmer.
You can trek up the three kilometres
to the top or take your car to the fort.
ANA SAGAR: This lake is an ideal
destination to escape from the heat.
On its banks are two well-maintained
gardens, Subhash Bagh and Daulat
Bagh. Lovely white pavilions within
the gardens are ideal for gazing at the
nearby lake and the stunning Aravallis
in the distance.
ALAMY/SHUTTERSTOCK
62 ||||| JANUARY 2017

HOSPITALITY ||||| RESORTS
A STAY TO REMEMBER
History and culture fuse seamlessly among the cool environs of The
Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass Ajmer in central Rajasthan
SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP of
the awe-inspiring Aravalli Hills, The
Gateway Resort Pushkar Bypass
Ajmer is a treat for business as
well as leisure travellers. There
are endless ways to recharge and
unwind in this unique
property, equipped as
it is with every kind of
comfort that a high end
hospitality establishment
can be proud of. Guests
can enjoy Rajasthani
delicacies round the
clock, get pampered at
the in-house spa and
enjoy great views from
the hotel’s numerous
rooms.
On offer are rooms
and suites overlooking
the central courtyard.
The dining experience
includes three Gateway
innovations. Active
Foods is aimed at
healthy eating options. There is also
the option to enjoy regional, home
style food, prepared with the local
touch. And the Quick Fills dining
concept ensures round-the-clock
serving from an a la carte menu within
15 minutes from the
time of the order.
These apart,
other services and
amenities include
sightseeing tours,
children’s activities,
doctor-on-call,
babysitting/childcare
(on request) and
provisions for
cricket, football and
badminton. Finally,
Gateway Resort
Pushkar Bypass Ajmer
can also provide
venues for meetings,
conferences,
weddings and social
occasions.
HOW TO REACH
THERE
The closest airport from Ajmer
is at Jaipur, 125 km away. This
capital city of Rajasthan is
connected very well by air to
major Indian cities, as well as
international destinations like
Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Ajmer
is also connected by National
Highway 8 to Mumbai and
New Delhi. State highways link
it to other important cities
in Rajasthan.
Contact information:
The Gateway Resort Pushkar
Bypass Ajmer, Pushkar
Bypass Road, Ajmer,
Rajasthan, 305 022
gateway.ajmer@tajhotels.com
+ 91 145 6620000
+ 91 145 6620001
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 63

DESTINATIONS ||||| CITIES
DUBAI
BEYOND
THE GLITZ
LOOK BEYOND THE SHINY
EXTERIOR AND THERE’S A QUAINT
CITY WAITING TO BE UNRAVELLED.
BY: MALAVIKA VETTATH
The inner courtyard of the Sheikh Saeed al
Maktoum House.
Dubai is a city of
superlatives – the
tallest building, the
biggest mall, the
biggest indoor
of Dubai’s current ruler, Sheikh
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
lived from 1912 until his death in 1958. It
is also where Sheikh Mohammed, the
man responsible for Dubai reaching its
aquarium, et al and so, no holiday in this
current dizzying heights, spent his
glamorous city can ever be complete
growing years. The traditional, two-
without a visit to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai
storey house was built in 1896 in the late
Mall, and other major attractions.
19th century Arabian architectural style;
However, while tourists from all
replete with arched doorways, trellis
over the world flock to the new and shiny
screens, and wind towers to keep the
Dubai, they unwittingly turn their back
house cool during scorching desert
on places that capture the very soul of
summers. Constructed using coral, lime
the city such as parts of old Dubai and
and plaster, the house has a large
unique eateries that take you back in
courtyard on the ground floor, flanked
time. We bring you seven such locales
by a meeting room (majlis), living rooms,
that will surely spice up your holiday and
storerooms, and kitchen. Balconies on
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet offers direct flights
to Dubai from Ahmedabad,
Amritsar, Delhi, Jaipur,
Kochi, Kozhikode, Madurai,
Mangalore, Mumbai and
Pune and convenient
connections from other
cities across the network.
Log on to www.spicejet.
com for details
veer you away from run-of-the-mill
itineraries.
SHEIKH SAEED AL MAKTOUM
HOUSE
Strategically seated near the mouth of
the Dubai Creek in the historical
neighbourhood of Shindagha, Sheikh
Saeed Al Maktoum House is where
Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum, grandfather
the upper floor provide spectacular
views of the creek and the city skyline.
A visit to Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum
House affords a peek into the simple life
of pre-oil Dubai. It is now a museum
exhibiting rare photographs of the
ruling family, and documents and maps
that tell the story
of Dubai. Also on display is a unique coin
and stamp collection showing the use
MALAVIKA VETTATH
64 ||||| JANUARY 2017

DESTINATIONS ||||| CITIES
Visitors can learn calligraphy at the Jumaa
and Obaid Bin Thani House. Bottom: A
cultural meal at The Sheikh Mohammed
Centre for Cultural Understanding
of British Indian and Indian currency
and postal stamps. The best time to
visit is around sunset when the city
lights are reflected in the water against
silhouettes of old Dubai. The house is
open till 8.30 pm.
JUMAA AND OBAID BIN THANI
HOUSE – CALLIGRAPHY
MUSEUM
Further down from Sheikh Saeed Al
Maktoum House is another grand
Emirati home called Jumaa and Obaid
Bin Thani House, which is home to the
“Arabic calligraphy over time”
exhibition. Once you’ve admired the
architecture, including the large, wellmaintained
courtyard, head to the first
floor to acquaint yourself with the art of
calligraphy. The exhibition is divided
into two sections: the first enlightens
you about the history of Arabic
calligraphy and phases of its evolution in
different parts of the Islamic world while
the second displays original samples of
Arabic calligraphy by famous
calligraphers.
Also showcased are tools
of Arabic calligraphy and
their uses. If you want to
learn calligraphy yourself,
step into the room adjacent
to the calligraphy museum
where you will see people
from different nationalities
learning the finer nuances of
the art. Lectures and
workshops for training in
Arabic calligraphy are open
to all.
SHEIKH MOHAMMED
CENTRE FOR
CULTURAL
UNDERSTANDING
(SMCCU)
To get to know more about
Emirati society and culture,
head to SMCCU, envisioned
HOW IT ALL
BEGAN
In 1833, 800
members of the
Bani Yas tribe, led
by the Maktoum
family, settled at
the mouth of a
creek. The creek
was a natural
harbour and Dubai
became a wellknown
centre for
fishing, pearling
and sea trade. By
the turn of the 20th
century Dubai was
a successful port.
Oil was discovered
in 1966, and the
then ruler Sheikh
Rashid bin Saeed
Al Maktoum utilised
the oil revenues to
spur infrastructure
development in
Dubai.
by the reigning Sheikh Mohammed Bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, to familiarise
expats and tourists with local customs.
Sign up for an Emirati breakfast or lunch
hosted at a traditional wind tower house
in the Al Fahidi district, one of the oldest
neighbourhoods in Dubai.
While you savour local fare, your
Emirati hosts will tell you about the
dishes you are eating, the Dubai way of
life, and how it has changed over the
years. Their philosophy is “Open Doors.
Open Minds” and they will be more than
happy to answer all your questions about
life in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Making SMCCU one of your first stops in
Dubai will stand you in good stead.
According to records, the centre hosted
public breakfasts for over 2,600 guests
and public lunches for nearly 3,700
guests in 2014.
FALCON MUSEUM
The Arab passion for falcons (birds of
prey) goes a long way back. These regallooking
birds are a powerful symbol of
Emirati and Gulf heritage
and even today, feature on
crests of state and
government institutions. So,
if you’re a bird lover or just
curious about falcons and
the place they occupy in
Arabian culture, take a slight
detour from the main city to
the Falcon Heritage and
Sports Centre. Located on
the sprawling premises in
Nad Al Sheba close to the
main Meydan Racecourse,
Falcon Museum is where you
can learn about different
species of falcon, the bird’s
anatomy, how Emiratis
developed an interest in the
heritage sport of falconry,
and the equipment that has
been in use over the years.
WWW.CULTURES.AE (MEAL); ALAMY
66 ||||| JANUARY 2017

DESTINATIONS ||||| CITIES
Entry is free and so are the services
of tourist guides who will be more than
happy to share information. If you have
time, watch a short film on falcons and
falconry. Adjoining the museum is a souk
for all things falcon, be it falcon hoods or
falconry gear. There’s also a veterinary
clinic for falcons so you can see many
Emiratis walk in and out to get their
birds medically checked. The best time
to visit is the cooler months after
September as falcons are not kept here
during the hot summer months.
AL FANAR RESTAURANT
For most visitors to Dubai, eating Arabic
food means sampling easily available
Lebanese fare such as Shawerma, Falafel
and Hummus. But that’s like eating
Punjabi Butter Chicken when in Kerala,
rather than local chicken stew or fish
curry. Earlier, eating Emirati food was
possible only if you were invited to an
Emirati household or visited a public
kitchen. Over the years though, a few
restaurants have come up to cater to this
need; Al Fanar being one of the first such,
and the best among them. So, what do
you eat here? The rather elaborate menu
can easily confuse you. Try Machboos
Samak or fish cooked with yellow rice
simmered in fish stock with Arabic
spices and dry lemon or Robyan Magli,
which is pan fried shrimp with onion
seasoned with special sauce served with
rice. Sample the Emirati version of
Biryani though Indian Biryani lovers
will find it bland as compared to the
spicier version back home. Choose from a
variety of breads including Khoboz
Khameer or bread baked in Arabic style
served with date syrup and cream
cheese, Chebab, Reqaq and Mohalla
(Emirati pancakes).
IRISH VILLAGE
Dubai has a slew of restaurants whipping
up cuisines from world over. But Irish
Village, not too far away from Dubai
International Airport, stands out for
transporting a piece of Ireland to the
emirate. Apparently, even the materials
used to construct Irish Village were
shipped in from Ireland, and were then
reassembled on site. Located within the
Dubai Tennis Stadium Complex, this
hugely popular indoor-cum-outdoor pub
promises great grub and drinks, not to
forget some foot-tapping Irish music. It’s
a great place to meet up with friends or
simply unwind over food, drinks and
music after a day of hectic sightseeing
and shopping.
You can order their Battered
Calamari, Fish & Chips, or Parmesan
Chicken to go with your beer. They also
have some truly yummy desserts like
Bailey’s Cheesecake and Banoffi Pie.
Weekends are packed here, especially
Thursday nights. Irish Village, opened in
1996, draws huge crowds when it hosts
international concerts. Sir Bob Geldof,
Finbar Furey, The Pretenders and The
Wailers are among the well-known
international musicians who have
performed at the village.
FLAMINGO SPOTTING
Flamingos are not what you’d normally
associate with Dubai but they are very
much a part of the city. Quietly tucked
away in the heart of Dubai is Ras Al Khor
Wildlife Sanctuary, where you can see
these beautiful birds flourish in their
natural habitat. However, this is a
protected spot meant for bird lovers,
nature enthusiasts, and all those who
love a bit of calm. There are two pre-built
vantage points for seeing the pink and
white flamingos from close quarters.
Entry is free and the best time to visit is
after 4pm when feeding takes place. The
sight of flamingos in their natural
surroundings against the backdrop of
the famous Dubai skyline is magical to
say the least.
Top to bottom: Entrance to the Falcon
Museum; murals on a wall of the museum;
and Al Fanar restaurant, popular for its
authentic Arabic fare
MALAVIKA VETTATH (MUSEUM); ALAMY
68 ||||| JANUARY 2017

BEST ON-TIME
PERFORMANCE
AMONGST ALL
AIRLINES
IN INDIA.
HIGHEST OCCUPANCY RATE
FOR 20 CONSECUTIVE MONTHS.
OTP RATING (ALL AIRLINES)
NOVEMBER, 2016
OTP
RANKING
AIRLINE
ON-TIME
PERFORMANCE
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
SpiceJet 81.7%
Jet Airways
+JetLite
75.9%
Vistara 75.2%
IndiGo 72.4%
GoAir 69.0%
Air India 67.7%
*As per DGCA statistics released on 19th December, 2016.

