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RICHA CHADHA | WEDDING SPECIAL | BEST CAMERA PHONES

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Volume 11 | Issue 11 | November 2017

THE INFLIGHT MAGAZINE

INTRODUCING

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RSustaining the life force

FROM THE

CMD’S DESK

Dear Readers,

Welcome aboard SpiceJet.

I hope you celebrated a safe Diwali with

your loved ones. At SpiceJet we took

this opportunity to celebrate the festival

of lights with the less fortunate. I feel

proud to share that on the occasion

of Diwali, SpiceJet worked to bring

electricity to the remote village of

Baruahchuck in Majuli district in Assam.

Our initiative Roshan Hoga Desh Hamara

entails the erection of a ‘Solar Microgrid’

which will help light up 70 households,

one anganwadi, one school and

two temple areas besides the streets.

This village is situated on the world’s

largest river island MajuIi which

is recognized by the Guinness

Book of World Records. The district

itself is situated in close proximity of the

mighty Brahmaputra and unfortunately

gets frequently flooded, posing several

unique challenges to its residents.

Electrification of the village is one of

these but we are aiming to complete the

entire project within

75 days.

Further, I am pleased to announce

the commencement of daily direct

flights on the Delhi-Jaisalmer and

Jaipur-Jaisalmer routes effective

October 29, 2017 onwards. Jaipur-

Jaisalmer is not only our fourth

sector under UDAN or the Regional

Connectivity Scheme, but it is the first

time ever that direct air connectivity

has been offered on this route. SpiceJet

is the exclusive airline on the aforesaid

routes and it also resumed flights

between Delhi and Jodhpur the same

day. The day also marked the launch of

SpiceJet’s new Jaipur-Varanasi flight

— a sector that no other airline in the

country operates. With the addition

of Jaisalmer and Jodhpur, SpiceJet is

currently operating to 45 domestic

destinations.

In order to take our commitment of

‘connecting the unconnected’ regions

of India a step further, SpiceJet is

working closely with Setouchi Holdings

to start a new service of small 10 and

14 seater amphibious aircraft. These

versatile aircraft are capable of taking

off and landing from virtually any type

of surface including gravel, grass or

waterbodies. This service will help

SpiceJet connect some of the remotest

regions of India and will further

democratize air travel.

SpiceJet’s expansion and growth

plans are also on a fast track. On

September 29, SpiceJet and Bombardier

Commercial Aircraft confirmed a

purchase agreement for up to 50

Q400 turboprop airliners. This is

the single largest order ever for the

Q400 turboprop aircraft across its

illustrious history. These efforts are

aimed at providing robust and varied

flight options to our Tier 2 and 3 cities

consistently.

September was the 31st monthin-a-row

that SpiceJet flew with load

factors in excess of 90 per cent — a

global aviation record. Significantly, this

was also the fifth consecutive month

when our occupancy was over 94 per

cent. This won’t have been possible

without the unstinted support of each

one of you. We take pride in serving our

guests and will ensure that we continue

to serve you even better in the times

to come. On that note, I wish you all a

pleasant journey ahead.

Jai Hind!

Ajay Singh

Chairman & Managing Director

2 ||||| AUGUST 2016

CONTENTS

50

54

A VACATION NEAR HOME

More and more Indians are

enjoying a good old break at a

hotel near home. Here’s why you

should take a staycation and

enjoy your city for a change

SPEED SENSATION

Formula 4 racing car driver

Mira Erda, only 16, has set her

sights on becoming India’s first

Formula One female racer

SPICEJET GIFT CARDS

SpiceJet Gift Cards allow your loved ones to choose when and

where they want to travel

58

8

NOVEMBER 2017

Delhi/NCR Ph: 9560591067 Ahmedabad Ph: 9724048821 Bangalore Ph: 9686689847, 9980075555 Hyderabad Ph: 09871900900, 9980075555

Head Jaipur Office Ph: / Corporate 9560591060 Showroom: Lucknow OSIM Ph India 7570003011, - A Division of 7570003014 Paramount Surgimed Mumbai Ltd., Ph: 1, L.S.C., 9619857876, Okhla Indl Area, 9167301112 Phase-II, New Pune Delhi Ph: - 8600018620

110020;

Enquiry - 09560770120, 09560591059, Service - 9968011727, sales@osimindia.com, www.OSIM.com

Head Office / Corporate Showroom: OSIM India - A Division of Paramount Surgimed Ltd., 1, L.S.C., Okhla Indl Area, Phase-II, New Delhi - 110020;

Enquiry - 09871900900, 09560591059, Service - 9599045036, sales@osimindia.com, www.osimindia.com

CONTENTS

THE MULTIFACETED

SPICE

It is deliciously tart but that

is one of the many interesting

facets that makes the claretcoloured

sumac the darling of

the culinary world these days

68 84

BOLD AND FABULOUS

Richa Chadha on her

forthcoming films, turning

producer and what it feels like

being a first time novelist

76

THE BIG SRI LANKAN

WISH

Virat Kohli and his boys will

leave no stone unturned to

whitewash the sixth ranked Sri

Lankan test side to bring an end

to a prolonged home season

SPICEJET INSIDER

Social media 18

SpiceVacations.com20

Spice products24

My town158

News159

Mobile apps 162

Stars of SpiceJet164

Onboard menu166

SpiceJet add-ons167

SpiceJet fleet168

Route map170

12

NOVEMBER 2017

CONTENTS

6 BEST CAMERA PHONES UNDER 20K

Here’s looking at some new phones that can click great photos and

don’t even burn a hole in your pocket

96

92

spice

NOVEMBER 2017

EDITOR

RAJU BIST

rajubist@mwspiceroute.in

ART DIRECTOR

AMIT NAIK

DEPUTY ART DIRECTORS

HEMALI LIMBACHIYA

TANVI SHAH

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

VIDHI DOSHI

PRODUCTION MANAGER

MANGESH SALVI

SENIOR DIGITAL MANAGER

JAYESH V. SALVI

AD SALES

MUMBAI

VINOD MOHITE

+91 9323554207, vinod@mwspiceroute.in

RAHUL MUKHERJEE

rahul@mwspiceroute.in

NEW DELHI & HYDERABAD

TANVEER AHMAD

+91 9555098401, tanveer@mwspiceroute.in

MUDIT SRIVASTAVA

mudit@mwspiceroute.in

TAMIL NADU & PONDICHERRY

CECIL S KOTEY

cecil@mwspiceroute.in

P. GOPINATH

gopinath@mwspiceroute.in

BENGALURU

ANURADHA KUBER

anuradha.kuber@mwspiceroute.in

TULSI BAVISHI

080-4121 2043/4121 9043

KOLKATA

PULAK GOSH

spicerouteeast.advt@gmail.com

KERALA

SANJEEV NAIR

MODE MEDIA COMMUNICATIONS PVT LTD.

sanjeev@modemedia.in

GUJARAT

SANJAY CHAWDA

sanjaychawda@gmail.com

For international advertising contact

Vinod Mohite (vinod@mwspiceroute.in)

9323554207

PRODUCED BY

FAIRYTALE NUPTIALS

A quick guide to planning the most important day in the lives of

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EDITORIAL & MARKETING OFFICE:

MW.Com (India) Pvt. Ltd., 401, 4th Floor, Todi Building,

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Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013., Tel: 022 67487777

DELHI: 24/1, First Floor, Hauz Khas Village,

New Delhi - 110016 Tel/Fax: 011- 26516071/72

All rights reserved worldwide. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be

returned unless accompanied by a postage pre-paid envelope

14

NOVEMBER 2017

www.policelifestyle.com

BRAND / DISTRIBUTION ENQUIRIES: ayush@torerocorp.com I distribution@torerocorp.com I +91 9830955705

SPICEJET

INSIDER

@flyspicejet Thanks a ton guys. I got

my iPad back. Great customer service.

You guys are awesome!

@flyspicejet SpiceJet is

one of the best groomed

crew in this country. Hats

off to Bella and Maansi,

the SpiceJet Grooming

Heads!

@jabdulla

@adman_sam

@flyspicejet Best customer service ever. My son

enjoyed the flight. We were helped by Mr. Manoj

Yadav from baggage drop off till the gate. Thank

you. @Sg_whatever

@flyspicejet Enjoyed going

through your inflight

magazine while on SG

3217. In fact, some of the

articles were on places I

had recently visited.

@iparthrastogii

@flyspicejet This was my first

ever flying experience with

SpiceJet. Both, the take-off and

landing by the pilot were neat

and smooth.

@vivekraj_11

BUZZ ON

SOCIAL MEDIA

@flyspicejet Just flew with an all women

crew! Ultra cool and inspiring. Well done.

@Un_okhi

LINES OF APPRECIATION

The captain and crew of SG 474 (Surat-Delhi)

were in for a pleasant surprise recently, when a

passenger (who wishes to remain anonymous)

handed over these sketches to a crew member

while deplaning. Great service was never

acknowledged in a more creative way.

FIND YOUR FAVOURITE AIRLINE ON @FLYSPICEJET ON TWITTER & FACEBOOK

18

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

SPICEVACATIONS.COM

GREAT DEALS ON HOTELS AND PACKAGES

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAYS WITH SPICEJET’S UNIQUE INITIATIVE

SPICEVACATIONS.COM, A PLETHORA OF END-TO-END TRAVEL SOLUTIONS, MAKING

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

Now book your

hotel as soon as

you land

SPICEVACATIONS.COM is a one-stop

shop for hotel bookings and customised

travel packages, offering services

beyond the ordinary. Take your pick

from a vast network of domestic and

international holiday destinations, and

book your flights with the right bundle

of services to ensure an effortless

journey. Carefully hand-picked hotels,

quick car rentals, and travel packages

created in association with local holiday

experts – you have much to benefit

from SpiceVacations.com. On the

website, you can choose between

cheap, budget and luxury vacations;

search for the best hotels across India;

and have a great experience while saving

money. In addition, backpackers can add

some comfort to their travels without

lightening their pockets. For those who

haven’t booked their hotels, you can

book your hotel as soon as you land.

With SpiceVacations.com, you can

make changes in your itinerary online, at

every step of the trip. For instance, if you

want to opt for a bigger car even if the

package entails a smaller one, you can do

so with ease. You need to simply decide

on the theme of your vacation, such

as pilgrimage, honeymoon, heritage,

wildlife, beach or hills, and the platform

throws up a wide variety of deals in

terms of location, hotel arrangements,

local sightseeing tours and car rentals,

among others.

With this unique initiative by

SpiceJet, you have the flexibility of

booking a package at a minimal amount

and can pay the rest later through

various EMI options that are made

available along with other regular

options on offer.

As the website is powered by

SpiceJet, you can enjoy great flight

and hotel deals. All these culminate in

smart, convenient and detailed travel

packages. In keeping with the times, the

new product will also be connected with

SpiceJet’s mobile app but this will be

done at a later stage.

So, travel the world with SpiceJet’s

enviable travel packages and experience

the perfect holiday.

SHUTTERSTOCK

20

NOVEMBER 2017

M E R R Y

MONDAYS

ENJOY UP TO

`1000 OFF * ON

FLIGHTS & FREE

PRIORITY

CHECK-IN.

Valid only on booking with

HDFC Bank Credit Cards.

PROMO CODE: HDFC1000

OFFER VALID EVERY MONDAY

ON www.spicejet.com

*T&C apply.

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 slew of innovations reflects this: a product that rewards travellers who travel only

with hand baggage; another that makes life easier for those who carry heavy baggage,

but not heavy enough to be checked-in; yet another that offers a bigger choice of

meals on board; a product that provides seat and meal of your choice; products to

please those who are always on the lookout for extra legroom; a prepaid card that

allows passengers to make cashless transactions; an add-on service that allows the

flexibility of cancelling or changing ticket(s) to suit your travel plan; and finally a

product that aims at greater customer ease in case of flight disruptions.

24

NOVEMBER 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.

SPICEJET

INSIDER

2

Priority Check-In

This service provides the

passenger a hassle free

and comfortable check-in

experience at the airport

with SpiceJet’s dedicated priority

check-in counter. The passenger

can buy Priority Check-In while or

after making the booking. It can be

bought latest up to two hours before

the scheduled departure. The service

is available only on www.spicejet.

com or via SpiceJet’s Reservations.

The pre-paid service can be bought

for per passenger, per sector of the

journey, on the payment of the nonrefundable

fees. A Priority Check-In

for flights within and/or originating

from India costs `200. For flights

originating from out of India, the fare

is `300. The fees are refundable if the

booking is cancelled by the passenger

or the flight is cancelled by the airline.

There is no additional fee applicable

for infant passengers. Passengers who

have bought Priority Check-In will

have to check-in for their flight at the

airport check-in counter.

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. Prebooking

a meal offers other

choices and benefits, too:

the option of a glutenfree

meal; a menu with

Thai, Continental and Indian

options as well as Indian

Platters; discounted rates

compared to onboard

prices; passengers can

wish their loved ones on

birthdays and anniversaries

mid-air with a cake on select

flights; and a takeaway Kids’

Meal bag, shaped like an

airplane.

PRE-BOOK NOW!

Pre-book your meals to make

your journey with us a more

comfortable experience. You can

enjoy exceptional discounted

rates. It makes purchasing food

and beverages onboard an

entirely cashless affair. You can

pre-book at the time of booking

your flight, or add it later through

‘Manage My Booking’ on the

website, www.spicejet.com.

25

NOVEMBER 2017

4

Seat + Meal Combo

This provides seat and

meal of the passengers's

choice at discounted rates.

The product can be purchased

for `399 on the Domestic and `499 on the

International Sector. It is on a per passenger,

per sector basis and can be availed of by

guest and SpiceClub member. A passenger

can purchase the product by clicking on the

Add-On’s Page/Seat Map Page on www.

spicejet.com at the initial booking stage or

by clicking on Manage My Bookings tab after

the booking has been made or minimum six

hours prior to the scheduled departure.

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.

SPICEJET

INSIDER

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

NOVEMBER 2017

OPENING SHOT

ADVENTURE

Munnar

ON CYCLE,

SEEKING VISTAS

Backwaters

YOU HAVE EXPLORED KERALA, one of

India’s most visited states, via its

beautiful roads or on one-of-its-kind

backwaters. Now the eco-friendly you

has a chance to check out your favourite

locations on bicycle. Kochi-based Xara

Active Vacations Pvt Ltd is providing

cycling tours across some of the most

scenic places in the state. On offer are 10

packages. The Coastal Cycling in Kerala

package spans five days and The

Backwater Cycle Tour lasts four days.

Other tours will take you to Munnar,

Cardamom Hills and the Edamalayar

forests, among other places. There are

also tours that foray into other states

like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Goa.

SpiceJet flies to Kochi,

Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in

Kerala. Log on to www.spicejet.com for

flight details.

Periyar River

Cardamom Hills

SHUTTERSTOCK

28

NOVEMBER 2017

OPENING SHOT

BIRDING

Flamingos, Nalsarovar

A BIRD-WATCHER’S DELIGHT

SEEN HERE ARE JUST TWO stunning examples of

avian beauties you can find this time of the year in

Nalsarovar Bird Park and Gir National Park, both in

Gujarat. But you can also check out other great places

in the state renowned for bird sightings. Here are

some we recommend:

Thol Bird Sanctuary: Geese, herons, cranes, ducks

and whistling teals.

Velavadar National Park: Saras crane, Lesser

florican and Stolikza’s bushcat.

Porbandar Bird Sanctuary: Egrets, spoonbill, ibis,

flamingos, ducks and herons.

Purna Wildlife Sanctuary: Woodpecker, raptor,

flycatcher, grey jungle fowl and hornbill.

Vansda National Park: Sunbird, great black

woodpecker, leaf bird and paradise flycatcher.

Kutch Bustard Sanctuary: Lesser florican bustard.

SpiceJet flies to Ahmedabad, Surat,

Porbandar and Kandla in Gujarat. Log on

to www.spicejet.com for flight details.

Indian pitta, Gir

ALAMY / SHUTTERSTOCK

30

NOVEMBER 2017

OPENING SHOT

NATURAL WONDERS

THE POTHOLES ALL LOVE

IS IT THE SURFACE OF THE MOON or a long stretch of potholed Mumbai roads during the monsoons? It is

neither. This is Nighoj, or, to be more specific, the riverbed of the peaceful Kukadi river. A small town in

Ahmednagar district of Maharashtra, Nighoj has attained worldwide fame for its naturally created

potholes. The stunning craters were formed in the distant past when, following very heavy rainfall, the

Kukadi river had flowed with great force, leading to the formation of these picturesque potholes.

SpiceJet flies

to Pune, 90 km

away. Log on to

www.spicejet.com

for flight details

ALAMY

32

NOVEMBER 2017

OPENING SHOT

CONSERVATION

A GARDEN

WITH A

DIFFERENCE

THE NEXT TIME YOU ARE IN

ALIBAUG, take some time out from

frolicking in the beach waters to

check out the Shapoorji Pallonji

Native Biodiversity Garden near the

Teenvira Dam. Originally barren

land, this one-of-its kind garden is an

attempt to conserve nature and

attract native species of f lora and

fauna back into the ecosystem. It also

serves as a learning resource centre

for students, teachers, parents and all

visitors. Spread over an acre of land,

the garden showcases the beauty and

wonder of native plant species, is

powered by solar energy and uses drip

irrigation. The garden has 17 different

thematic sections namely sensory,

medicinal, butterf ly, wetland or pond

ecosystem, grasses, ficus, orchids,

ferns, bamboo, palms, spices, kitchen,

vertical, adaptation, celebration and a

sacred grove. It plays host to over 500

native species of plants.

NATIVE BIODIVERSITY GARDEN

34

NOVEMBER 2017

GET UP TO

`1000 OFF

AND FREE SEAT

SELECTION

ON BOOKING TICKETS

WITH YES BANK CREDIT

OR DEBIT CARDS.*

Promo code: YES1000

Offer valid on every Friday

*T&C apply.

MELANGE

EVENTS

HOT DATES

DANCE // MUSIC // THEATRE // ART

MUSIC

ECHOES OF EARTH

Bengaluru’s own music festival, Echoes of

Earth, is back in its second edition. This

year, Echoes of Earth is getting even closer

to the pulse of great live music, promising

a stellar International and Indian line-up

with sounds of Electronic live, Soul, Indian

fusion, Jazz, Techno, Blues, Reggae, Rock

etc. A great line-up of performers will

come together in the lap of 150 acres

of nature – which serves as the perfect

location for a truly unique music festival.

When: November 18-19, 2017

Where: Bengaluru

ADVENTURE

INDIA BIKE WEEK

November will see over 20,000 bikers from across India

migrating to Goa to celebrate a week of riding, brotherhood,

bikes, music and motoring heaven at India Bike Week – the

biggest biker rave in Asia. Some of the world’s best biking and

accessory brands will showcase their gear.

When: November 24-25, 2017

Where: Goa

THEATRE

SALAAM, NONI AAPA

A seven city theatre tour is on the anvil for the play Salaam, Noni

Aapa. It is based on a short story from Twinkle Khanna’s book

The Legends of Lakshmi Prasad. The play is all about breaking

stereotypes and taking chances. The cast includes Lillete Dubey,

Meher Acharia Dar, Darshan Jariwalla and Jayati Bhatia.

When: October 27-December 3, 2017

Where: All over

38

NOVEMBER 2017

MELANGE

EVENTS

DANCE

DIVYALOK

In an ongoing series of creating new

choreographies annually, Centre for

Indian Classical Dances is showcasing this

choreographic work by its founder Padma

Vibhushan, Dr. Sonal Mansingh. It is dedicated

to the Swachh Bharat Mission and features three

episodes: Devi begins Creation, Kaaliya Mardan

and Asura & the Enchantress. The Indic concept

of Swachh Vichaar (Pure Thought), Swachh Vaani

(Good Speech) and Swachh Vyahavaar (Correct

Behaviour) is reflected in this choreography. The

show will also feature the Centre’s Repertory

dancers with music by Shubhendra Rao, Saskia

Rao and Ariane Gray Hubert.

When: November 7, 2017

Where: India Habitat Centre, New Delhi

CINEMA

SHAADI MEIN ZAROOR AANA

Sattu (Rajkumar Rao) and Arti (Kriti Kharbanda) meet for a

proposed arranged marriage and fall in love. Everything is

going well till the night of the wedding. A runaway bride, a

heartbroken groom and the confused family are all left at the

altar.


Where: All over

SPORTS

AHMEDABAD MARATHON

The Adani Group brings to you a first-of-its-kind initiative,

Ahmedabad Marathon 2017, dedicated to the cause of

supporting the Indian armed forces. The marathon will be

run through the streets of Shantigram and aims to engage

the entire community. The marathon is designed to bring the

people of Gujarat together in a show of strength, bonding and

harmony. It aims to promote healthy and prosperous living.


Where: Ahmedabad

40

NOVEMBER 2017

INDIA’S

No.1

Best

On-Time Performance

in the year 2016-17

Highest Occupancy Rate

for 30 consecutive months

MELANGE

EVENTS

NOVEMBER LISTINGS

1

What: Pushkar Festival

Where: Pushkar, Rajasthan

2What: One

Evening One

Maestro

When: 7.30 pm

Where: Nehru

Centre, Mumbai

4

What: Leopard safari

When: 7 am

Where: Bera, Rajasthan

5

What: Shiraz with

Anoushka Shankar

When: 7.30 pm

Where:

Shanmukhananda

Hall, Mumbai

9

What: Sandhan Valley Trek

When: 11 pm

Where: Pune

10

What: Qarib Qarib

Singlle (Hindi film)

Where: Across

India

11

What: Sports Utsav

When: 6 am

Where: Bengaluru

23

What:

India Art Festival

Where: New Delhi

16

What: Tata Literature Live!

The Mumbai LitFest

Where: Prithvi Theatre,

Mumbai

25

What:

Matsya

Festival

Where:

Alwar,

Rajasthan

20

29

What: Rann Utsav

Where: Kutch, Gujarat

What: NH7 Weekender

Where: Delhi

SHUTTERSTOCK (PUSHKAR FESTIVAL, RANN UTSAV) / ALAMY (ANOUSHKA SHANKAR; NH7 WEEKENDER)

44

NOVEMBER 2017

MELANGE

INFORMATION

WHAT'S NEW

SMOKING BANNED ON

THAI BEACHES •

Thailand is imposing a smoking

ban on 20 popular beaches

across the country. Part of the

country’s sustainable tourism

plan efforts, the ban comes

into effect this month. These

beaches are in the provinces

of Phuket, Surat Thani, Krabi,

Chon Buri, Prachuap Khiri

Khan, Phetchaburi, Phangnga,

Songkhla, Rayong and

Chumphon. The disposal of

cigarette butts, apparently, is

the main reason behind the

new smoking ban on Thai

beaches. The new ban will

carry a fine of up to 100,000

Baht (around 2 lakh rupees) or

a year in prison.

KERALA TOURISM BAGS NINE NATIONAL

TOURISM AWARDS

Kerala Tourism has clinched nine National Tourism Awards in

the segments travel, tourism, and hospitality industry. Kerala

Tourism has also bagged the 'Hall of Fame' award for the 'Most

Innovative Use of Information Technology - Social Media /

Mobile App' for the third consecutive year. The 2016 national

awards received by Kerala Tourism include two awards in the

marketing category, an award for the 'Best Civic Management

of a Tourist Destination Category' 'C' and an award for the best

State for 'Comprehensive Development of Tourism'.

JENNIFER LOPEZ LIVE IN

DUBAI •

Jennifer Lopez, one of the greatest

entertainers in the modern world,

will entertain Dubai fans at the

Autism Rocks Arena on November

17. Prior to her, other stars like Ed

Sheeran and Elton John have also

performed at the venue. The fans

can look forward to J-Lo’s slew

of hit singles and chart-toppers

all performed with a flourish of

costume changes and cloudbursts

of choreographed dance moves.

MELANGE

INFORMATION

BENGALURU TO BECOME

FIRST AADHAR-ENABLED

AIRPORT

If all goes well, by the first quarter of the

new year, you will be able to check in at

the Kempegowda International Airport

(KIA) in Bengaluru using a brand new

Aadhaar-enabled entry and biometric

boarding system. Trials are under way to

reduce the average screening process to

10 minutes from the current 25 minutes.

KIA has been on a modernisation drive

ever since it was flagged off in May

2008 as an alternative to increased

congestion at the HAL Airport.

SKILL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING FOR RAJASTHAN MAHOUTS

The Tourism Department of Rajasthan recently conducted a skill development

training for 60 mahouts (called hathi mahawats locally). The mahouts, all involved

in tourism-related activities, were briefed about good behaviour, maintaining

cleanliness of oneself as well as the environment, good health and providing good

service to tourists. Most importantly, they were briefed about the upkeep and

maintenance of good health of the elephants. As part of the training, a cleanliness

drive was also undertaken at the Elephant Village in Jaipur.

THE RETURN OF THE

DARJEELING TOY TRAIN •

One of the icons of Indian tourism,

the Toy Train in Darjeeling is back

on the rails after being in limbo

for 125 days on account of local

political unrest. The train runs over

88 km from Siliguri to Darjeeling

hills. En route tourists have been

vowed by scenic vistas of forests,

tea gardens, bridges and tunnels.

The train service was honoured

with a UNESCO World Heritage

distinction 18 years ago. The

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, as

the train service is officially known,

was flagged off during British

times in 1881.

SHUTTERSTOCK

48

NOVEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

GIFT CARDS

50

NOVEMBER 2017

GIFTOF

TRAVEL THEY

SPICEJET GIFT CARDS

ALLOW YOUR LOVED

ONES TO CHOOSE

WHEN AND WHERE

WANT TO TRAVEL

GET FREE PRIORITY CHECK-IN AND 50% OFF ON MEALS

PRE-BOOKED WHILE BOOKING FLIGHTS ON WWW.SPICEJET.COM

WITH SPICEJET GIFT CARDS

HOW TO AVAIL

The offer is valid only on booking of flights on SpiceJet

website www.spicejet.com with full payment through SpiceJet

Gift Cards only.

Select Priority Check-in or Pre-Book Meals while booking

the flights from SpiceJet website www.spicejet.com.

No PromoCode required to avail of this offer.

Select SpiceJet Gift Card as the payment mode for the

booking of flights on SpiceJet website.

Pay the full transaction amount with SpiceJet Gift Card only

to avail of this offer.

Instant discount of 100% on the selected Priority checkin

and/or 50% on the selected meals shall be automatically

applied.