Only at : 95, Queen’s Road, Mumbai 400 020.
T: +91 22 2200 5001 / 2200 4952 | F: +91 22 2200 0229 | E: info@kalaniketan.co | W: www.kalaniketan.co
info@giipl.com

IN FOCUS ||||| MONTAGE
HOW TO KEEP YOUR
SKIN GLOWING IN
WINTER
YOUR SKIN LOSES MOISTURE TO COLD
AND DRY AIR DURING WINTER. HERE
ARE A FEW SIMPLE STEPS TO KEEP
YOUR SKIN RIGHT AND GLOWING
WARM CLOTHES MAY MAKE YOUR
SKIN DRY, itchy and sensitive during
the winter season. Winter weather itself
poses a special threat to your skin. There’s
very little humidity in the air and revving
up the heat indoors makes it even worse.
This results in very dry skin and in need
of enough moisture to overcome the skin
condition.
Dry skin can become cracked and
even split. In an extreme condition, dry
skin can look thickened and leathery, says
Dr. Jagdish Sakhiya (MD, Skin), Medical
Director, Sakhiya Skin Clinic (in photo).
GO FROM THIN TO THICK
MOISTURIZER
You may need only thin lotion for your
body during the summer season. But in
winter you have to switch to a thicker
skin moisturizer, such as an ointment or
cream. Apply it when your skin is still
damp from a shower. An ointment such
as petroleum jelly is the thickest skin
moisturizer you can buy and will work
well for treating dry skin.
WINTER COMPLEXION PROTECTION
Be sure to use a separate moisturizer
specifically designed for your face. The
skin on your face is thinner and more
sensitive, so always choose a moisturizer
that’s labeled “non-comedogenic”
because it won’t clog your pores that lead
to pimples. If you have sensitive skin, it’s
a good idea to look for a hypoallergenic
moisturizer, adds Dr. Sakhiya. Go with
a thinner moisturizer such as a lotion if
you have oily skin and a thicker one if you
have dry skin.
CHANGE YOUR SHOWER STRATEGY
It may be hard to resist a long hot bath
when it’s cold outside, but it doesn’t do
your skin any favour. “Sitting in hot
baths has a drying effect on the skin,”
Dr. Sakhiya says. A better idea: Take
a short, warm shower. Keep showers
under eight to 10 minutes and apply your
skin moisturizer within two minutes of
stepping out of the bathroom.
Write to info@sakhiyaskinclinic.com to get
more tips for dry winter skin.
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72 ||||| JANUARY 2017

VIEWPOINT ||||| YOGA
THROUGH THE MYSTIC EYE
SADHGURU IS A YOGI, MYSTIC AND VISIONARY. AN INTERNATIONALLY-RENOWNED SPEAKER, SADHGURU’S WIT AND
PIERCING LOGIC PROVOKE AND WIDEN OUR PERCEPTION OF LIFE. IN THIS SERIES, SADHGURU ANSWERS QUESTIONS, AND
OFFERS REFRESHING PERSPECTIVES ON DIVERSE TOPICS
people. Then, they can participate in the
making of economic laws. When that
happens, we can reduce the grey areas
considerably and set up highways to
development, not obstacle courses.
Sadhguru with KV Kamath
KV KAMATH
PRESIDENT, BRICS BANK AND
EX-CHAIRMAN, ICICI BANK
We often come across grey areas in
business. How do we put these to rest?
Sadhguru: In human life, whether
personal or corporate, you cannot
eliminate the grey, but grey areas
become dominant in society where laws
are not crystal-clear. We must simplify
laws in such a way that everyone can
understand the law – only then can it be
implemented.
It is time economic leaders play a role
in making economic laws in the country.
Right now, this is not allowed because
business is seen as a vested interest.
Business leaders should shed this
“vested interest” tag and build trust with
SONAKSHI GUPTA
(SpiceJet passenger from Delhi)
Do you think demonetization will help
India?
Sadhguru: One of the main purposes
is to curb counterfeit currency. Fake
notes were being produced in proper
mints outside India, and are so well
done that even banks can’t identify
them. Another aspect is to eliminate
black money – though this will be
effective only to some extent. But
even if a fraction of this shadow
economy becomes official, our
economy will go from 2.25 to 3 trillion
dollars. There is temporary hardship,
but this process is needed to
set India’s economy on a stable
basis to blossom. Our economic
transactions should be properly
recorded and taxed.
A nation is not just a geographic
area, it is an institution. There are
laws to be followed, contributions to
be made and benefits to be reaped. If
citizens do not receive those benefits,
we have the right to demand them.
But right now, we neither contribute
nor demand. It is time we as a nation
get our act together.
SpiceJet welcomes its passengers to ask Sadhguru questions on yoga, health, well-being and other topics of
general interest. Select questions will be answered in forthcoming issues. Please email your question to
mediarelations@ishafoundation.org. For more of Sadhguru’s wisdom, visit isha.sadhguru.org
74 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPORTS ||||| CRICKET
Virat Kohli
7 LESSONS
FROM A
SERIES
THE RECENTLY CONCLUDED INDIA-
ENGLAND CRICKET SERIES, INDIA’S
BEST AGAINST ENDLAND SINCE 1932,
THREW UP MANY SURPRISES.
MKM FAIYAZ AHMED
Another commanding
win over England in the
5th test match at
Chepauk stadium
ensured India’s fifth
authoritative test series win under Virat
Kohli which helped India take an
unassailable lead in ICC test ranking
over Australia and Pakistan to be ranked
number one. With 18 test matches
without a defeat, Virat Kohli holds the
record with former test captain MS
Dhoni for most consecutive series wins
by an Indian captain.
Unlike the previous test series in the
recent years, Indians were a mild host
this time and welcomed England with
sportive pitches where the ball did not
assist spinners customarily. A 4-0 win is
India’s best ever against England in 28
series since 1932. The most impressive
thing for team India in this series was
their adaptability to indifferent pitches.
If KL Rahul, Karun Nair and Jayant
Yadav emerged as long term prospects
for Team India, the spinners
Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra
Jadeja continued to dominate and
torment visitors on home soil.
We look at some noticeable
takeaways from the 5 match test series.
1VIRAT KOHLI, STAR
IN ALL FORMATS
Kohli as a captain had an arduous task
right through the series in picking his
playing eleven due to injury prone squad
with as many as eight players injured.
India had to play with different opening
pair in every test match as Murali Vijay,
KL Rahul and Shikhar Dhawan were
doubtful all the time. To add to the woes,
the in-form Mohammed Shami and
Jayant Yadav got injured and missed out
the final test match at Chennai. The likes
of Rohit Sharma and Hardik Pandya
were also out of the squad without
playing a game.
Virat Kohli continued his
commendable performance across all
formats this year. No one doubted the
special abilities of Virat Kohli and his
consistent 100 plus scores but what was
urged from a man of his stature was the
conversion of scores from hundreds to
big hundreds in the longest format. In
the third test match at Wankhede
stadium, Kohli got to his highest test
score and became the first captain in the
history of test cricket to score double
hundreds in three consecutive test
series. With 655 runs in five test
matches, Kohli has most runs in a five
match series by an Indian batsman.
2ENGLAND LET
DOWN BY BATSMEN
Since 2008, England was the only team
to have not lost to India at home and
away. After an emphatic series win in
2012 which England won 2-1, a much
better challenge was expected from
Alastair Cook’s team. England had the
batsmen to shield against Indian bowlers
on sub-continent tracks but what they
lacked was a quality spinner to trouble a
strong Indian batting line up. Though
Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid did a decent
job, they were nowhere near to
threatening Indian batsmen. The other
spinners Gareth Batty, Zafar Ansari and
Liam Dawson were a big
disappointment. Except the ace batsman
Joe Root and Johnny Bairstow, none of
the other batsmen were consistent.
3
KARUN NAIR’S
TRIPLE CENTURY
After a disappointing start to his test
career, Karun Nair’s spot looked in a spot
of bother but he amazed everyone with
his breathtaking triple hundred on the
4th day of the final test match. He
became only the second batsman in the
history of Indian cricket and first against
England to score a triple century.
With Ajinkya Rahane and
Wriddhiman Saha not contributing
ALAMY
76 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPORTS ||||| CRICKET
much, the lower order was
under pressure - kudos to
Ashwin, Jayant and Jadeja,
as the trio’s valuable
contributions lower down
the order allowed India to
dominate in the series. It
will be interesting to see if
Nair’s rare feat cements his
place when Rahane and
Saha return from their
injuries.
JAYANT
4
YADAV
EMERGES AS
AN ALL ROUNDER
Jayant Yadav has been a
revelation in the series as he
impressed with the bat at number
nine and bowled well as a third
spinner. His valuable
contributions will be an asset to
India’s success at home in the
future. When Jayant was named
in the test squad against New
Zealand, most people were
perplexed over his selection to
the national side as an off spinner
but nothing much did anyone
knew about his ability to bat at
lower down the order. In three
test matches, Jayant averaged 74
with the bat and 29.55 with the
ball.
5
HUNT FOR THE
WICKET KEEPER
Two years post MS Dhoni’s
retirement, India continues to
struggle with a reliable wicket
keeper. Wriddhiman Saha has
been inconsistent with the bat
and equally behind the stumps.
His injury allowed Parthiv Patel
to make a comeback to the test
side after eight years. Though
Parthiv did a reasonable job
while batting as a make-shift
opener, his contribution as a
wicket keeper has been a big letdown.
6
INJURY
Ravichandran Ashwin
WOES
The biggest problem for
India in recent times has been
frequent injury woes. Murali
Vijay, Shikar Dhawan, KL Rahul,
Ajinkya Rahane, Wriddhiman
Saha, Mohammed Shami, Ishant
Sharma, Jayant Yadav and
Hardik Pandya failed to keep
themselves fit throughout the
series. The frequent injuries of
the openers especially KL Rahul
and Murali Vijay have been a
worrying sign. This kind of
approach could well hamper
India’s progress in test matches
away from home.
7
THE NUMBER 3
SOLUTION
Cheteshwar Pujara at number 3
has continued to score runs
consistently and has solved
India’s fret for the number 3
batsman at home. It will be
interesting to see how Pujara
plays in the seaming conditions
where his ability has been still in
doubt. At home Pujara averages
63 in contrast to 34 away.
ALAMY
78 ||||| JANUARY 2017

STAR BUZZ ||||| SHAH RUKH KHAN
THE
SURVIVOR
STRAIGHT TALK WITH THE MAN WHO HAS BEEN IN
THE TOP BRACKET FOR THE LAST QUARTER OF A
CENTURY. BY AARTI KAPUR SINGH
There is something
as endearing as it
is enduring about
Shah Rukh Khan.
No, I do not mean
the whirlpools
that form in his
cheeks every time he smiles (a genuine
smile). I am not even referring to the
cliched arms open pose he is often
trolled for - though he has this honest
knack of embracing everyone he meets.
But well, I am talking with the bias of a
fan who has watched every Shah Rukh
film ever made. I have now stopped
explaining the depth of my adoration for
SRK and I am happy to concede to every
critic by simply saying, “Kuch kuch hota
hai, tum nahin samjhoge...”
Shah Rukh Khan is, few will deny,
wit personified, in the face of every inane
question that may be thrown at him.
Years ago, at the press conference
launching him as the host of Kaun
Banega Crorepati, in place of Amitabh
Bachchan, someone asked him, ‘Why is
the colour of your set laal (red) while that
of Amitabh Bachchan’s was neela (blue)?’
Few would have the answer to that one,
let alone, have the answer in a split
second. “Kyunki Bachchan sahab neela
akash hain, or main dharti ka laal hoon!”
You just gotta have better questions to
ask Shah Rukh Khan. So I lock the fangirl
away and get into my no-nonsense
scribe mode for some straight talk with
the man who will always be baadshah (I
told you, loyalty issues!)... Here are some
excerpts...
You complete the silver jubilee of being a
part of the industry. How is life from the
heights?
What heights?? Do you know that my last
few films have tanked!? To be honest, it’s
not like I’m over the moon. I have been
making films for the last 25 years - I have
lived half my life making films. Yes,
initially, I was working only to make
ends meet, to buy a house, all the
82 ||||| JANUARY 2017

STAR BUZZ ||||| SHAH RUKH KHAN
From top: The actor in the upcoming Raees;
Dear Zindagi with Alia Bhatt; Dilwale with Kajol
creature comforts that make a man
happy. But the greed for more never
really goes away. But now, I am making
films for the sake of making films. I am
in it because I don’t know any better.
Honestly I am in a neutral space because
of the fact that I have aged in Mumbai.
But two important things have changed
now that I have been making films for a
long time - one, I have lost the ability to
surprise the audience, and I have also
lost the ability to fail. I am expected to
succeed all the time.
Are you trying to say you are not successful
any more and you don’t worry about public
response?
Look, I cannot be cynical about how
people will respond. I know I have done
trashy films and I have done good films.
There is, I know, a huge acceptance for
what I have done. As an actor, choosing
the film that I want to do is the freedom
that I should have. When you sit with a
story, sometimes you just want to do it.
Like I mentioned, sometimes I realise
it’s not my world, but I get moulded in
that space only to see if I can pull it off.
Sometimes I fail; other times I succeed.
The success doesn’t make me want to do
the same thing again. Or the failure
doesn’t want me to not do it ever again.
Instead, it makes me want to do it all
over again. Because that part has to be
done. I can’t get it wrong. As an actor, my
job is to do what I have not done before.
And I will continue to do roles that make
me feel interested when I leave my home
for the sets.
Is being blasé like this normal?
I never said I am normal. Normal is
lifeless for me. I am not arrogant or
shoddy but I am a very bad boy. I don’t go
by rules and do and say weird things.
You have to be a little mad and when you
are that, you’re a little bad too. I am
extremely bad but my dimples save me.
Is that why you play a bad boy in Raees?
The guy is a bootlegger. And as his ammi
has taught him, “Koi dhandha chhota
nahi hota”. Raees does not mean rich,
you know, it means benevolent. So this
guy has a good heart. More than that,
the film has this philosophy at heart that
whatever you may do, wherever you may
be, you ought to take responsibility for
your actions.
It is something that I subscribe to
and so the story struck a chord. Raees is
not about glorifying a villain, it is a
character that I wanted to play - also
because the span and the space that the
film traverses - from childhood to the
time when Raees is say 50, gives it a
narrative that is interesting.
Does failure make you doubt your choices?
SRK: It is nothing to do with failure, but
my inherent trait of being indecisive
sometimes. I have been proven wrong
time and again about my decisions. I will
give you an example of a film I thought
would never succeed - Karan Arjun. I
never had faith in the story when we
started making it - you know that kuttey
kaminey fight, reincarnation, et al - it
was just not my zone. I could just not
understand the movie and Rakesh ji
(Rakesh Roshan) kept assuring me that
it will work.
When I went to see the film with
distributors, there was not a moment
during the entire film when people were
not clapping or crying. It’s one of my
most successful films after DDLJ. And
that is when I realised that I don’t know
how a movie will turn out. And so I had
better do the next best thing I know -
just act.
And what are the other things that you wish
you knew how to do?
SRK: I wish I could play the guitar and
serenade every woman in the world. I
also wish I could cook Italian food!
84 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPICE TALK ||||| OREGANO
EACH SPICEJET AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN NAMED AFTER
A PARTICULAR SPICE. IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK ABOUT
THE BENEFITS AND USAGE OF OREGANO
NOT JUST
PIZZA GARNISH
OREGANO HAS COME A LONG WAY
FROM BEING APHRODITE’S
FAVOURITE TO PARTNER-IN-CRIME
OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST
COVETED FOODS, AND MORE
BY MADHULIKA DASH
Omelette with chives and oregano sprinkled with chilli flakes
IF PIZZA IS ON YOUR MIND, can oregano
be far behind? However, legend has it
that when pizza first came into existence
in 1889 during the Naples sojourn of King
Umberto and his queen, Margherita,
oregano wasn’t even remotely deployed.
A local baker, in honour of the royal
couple, created a richer version of the
existing staple of white bread flavoured
with red tomato paste. The only
ingredients that set apart the new dish
(christened Pizza Margherita) from
local fare were white mozzarella cheese
and green basil leaves.
It was only later, after World War II,
that oregano acquired its now-universal
connect with pizza. British and
American troops, fresh from the Italian
campaign fought from 1943 to 1945,
brought home with them the sharp,
woodsy spice which they had first
sampled and fallen in love with in Sicily
and other parts of southern Italy.
Smitten as they were, they nicknamed it
the “pizza herb” even as they began
using it generously to render their own,
otherwise insipid foods palatable. So it
was that a spice hitherto known only to
the Mediterranean region, with the
exception of China where it had been in
use chiefly as a cure-all herb and
aromatic oil, went on to gain worldwide
popularity.
In a way, oregano had been restored
to its former glory when ancient Greeks
hailed it as “joy of the mountains”
(oregano derives from oros and ganos
which are Greek for mountain and joy,
respectively) and believed it had been
created by Aphrodite, Goddess of Love,
to have a symbol of joy growing in her
gardens, while the Romans, who came
after them, popularised it across much of
Europe and northern Africa. Today,
oregano has evolved into much more
than your average pizza garnish.
As Michele Prevedello, Executive
Chef, Park Hyatt Hyderabad, puts it, “An
excellent example of oregano’s
transformation is pizza marinara, where
oregano is the star of the dish, and the
single spice that brings out the flavour.
The same can be said for chimichurri, a
classic South American sauce, where the
Greek-born spice is the hero.” In
Prevedello’s view, the mildness of fresh
oregano forms a perfect fit for most fish
SHUTTERSTOCK
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SPICE TALK ||||| OREGANO
and delicate vegetable dishes whereas
explains.
the intensity of the dry version is great
Not one to shy away from
for Indian tandoori dishes.
experimenting, Zubin D’Souza,
According to Neeraj Tyagi,
Executive Chef, WaterStones’ Hotel,
Executive Chef, Shangri-La’s Eros
says, “A brilliant example of what
Hotel, “The beauty of oregano, fresh or
oregano (both fresh and dry) is capable
Top: Pizza Caprese and Bottom:
Roast Garlic Polenta
dry, is its flavour-layering which ranges
from sweet, spicy, to spicy-bitter with
that sweet after-finish that lends great
of is the traditional Greek meat platter,
Souvalaki, comprising roast lamb and
grilled chicken, both using the spice in
contrast to dishes, even Indian dishes
the marinade. Another example is Greek
THE
INDIAN
TOUCH
Oregano does not lend itself well to
all Indian dishes due to the high heat
involved in the cooking process. But
Indain chefs these days are not shy
to experiment with it. When it comes
to tandoori dishes, Anupam Banerjee,
Executive Chef, The Ritz-Carlton,
Bangalore, says that oregano imparts
great flavour balance. Citing the example
of the Tursh-e-paneer (photo) served
in the hotel’s Indian restaurant, Riwaz,
Banerjee says, “The dish showcases how
to underplay Indian spices when paired
with a highly volatile herb like oregano.
Of course, the palate-play makes it
one of the most popular dishes in the
restaurant.”
considered intense on heavyweight
spices. Butter Chicken and Paneer Tikka
are ideal examples.” Tyagi favours the
use of fresh oregano as a surprise
element not only in bread and delicate
meat preparations but also in shorbas
and tomato- and paneer-based dishes.
Rishim Sachdeva, Executive Chef,
Olive Bar & Kitchen, too, is gung-ho
about oregano’s distinct flavour profile.
“It apes quite a few Indian spices like
ajwain and mint, making it conducive
for dishes with mild-to-intense flavours.
Hence, it works well with rava and
tomato-based vegetable curries, the
ratatouille kinds, and stir-fries. This is
also the reason why the spice works
beautifully with some egg dishes,” he
Salad which uses oregano, fresh or
otherwise, in the vinaigrette dressing.”
However, Sachdeva sounds off a
warning: “Oregano cannot withstand
the heat and long hours of Indian
cooking given its delicate nature. At
best, it can be added at the end or used as
basting”. D’Souza concurs: “The best
way to use oregano, even in meat dishes,
is after you have finished a major part of
the cooking. That way, you can preserve
some of its woodiness and sweet
fragrance as well as the pungent part.”
Ask him about quantities to be used and
he says, “Since the dry version is
flavour-intensive, use half the quantity.
It’s vice-versa for the milder, fresh
oregano…”
COURTESY OLIVE BAR AND KITCHEN
88 ||||| JANUARY 2017