Continuing with its

much-appreciated

practice of introducing

innovative products and

services for the benefit

of flying passengers, SpiceJet has just

launched an exciting product that will

allow your loved ones to associate great

memories with their air travel. The

SpiceJet Gift Card is meant to be gifted

to loved ones – it allows them to travel to

destinations of their choice at a time

convenient to them. The cards are valid

for air fare as well as add-ons on

SpiceJet.

As each one of us has experienced at

some time or the other, buying a gift for

someone is not always an easy task.

Often we have no idea about the

recipient’s likes and dislikes. But the

SpiceJet Gift Card is a winner from the

word go – for everyone who loves to

travel. So whether it is a birthday,

51

NOVEMBER 2017

COVER STORY

GIFT CARDS

HOW IT WORKS

STEP 1: Log on to: http://www.

spicejet.com/giftcards.aspx

STEP 2: Select the occasion

for which you would like to

make the gift.

STEP 3: Enter the amount of

your choice.

STEP 4: Select the quantity.

STEP 5: Enter the name and

address of the person you

want to send the gift card to.

STEP 6: Add your

personalized message.

STEP 7: Preview the voucher.

STEP 8: Go through the

regular checkout process.

STEP 9: Proceed to make the

payment through Credit Card,

Debit Card or Netbanking.

STEP 10: Your e-gift card will

reach the recipient’s email

inbox in a few minutes.

STEP 11: Your gift recipient

can then make travel

arrangements online.

anniversary or any other occasion, you

can choose a SpiceJet Gift card and your

loved ones can fly.

The Gift Card is personalized. It can

also fit into any budget. SpiceJet gift

cards are available in denominations

spanning from Rs 500 to Rs 50,000.

They are valid for a period of 12 months

from the date of purchase, unless

mentioned otherwise on the cards.

Availing of the gift cards involves a

series of easy, hassle-free online steps

(see box). At the outset, you choose the

occasion and theme. The menu will then

allow you to select the value of the card

and add a personal message. Within a

few minutes, your e-gift card will reach

the recipient’s email inbox. The very

next instant, your gift recipient can

make travel arrangements online.

Recipients can redeem the cards

very easily, in a series of smooth steps.

They can select the flight and other addon

services and fill the required details

on the SpiceJet website. The ‘SpiceJet

Gift Card’ payment option has to be

selected as the payment mode for the

flight booking and add-on services. The

customer will then enter the 14 digit Gift

Card number and 6 Digit PIN number.

He/She will next click on the ‘Make

Payment’ option and pay the balance

amount, if any, by using other payment

modes available on the SpiceJet website.

A customer can use a maximum of three

Gift Cards in one transaction for

booking of flights or services.

The Gift Cards are redeemable only

on Spicejet.com.They are not

redeemable at SpiceJetMobile App,

reservations, call centres and ticketing

counters. They can be used to add

services like Meal, Preferred Seat,

SpiceMax, Priority Check-in, Extra

Baggage, etc. through Manage My

Booking.

Companies can use it to reward

their employees and/or for their

corporate gifting needs. Finally, in case

you are worried about forgetting any

special occasion associated with your

loved one, help is on hand - you can

schedule the e-gift cards.

VARIOUS

CATEGORIES OF CARDS

FESTIVALS

Raksha Bandhan

Eid

Diwali

Christmas

SPECIAL OCCASIONS

Wedding

Anniversary

Farewell

SPECIAL DAYS

Birthday

Season’s Greetings

Valentine

Mother’s Day

Father’s Day

GENERAL

Happy Journey

Thank You

Congratulations

52

NOVEMBER 2017

TRAVEL

VACATIONS

JW Marriott Juhu pool

HOW TO PLAN A GREAT

STAYCATION

Check the newspaper or browse online

and look for local events, exhibitions or

film festivals. You’ll be surprised to find

how buzzing with activity your city is.

Bring in your favourite snacks and

rent a bunch of movies from road trips,

thrillers, romcoms to tearjerkers. Turn off

all the lights and slip away.

Indulge in a luxurious and relaxing

massage away from home.

Practice the art of slow travel on your

staycation. It might be tempting to pack

in a lot of activities. But give yourself time

to just relax and recharge your batteries.

ITC Grand Central

A VACATION

NEAR HOME

MORE AND MORE INDIANS ARE

ENJOYING A GOOD OLD BREAK AT A

HOTEL NEAR HOME. HERE’S WHY YOU

SHOULD TAKE A STAYCATION AND

ENJOY YOUR CITY FOR A CHANGE.

BY NIVEDITA JAYARAM PAWAR

This year dodge the

tourists swarming

the hot spots across

the globe and use the

free time to be a

tourist in your home

town. Take a staycation.

A staycation is a holiday spent in one’s

home or a hotel nearby, involving day trips

to local attractions. While breaking up

the mediocrity of every day, a staycation is

the ideal choice for those cramped for

time and resources. Whether you book a

few hotel nights or simply play tourist, a

staycation can give you the feeling of a

vacation without the big commitment.

Sometimes we overlook the simple

awesomeness that happens right in our

own cities, which are full of natural

beauty, abundant history, artistic

expression, relaxing retreats and family

fun. Moreover it’s fun to pretend that you

are visiting from another place and

critique new places of interest. How about

checking out the newest restaurant in

town? Chances are, you know a

Mumbaiite who’s never been to Elephanta

Caves, a Bangalorean who’s never seen

the awe-inspiring museum at Chitrakala

Parishat, a Chenniite who has never set

foot inside the St. George fort built by the

English in 1644, or a Delhiite who has

never been to the Qutab Minar and tried

to look up at its top from the base.

A staycation is the perfect time to be a

tourist in your own city and absorb the

history and stories of the place you call

home. Get back in touch with nature.

There are some incredible hiking trails

and camping spots just a short distance

away from Mumbai. You can even enjoy a

breathtaking aerial view of your beautiful

city from over 12,000 feet high while

flying in a privately chartered

54

NOVEMBER 2017

CHENNAI, INDIA

Lalaji Memorial

Omega International School

Recognized as one of the

'Future 50 International Schools

Shaping Success',

out of 600 schools surveyed

in India by Future 50

- a Fortune

India magazine initiative.

Ranked No.1 in Tamilnadu

and No.15 All India

“International Day cum

Boarding School”

by Education World,

C fore Survey 2017.

Conferred with the

“International School Award”

for 2016-2019

by the British Council,

for exemplary

practices of internationalism.

Our students have been placed at

An institution built on a foundation of academic excellence, values & skills for day scholars and boarders.

omegaintlschool

info@omegaschools.org

www.omegaschools.org

TRAVEL

VACATIONS

Luxury room at Sofitel Mumbai BKC

Horse and Pony Riding at Della

BEST STAYCATION OFFERS

Sofitel, BKC, Mumbai

Buffet breakfast, wellness facilities like

the pool and gym with complimentary

30-minute spa.

ITC Grand Central, Parel, Mumbai

Brunch, spa treatment, private dining

at the rooftop lounge, food trails or a

heritage walk to Kotachiwadi.

jüSTa Hotel, Greater Kailash, New Delhi

Heritage walks in Hauz Khas, Mehrauli

Archaeological Parks, Jama Masjid and

paragliding.

Marriott Hotel Whitefield, Bengaluru

Apart from stay, brunch and

complimentary spa, the hotel offers

yoga sessions, towel art classes, wine

and a tour of the unseen back areas of

the hotel like laundry and kitchen.

Della Adventure and Resorts

A night stay for a couple with breakfast

and 2-day passes to the adventure park.

Trek to Rajmachi fort on prior notice.

helicopter. It might give

you a whole new

appreciation for the

place you live.

However if you

don’t want to stay put at

home, head to a hotel

for the weekend. Actor

Akshay Kumar shared

an endearing picture of

him and Twinkle

Khanna at the Taj

Mahal Hotel in Mumbai. The

two were out on a date at the

Taj the previous night and

decided to extend it to an

impromptu staycation at the

property. “There has been a

steep rise in people opting for

a staycation especially during

a long weekend. Girl groups

and middle-aged working

professionals meeting for

reunions to families who do

not have the liberty of flying

out of town prefer to stay put

in their cities and enjoy a break while

enjoying the facilities at the hotel and

what the city has to offer,” explains

Kerman Lalkaka, General Manager ITC

Grand Central.

Director and producer Raj Kaushal

and Mandira Bedi chose a staycation at

the JW Marriott, Juhu recently to ring in

his birthday. “Sometimes just stepping

out of your comfort zone and checking

into a hotel close by can be quite relaxing.

The idea is to set no agendas and just go

with the flow. We switched off our cell

phones and just enjoyed the space,”

explains Kaushal.

Most hotels in the city have attractive

staycation packages that don’t burn a hole

in the pocket. The staycation package at

Sofitel Mumbai, BKC, involves a pick up

and drop in a BMW and treats such as

chocolates and macaroons in the room,

luxurious spa and salon treatments and

meals accompanied with the finest wines

and chaampagne. JW Marriott Juhu

serenades the staycation guests with spas

and meals at their speciality restaurants.

At the ITC Grand Central, Parel, guests

can opt for food trails to experience the

local cuisine or a heritage walk to

Kotachiwadi, Mumbai’s last surviving

heritage village and experience a

traditional East Indian meal. Golden

Tulip, a four star luxury resort in

Chandigarh, provides a staycation

package which also includes a trip to the

picturesque Morni Hills nearby.

If you opt for a vacation at Courtyard

By Marriott Pune the hotel facilitates

tours to exhilarating places like Pavana

Dam, Japalouppe stud farm and also

takes you to an auto plant to see how the

four-legged beauties are made. Apart

from the usual complimentary breakfast

and discounts on food, beverages and spa

treatments, Taj Mahal Palace Mumbai

offers heritage walks. Bangaloreans can

enjoy complimentary wine along with

personalized yoga session, tour of the

unseen back areas of the hotel like

laundry, kitchen, bakery and learn towel

art at the Marriott Hotel, Whitefield.

If you want to spice up your staycation

with some adreanline high, just head to

Della Adventure Resort where you could

go for exhilarating bungee jumping, horse

riding, zip lining, zorbing or archery

sessions with your partner while enjoying

the lush green mountains. The resort also

arranges for a trek to Rajmachi fort. But if

the urge to do nothing strikes, the

expansive pool offers the chill spot for

taking in the awe-inspiring mountain

ranges.

There’s an incredible world out there,

right outside your door. You don’t need to

travel to other countries to find it. Most

cities offer countless types of fun for you

to enjoy during a staycation. No worrying

about delayed flights or lost luggage

either!

56

NOVEMBER 2017

SPORTS

INTERVIEW

SPEED SENSATION

FORMULA 4 RACING CAR DRIVER MIRA ERDA, ONLY 16, HAS

SET HER SIGHTS ON BECOMING INDIA’S FIRST FORMULA

ONE FEMALE RACER. BY NIVEDITA JAYARAM PAWAR

It may seem that in the

history of motorsport,

racing has been a male

domain and it comes as

no surprise when you

consider the

stereotypical nature of a career

involving mechanics, physical

strain and the unquestionable

danger of driving at outrageous

speeds with mere six-inch wide

tyres. But Mira Erda is no stranger

to the track, being the daughter of a

go-karting track owner in Vadodara.

The racer started her career at the

young age of nine as a go-kart driver,

eventually switching to Formula 4

cars last year. The 16-year-old is the

first Indian woman driver to

compete in one of the highest classes

of Formula racing in the country

after signing up for the Euro JK

series in the upcoming JK Tyre-

FMSCI National racing

championship and is slowly making

her way up in the world of

motorsport, understandably

turning heads every way she goes.

You are India’s youngest

motorsport racer. What made you

choose this sport?

I always loved cars and speed. I was

only eight when I started driving on

the go-karting track that my father

owned in Vadodara. A year later we

travelled to Pune to witness the

national karting championship.

That was a turning point. The fact

that it was a male dominated sport

motivated me even more to race

among the boys and prove myself. I

got professionally trained in

Kolhapur and with just six days of

practice I participated in my first

national karting race.

What do you remember the most

about those practice sessions?

I would go to Kolhapur mostly every

weekend to practice with my

experienced teammates. I still

remember trying to figure out how

to brake much more harder and still

have control over the kart. I would

try to learn their driving style and

implement the same while I drove.

Back home in Vadodara I would visit

the track every single day and drive

for hours in the sun and also when it

rained.

What were some of the challenges

in reaching where you are today?

Being the only girl in this male

dominated sport was the biggest

challenge initially. Racing with the

boys was both intimidating and

interesting. They would try every

trick possible to not let me get ahead

of them. It was done by pushing me

off track, getting in my way or

causing accidents deliberately. Even

my racing trainer advised my dad to

not waste time and money on

grooming me as I wouldn’t be able to

make it. That only pushed me to

work harder and give them a tough

competition. But I soon realised that

I wasn’t strong enough physically. I

was thin and lacked the stamina and

strength of my male colleagues. I

then decided to work a lot more on

my fitness levels.

58

NOVEMBER 2017

OTHER PASSIONS

Reading novels and motivational

books

MY IDOL

Lewis Hamilton for his calm and

courage at every race

EVERY TIME I GET INTO THE CAR

I forget everything and push the car

to its limit and enjoy the speed. It’s a

great feeling

SPORTS

INTERVIEW

You have participated in more than 75

races so far. Which one was the most

significant and what was so special

about it?

Every race is memorable. But the most

special one was winning the Go-karting

Championship in 2012 in Hyderabad. I

had to start the race at the last position as

I was disqualified after winning the

prefinals. Soon after starting I overtook

five-six racers and was third. After two

laps I was leading the race and I kept

increasing the gap between me and the

second racer. That was a proper, clean win

for me and the best moment ever.

From a Go-karting champion to a

Formula 4 racer - was the shift easy?

Karting is the very basic step of entering

into motorsport. It’s like a small kart with

the speed of 120 kmph without any gears.

On the other hand, the Formula 4 car is a

pedal shifter car which has gears

connected to the steering wheel and it’s

like a Formula 1 car with the top speed of

230 kmph with a 1200cc BMW

engine. There is no clutch, just the brake

and accelerator. It’s fun and thrilling to

drive at top speed.

Motorsport is a dangerous sport. Have

you had any untoward incidents? How do

you safeguard against any injuries?

Well, luckily I haven’t yet had any serious

accidents. But yes I have witnessed a few

accidents. But it’s not always that

dangerous. My car is totally safe as it’s

built according to the latest safety

instructions. All our safety gears are

custom built and in accordance to safety

specifications. Ultimately it’s upon us as

drivers to ensure that we follow safety

rules and don’t get into any serious

accident.

Isn’t it also a very expensive sport to

indulge in?

Yes it is. Starting from our racing gears —

helmet, fireproof inners, gloves...

everything costs a bomb. And the car

itself comes with numerous safety

specifications which makes it very

expensive. You have to import it.

Moreover you have to invest in a new car

every year which come with better and

more advanced safety features. Then

there is the car insurance which runs into

a couple of lakhs. Practicing on the track

also costs money.

What according to you makes a great

driver?

You have to be self-motivated and

obsessed with everything about driving.

You have to always visualize winning the

races. Now my male racing colleagues see

me as a racer and not as a female racer.

So what is your fitness regime like?

I go to the gym every day for two hours. I

concentrate a lot on my upper body

strength. A motorsport racer has to have

strong forearms and triceps to handle the

steering wheel which is very heavy. With

each passing race my stamina is

improving and now I push myself a little

more and don’t give up easily. This has

improved my confidence too.

What is the reaction of men when they

see you racing?

They are initially very amazed to see a girl

racing among the boys. Most of them are

very shocked. But the shock and

amazement turns to respect when they

actually see me competing with the boys.

That reaction just makes me happy.

You are in your 12th grade now. How do

you manage both studies and

motorsport?

The first few years were difficult. My

mom would bring all my books to the

track for me to study in between my races.

After a few years I started taking the

responsibility of studying on my own.

When I am not racing I try and cover up as

much as possible. Balancing studies with

racing is not that difficult for me as I am

equally interested in both.

60

NOVEMBER 2017

TRAVEL

WEEKENDS

SURREAL

SHOGHI

AAMOD RESORTS AT SHOGHI ALLOWS

YOU TO DISCOVER THE LITTLE-VISITED

WEEKEND HILL STATION IN HIMACHAL

PRADESH IN ITS FULL GLORY.

TEXT AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY AARTI

KAPUR SINGH

SpiceJet flies to Chandigarh,

100 km away. Log on to

www.spicejet.com for flight details

The slightest nip in

the air and north

India seems to start

teeming with

tourists. While

Shimla, Kasauli and

Manali are favoured tourist spots, it is

always a good idea to explore lesser

known destinations if one truly wishes to

go far from the city crowd. Not many have

heard of the quaint town of Shoghi, just

about half an hour (or 15 odd kilometres)

before Shimla, but definitely more

picturesque. Once you have been here, the

serenity of this place will make leaving it

hard.

The charm of a place is in discovering

its secrets. And Aamod Resorts at

Shoghi will allow you to truly explore and

find anchor in this less known hill station.

You can truly put your feet up and enjoy

that vacation without any other agenda,

except for connecting with yourself (or

your loved ones, if you are travelling with

them).

At Shoghi, there are innumerable

lovely moments to unwind, experience

nature, dine with the locals and

rediscover the thrills of listening to tales

of yore under starlit skies near a cozy

bonfire. We haven’t mentioned the spa

yet, because set atop a hill, it is an

experience in itself.

The whole idea of escaping to the hills

is to be able to enjoy their majesty in full

grandeur. The last thing you want to see is

a concrete jungle lording over the mighty

oaks. Shoghi is one place where the land

mafia is still not all pervasive and

therefore, the hills are still green. That is

how Aamod Resorts wants it to be. So cars

are parked a little distance downhill. Yes,

be prepared to walk and tone those calves

and glutes when you come here. Shoghi is

a tiny piece of undiscovered paradise

tucked away on NH 22. As the car stops,

you’ll find yourself on a gentle hill slope,

under a thick cover of oak and pine

trees. Aamod at Shoghi is an ecotourism

resort set in pristine virgin forest.

As you walk towards the cottage,

you’ll notice a certain design philosophy.

Anything man-made at Aamod perfectly

blends in with nature. There are in total

20 cottages in Aamod Resorts at Shoghi

and all are scattered in the beauty of the

lush green jungles, uphill and downhill.

The location somewhere in the outskirts

of the main town helps retain the

‘secluded’ feel of the property. So there is

no hustle and bustle — though the

strength of the silence means you can

hear the occasional truant truck honking

— even though the road may be around

400 m from your room.

Right from its location amidst the

deodar and oak forests to the hospitality

of its staff, the lovely in-house spa,

karaoke set-up, dinner under the sky,

bonfire nights and a rendezvous with the

sun in the hills, this one promises a

lovely getaway from the din of the city.

You will find yourself in nature’s trance,

enjoying birdsong, or the sunlight

filtering through the deep oak jungles

(not a single tree has been felled during

the construction of the property). So,

when you see a cottage, you know it’s on a

natural clearing.

Accommodation is in cute little

cottages, both single and double with

62

NOVEMBER 2017

ULTRA

TRAVEL

WEEKENDS

From top: A bedroom in one of the cottages;

the reception area; and jacuzzi with a view

enough privacy around. While

traveling in groups, you also have

the option of staying in cottage

clusters. This unique concept in

accommodation is targeted at

those who are bored of concrete

jungles in cities (and now even in

the hills) and love to stay closer to

nature without compromising on

quality and comforts. Interior

furnishings exude a warm and

jungle ambience — simple yet

stylish and elegant.

The literal meaning of

Aamod is small joys. And it is in

these small joys that true luxuries

lie. Whether it is a candlelit

dinner at the summit of the hill

on which the property is situated,

or watching the sunset after a

glorious spa session while sipping

on some bubbly in the Jacuzzi

that provides a panoramic view of

the valley below, there are many

things at Aamod Shoghi that will

bring a beaming smile to your

face.

Let the child in you take over

as you negotiate the adventure

course manned by experts

trained in mountaineering or

trek down to Nalthalak village

just about three kilometres below

and enjoy a typical Himachali

meal in the courtyard of one of

the village homes. Experience

the exhilaration as you gently rappel

down a 40 ft. natural rock face, secured by

a rope or climb up a natural rock face with

the help of a rope. Experience the thrill of

looking down a sheer fall and then racing

down gracefully down the mountain face.

The activity instructors will be there to

guide you through the process and make

it a thrilling experience.

Rediscover the simple joys of walking

in the woods amidst the scent of oak and

pine trees. Nothing grand — just simple

nature walks, spotting several species of

flora and fauna. The grandeur comes

from the dense forests and magnificent

views of the mountains and valleys. There

are several walking trails of varying

difficulty and duration — 1-2 hours, half

day, full day, night walks and walks along

the World Heritage Kalka-Shimla train

track with its tunnels and bridges.

Camp within the resort or out in the

woods. It is a fun evening exercise to set

up camp, cook a camp meal, and learn

about jungle survival or actually camp

overnight (with sleeping bags, etc.) — you

choose and they will organize it.

To enhance the old -world feeling, the

resort has a multi-cuisine restaurant

called The Colonial where you indulge in

Indian and local Himachali delights.

With rustic ambience, expect a

sumptuous treat for your taste buds. An

extension of The Colonial restaurant is

the bar with one of the region’s most

beautiful al fresco dining.

At Aamod Shoghi, the bakery casts a

tantalizing spell on sweet lovers. Do try

their fresh Apple Pie and Mascarpone

Carrot Cake. The aroma of freshly baked

goodies will entice you every time you

cross the bakery — sometimes the aroma

of freshly baked goods will even waft to

your cottage.

The Sublime Spa is definitely a USP of

Aamod at Shoghi and offers a holistic and

earthy blend of relaxation, detoxifying,

revitalizing and beautifying therapies

and treatments. Pamper yourself in

nature’s embrace and embark on an

adventure infused with delightful

sensations to inspire and refresh you. A

haven for body and mind, this oasis of

tranquillity puts you in an effortless

meditative state.

Aamod at Shoghi offers you the

perfect balance of unspoilt rugged

surroundings and comforts of modern

living, to provide you with a relaxing

holiday that will rejuvenate your spirits

through various interactions with nature

and local culture.

64

NOVEMBER 2017

STAR BUZZ

RICHA CHADHA

BOLD AND

FABULOUS

RICHA CHADHA ON HER

FORTHCOMING FILMS, TURNING

PRODUCER AND WHAT IT FEELS LIKE

BEING A FIRST TIME NOVELIST.


One of the most versatile

actors in Bollywood,

Richa Chadha is not only

known for her choice of

unconventional roles but also for her

independent views. Besides turning

producer with a Punjabi short film,

the actress will be seen next in Fukrey

Returns and David Womark’s Indo-

American production titled Love

Sonia. But what she’s most excited

about is her debut novel and setting

up a business for the creative

fraternity.

You were a part of India’s first original

content on Amazon Prime, Inside Edge.

Do you think that’s the future of

entertainment?

It’s definitely moving in that

direction and I foresee it to be the

future. New series have been

commissioned. Almost every big

Indian entertainment production

house is working on it. Like in the

west it’s the golden age for people

who write for Netflix, Amazon Prime

and Hulu. When movie stars do this

kind of work it brings more legitimacy

and popularity to it. These are great

platforms especially for a country like

India where there are very few single

screens, and very expensive tickets

with the whole distributor-exhibitor

network choking smaller films.

68

NOVEMBER 2017

STAR BUZZ

RICHA CHADHA

country where I am not very recognized.

This helps me get over it and restore my

sanity and normalcy back.

You next film Jia Aur Jia, a chick f lick

about two girls who go on a road trip, sees

you frolic in fields, streets and vineyards.

Are you now veering towards more songand-dance

kind of films?

If you look at my repertoire of films, the

only thing that is consistent is that I

have done different kinds of roles. Jia

Aur Jia was another opportunity to do

something very different. I had lots of

fun doing this film with Kalki who is

also a friend. We could take our

relationship one notch further. I would

definitely like to do more

experimentation in my work.

From top: At a promotion event for

Inside Edge; In Masaan

You have played some very intense

characters. Do the characters you play have

an impact on you or can you

jump out of them as soon as

the film is over?

Mostly I just forget about

it and move on once the

film is over. But some

characters stay with you

just a little bit longer. It

happened to me

especially after Masaan

where I played a

traumatised small town

girl who was stifled in her

sexuality and ambitions.

Devi Pathak was living

and breathing inside me

long after the film was

wrapped up. She made me

very frustrated. It left me

listless, as if a friend had

left me.

So how do you deal with it?

Normally after a very

intense film, I travel to a

RAPID FIRE

My earliest food memory

Eating yummy parathas

with home-made aachar

(pickle) or curd. I used

to have the same for my

school tiffin.

I believe

In ancient wisdom and

natural ways of healing.

I have warm milk with

turmeric when I am

travelling and gulkand as

a natural antacid.

I always travel with

A plastic sieve that I use

to sprout pulses. It’s very

easy to do and takes care

of my protein needs.

A film closest to my

heart

Masaan. It’s a beautiful

film that is optimistic

even though it projects

the harsh realities of

life. I learnt a lot while

filming Masaan, it made

me acutely aware of my

weaknesses.

Have you ever taken an all-girls road trip?

I studied in Delhi and it’s very easy to

drive up the hills there. Everything is

close by – Agra, Jaipur,

etc. I remember this

particular trip I took with

a bunch of girls from my

college to Mussoorie.

That was one crazy trip

and we had lots of fun.

Talking of travel, what has

been the most exciting trip

you have ever taken?

The Cannes trip two

years ago was very

special and exciting.

Masaan was in the

competition and so we

got treated very well. We

were invited to the best

parties, luxurious six

course dinners, red

carpet events… it was lots

of fun and very

memorable for me. But if

you speak of leisure travel

I love hanging out in LA.

72

NOVEMBER 2017

STAR BUZZ

RICHA CHADHA

From top: In Gangs of Wasseypur; at a

press meet for Main aur Charles with

Randeep Hooda

Just like Mumbai is a place where

actors from all over India come to

try their luck, LA is that place on

the global map. So you see

Ethiopian, Iranian, Indian,

English and British actors all

wanting to be in the entertainment

industry. That’s very interesting.

Places like West Hollywood has

typical hangouts for actors. The

guy in the gym, the Uber driver, all turn

out to be actors. I love that thing about

LA. I make a couple of trips every year

to LA.