ALL DAYS OPEN
ALL DAYS OPEN

FLYING HIGH WITH
HIGHER EDUCATION
A healthy education backbone can help India build a dominant force of
professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders. BY BINDU GOPAL RAO
IT WAS INDIA THAT CREATED the
world famous Gurukul system and
in the process inspired modern day
international pedagogies of teaching
and learning. The country has done
especially well to keep its legacy of
creation alive post-Independence. A
large part of the credit should go to
the role played by the University Grants
Commission (UGC).
It has focused on channelizing
the talents of young adults towards
employment. “What helped was the
Commission’s focus on reduction of
stagnation of unqualified students by
institutionalising three-year degree
courses, improving of infrastructure,
scholarships for research, better
remunerated and qualified teachers,
etc.,” says educationist Fatema Agarkar.
But while Indians are doing
extremely well adapting to the global
economy, Indian higher education needs
to reinvent itself to be more relevant.
According to Dr. Anand K Joshi, Vice
Chancellor, CMR University, Bengaluru,
Indian industry needs to fund academic
research to bring efficient innovation
trends as the fundamental driver of
economic growth.
CHALLENGES OF
HETEROGENEOUS EDUCATION
The heterogeneous education system is
based on a geographical, rural-urban,
rich-poor set up and is am big challenge
for educational institutions. Varieties
of colleges, universities and technical
institutions provide different quality
of education. Some are imparting
qualitative education while a few
others are doing the dullest job. Higher
education also faces difficulties with
heterogeneous education system as
it slows down the learning of higher
performing students. Each student has
different levels/phases and capabilities.
Heterogeneity can be in perspective
of either having all class of student
population under the same education
system or the unavailability of uniform
education system for students with
disabilities. In both the perspective, it’s
a loss to the nation’s productivity. This
results in a mediocre society. Learning
success can be achieved by homogenous
education system, creating able pipeline
of resources in all way of life, rather than
only creating average engineers and
outsourcing service population, which
can be automated.
The cost of higher education,
like most essential services, has been
skyrocketing over the past few decades.
This cost inflation is inevitable as the
predominant input into higher education
is human capital and infrastructure.
“Although government spending on
higher education has been increasing
over time, it is now crucial for the private
sector and employers to step in and fund
educational initiatives,” says Siddharth
Shahani, Co-founder & Executive
Director, ISDI, ISDI WPP and ISME.
LOOKING AHEAD
Dr. Biju Paul Abraham, Dean (Academic)
& Professor of Public Policy, IIM Calcutta,
opines, “The major challenge for India
is to expand opportunities for higher
education while at the same time
improving the quality of education
delivered. This will require significant
investment in both physical and human
resources.”
India is on the verge of harvesting
the largest pool of work force in the
world. A healthy education backbone
can help us build a dominant force of
professionals, entrepreneurs, innovators
and leaders for managing world affairs.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
for a nation and we must not lose this
chance.
In the following pages, we take a
look at some leading institutions and
personalities doing innovative work in
the field of education and contributing
in a large measure towards the progress
of society.
SHUTTERSTOCK
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A STIMULTING
ENVIRONMENT
FOR STUDENTS
AT A DISTANCE
OF 35 KM FROM
DEHRADUN
CITY, nestled
between a scenic
wooded patch
and a picturesque
stretch of rolling
meadows, lies
Ecole Globale
International
Girls School.
With a focus on
developing both
scholastic and co-curricular activities,
Ecole believes in encouraging a “desire
to know” and a “hunger to discover”
among students. The school is affiliated
to the CIE (IGCSE) board and the CBSE
board and offers a wide range of subject
combinations. An added feature is the
inclusion of a finishing school which trains
students in life skills.
The school’s world class
infrastructure includes an all-weather
swimming pool, amphitheatre,
multipurpose auditorium, equestrian
facility, tennis, squash and basketball
courts, state-of-the-art classrooms with
digital learning facilities and computer
labs which make learning seamless
and unlimited. Winner of the National
Excellence award for Progressive
Education, Ecole believes in nurturing
students to evolve into young ladies
equipped to pursue and excel in their
chosen fields.
Regular in-house training and
periodic refresher programs ensure
that the teachers are abreast of the
latest teaching methodologies and
assessment procedures. At Ecole, there
is a constant emphasis at creating a
stimulating environment for the students,
which brings a defining new standard in
education to the valley of schools.
GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY DEVELOPS
WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGISTS
GALGOTIAS UNIVERSITY (GU)
is led by renowned educators,
researchers and thought leaders,
and aims to develop future
technologists who will take on
the grand challenges of the world
and drive economic progress.
With five engineering schools and
over 30 UGC (University Grants
Commission) recognized UG
and PG programmes, Galgotias
University propels research and
innovation, develops transformative
technologies and cultivates
solutions for a better world. The
university has within a short span
of time emerged as one of the
premier educational institutions in
north India exemplified by various
prestigious rankings from leading
publications and surveys. Galgotias
University’s faculties have been
carefully handpicked from among
the finest academicians across USA,
Europe and Asia including India.
Galgotias University has tie-ups
with leading global universities like
Purdue University, USA; University
of Arkansas, Fayetteville, USA;
University of Maryland; Kent
State University, Ohio, USA; and
Northern Illinois University, USA,
among others. This year Galgotias
University students enjoyed a
record-breaking 85 per cent round 1
placement (batch 2015).
94 ||||| JANUARY 2017

T
F
R
D
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E
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INTERNATIONAL AWA
Y
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U
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P
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Apple
Technology Partner
THE GLOBAL
EDUCATION & LEADERSHIP
FOUNDATION

WHY
B-SCHOOL
ASPIRANTS
PREFER
FMS-IRM
Stany Thomas Cangan, Chief Executive
Officer, SIIRM Consortium of Institutions
FACULTY OF MANAGEMENT
STUDIES - Institute of Rural
Management, Jaipur is an
energetic, innovative and research
led business school in Rajasthan.
With a modest beginning in 1994,
it has traversed a long path to
become an essential choice for
thousands of B-School aspirants
in the country. The institute was
established and is led by the
Society for Indian Institute of
Rural Management (SIIRM) under
the brilliant and noble leadership
of Prof. Barbara Cangan, an
educationist and philanthropist
whose mission is dissemination
and extension of knowledge with
quality and equality, to eventually
lead to an ethically built society.
The Institute is offering two years’
full-time Post Graduate Diploma
in Management with thrust on
Business Management (PGDM- BM)
and Rural Management (PGDM-
RM). Possessed with a futuristic
vision, FMS-IRM always seeks to
bring, both the corporate and the
academia, to a single platform
for intellectual interface. The
institute organizes campus based
Management Development
Programmes (MDPs), Corporate
Trainings, Business Seminars and
Conferences on a regular basis.
In addition, FMS-IRM organizes
thought leadership lecture series
with the participation of top
notch business leaders and social
thinkers for the benefit of its young
managers. As a sign of its social
commitment and new age thinking,
in the year 2012, FMS-IRM instituted
a Global Business Leadership award
in the name of its founder Dr.
Thomas Cangan.
96 ||||| JANUARY 2017

GITAM UNIVERSITY TO ESTABLISH
FINTECH ACADEMY IN VIZAG
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu exchanging the MoU document with GITAM
University Vice-Chancellor Prof. MS Prasada Rao at the newly established FinTech towers.
THE GOVERNMENT OF
ANDHRA PRADESH has
signed an MoU with GITAM
University to establish
Center of Excellence set up
and FinTech ecosystem skill
building in Visakhapatnam,
Andhra Pradesh. The FinTech
skill development center is
first of its kind in the country.
The Andhra Pradesh state
government IT Advisor
JA Chowdary and GITAM
University Vice-Chancellor Prof.
MS Prasada Rao exchanged the
MoU documents in the presence
of Andhra Pradesh Chief
Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.
DRIVING GROWTH IN IT
JETKING INFOTRAIN LIMITED, a
ISO 9001:2008 certified company,
is India’s foremost computer
hardware and networking
institute. Founded in 1947 as an
electronics manufacturing and
training company it has evolved
into a leading IT and IMS training
institute. It recognized the
rapidly changing IT landscape
in India and has innovated its
teaching and courses over the
years. Jetking is committed to
creating globally competent IT
professionals through innovative
teaching methods, advanced
courses, exceptional faculty
and thought leadership in IT
education.
Its training and best practices
are benchmarked along
international lines. The company
is grounded by the foundation
and values of its past but it
is youthful and progressive in
its present and will continue
to be so in the future. Enjoying
a leadership position in the IT
and IMS training sector, Jetking
has trained more than 6,00,000
students who are constantly
driving growth in the IT sector in
India and abroad. With its promise
of 100 per cent job guarantee
across all its 100 centres in India,
Jetking committed to a better
life for its students, franchisees,
recruiters and investors.
START YOUR OWN
BUSINESS WITH JETKING
Today, an estimated 3.25 crore
jobs are available in the Indian
IT sector. With Smart Lab Plus,
Jetking’s holistic teaching
methodology, students are
moulded to become successful
IT professionals. The Jetking
team invites students to
join them and create
brighter futures
Contact: Preetish Gupta
+91 8422055373
franchise@jetking.com
www.jetking.com
98 ||||| JANUARY 2017

YEOMEN SERVICE FROM SURESH
ANGADI EDUCATION FOUNDATION
Shri Suresh Angadi, MP and Chairman, SAEF
INDIA IS GOING
THROUGH A HUGE
TRANSFORMATION
and is at the cusp of
a major revolution.
In the light of these
changes, there
is a dire need of
human resource
which has a holistic
mindset. Suresh
Angadi Education
Foundation
(SAEF) aspires to
develop strong
citizens who are future-ready to
mantle leadership roles. The core
philosophy of the foundation has
been that the focus of education
system should be to actualize
the potential of the individual.
Education which embodies an
inherent ability to think beyond
the obvious has always been high
on the agenda of the foundation.
SAEF, established in 2008, has
grown as an organization of
repute comprising several
institutes providing quality
education and yeomen service.
Today, the foundation has
several courses in engineering,
management, commerce and
science. Besides, a school with a
state-of-the-art facility has also
come into existence.
NEWTOWN RISES TO
THE CHALLENGE
THE NEWTOWN SCHOOL is the first
IGBC Gold Certified Green School in
India under the new school category.
The institution took its first step
towards this journey of excellence,
on April 16, 2015. The global
technological landscape is evolving
at a frenetic pace. Information
travels at a speed hitherto
unanticipated, even a decade
ago. The Newtown School (NTS),
located amidst one of the fastest
economically developing regions of
eastern India, arrives at precisely this
cusp of global transformation.
The school seeks to blend
academics with practical
knowledge in a unique ecosystem.
This amalgamation will be
synchronized with values, which
will transform each student into
an asset for society. NTS has set
a new benchmark in education
through its approach towards
the entire process of imparting
education. The curriculum at NTS
has been designed to inculcate
a multi-dimensional approach in
problem-solving through teamwork
and research. NTS believes that
every student is unique in terms
of creative talent, interests and
inclination. Hence, a customized
approach towards each student
nurtures each child into a confident
individual, capable of coping with
the challenges of tomorrow.
100 ||||| JANUARY 2017

HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY is the
most versatile and dynamic Industry,
with an ever-increasing demand for
trained professionals. Global food is
now trending. The new generation is
passionate about food – not just for
consumption, but also as a lucrative
avenue for entrepreneurship
activities. Upsurge of technology
in the food business has facilitated
unprecedented growth in foodrelated
apps, which have gained
humongous popularity in current
times of digital transition. In order
to sustain in this competitive, fast
paced and ever changing world of
food business, only passion is not
THE IMPORTANCE OF
RIGHT EDUCATION
Dr. Sonali Jadhav, Principal, AISSMS College
of Hotel Management, Pune.
GROOMING ERUDITE
GLOBAL INFLUENCERS
enough. Exposure and extensive
training in culinary art and hotel
management will help you in
business operations and increase
your power to sustain. It is a
demanding profession, but being
equipped with technical know-how
will surely help you prepare for it.
CONTACT INFO
AISSMS College of Hotel
Management & Catering Technology,
55-56, Shivaji Nagar,
Pune 411 005
Tel.: +91 20 25520488 /
+91 20 65002959
mail: info@aissmschmct.in
www.aissmschmct.in
SRM
UNIVERSITY
distinguishes
itself from
other
universities of
higher learning
as a centre
that offers
comprehensive and holistic
experience of enhanced learning
in an enriched environment.
Within the precincts of institutions
under SRM University over
40,000 students are engaged in
the process of knowledge and
personality development. Under the
aegis of SRM University run four
campuses in Tamil Nadu and one in
the national capital region (NCR) of
New Delhi with a faculty strength
of 3000, also comprising educators
from foreign countries. With
prime focus on engineering and
technology, SRM University offers
several subjects including medicine,
dental and health sciences,
management, pure sciences, social
sciences, humanities and law.
Professor Prabir Bagchi, the new
Vice Chancellor of SRM University
unveils his mantra to run a mega
educational enterprise, “I stress on
the three ‘R’s or Rigor, Relevance
and Research, which are critical
to develop successful students.”
SRM University has an enviable
record of research, despite the
fact that it commenced operations
in 2002, particularly with regard
to publication, productivity
and funding obtained from the
government and private bodies.
SRM University is one of the
few institutions in India to have
established a research institute to
carry out outstanding research in
numerous emerging and front-line
areas.
102 ||||| JANUARY 2017

A CENTURY OF
COMMITMENT
SEVEN TEACHERS SUPPORTED by three patrons
founded the Karnatak Lingayat Education Society
and established an Anglo-Vernacular School at
Belgaum on November 13, 1916. Expanding to
different domains of education, healthcare and
research, and traversing wider geographies, KLE
today has 250+ institutions, 1,25,000+ students,
4,000+ beds for healthcare services and 16,000+
employees. The visionary efforts of its present
chairman, Dr Prabhakar Kore, MP, and his team
of the Board of Management have heralded the
emergence of a “Global KLE”. The KLE focus
continues to be welfare of the poor and needy with
over 60 per cent of its institutions based in rural
and semi urban areas.
KLE provides education at pre-primary, school,
pre-university, graduate, post graduate and postdoctoral
levels in Technical, Health Sciences, Basic
Sciences, Commerce, Humanities, Management,
Law and professional education. The establishment
of KLE Health Sciences University in 2006 and
KLE Technological University in 2015 have paved
the way for nurturing and empowering skilled
professionals.
KLE Health Sciences University is part of the
National Institutes of Health (USA), Global Network
for Women’s and Children’s Health Research and
the Reproductive Health Research network of the
World Health Organization and has collaborations
with several national and international agencies
including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
and UK Medical Research Council. Its innovative
research initiatives are all aimed at improving the
health status of mothers and children and have
made global impact.
104 ||||| JANUARY 2017

ADVENTURE ||||| BALOONING
UP, UP & AWAY!
A RECENT BALLOONING EVENT IN AGRA SPARED NO EFFORTS IN BOOSTING
LEISURE AND ADVENTURE TOURISM AND AVIATION-BASED ENTERTAINMENT IN
UTTAR PRADESH BY BINDU GOPAL RAOIt is my first hot air ballooning
experience and I know just
why Samit Garg, Founder-
Director, E Factor & Sky
Waltz, is so gaga about the
sport. I arrive at the PAC
Grounds, one of the venues of the 2nd Taj
Balloon Festival held at Agra recently. It
is evening and the grounds throb with
activity; gigantic hot air balloons burst in
a riot of colours even as I wonder at their
sheer size. Trigger-happy people throng
the place, armed with smart phones and
cameras, and soon, I am drawn into
posing for a selfie with a young man
possibly in his 20s.
Organised by Sky Waltz, in
association with Uttar Pradesh Tourism,
the festival was aimed at boosting leisure
and adventure tourism and aviationbased
entertainment in the state. The
reason Agra was the chosen destination
is the presence of the Taj Mahal which
renders hot air ballooning an especially
exhilarating and unique experience. As
Garg says, “Even Mughal Emperor Shah
Jahan did not see his creation like you
can from a hot air balloon…” The basic
premise of a hot air balloon is that hot air,
being lighter than cool air, rises in cool
air and so, air trapped inside a balloon is
heated up using a burner, making it less
106 ||||| JANUARY 2017

ADVENTURE ||||| BALOONING
dense than the air outside. One
of the safest forms of aviation
sport, hot air ballooning has
been gaining currency around
the world.
There were tethered
flights with hot air balloons
rising only a few metres high,
giving enthusiasts a touch and
feel of them. I found it a great
place to interact with the pilots
and see how they make the
balloons fly. This edition of the
festival was organised on a
larger scale than last year and
showcased 15 hot air balloons
from 12 countries including
the US, UK, Spain, Germany,
UAE, Canada, Netherlands, Turkey,
Switzerland, Belgium, Poland and
Malaysia.
Balloons in the shape of three iconic
cartoon characters - Bob the Lobster,
Happy Egg, and the Smurfs – dotted the
skies and grounds. According to Amrit
Abhijat, Secretary/Director General,
Tourism, Uttar Pradesh, “UP is a unique
state providing various adventure sport
opportunities to tourists. We are
introducing hot air ballooning as the
latest aviation and adventure sport for
discerning tourists. This festival is the
first step towards creating a world-class
ballooning centre in our state.”
I have seen the Taj by day and by
night, but viewing the monument from
700 feet above is something
indescribable. These flights take off
early and I reached the grounds by 5 am,
equipped with a boarding pass (yes, you
read that right). Our pilot, Richard N,
hails from Sri Lanka and has been flying
for seven years now. I wondered if the
winds would play spoilsport (balloons
don’t fly in windy conditions) but
Richard was in no mood to cancel the
flight. He warned about the possibility of
a bumpy landing though, adding that it is
perfectly normal.
Mini trucks holding the equipment
lined up and I watch with childlike
wonder as a few small helium balloons
were first released to check the direction
of the wind and the trajectory of the
flight. I noticed that all take-off sites
were outside the 500 metre heritage
periphery as mandated by the
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
Seven of us were on the flight and
Richard told us that we must put away all
our cameras and duck down when so
instructed, prior to landing. The balloon
took off quite seamlessly. Soon, we were
over 700 feet high and I could see the Taj
and the city of Agra right below me. The
rising sun made it all the more ethereal.
Luckily, the visibility was great and the
wind speeds just right.
I felt like I was floating on a cloud
and wanted the experience to last longer
but soon it was time to land. I could see
almost the entire village running up to
the spot where we had landed to gawk at
the balloon. Here on, the festival is set to
become bigger and better. In Garg’s
words, “We are looking to have 22 to 25
balloons next year and up to 100 balloons
in the next five to seven years.”
108 ||||| JANUARY 2017

IN FOCUS ||||| MONTAGE
COMFORTABLY STYLISH
HANDBAGS FROM LINO PERROS
YOU DO NOT NEED AN OCCASION TO PICK HANDBAGS
or wait for a season to change. If you love handbags you
surely need reasons to pick more and more of them. With a
wide range of stylish handbags for women from every walk
of life, Lino Perros is familiar with the desires of each buyer.
Created with an artistic blend of European zest into Indian
aspiration and comfort, the fashion accessories at Lino
Perros are able to impress women across the world. From
tangy orange, walnut brown to chilly hot red, pink, white
and many more, the brand celebrates colours to grace each
woman for her unique personality. A tempting combination
of pastel colors with classic shades and vibrant hues makes
the varied handcrafted collection unrivaled.
The brand offers more than 600 types of handbags that
range from totes, slings, clutches and more. To unify
completely with the traditional and contemporary type of
dressing is one of the USPs of the brand. Its European design
studio ensures to create fashionable designs and concepts to
be handcrafted in an exceptional manner. Along with the
beauty of each piece of art the utility is specifically kept in
mind. All aspects of functionality are taken care of - from
sufficient interior space with zips, pockets and compartments
to easy handles.
Each collection is an inspiration from the ambience that
surrounds us all. This element strikes an emotional chord
with customers adding meaning to their choice, aura, and
personality. The European essence coats design with
sophistication promising a luxurious facade and experience.
Lino Perros products are available across all major cities, in
leading retail store chains and e-commerce stores.
110 ||||| JANUARY 2017

VIEWPOINT ||||| SPIRITUALITY
VIBRATION AND COMPATIBILITY
KAMLESH D. PATEL EXPLORES THE NATURE OF COMPATIBILITY, AND HOW THIS
AFFECTS OUR DESTINY IN RELATIONSHIPS, AT THE TIME OF CONCEPTION AND
DEATH, AND DURING OUR OWN PERSONAL EVOLUTION.
ABOUT KAMLESH
D. PATEL
From an early age, Kamlesh
D. Patel was interested in
spirituality and meditation,
and eventually came to the feet of his guru
in 1976. He is now the fourth spiritual guide
in the Sahaj Marg system of Raja Yoga
meditation. He is a role model for students
of spirituality who seek the perfect blend
of eastern heart and western mind.
COMPATIBILITY IS A SUPERFINE
CONCEPT. It is about the relationship
between two or more subjects. It is about
the similarity or difference in vibrational
patterns between two subjects. For
example, when two musical instruments
are in tune with each other, the music is
harmonious. When they are out of tune, it
is awful to listen to the music produced.
When two subjects resonate at the
same frequency, there is harmony and
similarity and compatibility. It occurs in
all aspects of our lives from the most basic
physical aspects, like the foods we eat, to
more subtle feelings of comfort or
discomfort.
Compatibility is a very important
aspect of human relationships. For all of
us, the question is how to be in tune with
our spouses. Similarly, as children grow
up, their particular tendencies and habits
manifest and again, we all have to get
used to each other. It takes perhaps 25
years or more. In families, we either allow
entropy to take over and disintegration of
relationships happens, or we fine-tune
ourselves over time to the family’s
idiosyncrasies or vibrational frequency,
happily adjusting with each other. It is
really up to us. It is just like musicians
being in tune with each other to play a
beautiful symphony.
With business partners, in the
workplace, in school or college, wherever
you are, there is an entire gamut of
vibratory levels. You can try to interact
with this level and with that level, and
many things can be incompatible per se.
The question is then, how do I make all
vibratory levels match my own? We can
also explore this same concept of
compatibility in a more profound way,
starting with how we create our own
destiny through the processes of
conception and death.
During any particular lifetime, we
create our own destiny. Having created
that destiny in this life, at the moment of
death, we reach our destination
accordingly, going to a certain dimension.
Perhaps there are infinite dimensions.
Where we go is determined by the density
surrounding the soul, the vibratory level
of the individual soul. According to that
vibratory level, the soul finds its
corresponding vibratory level in other
dimensions we call ‘the other world’ or
‘the world beyond’. The soul’s vibratory
level and the dimension’s vibratory level
fit like lock and key. That is the natural
process. It fits well and it settles down
there. So, who is actually deciding this
destiny?
Now, the question arises: can you
prepare yourself just before the moment
of death? For example, can you
completely purify yourself at that
moment, so that your vibratory level is in
tune with the desired dimension? No, you
cannot achieve something at the last
moment. If you read a book just a day
before the exam, you may pass, but it is
not as good as preparing slowly. With a
thorough preparation, even if you do not
study the day before, it will make no
difference, because you are well
SHUTTERSTOCK
114 ||||| JANUARY 2017

VIEWPOINT ||||| SPIRITUALITY
prepared. Exams can come any
day. Death can come any day. Are
we prepared? So, we should
always remain in the purest or
finest vibratory level, and that is
the feeling of love.
Now what about our entry
into this physical world, at the
time of conception? Back in
2001, I was visiting my spiritual
Master of the Sahaj Marg system
of Raja Yoga. I wanted him to
clarify the many ideas that were
current about importance of the
place of conception of a baby, the
place of birth, and also the time
of delivery, based on which, we
form astrological charts. So, he
reminded us of the story in Mahabharata
when the wise Rishi Vyas is summoned
by the king to be a surrogate father to his
queens. Dhritarashtra, father of the
Kauravas, was born blind. Pandu was
born very pale, whereas Vidura was born
healthy, brilliant and the wisest of the lot,
all because of the attitudes of their
mothers at the time of conception.
When I asked, “Is the place of
conception important? Is the time of
delivery as important as the place?”, he
said, “None of this is important.” Then he
said, “Think over it.” We realised that
once a child is conceived, he has already
brought in all the baggage he carries from
his own past lives as samskaras. How
does it matter afterwards when these
samskaras unfold? The load of samskaras
is already there, and the soul that is
embodied and delivered is already there.
Such a beautiful idea emerged from
that discussion: it is not the time or place,
but the attitude of the couple at the
moment of conception that matters. At
the moment of conception, based on the
vibratory level of those two parents, the
soul with that corresponding vibratory
level will embed itself, just as at the
moment of death, our vibratory level
decides the corresponding dimension. A
soul will descend into the womb that has
the specific vibratory level that matches.
So, we are all deciding the destiny of our
families at that time. Like the moment of
death, at the moment of conception, you
cannot manufacture a fine or superfine
vibration and say, “Lord, please help me, I
want a Vivekananda in my family.” The
preparation has to be years ahead.
When we invite Divinity into the
heart during meditation, as a lover
inviting the beloved, we create a spiritual
condition that can be felt right away. But
imagine if you meditate wanting to
quickly finish it off because you have
pressure to go to the office or to college.
Even if you want to do it nicely, you have
to rush. What sort of creative condition
can you manage to cultivate even when
you do meditate in such a rush?
At least those two queens in the
Mahabharata were able to conceive one
blind child and one pale child. You would
not be able to create any condition,
because no conception of any condition
can be hoped for when you meditate halfheartedly
or in a rush. And sometimes, a
great condition can be created when you
do make the time and take care, but if you
are not careful, it can be lost, like in the
early days of pregnancy. This happens
when you are careless about your
lifestyle. You have meditated beautifully,
creating a profound condition within, and
afterwards, you argue with your spouse
or watch a violent movie or the news on
TV, and there goes your profound
condition.
So, we have to be very careful how we
conduct our life, because that is what
destiny is all about.
To know more about Heartfulness and Sahaj Marg, please visit www.heartfulness.org.
To experience meditation with a trainer, please send an email to contact@heartfulness.org or give a missed call to 78478 41111.
Reprinted with permission from Heartfulness Magazine, Issue 4, January 2016; www.heartfulnessmagazine.com.
SHUTTERSTOCK
116 ||||| JANUARY 2017