You never shy away from taking a stand on

hot button issues. What is the most

annoying thing about social media for you?

Anybody on Twitter with an egg for a

face can say whatever the hell they want

to and get away with it. They can abuse

you, send rape threats and be horribly

misogynistic. But the minute you even

say ‘idiot,’ you get labeled for being

irresponsible. It does get me down once

in a while. But I take it in my stride. You

have to have the courage to stand up for

what you say. People hurling abuses at

you on Twitter or any other social media

places are cowards who don’t have the

courage to get out there and say what

they want to in public so they do it on the

I nter net . It ’s t i me to t a ke on t he bu l l ies .

You are always doing something exciting

apart from your movie roles. What is it that

you are engaged in currently?

I am a multi-talented person and like to

engage in different things. I am

currently taking vocal lessons in

Hindustani classical music. It gets quite

difficult to take time out but I try to do it

as often as I can. I love to dance and I

have been taking professional classes

in dance forms like lyrical jazz and

ballet. It’s a very smooth and technical

form of dance. Photography and writing

are other fields I love.

You have turned a producer with Punjabi

short film Khoon Aali Chithi. How was it

being on the other side of the camera?

It was a fulfilling experience for sure.

You understand the value of money. I

have started looking at things from a

different perspective. During the

making of the film, I felt that actors can

be very trivial in the larger scheme of

things. I was at times left wondering if

giving a vanity van, make-up artist and

spot boy to an actor made sense.

Any more movies in the pipeline?

I will hold off working on short

projects till I have a full length script.

Do you have plans beyond the movies?

Acting is something I don’t work very

hard on, I feel it is a natural gift that I

have. Ultimately I want to be a

businesswoman. I think I will make a

great businesswoman. I am working

towards it. It will have nothing to do

with films. It is a business for creative

people. Logos and trade-marking have

been done, but I can’t reveal much at

this point of time as I have sent the idea

for patenting.

You are also writing a novel. Tell us more

about it.

My interest in writing is not new. The

book is an experiment. I want to open

my heart out and give people a peek

into my world. We have assumptions

about the privileges an actor enjoys.

Well, I hope to shatter certain myths,

whether they be about standards of

perfection, patriarchy and what it

means to be a ‘good girl’. Most of us are

taught from a very young age that being

pretty is their primary goal in life

because it will lead to a happy

marriage, and marriage is the real deal.

This book could be masochistic in that

I will feel exposed, but it’s truly a

labour of love.

74

NOVEMBER 2017

FOOD

SUMAC

EACH SPICEJET AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN NAMED AFTER

A PARTICULAR SPICE. IN THIS ISSUE WE TALK ABOUT

THE BENEFITS AND USAGE OF SUMAC

THE

MULTIFACETED

SPICE

IT IS DELICIOUSLY TART BUT THAT IS

ONE OF THE MANY INTERESTING

FACETS THAT MAKES THIS CLARET-

COLORED SPICE THE DARLING OF THE

CULINARY WORLD THESE DAYS.

BY MADHULIKA DASH

WHEN IT COMES TO spices and

personalities, sumac is the perfect

personification of a Bollywood heroine.

Deliciously tart, pleasantly fruity with

that gorgeous burgundy colour, this

Middle Eastern culinary darling can turn

any dish – be it Lebanese, Turkish,

Syrian, Armenian, or even salad, starters

and main course – into a palate fest. All

this while playing the role of a garnish –

or as part of the spice rub, za’atar. Such

has been the fascination of the different

flavour tones of this accidentallydiscovered

spice (which many insist is a

fruit) that it was once a priceless gift that

Arab traders (to whom most of the Silk

Route owes much of its making) carried

Salmon with sumac crust

in small sacks to present to potential

trade partners, and as an introduction to

their finer palate.

In fact, its fame grew as an essential

garnish in the markets of Samarkand,

where sumac-infused tender kebobs,

breads and salad were served to perk up

the tired palates. Romans, who inherited

sumac while introducing lemon to the

Middle East, were so enamored by the

spice ability to bring newer flavours that

they used it to crank up the flavours on

the meals on the go. Legend has it that it

was after Alexander sampled sumac

dusted meat dolma that he made it an

essential part of the army ration, and

hence gave it that popularity by taking it

CHEF VIKAS SETH

76

NOVEMBER 2017

FOOD

SUMAC

Tenderloin carpaccio with yoghurt sphere, sumac and pomegranate molasses

SUMAC SPICED CHICKEN

Recipe and image courtesy

The Oberoi, Gurgaon

INGREDIENTS

Garlic cloves, crushed 2

Lemon juice

1/4 cup

Sumac

1 tbsp

Olive oil

1 tbsp

Chicken breast fillet 750 gm

METHOD

Combine garlic, lemon juice, sumac

and oil in a large glass or ceramic

bowl. Add chicken. Stir to coat.

Cover. Refrigerate for two hours.

Heat an oiled pan. Sear the chicken

to lock in the flavours. Reduce heat

to low. Cook, turning occasionally,

for 10 minutes or until chicken is

cooked through. Grill the chicken

for seven minutes and serve.

to different parts of the world, including

Asia.

And yet, if one has to trace the history

of this beautiful dried herb, it isn’t

Middle East where you will land, but in

Africa and North America, where it was

discovered as part of the foraging culture

of the ancient tribes who perhaps were

first to introduce them to Middle East.

But the popularity of sumac as a

favourite ancient seasoner wasn’t just for

the beautiful colour and taste it brought

to the dishes - where would you find the

tongue clicking sourness with a warm

spiciness in the end - it was also the

shrub easy soil adaptability and health

properties that led to such mass

acceptability. Greek physician Pedanius

Dioscorides in his epic tome De Materia

Medica waxed eloquence on sumac being

one of nature’s best astringent, antiseptic

and tonic. The pink lemonade, created as

an antidote and ode to lemon and sumac,

was once a popular antidote given to

travellers, soldiers returning from alien

land, and was also served at the royal

feasts thrown by Emperor Nero as an

aphrodisiac.

Chef Vikas Seth (Culinary Director,

Lounge Hospitality), who has closely

worked with the spice and its various

versions (you also get a European sumac

which is purple in colour) in Cle Dubai,

and now uses it to give his Mexican food,

an exciting twist, says “Sumac to Middle

East is what cumin is to Indian cuisine. It

not only adds to taste, but a little goes a

long way in prepping the dish for a

gourmet experience. I use it to lend that

extra palate-play to my bread, and is an

interesting replacement for cayenne

pepper in the spice rub we use for our

Mexican grills, especially lamb. The

addition just gives a different aroma to

the dish.”

Concurs Chef Sabyasachi Gorai

(Owner, Lavaash By Saby), who too

enjoys working with the ruby-hued spice,

78

NOVEMBER 2017

FOOD

SUMAC

Asparagus Labneh with Sumac

and calls it the

“Mr Versatile” of

the kitchen. “Its

lemon like

sourness with a

hint of spiciness

and that warmth

makes it such an

interesting spice

pair. You can add

it to any spice

blend and see it

change the way

taste works for

the dish, and that

is perhaps what

makes sumac a

good spice box

essential to have

around. ” Chef

Gorai, who

rediscovered

sumac while

working on

Armenian

cuisine, uses it

traditionally to

give flavours and

colour to the

kebabs and cheese

platters served at

Lavaash By Saby,

but has also has

made it one of the

key ingredients in

Lavaash spice

that goes as a tastemaker with most of the

dishes. The Armenians, says the culinary

wizard and historian, “used sumac

cleverly to balance the flavours, no

matter where they stationed

themselves.”

Chef Neeraj Tyagi (Executive Chef,

Shangri La- Eros New Delhi), who calls

sumac the “vinegar tree with a hint of

chilli” uses it liberally for breads and

naans. “It works wonderfully with subtle

flavours, especially for the tapas menu

we keep on creating. And, is wonderful

taste enhancer for breads, especially pav,

kulcha and even baida roti, and works

beautifully as a garnish on subtle

flavoured vegetables, vrat ka khana and

potatoes.”

Chef Mayank Tewari (Corporate

Chef, PVR), who first began unraveling

its wonders while working with peppers

and Italian and European flavours calls

the Middle East import, the “spruce up

spice.” “It has the right kind of tartness,

sweetness and that hit, which can be

manipulated to add a new dimension to a

dish – be it the popcorn, dips and even

salads. In fact, it lends a beautiful

contrast to desserts that have coffee and

cream.” Chef Seth, who has often tried

Sumac with a mix of chocolate to recreate

the Mayan’s favourite brew agrees to the

“punch value” it can bring to any dish.

But what really makes sumac such a

popular spice with chefs today? Explains

Chef Manish Sharma (Executive Chef,

The Oberoi, Gurgoan), “What works in

favour of Sumac is not only a delicious

delicious tangy lemon-like flavour,

which is more balanced and less tart than

lemon juice, but the fact that you need

just a pinch to create the magic. Thus

making it ideal for all kinds of fish and

ingredients that are powerpacks of

flavours, but subtle. Another facet that

works for this Middle Eastern wonder is

its pairing: you can widely incorporate it

in every spice blends like dry rubs,

marinades, and dressing, and would

expect an interesting result that can

range from fruity notes reminiscent of

perfectly ripe raspberries and tomatoes

to that pleasing bitter after mouth feel

that goes really well with raw onions,

roasted cauliflower, and stewed collards.

It also provides the necessary acidity for

roasted or blanched vegetables like

Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and

asparagus, and hence has earned its place

as the garnish on fresh salads.”

LAVAASH BY SABY

80

NOVEMBER 2017

FOR RED

CARPET REGULARS.

AVAILABLE AT

www.amazon.in/spicestyle

NOW AVAILABLE ON SPICEJET FLIGHTS TOO. TO KNOW MORE, ASK YOUR CABIN CREW.

SPORTS

CRICKET

THE BIG SRI

LANKAN WISH

VIRAT KOHLI AND HIS BOYS WILL

LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED TO

WHITEWASH THE SIXTH RANKED SRI

LANKAN TEST SIDE TO BRING AN END

TO A PROLONGED HOME SEASON.

BY MKM FAIYAZ AHMED

Cheteshwar Pujara

Sri Lanka may have lost all their

matches across the three

formats when they last played

India at home in August this

year. But after defeating Pakistan twonil

in a test series, their confidence must

be sky high as they became the first team

to win a test series against Pakistan in

the United Arab Emirates. No doubt

Pakistan was playing their first series

after the retirements of Misbah and

Younis which made their middle order

slight wobbly but the way Sri Lanka

played was commendable.

It will be interesting to see if Sri

Lanka will challenge the robust Indian

side at home. Sri Lanka has not played a

test series in India since 2009 and will be

hoping to make their mark on Indian soil

which apparently looks a farfetched

hope. Sri Lanka haven’t won a test series

against India since 2009, One Day

International series since 1997 and are

yet to win a T20 International series

since both the teams played each other

for the first time in 2008.

India has been majestic playing

against all nations at home and has not

lost a home series since England defeated

India in 2012. India has not been just

winning games but has humiliated the

top ranked sides under Virat Kohli.

Except for the loss against Australia

earlier this year in Pune, India has won

most of their games in the last 24 months

by huge margins. The top run getters for

India this season since November last

year in test is Cheteshwar Pujara with

1252 runs in 21 innings at an average of

62.60. Pujara didn’t have a successful

outing in the English county playing for

Nottingham Division. He managed to

score just a hundred and a fifty in 12

innings at an average of 27.75.

However, Pujara is altogether a

different player at home and is an

unstoppable force. It will be a huge

challenge for Sri Lankan bowlers to

dismiss him cheaply as he is determined

to play long innings every time he walks

out to bat. Skipper Virat Kohli hasn’t had

a great year as compared to last year but

he scored a wonderful hundred against

Sri Lanka in the first test match at Galle

Stadium earlier this year. He will be

itching to improve his numbers in the

final test series of the home season

before the team tours South Africa.

ALAMY

84

NOVEMBER 2017

SPORTS

CRICKET

Dilruwan Perera

It will once again be interesting to

see who will open for India if all the

three specialist openers are fit and

picked in the squad for the series. KL

Rahul has been mighty

NOVEMBER 16

SCHEDULE

1ST TEST KOLKATA

impressive as he has scored eight

consecutive half centuries but

failed to convert any of them to

NOVEMBER 24 2ND TEST NAGPUR

hundred with 90 being the

DECEMBER 2 3RD TEST DELHI

highest score against Australia. It

DECEMBER 10

DECEMBER 13

DECEMBER 17

DECEMBER 20

DECEMBER 24

DECEMBER 26

1ST ODI

2ND ODI

3RD ODI

1ST T20

2ND T20

3RD T20

DHARAMSALA

CHANDIGARH

VISHAKHAPATNAM

CUTTACK

INDORE

MUMBAI

will be inevitable for the skipper

and the team management to

avoid his impressive run of form.

Shikhar Dhawan looked more

impressive than Murali Vijay and

it will be a tough job for the

skipper to select any one of them

as both have done well as a pair for India.

THE PLAYERS

The middle order and the lower middle

INDIA’S TEST SQUAD (LIKELY): KL

order looks rock solid with Rahane, Saha

Rahul, Shikhar Dhawan, Murali Vijay, Virat

Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Ajinkya Rahane, and Ashwin making valuable

Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya,

contributions.