IN FOCUS ||||| MONTAGE
TOP-BILLING BLUES ARTISTS AT
MAHINDRA BLUES FESTIVAL
ASIA’S LARGEST BLUES FESTIVAL IS BACK, attracting
music aficionados of the two-day celebration. With live music
in a high-energy festival-setting, the Mahindra Blues Festival
will bring an incredible line-up of acclaimed international
artists to the iconic Mehboob Studio stage in Mumbai
on February 11 and 12. The seventh edition of the festival
promises a bigger and better experience for its fans with a
star-studded line-up of artists including three-time Grammy
nominee, Shemekia Copeland, ‘blues prodigy’ Quinn Sullivan,
Americana soul singer Janiva Magness, Mumbai-bred
Blackstratblues, vocal-powerhouse Grainne Duffy, and the
Supersonic Blues Machine featuring Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top
fame, and blues-rock guitarist Eric Gales. The Mahindra
Blues Festival is one of the leading annual Blues events with
top notch artists performing together on one platform. It
is co-sponsored by The Glenlivet, with Posterscope as the
outdoor sponsor. The festival is promoted and produced by
Oranjuice Entertainment.
Seventeen year old prodigy Quinn Sullivan will play
the Mahindra Blues Festival for the second time this year.
He has previously shared the stage with Eric Clapton, Los
Lobos, The Roots, mentor Buddy Guy, and also opened for
B.B. King. With a voice that is as sultry as it is assertive, and
roaring, three-time Grammy nominee, Shemekia Copeland’s
music is a force to be reckoned with. Award winning singersongwriter
Janiva Magness’s unique style of music blends
acoustic and electric instruments to create a perfect setting at
the Festival.
Sharing his thoughts on the announcement; Mr. Anand
Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group said, “The seventh
year of the Mahindra Blues Festival is surely going to live up
to what Mumbai expects – a world class festival with a world
class line-up."
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 117

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AWESOME ASSAM BECKONS YOU
The third edition of Rongali, the festival of good vibes, will
showcase the best of Assam and North East India
IMAGINE A PLACE which can enrapture
your thoughts, brings solace to your
soul, rekindles the adventure spirit
within you and fills your heart with
plethora of experiences. We take you to
Assam - Awesome Assam, the state with
breathtaking scenic beauty, rarest flora
and fauna, lofty hills, lush tea gardens,
undulating plains, mighty waterways,
dense forests and fertile valleys, all
bundled in one. From hills and plains to
forest and rivers, the state can be the best
destination for all who want to redefine
tourism experience within a single state.
Rongali, the festival of good vibes,
aims at showcasing awesome Assam and
North East India. The third edition of
Rongali is being organised from 3rd-5th
February at the Brahmaputra Riverfront
and Khanapara, Guwahati. Rongali will be
the biggest festival of North East India. It
will present the state in a comprehensive
way: people, culture, sports and plenty
of entertainment. During Rongali, the
Brahmaputra riverfront will be agog with
plenty of aero sports activities including
parasailing and paramotoring.
Plenty of adventure sports
enthuasiasts are coming from all over
the country to experience the joy of
flying over Brahmaputra. Assam’s
famous traditional boat race, an
angling competition, trekking, plenty of
traditional sports including traditional
wrestling, archery, boxing, fencing
and many more will entice tourists to
participate and play.
Assam is the land of tribes and
communities. Rongali will present the
colourful tribes of Assam, their food
habits, colourful dance forms, music,
games, traditional handloom, agricultural
and horticultural products and many
more. Stories of great warrior Lachit
Borphukon, ethnic cuisines of Assam
and North East, pictorial presentation of
tourist attractions of the region specially
wildlife, birds and culture, will also be
on display. Every evening of Rongali will
bring forth India’s best talents in rock
music, DJ, Bollywood and North East’s
best talents will perform on the Good
Vibes Stage.
Shyamkanu Mahanta, the Chief
Organiser of Rongali informed that plenty
of tour operators and travel writers
are coming to visit the state during
Rongali. VS Bhaskar, IAS, Additional
Chief Secretary, Tourism, Govt of Assam
informed that the Awesome Assam
campaign has been taken up to showcase
Assam as an extremely attractive tourist
destination. Plenty of initiatives are
underway to offer great experiences
to tourists. The Rongali Festival will
showcase the various facets of Assam
and the North East on one platform, he
added.
Dr. Himanta Biswa Sharma, Hon’ble
Minister Tourism, Govt of Assam, said,
“Assam is ready for tourism in a big
way. Our government has launched
the Awesome Assam campaign to
take Assam’s tourism to a much higher
pedestal. The connectivity has improved
considerably with direct flights from all
major cities of India to Guwahati. The law
and situation is very good and the state
offers a wide variety of tourism products.
I welcome all to come to Assam. Rongali
Festival is the right occasion to explore
the various facets of Assam.”
124 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
FLIGHT BOOKINGS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
SpiceJet’s popular mobile app offers never before convenience and speed for customers on-the-go
With 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 autofilled
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.
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.
STEP: 1
The main
menu screen
offers four
options. To
book a flight,
select Flight
Booking
126 ||||| AUGUST JANUARY 2016 2017

ENJOY EXCLUSIVE OFFERS
With Spicejet’s hot new mobile app, one can not only book flight tickets on the go, prebook
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 7% discount on flight
tickets and 50% discount on meals
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
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 127

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
MY TOWN
Our ongoing series where we look at various Indian cities through
the eyes of SpiceJet staffers. This month, Pratima Thapa, Cabin
Crew (Inflight Services) based in Bengaluru, holds forth on Shillong
Connection to the city: I am originally
from Shillong and have been brought
up here.
Clockwise from top: A view of Shillong;
the Seven Sisters Waterfall; and the
stunning Umaian Lake
Best thing about Shillong: It is one of
the most beautiful hill stations in India
and boasts of a bracing climate, several
waterfalls and a serene lifestyle.
Favourite eating place: I am a total
foodie and my favourite eating place is
Cafe Shillong. It is a cozy and warm place
with great food and some wonderful
live music played by local bands. The
food and service are also very good.
My favourite dishes at Cafe Shillong are
noodles with chilli chicken and momos
with soup.
Best places to hang out: Shillong has
quite a lively night life at places like
Cloud 9 and Irish Pub. Or you can hang
out at the beautiful Umaian Lake. It is
a popular destination for water sports
and fishing.
point in Meghalaya state, of which
Shillong is the capital. Water cascades
at the Seven Sisters Falls (also known as
Nohsngithiang Falls or Mawsmai Falls)
from a height of more than 300 metres.
Wards Lake is popular for boating and
walks around its periphery. There is also a
well-maintained botanical garden nearby.
Recommended places nearby: You can
go to Cherrapunji, which, for a long time,
was known as the wettest place on earth.
Mawlynnong is famous as the cleanest
village in Asia. Guwahati, famous for its
national parks, temples and bazaars, is
also the largest city of Assam. Haflong,
also in Assam, is another hill station and
is famous for its charming lake.
NOW FLYING
SpiceJet flies to Guwahati, 98 km away.
Log on to www.spicejet.com for details
Local attractions: Elephant Falls is
located about 10 km away from the
main city. It is an attractive, two-tiered
waterfall. It roars at its loudest during the
monsoon months of July and August,
which is also when it attracts many
tourists. Shillong Peak, at a height of
2,000 metres, offers a panoramic view
of the city. The peak is also the highest
Shillong when compared to other
places: I have stayed at Delhi, Guwahati
and am now based in Bengaluru.
Compared to big cities, life in Shillong
is very different. It may fall short in
infrastructure and an exciting lifestyle.
But the people are exceptionally
hospitable and friendly and will greet
you with the utmost courtesy.
ALAMY/SHUTTERSTOCK
128 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
MUSIC ON BOARD
SpiceJet plays soft rock music on all its flights for boarding and landing. Here’s this month’s playlist
WET WET WET
Love Is All Around Me
This song was a cover by
Wet Wet Wet (the
original was by the
Troggs) for the movie,
Four Weddings and a
Funeral. The band chose
it over Gloria Gaynor’s ‘I
Will Survive’ and Barry
Manilow’s ‘Can’t Smile
Without You’.
PHIL COLLINS
A Groovy Kind Of Love
The Mindbenders were
the first to record this
song, and Collins’ was
a cover. Unlike the
Mindbenders’ version,
which was an upbeat,
guitar-based pop song,
Collins’ was a slow ballad
with prominent piano and
strings.
CHRIS DE BURGH
Lady In Red
On the British TV series,
This Is Your Life, Chris de
Burgh said that the song
was inspired by the
memory of the first time
he saw his wife Diane,
and how men cannot
even remember what
their wives were wearing
when they first met.
ROXETTE
Listen To Your Heart
In 1998, Roxette received
an award from BMI for
this song being played
over 2 million times on
American radio.
BEE GEES
How Deep Is Your Love
It won the 1977 Grammy
for best pop performance
by a group. It was the
first of four new songs on
the Saturday Night Fever
soundtrack to top the US
Hot 100.
THE BEATLES
Love Me Do
John Lennon and Paul
McCartney wrote this in
1958, when John was 17
and Paul was 16. They
made time for writing the
song by skipping school.
They had written songs
before, but this was the
first one that they liked
enough to record,
making it the Beatles’
first single.
STEVIE WONDER
I Just Called To Say I
Love You
This song was featured in
the movie, The Woman In
Red, starring Kelly
LeBrock as the woman
and Gene Wilder as the
man mesmerised by her.
Wonder wrote the score
for the movie, and this
song won the Oscar for
best original song.
AIR SUPPLY
All Out Of Love
This one deals with the
unrequited love of a
singer, who feels lost
without the object of his
affection.
SHANIA TWAIN
You’re Still The One
This song was remixed
for its single release to
sound less country and
more pop in the hope of
giving Twain a
mainstream crossover hit.
The plan worked, and
Twain took home two
Grammy awards that
year.
QUEEN
Crazy Little Thing
Called Love
This was the first song for
which Freddie Mercury
played rhythm guitar. He
was keen to keep the
song minimal, despite his
limited guitar knowledge,
and producer Mack
claimed that he rushed
into the studio to record
it “Before Brian [May]
could get there”.
THE POLICE
Every Breath You Take
Sting wrote this song at
the same desk in Jamaica
where Ian Fleming wrote
his James Bond novels. It
was the biggest hit of
1983 in the US.
RIGHTEOUS
BROTHERS
Unchained Melody
Is there anyone who
hasn’t slow danced to this
song? The mellifluous
vocals and soulful lyrics
were also most famously
used in Ghost.
ROD STEWART
Have I Told You Lately
Rod Stewart performed
this on his MTV
Unplugged special in 1993
and released the acoustic
version as part of his
album Unplugged... And
Seated. This version was
a big hit, going to
number 5 in both the US
and the UK. Stewart got
so emotional, he cried at
the end of his MTV
performance.
RONAN KEATING
When You Say Nothing
At All
Richard Curtis wanted a
key song for his new film,
Notting Hill. He suggested
this to Ronan Keating,
who was at the time still
with Irish boy band,
Boyzone.
ELTON JOHN
Can You Feel The Love
Tonight
This was featured in the
Disney movie, The Lion
King, when the main
character, Simba the Lion,
falls in love with his
childhood friend, Nala.
This version was
performed by the film's
voice actors while the
Elton John version plays
over the end credits.
TRACY CHAPMAN
Baby Can I Hold You
It is the third single
released by the
contemporary folk artist.
BRUNO MARS
Count On Me
This country-tinged
friendship tune was
written by Bruno Mars for
his debut studio album,
Doo-Wops & Hooligans.
BRYAN ADAMS
(Everything I Do) I Do
It for You
This song is featured in
the Kevin Costner movie,
Robin Hood: Prince Of
Thieves, where it plays
over the credits. Initially,
this song didn’t get
Hollywood approval, as
the film company wanted
it to have instrumentation
in line with the films’ era
– lutes, mandolins and
other such. The film
company relented, but
buried the song midway
through the credits.
U2
With Or Without You
This was voted the best
single of 1987 in a Rolling
Stone magazine readers’
poll. It became the
anthem of the characters,
Ross and Rachel, on the
hugely popular sitcom,
Friends, after it was used
in an episode where Ross
dedicates it to Rachel on
the radio.
KENNY ROGERS
Lady
Lionel Richie wrote this
song, especially for
Rogers.
130 ||||| JANUARY 2017
*All information sourced from songfacts.com

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
NEW ON THE MENU
SpiceJet introduces “pre-booking only” menu for Thai,
Continental and Indian Platters
SPICEJET HAS UNVEILED an all-new inflight menu and flyers can now look forward to
a fresh and improved dining experience. The airline has added a number of new
alternatives to its ‘buy on board’ options. The ‘Hot Meals’ section has been entirely
revamped. In addition, special meal categories such as Gluten-free meal have been
introduced. Also, a special pre-booking menu has been activated for availing Thai,
Continental and Indian platters. Hot favourites like Pringles and Aam Papad (two
flavours being Bomb Peda & Spicy Meetha) have been introduced in the non-perishables
section to entice the kids and youth categories of customers. With biriyani and kathi
rolls being hot favourites, the airline has retained them in the menu considering the
feedback received from customers and the sales team.
THAI CHICKEN CURRY
You can now even prebook
a menu with Thai and
Continental options
o
NON-VEG
TANDOORI PLATTER
Hearty platters are for
your asking 24 x 7
o
o
STEAMED RICE
WITH KADI
PAKODA
Enjoy traditional
and mouth-watering
home-like food up in
the sky
CHICKEN STROGANOFF
WITH YELLOW RICE
Check out this variation
of a mid-19th century
Russian dish
THE JOY OF PRE-BOOKING
There are many benefits of availing
the pre-booking meals facility
before taking a SpiceJet flight.
The passenger can choose from a
wider menu and can be sure that a
meal of choice is served on-board.
Pre-booking also ensures great
discounts - flat 50% on prebooking
through the SpiceJet app
and 50% on pre-booking drinks.
Meals can be pre-booked at the
time of booking the flight or later,
through ‘Manage My Booking’ on
wwwspicejet.com. The alternative
is to pre-book through the SpiceJet
mobile app.
o
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 131

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
NEWS
SpiceJet celebrated Christmas with the passengers of two
Goa-bound flights
On December 24, SpiceJet celebrated Christmas with the passengers of two flights
headed to Goa from Delhi and Mumbai respectively. In the Delhi-Goa flight, stickers
of Christmas stockings, mistletoes and Santa Claus cut-outs were pasted on all the
overhead bin doors; Christmas wreaths were pasted on the bulkheads; all the seats
had Santa headrest covers; two female cabin crew were dressed as Santa Claus,
wishing the passengers as they entered the flight; and small plum cakes were placed
in baskets on every seat as a gift for the passengers. After the Mumbai-Goa flight,
passengers were greeted with Christmas decorations around the conveyor belt in Goa
airport. Similar plum cake baskets were also placed on the belt and two female cabin
crew dressed as Santa Claus were greeting passengers, with a group of carol singers.
Teamwork via music takes off on Christmas
The Flying People is the first internal music band of SpiceJet, comprising a talented group of SpiceJetters who use music to
encourage team co-ordination and communication. The Flying People officially launched at the Christmas party organised on
December 23, 2016, in which the band went to each floor along with Santa Claus, singing carols and Christmas songs, some of
which were original compositions. This dynamic band consists of Bennet Sagar Wilson, Jayant Mishra, Pushpendra Kumar, Shelly
Dixit and Pooja Pawar from the reservations department; Bibek Ruidas from the administration department; Vaibhav Anand from
the cargo department; and Rintu Chitrakar from the training department.
PRANJAL BORDOLOI (THE FLYING PEOPLE)
132 ||||| JANUARY 2017

SpiceJet dominates Indian
aviation with highest OTP &
PLF in November 2016
SpiceJet continues its dominance
in the aviation space by clocking
the highest OTP (On-time
performance) and PLF (Passenger
load factor) for the month of
November 2016 as per the statistics
released by DGCA. This is the third
month in a row that the airline has
topped the OTP charts. SpiceJet
also registered over 90% PLF for 20
consecutive months. In November
2016, SpiceJet registered a PLF of
92.5% and OTP of 81.7%. SpiceJet,
which operated an average 329
daily flights and carried almost 11.48
lakh passengers during the month,
saw one of the lowest cancellation
rates in the industry at 0.67%.
SpiceJet launched new flights on Chennai-Rajahmundry-Chennai
and Delhi- Thiruvananthapuram-Delhi sectors
SpiceJet launched a daily direct flight on the Chennai-Rajahmundry-Chennai route
from December 15, 2016. SpiceJet also launched a daily direct flight on the Delhi-
Thiruvananthapuram-Delhi from Dec 24, 2016.
SpiceJet introduces SpiceCash – the e-wallet
Registration for the e-wallet, SpiceCash, offers you multiple benefits. SpiceJet will offer
1,000 bonus points on every new registration made up till Jan 26, post which the bonus
points can be utilised for booking air tickets on www.spicejet.com. Some of the other
benefits will include: you earn 2% SpiceCash points on every SpiceClub top-up; you earn 5%
SpiceCash points on purchase of any Spice Add-on and on any domestic flight booking; plus,
you’ll be the first to receive updates on new offers and discounts.
SHUTTERSTOCK
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 133

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
ST RS OF SPICEJET
This month, we celebrate leading lights from various departments who are
keeping the SpiceJet flag flying high
GROUP DESK
SUSHANT CHANANA
DELHI
Internal appreciation:
Sushant has been performing
exceptionally well as a
member of Team Group Desk. He is
passionate about his job and has always
tried to contribute the maximum. We have
received feedback from our travel partners
and they are very impressed with the
support he has extended to them.
Experience with SpiceJet: I am proud
to be a part of SpiceJet. It has given
me the best opportunity to achieve my
goals. It feels really good when my work
is appreciated by our travel partners and
my seniors. This always encourages me to
work more efficiently. I look forward for
more great experiences and am grateful to
SpiceJet for making me who I am today.
GURPREET KAUR
BHARMI
GURGAON
Internal appreciation:
Gurpreet is a very focussed and is
passionate about her work. She has been
efficiently handling our cash counter at
the head office ever since its inception in
July 2016. Gurpreet deserves praise for
her sincere efforts at adding value to all
the work that is allotted to her. She is an
asset to the organisation.
Experience with SpiceJet: I have learnt
a lot during my more than one year stint
with SpiceJet. My seniors have always
been very supportive and appreciative
of my work and have always encouraged
me to enhance my knowledge and skills.
It is truly an honour to work here.
RESERVATION
SALES SUPPORT
MANJEET BALODA
GURGAON
Internal appreciation:
Ever since she joined
the department, Manjeet
has adapted herself very quickly
to her work. She has been working
efficiently with the team and handles all
responsibilities flawlessly, thus winning
the trust of seniors. We wish her a great
future at SpiceJet.
Experience with SpiceJet: In the five
years I have worked with this airline, I
have learned a lot with the guidance
of my seniors. I thank everyone for
being there for me at every step of
the way. Today, I feel proud to be part
of SpiceJet. “Pleasure in the job puts
perfection in it,” is the only way to
describe my journey here.
ARUN KATOCH
GURGAON
Internal appreciation:
Arun has always been
a very headstrong person with a
passion to succeed. It is a pleasure
delegating any responsibility to him
as he manages to get it done in no
time. He stands out for his flexibility
and round-the-clock availability
to resolve all admin issues in
reservations.
Experience with SpiceJet: I have
been with SpiceJet for the past oneand-a-half
years and I would like to
say that it is the best organisation
to work with. I am thankful to all my
seniors who have motivated and
helped me at each step.
134 ||||| JANUARY 2017

AMOD KANKEKAR
MUMBAI
Internal appreciation: A
valuable resource, Amod
handles the market well
while abiding by company guidelines.
His contribution towards getting charter
business and series business is also
phenomenal. He is an asset to the
organisation and has great potential.
Experience with SpiceJet: My journey
with SpiceJet has been memorable
and I cherish every moment of it. The
company has given me good exposure
in terms of learning and acquiring
new skills. The charter business has
helped me understand the corporate
world better. It has been an amazing
journey and I look forward to continuing
working with SpiceJet.
SALES
RITWIK
CHATTERJEE
KOLKATA
Internal appreciation:
Ritwik is a disciplined and
hardworking team player who executes
his responsibilities to the best of his
abilities. He can be trusted to always
deliver the results. We wish him the
best in all his future endeavours.
Experience with SpiceJet: One-and-ahalf
years with SpiceJet and counting
and it’s been a great experience
working with such wonderful team
members and colleagues. I have
learned to handle every kind of
situation. I wish to thank one and all for
the support extended to me. I hope to
continue serving SpiceJet in the best
possible way in the future as well.
SATYAJIT
MOHAPATRA,
GURGAON
Internal appreciation:
Satyajit has made significant
contribution to SpiceJet sales from north
India. He is a dependable trouble-shooter,
keeps his team motivated and is a great
team player.
Experience with SpiceJet: It’s been a
dream run at SpiceJet ever since I joined
on December 16, 2005. I have learnt a lot
from my seniors along with receiving kudos
from time to time which has kept me going
at full throttle. My seniors have always
entrusted me with newer assignments,
thereby encouraging me. From Reservation
Executive to Floor Supervisor to Group
Desk Head to Sales, my journey has been
nothing short of fabulous.
AMIT CHATURVEDI
GURGAON
Internal appreciation: A
very friendly, cooperative
person, Amit's attitude is always
positive, no matter the situation. He is
hard working and a fast learner. All of
us here are proud to have him as a team
member.
Experience with SpiceJet: Having
joined in July 2015, working with
SpiceJet has given me immense
pleasure and guidance from seniors has
given me confidence to learn newer
things and take up newer challenges.
I am proud to be part of the country’s
most innovative airline where we have a
platform to share our views and present
new ideas.
REVENUE
BINITH KUMAR
BHAGAT
GURGAON
Internal appreciation: Binith
is disciplined, obedient, and hardworking.
Extremely helpful and quiet in nature, he
gives 110 per cent to his work every single
time. He has a positive relationship with
his team and demonstrates high levels of
reliability and responsibility. He is an asset
to SpiceJet.
Experience with SpiceJet: It has been an
absolute pleasure working with SpiceJet,
a company that continuously motivates its
employees to give better than their best.
I have learned so many things in my three
years here. I thank SpiceJet for giving
me the opportunity of a lifetime and look
forward to contributing to its growth.
A.B. KRISHNAN
GURGAON
Internal appreciation:
Krishnan is an
excellent team player and extremely
hardworking and has all the qualities
to make his dreams come true. He is
self-motivated and is committed to
quality and constant improvment. He
is a great asset to our team.
Experience with SpiceJet: I have
worked for a number of years with
SpiceJet. I love it as much as I did
when I started out. There is a lot
of mutual respect between team
members. This creates a positive,
productive work environment. The
support I get from my colleagues and
seniors enables me to give my best.
JANUARY 2017 ||||| 135