Ravichandran Ashwin, Ravindra Jadeja,

Kuldeep Yadav, Mohammed Shami,

India’s bowling in the previous test

Bhuvaneshwar Kumar, Umesh Yadav, series against Sri Lanka was very

Jasprit Bumrah

impressive especially Mohammed

SRI LANKA’S TEST SQUAD (LIKELY): Shami who bowled in rhythm after

Dinesh Chandimal, Lahiru Thirimanne,

Dimuth Karunaratne, Kaushal Silva, Kusal returning from an injury. Shami picked

Mendis, Niroshan Dickwella, Ranganna

Herath, Lakshan Sandakan, Dilruwan

Perera, Suranga Lakmal, Nuwan Pradeep,

Jeffrey Vandersay, Akila Dhananjaya,

Lahiru Kumara, Dasun Shanaka, Roshen

Silva, Sadheera Samarawickrema

up 10 wickets in the series at an average

of 17.70. The other fast bowler Umesh

Yadav provides good breakthroughs but

doesn’t remain consistent throughout

the innings. The spin duo of Jadeja and

Ashwin as always will be a potent threat

to any team when they play in India.

Both the spinners have picked up 44

wickets each this year and are currently

ranked in the top four test bowlers. It

will be interesting to see whether Kohli

will go with a four bowler’s strategy or

will include Hardik Pandya as the fifth

bowling option as the all-rounder has

done well in the debut series against Sri

Lanka.

Sri Lanka’s success will depend to a

large extent on the dominance of their

senior left arm spinner Ranganna

Herath who is getting better with each

game. He is the second highest wicket

taker this year with 51 wickets and a

touch behind South Africa’s Kagiso

Rabada. Herath is the only bowler who

has played a test match in India when Sri

Lanka last toured in 2009. It will be

interesting to see how this experience

will be used. The other spinner will most

likely be the 35-year-old off spinner

Dilruwan Perera who has picked 12

wickets at an average of 25.67 in the

recently concluded test series against

Pakistan.

Sri Lanka’s real worry has been their

inconsistent batting performances. The

likes of Karunaratne, Tharanga, Mendis

and Matthews are a good bunch of

batsmen but their consistency has been

an issue for Sri Lanka. If these batsmen

can play to their potential and rise on to

the occasion then Sri Lanka can give a

competition to the strong Indian side.

India under captain fearless Virat

Kohli has been relentless and will be

leaving no stone unturned to whitewash

the sixth ranked Sri Lankan test side to

bring an end to the prolonged home

season. Currently India is ranked

number one in test matches with 125

points and is well ahead of number two

ranked South Africa. The first test match

will be played at Eden Garden on

November 16.

ALAMY

86

NOVEMBER 2017

VIEWPOINT

YOGA

THROUGH THE

MYSTIC EYE

RANKED AMONGST THE 50

MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN

INDIA, SADHGURU IS A YOGI,

MYSTIC, VISIONARY AND

BESTSELLING AUTHOR.

SADHGURU HAS BEEN

CONFERRED THE PADMA

VIBHUSHAN BY THE

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA IN 2017

Is there a relationship between the body and

the particular part of the globe where one is

located? For example, Jamaicans are very

good sprinters. Does the specific place where

someone grows up influence them? Is that why

it is said that we must eat the local food?

SADHGURU: How the deeper human

system functions is definitely impacted by

location. It is true with every other life also.

The plant and animal life which is very

comfortable in southern India would

wither away if it were in New York because

the life here has evolved differently. It is not

just because of the weather and the volume

of sunlight or cold. Those have a big impact

too, but why life has evolved in a particular

way has something to do with the location.

It is an anthropologically recognized

fact that, when a certain group of people

migrates to an entirely different geographic

location, many features in their physiology

slowly change. The temperature, the

weather, and the nature of the food that

they eat also have an influence. But aside

from that, the forces working upon life on

this planet vary with latitude. This impacts

how the body shapes itself. Because of a

certain shape and a form that a piece of life

takes, it could become differently

competent.

India’s latitude and

longitude largely make its

people inward-focused.

This does not mean others

cannot turn inward –

everybody can. But

definitely, by being in

different parts of the world,

the body becomes

competent in different

ways.

Unfortunately, for

every difference, certain

human beings turn it into a

discriminatory process.

Otherwise, if you study the different types

of human beings and life forms that the

planet has produced, it is amazing.

EATING THE YOGIC WAY

In yoga, the prescription for eating food is

like this: in a single day, the distance you

can walk should be the radius of the area

from which you eat. You should not eat food

which is grown far away from you because

the body that you carry is essentially a

piece of this planet.

It is because of this that being in

contact with the earth is a very important

part of one’s health and wellbeing. In the

yoga center, we always give people work in

the garden if they are not healthy so that

they are in touch with the earth.

Food is a transaction. What was in the

earth, you are taking it into the body.

Suppose you live on a patch of land, grow

your own food and eat it, you will see a very

distinct change in the healthfulness of your

body in a short span of time. This is because

when you eat food from that specific area

where you are living, there is a constant

interaction between your body and the

earth, and the body will function best.

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

general interest. Select questions will be answered in forthcoming issues. Please email your question to

mediarelations@ishafoundation.org. For more of Sadhguru’s wisdom, visit isha.sadhguru.org

88

NOVEMBER 2017

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first smartphone with four cameras and

bezel-less 18:9 FullView FHD+ IPS screen

offering 12.5 per cent more display at 15

cm. The model sports 13MP+2MP dual

front camera with f2.0 wide aperture with

selfie toning ‘soft’ flash and pro-like

lighting options giving selfies bokeh

effects and pro finishes along with

16MP+2MP rear dual cameras. It is

powered by EMUI 5.1 running on top of

Android 7.0 Nougat which is powered by

Huawei’s own Kirin 659 Octa Core

Processor 2.36GHz processor coupled

with 64 GB ROM+4GB RAM further

expandable with 128GB Micro-SD card.

` 17,999

MI A1 (XIAOMI)

Dubbed as Created by Xiaomi, Powered by

Google, it is the brand’s first phone to be

based on the androidone platform. Devoid of

any bloatware, it features a 5-piece lens dual

rear camera – wide-angle lens 12MP 1.25 µm

large pixels, f/2.2, 26mm equivalent focal

length, two tone flash + telephoto lens 12MP

µm, f2.6, 50mm equivalent focal length, 2x

optical zoom, 10x digital zoom, PDAF, lowlight

enhancements, HDR adjustment and

continuous shooting mode. Front camera is

a 5MP 1.12 µm, f/2, Beautify 3.0 with 36

smart beauty profiles. These plethora of

imaging specs bestow the A1 with real

bokeh capabilities. It also has deep learning

algorithm and a custom camera app.

`14,999

MOTO G5S PLUS (LENOVO)

Motorola brand always commands

a loyal fan base due to its rock solid

performance and reliability and

this model is aimed to satisfy

imaging enthusiasts. It boasts of a

13+13MP dual rear camera and

8MP Front camera with Flash.

The nifty addition is that of the

depth editor mode which gives fun

functionality by enabling

foreground or background

blurring, one monochrome and

one colour camera effect. There’s

the Panorama Selfie mode,

Professional mode akin to that of

an SLR camera, Best shot mode

and Selfie beautification mode.

Then there’s also the Moto special

feature of Quick capture by double

twist of wrist. Experience is near

Stock Android. It’s an incremental

update with the dual camera

addition when compared to the

Moto G5 S and the depth editor

results leaves much to be desired.

`15,999

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NOVEMBER 2017

TECH

CAMERA

GIONEE A1 (GIONEE)

Featuring a 5-piece lens 16MP selfie

flash camera with a f/2.0 aperture

and large 2.0 µm pixels for improved

low light shots and PDAF technology,

with Face Beauty 2 and a 13 MP

primary rear camera, this unit is a

selfie fan’s true delight. It also

features a huge 4010 mAh battery

with Ultra Fast 18W charging and

dual charging chips which makes

charging cooler and safer. The 4-cell

unit front camera sensor allows more

light for brighter selfies. The 78˚

Field Of View captures and detects

several faces without distorting the

image. The rear camera has a Sony

IMX 258 lens that gives finer quality

and better clarity picture results.

The beautified video function gives

great results for live video chats.

There is also a Virat Kohli Signature

limited edition model for a slightly

increased price point of Rs.16,999 but

which also includes a Sennheiser

headset on pre-order.

`15,073

F3 SELFIE EXPERT (OPPO)

Known for its camera tech capabilities,

Oppo presents its 6-piece Dual Selfie

snapper with 16MP + 8MP coupled with

13MP PDAF Rear camera. The front

camera offers double view group selfie,

Beautify 4 with Bokeh effect and a nifty

Palm Shutter, optimized for low light

conditions and low noise shots. The rear

camera features Wonderful Night

Shots, Ultra HD, Anti Shake 2 and

Expert mode. Ultra HD combines various

shots to create a 50MP Ultra HD

image. Display is an FHD In-Cell unit

which decreases the thickness by one

fourth of the normal screen thickness

offering high brightness clarity in full

sunlight. The anti-shake results in blurfree

shots while the Expert mode offers

the usual DSLR type manual effects.

Besides the earlier Deepika Padukone

Limited edition, the model is also being

offered in a special Diwali Red Limited

edition. The package also includes a

pair of earphones which is not a standard

with most manufacturers.

`18,990

K8 NOTE (LENOVO)

In a first for the company, the

K8 Note is a stock android

product giving full bang for

your buck. Rear is a dual camera

dual LED rig with one 13MP

PureCel Plus sensor and a 5MP

Samsung BSI Sensor + 13 MP

front camera with Party Flash

and beautification settings.

DSLR like Pro effects and Real

time Bokeh effects with

settings to change aperture

value from f/1.2 to f/2.8. Depth

of Field is processed via the

in-built Imagiq processor.

Dedicated Music key can also

be re-assigned to function as a

dedicated shutter release key.

Nano splash proof coating,

Dolby Atmos, TheaterMax,

Turbo charging and Deca Core

processor make this a complete

all-rounder on a price point that

really is hard to beat.

`10,999

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NOVEMBER 2017

SPOTLIGHT WEDDING SPECIAL

96

NOVEMBER 2017

Fairytale

HERE IS A QUICK GUIDE

TO PLANNING THE MOST

IMPORTANT DAY IN THE

LIVES OF MANY PEOPLE

- THEIR WEDDING

Nuptials

Once in a while, right in

the middle of an ordinary

life, love gives us a fairy

tale,” said an anonymous

soul, talking about the

biggest day in the lives of many of us.

Planning a wedding, however, can be

tedious. But we have got it all worked

out for you. In the following pages,

we cover all the essentials: wedding

destinations in India that stand out;

dazzling gifts for the newly-weds; hotels

that have made their mark as wedding

venues; and finally, Instagram sites

that help make the wedding planning

process smooth and easy.

SHUTTERSTOCK

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NOVEMBER 2017


INDIA’S BEST WEDDING DESTINATIONS

IF YOU WISH TO GET MARRIED IN A STORIED PALACE OR AGAINST A SPECTACULAR SUNSET ON A BEACH,

THERE’S MUCH TO CHOOSE FROM WITHIN THE COUNTRY ITSELF. BY BEVERLY PEREIRA

Three international airports

at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi

and Kozhikode and more than 80

railway stations add to the ease

of organising weddings in Kerala.

“Wedding guests have so much to

do, including enjoying elephant

rides, visiting a hill station or

wildlife sanctuary, indulging in

Ayurvedic therapies, or even taking

in a festival or snake-boat race,” he

says.

DESTINATION WEDDINGS have

become one of the biggest trends

in the Indian wedding industry.

Instead of tying the knot in their

place of residence, couples are

opting for interesting places

across India that make for a

memorable wedding week not just

for their families but also for their

guests. One of the main reasons

for this surge in popularity is

the easy availability of wedding

services such as florists, mandap

decorators, wedding planners and

caterers in destinations such as

Kerala, Goa and Rajasthan.

TRANQUIL KERALA

Kerala is a popular choice in the

destination wedding segment.

Kovalam is the first destination

most couples look to when

planning a beach wedding. If the

conventional hotel-lawn setup

doesn’t catch your fancy, there are

other locations to choose. Resorts

and hotels in and around the

beautiful backwaters of Vembanad

Lake in Kumarakom cater widely to

the needs of destination weddings,

too, and some even go so far

as to offer intimate

wedding setups on a

traditional houseboat.

“The estuaries and

lagoons of Alappuzha,

the waterfront venues

of Poovar, Kollam

and Ernakulam, or

the plantations of

Munnar are a few more

coveted destinations

for weddings in Kerala,”

says Anil VS, Deputy

Director (Marketing) of

Kerala Tourism.

BLISSFUL GOA

No other Indian destination offers

delectable cuisine, legendary

hospitality, the choicest venues

and ample leisure activities quite

like Goa does. It’s no wonder then

that the sunny state continues

to rank high as a popular choice

for destination weddings among

couples in India. While weddings at

an unspoilt beach with the sunset

for a backdrop never fail to draw

in couples-to-be, sprawling setups

on hotel lawns, or even tranquil

riverside weddings, are just as

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NOVEMBER 2017


enticing. “With its relaxed

vibe, mix of cultures and

rich backdrops, Goa is the

perfect destination for a

bespoke wedding,” says

Sanjeev Dessai, Director of

Goa Tourism.

When it comes to

venues, Goa has something

for all tastes and themes.