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
Boeing 737 - 700/800/900ER Series
Interior arrangement of Boeing 737 - 700 (149 Passengers)
Interior arrangement of Boeing 737 - 800 (189 Passengers)
Row 1 -32
Entry / Exit
Row 1 -26
Emergency Exit
Entry / Exit
Entry / Exit
Emergency Exit
Entry / Exit
Row 1 -20
Passengers
(single class configuration)
*
BOEING 737-700
2
149
BOEING 737-800
BOEING 737-900 ER
BOMBARDIER Q400
23
4
17
189 212
78
6200 km
5,600 km
5000 km
2000 km
0.79 M (840 km/h)
0.79 M (840 km/h)
0.79 M (840 km/h)
666 km/h
Speed unit M denotes Mach Number; 1 Mach is equal to the speed of sound.
*These numbers exclude wet lease aircraft.
BOEING 737-700
BOEING 737-800
BOEING 737-900 ER
BOMBARDIER Q400
112 ft 7 in (34.3m)
93 ft 3 in (28.42m)
117 ft 5 in (35.7m)
110 ft 4 in (33.6m)
41 ft 2 in (12.5m)
11 ft 7 in (3.53m)
107 ft 9 in (32.83m)
24 ft 4 in (8.34m)
8 ft 2 in (2.49m)
The above mentioned descriptions are accurate at the time of magazine printing.

Routemap
Domestic
International
Jodhpur
Gorakhpur
Belagavi
Thiruvananthapuram
India connects with SpiceJet
Flight schedules are subject to regulatory approvals and change.
Map not to scale, graphic representation only.
Content as on 26th December, 2016.
Silchar
Aizawl

MIRACLES OF
NUMEROLOGY
Honoured to receive Global Achievers Award
by his excellency Shri. T.p Seetharam.
The Ambassador of india to UAE in Dubai. (Jan2016).
Received the 'Pride of india award by the
hands of the Ex Chief minister of
Delhi, Smt. Sheila Dixit in April 2016.
In the Bollywood glam-city awarded with
savvy honours woman 2016 from the hands
of Dharmendra and Poonam Dhillon.
'Titled Indian Nostradamus' for her precise
Political Predictions. Since 2001 for our country.
SANDHIYA MEHHTA
Numerologist and
Vastu Consultant With
Activated Third Eye
2017 is an era changing event which will be the milestone to lot of beginnings and changes, specially because it
will bring a decade of change numerologically. Consult with Sandhiya Mehhta
on how this affects you and your numbers and use this as an opportunity to plan your future.
Sandhiya Mehta is a Ace Numerologist, vast expert and now a worldwide
brand who represent success and growth. For herself and for people she
counsels. She has expanded the Numerological field with her research and
knowledge. And with advanced experiences has helped her to help every
human soul in return. To guide them to their enchanting dreams, gain
power over their fortunes and to come.
With an aura of bright light and her charismatic personality, she has
achieved os what many dream. She is in the field for more than thirty years,
and in this journey has helped and exchanged energies and ideas. Guided
people to lead better lives. Has received dozens of honours and
recognitions, like 'The Nari Ratna award. Indira Gandhi Priyadarshani
Award, Rastriya Ratan award, Mahila Shiromani award any many more
such appreciations.
Numerology is the most accurate predictive science, and has evolved
from the ages of people counting stars as numerical reference to today
where we add up all the calculations and we have an outcome that guides
you to the events in your life. And stay prepared for them. “To a Person who
seeks success. My system will bring success. Happiness and prosperity.
And to those who are already successful it will bring sustainability. Positive
reinforcements, further success and introduce to a new and higher
perspective and lifestyle.
The journey to my methods
“I am someone who has evolved. And with every step of my life have just
tried to be better in what I Love. I don't just predict your future. I
communicate, consult and help you empower your energies.” Every
person having an energy. A combination and each combination is different,
hence they have only certain types of energy and lack other ones. This is
what makes us human, that we can't be perfect but we have to strive to be.
My exclusive research and study of missing numbers in your birth graph
helps me to determine what are to strong energies that I can see in you
uplift the missing energies to suit to your dreams and ambitions. With my
years or research and extremely positive results. I help these missing
energies in your graph. Its like providing nutrition to a body. By way of
simple remedies and self improvement tools that I have developed by
myself.
The Curious case of 4 & 8.
“In my research nearly 70% People are connected to these numbers, and
this loop then influences your further generations too.
One usually guards themselves because we have all heard a lot about
disappointments and delays, sorrows and hardships of 4 & 8 and with 7
they form a trio of these energies. But I see them powerful steroids, to be
handled carefully. Then I will channelize it to positive planning and
maximize your fortune's profits. Feel blessed if you belong to them, we will
empower your life and learn through 4 & 8 and reap more fruits of your hard
work than you would have previously did handle your energies well,
because only in the right hands they will empower with 4 & 8.
SPOTLIGHT: WHAT IS MY REMEDY?
My remedy is a total I have devised to balance your energies in
your birth graph. By precisely studying the effect of each energy.
And its powers we can efficiently develop the missing energies
and help you get successful results. Its not an overnight change,
nothing is a miracle. But I will guide you to work on your missing
energies. In return for you to create your own miracle. The
universe is balanced. Hence if you want to gain something you
will have to lose something. In this case we will help you lose
your negativities, and help you stay and successful.
Is life simpler without 4 & 8: The other side of the story
Individually every number has its massive merits but if it doesn't get the
support of your fadic /destiny number it cannot do much for you. 1, 9, 5 & 3
are very powerful numbers and should get magnanimous success as per
individual calculations. But if you are still struggling and have faced certain
problems you should try and understand your state of energies and
detangle the web. To create a free path for your future.
“A bright star has its own energy. But lighting a lamp in the dark is much
more meaningful.” We all are a mix of many numbers. Their combinations
play us differently and affects us differently. We have to empower these
combinations in our fortune, to achieve what is extraordinary. Which makes
us exemplary individuals, that help themselves and in addition help their
families, society, help someone in need who locks unto you.
My Advice
“Knowledge empowers you, and there is nothing more powerful than to
understand yourself, your potentials, what holds you back, what drives you
forward”. I provide you this knowledge about yourself, though numerology.
Knowledge about finances, career, turnaround years, lucky dates, month,
year, things that help you have a strong backup plan everything in life. “ No
mantra, fasting, name changes singularly guarantees you anything.
Ultimately its you who has to foresee the future, and I help you to do so, “
Follow a simplistic solution that I call Sandhiya Mehta's remedy system,
and we will work on your energies and align them in the right direction.
Get going with My success road
There is a Buddhist saying, “You yourself must strive; the Buddha's just
point the way.” If you believe in yourself and the universe let me just show
you a direction. You yourself will lead on the right path and achieve the
results within no desired time. I have received tremendous positive
feedbacks to have faith in the universe myself.
“ I am not god; I just understand my field of work and use it to help people,
guide them and provide them with some efficient way to be happy,
peaceful, ever-glorious and a good part of our society & I continue to
achieve results with all my clients.” – Sandhiya Mehta.
ARE YOU AWARE ABOUT YOUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE?
Each person has an energy, and to balance the negatives to the positive
they need to study these energies, and a numerological consultation
with Sandhiya Mehta is the first step toward this.
THE ONLY SUCCESSFUL NUMEROLOGIST, TO HAVE DEVISED
SELF-HELP REMEDIES FOR YOUR FORTUNE FOR YOUR PROSPERITY,
GROWTH AND SUSTAINABLE SUCCESS.
For any further personalize details
about yourself or your family, children, guidelines to positive living,
numerological analysis of yourself and SANDHIYA MEHTA'S REMEDY tools,
write in or call up on the following:
Sandhiya Mehta / Yellow soul
+91-9819921673, +91 9769071673
HO; Mumbai: 022-26371670,71
Delhi: +91-9654483695
Email: contact.yellowsoul@gmail.com
Website: www.yellowsoul.in
All credit cards are accepted
Follow us for daily predictions:
@SandhiyaMehta
RISE AND SHINE
sandhiya.mehhta

SPICEJET ||||| INSIDER
ADD-
Know more about SpiceJet’s
innovative products and services
SEAT SELECTION DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SPICEFLEX
(DOMESTIC)
SPICEFLEX
(INTENATIONAL)
SpiceMax* seats (Q400) M 500/- M 650/- M 400/- M 550/-
SpiceMax seats (Boeing/Airbus) M 1000/- M 1150/- M 900/- M 1050/-
SpiceMax seats (Non-reclining on Boeing/
Airbus)
M 900/- M 1050/- M 800/- M 950/-
Preferred Seats - on Boeing /Airbus
Ahead of exit row window /aisle M 300/- M 450/- Free Free
Ahead of exit row middle M 100/- M 250/- Free Free
Behind exit row window /aisle M 150/- M 300/- Free Free
Behind exit row middle M 99/- M 99/- Free Free
Preferred seats Q400 Free Free
Front half of cabin window /aisle M 200/- M 350/- Free Free
Rear half of cabin window / aisle M 100/- M 250/- Free Free
SPICE CLUB (Rewards Card) M 599/- NA
PRE-BOOK EXCESS BAGGAGE
5 kgs M 500/- M 2450/-
10 kgs M 2,000/- M 4,900/-
15 kgs M 3,500/- NA
20 kgs M 4,667/- NA
30 kgs M 8,000/- NA
PRIORITY CHECK-IN M 200/- M 300/-
BAG OUT FIRST
1 Bag M 100/- NA
2 Bags M 200/- NA
3 Bags M 300/- NA
CARRY MORE ONBOARD (FREE ALLOWANCE 7 KG; BUY UP TO 5 KG MORE)
Pre-book M 250/- per kg M 450/- per kg
At Check-in M 300/- per kg As per current excess
baggage rate
At boarding gate M 300/- per kg As per current excess
baggage rate
MY FLEXI PLAN M 1125/- M 1250/-
HAND BAGGAGE ONLY FARE - CHARGE AT AIRPORT
Fare 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/ M 700/- M 1300/-
Varanasi/Guwahati/Jaipur)
FLY FOR SURE M 299/- Only ex-India M 499/-
SPICE TALK (INTERNATIONAL SIM CARD) NA M 249/-
*SPICEMAX SEATS OFFER SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LEGROOM, PLUS COMPLIMENTARY MEAL, PRIORITY CHECK-IN, PRIORITY BOARDING (AT
AEROBRIDGE GATES), AND PRIORITY BAGGAGE HANDLING **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
142 ||||| JANUARY 2017

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FEATHERLITE COLLECTIONS: #16/A, Millers Road, Vasanthnagar, Bangalore - 560 052. | Tel: 080 4020 9631 | Email: sales@featherlitefurniture.com
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R.N.I NO:DELENG/2015/63282