While the state has a range

of luxurious five-star hotels

and boutique resorts to

choose from, many couples

are opting to tie the knot at

heritage locations, including the

Reis Magos fort and lighthouse in

North Goa.

REGAL RAJASTHAN

Weddings with a royal touch are

a given in Rajasthan, and palacechic

as a wedding theme is the

rage at the moment. “Rajasthan is

a state with a rich royal history and

a tradition-rich style of hospitality,

where the guest has always

been accorded a royal welcome,”

says Parthip Thyagarajan, CEO

of WeddingSutra, an immensely

popular online wedding planning

resource for Indians around the

world. Rajasthan’s forts and

palaces make for some of the

choicest wedding venues that

exude a regal air. With The

Leela Palace Kempinski

Udaipur, Taj Lake Palace,

Fateh Garh and Devi Garh

in Udaipur; Jai Mahal Palace

and Rambagh Palace in

Jaipur; and Umaid Bhawan

Palace in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

provides a royal backdrop

for couples wishing for a

fairy-tale wedding. Jaipur,

Udaipur and Jodhpur are

the most popular among

couples that have always

dreamt of an opulent wedding, but,

adds Thyagarajan, Jaisalmer, Ajmer

and Bikaner are fast emerging as

the new destinations for weddings

in the state. Rajasthan, known

for its rich history and culture, is

reputed as a wedding destination

across the world, thanks to the

many celebrity weddings that have

taken place here.

SHOBHA

SHRINGAR’S

NEW-LOOK STORE

ABOUT 25 YEARS AGO, Shobhana

Choksey, the main pillar and founder

of Shobha Shringar Jewellers,

launched a jewellery boutique at

Walkeshwar, Mumbai. This boutique

is an amalgamation of handcrafted

customized wedding collections worn

by women as solah shringar. You get

a wide range of jewellery from nose

ring to a neckpiece. Their main forte

is traditional Jadau and Polki design

jewellery with a personal touch. The

karigars who are from different parts

of the country give the perfect design

and cultural touch to the jewellery.

“Your imagination and our

creation,” is their mantra and they give

you a perfect customization of your

handpicked jewellery. Shobha Shringar

Jewellers have recently redesigned

and transformed their store into a

lavish jewellery boutique. The new

look of Shobha Shringar Jewellers

boutique speaks for itself — tradition

meets modern art just like their

jewellery. The idea behind redesigning

Shobha Shringar is to give an antique

jewellery museum look with a touch

of modern art. The pillars behind this

renowned new look of the boutique

are the visionary Shobhana Choksey,

the perfect son Snehal Choksey and

the beautiful Nisha Choksey. Along

with a new look store they have also

launched the New Festive Collection,

Jewellery for Weddings and all kind of

occasional jewellery. Each of the jewel

and designs are handpicked and can

cbe customized on a one-to-one basis

according to the buyer’s budget.

Address: 2/4 Walkeshwar Road,

Ground Floor, Mulchand Bhuvan,

Mumbai- 400006

Landline: 022 2369 0314

Facebook: @shobhashringar

Email: orders@shobhashringar.com

Website: http://www.shobhashringar.

com / Instagram: shobha_shringar

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NOVEMBER 2017


GIFTS THAT WOW

1

2

3

1. Jadau necklace by Anaqa

2. Modish bangle by Anaqa

3. Polki and pearl jhumkas by Anaqa

LAGU BANDHU’S

FABULOUS

JOURNEY

FAMOUS AND TRUSTED LAGU

BANDHU MOTIWALE PVT LTD are

pioneers in Japanese cultured ‘Akoya

Pearl trade’ in India since 1936.

Actually it was a great adventure of

sorts for its founder Mr. Sitaram Lagu

to venture in pearls business which

was totally new to him. But with sheer

dedication, honesty and vision what

started as a small business being

run from his home in Pune, soon

took off like a wild fire and spread its

wings. From a single in-house store

to nine grand showrooms in Mumbai,

Pune and Goa and a small office in

USA, it’s going places. It has been a

fabulous journey. Today it has been a

legacy spanning 80 years which has

retained its Numero Uno position.

During this period, not only have their

outlets increased, new varieties were

also added to their catalogue while

maintaining the quality standards.

Lagu Bandhu are expert in

enhancing the beauty of pearls with

their classy designs and breath taking

craftsmanship. Their uniqueness lies

in their customized designs. Their

craftsmen are supremely creative

and talented and blending old and

new, traditional and trendy is their

forte. Every Lagu Bandhu jewellery

piece is a master piece, not only

because of craftsmanship, but also

because of the fine quality Akoya

Pearls and jewels that they use.

With this, they create something so

amazing that customers are attracted

naturally to it. Vibrant and colourful

jewellery made out of emeralds,

ruby, corals, pearls and diamonds

individually or in combination has

now become their identity and has

done a tremendous value addition to

traditional Maharashtrian jewellery.

One look at their collection like

Vajratik, Ram Rajya Tode, Chandrabali

or Jav-Tode… and a lasting love

bond is bound to be created. Apart

from the exquisite jewellery, Lagu

Bandhu are the ultimate destination

for all the information pertaining

to precious gemstones. All the

directors of Lagu Bandhu Jewellers

are qualified gemologists from

renowned international institutes and

they personally look into maintaining

the high standards of quality of the

precious stones used in these pieces.

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NOVEMBER 2017


1. Ensemble

by Minawala

2. Pink Bloom

dinner set by

Arttd'inox

3. Leaf Jar

by Arttd'inox

2

3

1

DREAM

WEDDINGS AT

LE MERIDIEN

COIMBATORE

IF A ROMANTIC WEDDING is your

dream then Le Meridien Coimbatore

is just perfect for you.The hotel offers

thoughtfully designed rooms, all day

dining and signature restaurants,

world class state of art banquet

facilities and an unparalleled sense

of luxury complete with a luxury

spa and swimming pool creating a

remarkable experience for guests.

The Grand Kovai Ballroom is a

preferred indoor venue, while the

outdoor venue at poolside offer an

intimate and romantic setting for

a ceremony or reception.The hotel

offers spacious 254 rooms and suites

with multiples banqueting space

catering from 50 to 5000 guests.

There is an in-house Ganesha

temple adjacent to the Grand

Kovai ballroom to make your

wedding rituals more convenient.

A professional event management

team and the specially dedicated staff

will convert dreams of clients into

reality at Le Meridien Coimbatore.

The hotel also has an exclusive

outdoor catering unit which can

serve 5 star experience at a venue of

the guest's choice. Escape the city

and yet be in the city, this is what

Le Meridien Coimbatore makes the

guest feel. This is one of the most

exclusive venues to get married in

the city. Located just a few kilometres

away from the airport, Le Meridein

Coimbatore is a luxurious and highly

rated wedding destination in the city.

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NOVEMBER 2017

EXPERIENCE

TRUE LUXURY

Destinations that will redefine leisure and business

travel alike. Experience absolute luxury in the rooms,

restaurants and ball rooms at our 5 star deluxe

hotels in Chennai and Coimbatore.

Large banquet halls suitable for MICE / Weddings / Social Events

Ethnic and global cuisines

Bridal Makeup / Fitness facilities / Swimming Pool & Spa

Wi-fi connected Rooms & Suites with 24 hours In-room dining service

Multiple banqueting space - Swimming Pool & Garden

#1 GST Road, St. Thomas Mount, Chennai 600016

T +91 44 22314343 / 4353 4545

#762, Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641062

T +91 422 2364343 / 4254343

reservation@leroyalmeridien-chennai.com reservationcoimbatore@lemeridiencoimbatore.com


VENUES

THAT ROCK

MUMBAI

THE ST REGIS MUMBAI: The

country’s tallest hotel tower, it

comes equipped with six locations

for large events, including the

6,000 sq ft Astor Ballroom, a

perennial favourite for weddings.

TRIDENT, NARIMAN POINT

Stylish spaces and high standards

of service are the buzzwords at

this classy property in the heart of

Mumbai’s business district. It offers

a choice of classic venues and menus.

DELHI

THE LEELA PALACE: The capital’s only

palace hotel, this is a wedding venue fit for

royalty. It boasts of banquet venues spread

over a humongous 21,000 sq ft.

ITC MAURYA: Nestled in greenery in the

heart of Delhi, this premier luxury hotel

comes with 437 rooms. Its plush hall can seat

up to 600 people.

KOLKATA

HYATT REGENCY: Located next to Salt

Lake stadium, this beautiful hotel promises

high level of comfort and service. A pioneer

in the local wedding market, the hotel has

played host to more than 550 weddings over

the past 11 years.

THE OBEROI GRAND HOTEL: With a

history going back to the British era, The

Oberoi Grand is well-known for hosting

spectacular functions. It has the city’s

largest ballroom and around 19,000 sq ft of

banqueting space.

CHENNAI

THE WESTIN CHENNAI VELACHERY:

Strategically located in the fast-growing

commercial hub of Chennai-Velachery,

the property is fast gaining reputation as

a premier destination for well-organised

events. Wedding guests are assured of

a comfortable stay in 215 comfortablyappointed

guest rooms and suites.

THE RAINTREE HOTEL - ANNA SALAI:

Located close to the airport, the hotel is

known for its personalized and attentive

service. Its versatile event spaces can

accommodate up to 1,200 guests.

BENGALURU

THE TAMARIND TREE: This beautiful

property is nestled in a five acre garden of

beautiful trees including the original tamarind

tree after which it has been named. It is

well-known in the southern city for its grand

weddings.

FAIRFIELD BY MARRIOTT: This 4-star hotel

is a winning combination of space, style and

functionality. Five event rooms totally spread

over 6,254 sq ft are popular for weddings.

WEDDING OF A

LIFETIME WITH

ROYAL ORCHID

IMAGINE YOURSELF

WALKING DOWN the

aisle on a pristine

beach, surrounded

by the lush turquoise

sea, a dais adorned

with flowers and other

decorations including

a spectacular archway

and aisle-stand with

candles and flowers.

You cannot expect a

more perfect wedding

setting to celebrate the most important

day of your life.

Plan a perfect, enchanting and

incomparable wedding filled with grace

and moments which you will cherish

for a lifetime. Choose one of the ideal

Royal Orchid destinations at Amritsar,

Bangalore, Bhuj, Dehradun, Goa,

Hampi, Jaipur, Jim Corbett, Mussorie,

Pune, Pushkar and Ranthanmbore to

make this wedding experience truly

memorable. Exceptional food and

drinks, service and ambience for your

wedding reception such as great wine

selection, distinctive menus, beautiful

floral displays, dramatic lighting and

exotic wedding reception ideas are a

given at any of the hotels in the group.

As part of a on-stop solution,

wedding planners have put together

services for the whole event under

three distinctive tier packages

incorporating catering, décor,

chauffeur cars, photo and videography

and entertainment options to choose

from a wide a selection of choices to

customize to one’s desire. Moreover,

these packages offer complimentary

benefits like a bridal suite and a

honeymoon vacation to any of the

partner hotels to make this experience

truly an offer of a lifetime.

Visit www.royalorchidhotels.com/

wow-wedding for more details and to

book your event.

106

NOVEMBER 2017


INSTAGRAM GUIDES

THE BIG FAT INDIAN

WEDDING

Brides and grooms

invited to get regrammed

40.2k followers

BIGINDIANWEDDING

All wedding

resources at your

fingertips

42.9k followers

INDIAN WEDDING

Makeup, decor,

photography and

bridal couture

82k followers

INDIAN WEDDING BUZZ

Share news of your

wedding with the world

467k followers

AQUATIC IS A FIRST-OF-ITS-

KIND FLOATEL IN THE WORLD

AQUATIC RESORT, the first five star floatel in the

world, offers individual floating apartments and public

areas in stunning settings. Guests can experience high

and low tides, as Aquatic Resort offers world’s first

floating bedrooms which are sunk eight metres under

water. Set in 31 acres of private lake, just 15 km from

Fort Kochi, this modern designer hotel will redefine

hospitality in Kerala. In Aquatic Resort, the perfect

balance of casual elegance and modern décor cuts

above the rest. The resort provides impeccable service

in a dream surrounding through various world class

amenities and entertainment.

Special care is taken in designing the aqua

activities and entertainment facilities. A global

cuisine restaurant offers local seafood specialties,

as well as exotic recipes from all around the world. A

floating lawn provides an extraordinary partying and

banqueting experience. Major tourist attractions like

Fort Kochi, Varkala, Cherai beach and Munnar are in

close vicinity to Aquatic Resort. A full fledged ayurvedic

centre adds to the essence of the locale and guests can

pamper themselves with a rejuvenating massage or a

refreshing yoga session. Aquatic provides out-of-thisworld

hospitality experience as well as an everlasting

memory for family and friends to cherish.

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NOVEMBER 2017

TRAVEL

WILDERNESS

EAT, STAY,

REKINDLE

WIND IN YOUR HAIR, GREENS AROUND

YOU, LOTS OF SMILES FROM

INHABITANTS OF THE SIMPLE HUTS

AND ROOSTERS AS ALARM BELLS,

KOHKA IS WHERE CITY DWELLERS CAN

FIND RESPITE. BY AMBICA GULATI

Outdoor dining area

Eco-friendly cottages dot the camp

The fragrance of tulsi

added a zing to the night.

Tall trees swayed but

darkness hid the

shadows of fluttering

leaves. With four of us on a night safari,

the forest didn’t intimidate us, but in that

one-hour ride I asked our young guide

Manoj many times how he managed to

remember the route. We were in the

buffer zone of the Pench Tiger Reserve in

Madhya Pradesh. The safari was special

as it was a Wednesday and that was the

village market day, meaning all the

neighbouring villagers converged at a

common place for selling their goods.

And normally the safari is closed on that

day, but our host, Shourabh Ghosh, had

managed to get us this thrilling ride. Our

base was the Kohka Wilderness Camp, in

village Kohka, Madhya Pradesh, 92 km

away from Nagpur.

While our hearts had fluttered and

prayed for a sight of the wolves and bigger

night animals, the monsoon foliage had

played truant, hiding them all. But on our

entry, we had managed to sight a herd of

deer — their glinting eyes had given them

away. After that, we only saw the greens

illuminated by the headlights of the

Gypsy and the strong flashlight which

Manoj kept rotating around. He pointed

out a white tree, the ghost tree as it is

better known for its bark is white and

shines as the moon’s rays fall on it.

Suddenly a small creature jumped—a

scared baby hare was lost in the shrubs in

seconds. No howling, no sound, except

the engine and our whispers.

Back at the camp, it was time for more

awesome home-cooked food. While I

settled down with a cocktail concocted

with mahua (the local liquor) and some

peanuts, the others dug into chicken and

veggies. This eco-friendly camp is the

brainchild of Shourabh Ghosh and Sanjay

Nagar, two corporate junkies who found

their way to this little village to discover

an uncomplicated natural world, and

finally made it their way of life. The duo

also runs the Kohka Foundation through

which they offer computer and skillbased

knowledge to the schools in the

area.

The camp likes to live in harmony

with nature — a lot of the veggies are

grown within the camp’s boundaries and

that’s what makes the food so

flavoursome here. One day, we had the

traditional tribal fare with kadi, rice and

dessert called gugul. Bamboos and teak

trees make up the region. The sheer size

of the teak leaves took me by surprise.

Even if I hadn’t walked around the

village or taken the morning walk to the

forest, I could have slept for my entire

three-day trip without the need for

anything. It’s not a place where life is

dictated by smartphones or the obsessive

need to browse through the many apps

that exist on that device. It’s a place to

enjoy what you have forgotten — the sheer

beauty of being in touch with the planet

and its many joyous sites.

My room could have accommodated a

family — it had four beds, all built on a

raised concrete platform. The bamboo

shower was quite a delight as were the

bamboo lampshades. And the rooms were

constructed in such a manner that it was

110

NOVEMBER 2017

TRAVEL

WILDERNESS

on foot, Ghosh had driven us to the

neighbouring village of Pachdhar — home

of the potters. Taking a lesson from

Laxmi Prajapati on the electric wheel, my

first attempt at making a pot resulted in

me breaking it. Making a pot entails the

support of the entire family. The mud is

collected from the forest, then the women

knead it and tread upon it and finally the

Kohka Lake is a hotbed of myriad activities

men make the pot. After that the women

always cool inside. The verandah was a

take over again for the drying and

paradise of refreshing greens. It’s when

colouring processes. There is also the

you stroll down the short street leading

traditional wheel operated with hand, but

from the main road to the camp that you

it’s a slower process.

realise how simple life can be. Blue huts

Another favoured profession here is

blend into the greens; goats and hens are

becoming a tour guide or naturalist. The

your companions. The odd rooster keeps

famous Pench National Park being the

calling out.

key tourism driver, showcasing the

I could have been a character in the

natural world is the best way to use their

old black and white movies based in rural

knowledge. During an early morning

India. But the dish antennas and

safari in another part of the buffer zone,

motorcycles in a few huts reminded me of

Anil, the naturalist, also a native, told us

the times we lived in. At the entrance of

that he had grown up in the area and later

this street, there is an anganwadi (rural

trained with the tourism department. We

mother and child care centre) and a

managed to see a lot of birds, a couple of

primary school. While I moved around

wild dogs, jackals, peacocks and deer. We

with my camera, the curious children

heard the langoors calling out in panic,

flitted in and out for lunch.

warning that a big cat was nearby. We are

I had decided to walk to the nearby

sure it saw us, though we spotted only its

WHAT WILL HELP

• Take a good pair of walking

shoes and wear cotton clothes.

• Mosquito repellants will be

a big help.

• The camp can organise trips

to neighbouring areas as well

as camping.

Kohka lake. This little water body is very

functional — some come to wash their

clothes here, others fish and the animals

come to quench their thirst. I stopped to

marvel at the way farmers were tilling

their land—the sturdy pair of ox pulled

and tilled the muck so that the crop could

be sown. It takes three months for the

crop to come out. Three women walked

fresh pug marks in the mud.

Anil is a man replete with tales of the

natural world. From him, I learned that

ants tend to kill themselves if they are

unable to protect their homes from

predators or that the big cats like to walk

on river beds. The fiery fork-tailed black

drongo can drive away the big predator

birds with its power of mimicry. It can be

• You can enjoy a night at a

villager’s home, on request,

of course.

• First-aid is available but

the nearest good hospital is in

Nagpur, so taking frequentlyneeded

medicines with you is

a good idea.

• If you have a few hours

extra, check out two beautiful

old churches in Nagpur — one

in the cantonment area (see

photo) and another in Sadar.

past me, giggling as I stared at the utensils

perfectly balanced on their heads.

Another street looked more inviting

and I changed course. A small temple was

in the distance but a mother hen and her

brood made me go off-track once again. In

a hut, some women were gossiping but I

couldn’t understand a word. Most of the

tribals are Gonds and their dialect is a

mix of Hindi and a Dravidian lingo.

Even though the area is best explored

an endless round of tales with him, as he

points out barks and colours and the

different trees. Our heads kept moving in

all directions because to keep pace with

him was no easy task.

All too soon, my time in the green

world came to an end. But the good news

is that the Pench National Park reopened

last month. That’s reason enough to trace

my footsteps back to the harmonious

world of Kohka.

AMBICA GULATI (CHURCH)

112

NOVEMBER 2017

8

MAHA

STATES

ATTRACTIONS

WONDERS YOU

MAY HAVE OVERLOOKED

MAHARASHTRA IS HOME

TO MANY AMAZING

ATTRACTIONS, BOTH

NATURAL AND MAN-

MADE. HERE IS OUR PICK

OF THE LOT.

BY BRINDA GILL

Located in the Deccan

region of India, with

the vast waters of the

Arabian Sea hemming

its scenic western

coastline of 720 km, Maharashtra

(short form Maha) is the country’s

third largest and second most

populous state. These achievements

alone often overshadow its array of

wonders. They span ecological

formations such as crystal-lined

cavities, natural potholes in the river

bed at Nighoj and a natural stone arch

at Gulanchwadi; natural life such as

the Indian Giant Squirrel at

Bhimashankar, the tiger at Tadoba

National Park and Morachi Chincholi,

a village with a significant resident

population of peacocks. It also has a

spectrum of monuments: manmade

marvels such as the Mumbai-Pune rail

link and Expressway, the Bandra-

Worli Sea Link in Mumbai and the

Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope.

1

FORMIDABLE

FORTS

With its long coastline and vast rugged terrain, the region required protection

in centuries past. Forts were built on hilltops, along the coast and on islands, by

different rulers over the centuries. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680),

the intrepid warrior king of the land, is credited with building 180 forts and restoring

scores of others. Even today these forts bring back memories of times past. Among the

more visited forts are Ahmednagar Fort, Daulatabad, Devgad, Harishchandragad,

Janjira, Naldurg, Panhala, Purandhar, Shivneri, Sinhagad, Rajgad and Raigad.

2

METEORITE

CRATER

The only natural hypervelocity impact crater in basaltic rock in the world –

yes, it is right here at Lonar, Buldhana district. Walking towards the site one

suddenly sees a ring of mountainsides slipping away to reveal a vast empty

space encircled by them, about 1.8 km across. About 170 metres below is a serene lake

with a few temples along its bank. The Lonar crater-lake is said to have been caused by

a massive meteor — estimated at 60 metres in diameter — that plunged into the earth

here about 50,000 years ago. Scientists as well as tourists from across the world travel

to see this unique crater as meteorite craters are rarer than volcanic craters.

Interestingly, the site has been known as tara-tirth by pilgrims alluding to a star

having fallen here.

SHUTTERSTOCK/ ALAMY

114

NOVEMBER 2017

4

SCENIC

VINEYARDS

Rows of vines growing along plain,

gently undulating or sloping land is a

soothing sight. And the taste of sweet

juicy grapes in the winter is nature’s treat.

Acres of vineyards are located in different parts

of the state especially in and around Nashik as

well as Baramati, Pune, Latur, Sangli and

Solapur. Nashik is known as India’s grape and

wine capital; an estimated area of around 1.75

lakh acres in this region is cultivated with

grape vines. A range of grape varieties is grown

for wines. A visit to a vineyard and a winery —

there are over 30 wineries in the state — and a

meal at a spot overlooking the vineyards makes

for an enjoyable experience.

STATES

ATTRACTIONS

3

DAZZLING

WEAVE

They say eons ago, Goddess Parvati

remarked to a companion that she did not

have a special attire to wear for a

wedding. Overhearing her words, her husband Lord

Shiva asked his weavers to create an exceptional

garment for his beloved consort. Creatively putting

their thoughts and skills to the loom, the weavers

wove a patterned textile of gold and silk yarns. But

instead of the usual process of embellishing a silk

ground with motifs of supplementary metal yarn as

they had done, they skilfully reversed the concept

and wove the body of the textile with pure gold

thread embellishing it with exquisite motifs of silk!

Thus, was born the Paithani weave! It is woven at

Aurangabad, Yeola and the pilgrim town of Paithan,

and is much sought-after, especially by brides.

5

A PLATEAU OF FLOWERS

Maharashtra is at its best during the

monsoons when the land is

transformed into soothing shades of

green, the sunlight is mellow, the breeze cool,

mountains lush, waterfalls alive, and dams

and rivers full of water. A special surprise

during this season is Kaas Plateau near Satara

that comes alive with grasses, herbs,

medicinal plants, orchids and thousands of

flowers of a variety of species. From unique

solitary flowers to clusters of certain flower

unique to the region to stunning flower

carpets, the beauty of the plateau takes the

breath away as the rains set off mass flowering

on the thin laterite soil of the plateau. Kaas

Plateau is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

under the natural heritage criteria.

SHUTTERSTOCK/ ALAMY

116

NOVEMBER 2017

6

CHHATRAPATI SHIVAJI

MAHARAJ TERMINUS,

MUMBAI

Almost 130 years after it was built,

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus,

Mumbai (built 1878-88), awes the onlooker

with its impressive scale as well as interesting

and symbolic decorative details. The

headquarters of the Central Railway, a railway

terminus for Central Railway long distance

trains as well as for the Central and Harbour

lines of the Mumbai suburban railway, it is a

hub of activity. It is regarded as one of the

most striking stations in the world. It is the

largest public building in Mumbai and was

one of India’s most photographed monuments

in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a

UNESCO World Heritage Site.

8

A

PROCESSION OF PILGRIMS

One of the most inspiring sights is that of tens of

thousands of varkaris or pilgrims heading for the

temple of Lord Vithoba at Pandharpur, the spiritual

capital of the state, located in the south. Every June/July, a

mammoth pilgrimage following the flower-bedecked

palanquin with the padukas (traditional footwear) of Sant

Dnyaneshwar (1275-1294) sets out from Alandi and at Pune

the procession is joined by pilgrims with the palanquin

carrying the padukas of the 17th century poet-saint Sant

Tukaram from Dehu. The procession — joined by more

pilgrims along the way— steadily makes its way to Pandharpur.

The pilgrims chant verses as they walk. Each dindi, or group,

has a leader who plays the veena. Male members in the

procession carry drums, cymbals or orange flags, while a

woman in the group carries a tulsi (holy basil) plant.

STATES

ATTRACTIONS

7

MARVELS

OF SCULPTURE

Twenty-five centuries ago, Buddha’s five

disciples sat through the night hearing

his words of wisdom near Varanasi. The

development of Buddhism from solitary asceticism

to a monastic organization that necessitated

retreats for ascetics, resulted in the excavation of

monumental rock cut prayer halls and monasteries

in the region. The caves at Ajanta — embellished

with beautiful frescoes— Ellora and Elephanta are

listed as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The

caves at Bhaja, Bedsa and Karla (near Pune);

Kanheri, Mahakali and Jogeshwari (Mumbai);

Lenyadri (Junnar); Aurangabad; and Pandu Lena

Caves (Nashik) are also famous.

SHUTTERSTOCK/ ALAMY

118

NOVEMBER 2017

IN FOCUS

MONTAGE

LOCAL CREATES THE RIGHT VIBE

LOCAL AT DELHI’S CONNAUGHT PLACE is a street

food bar for edgy, cultured, free spirited, laid back and

witty folks. The cuisine here brings forth flavours from

the hidden corners of the locality. The menu is not only

inclusive, but also caters to the palate of the uninitiated

and the gourmand, alike. The food is wholesome, of great

quality and affordable. The interiors are fun, quirky and

internationally inspired yet undoubtedly Indian. Exposed

brick walls, soft wood floors and mismatched lights

are just some of the elements that come together in this

space to create a cohesive whole. The space is welcoming,

intimate and quite effortlessly dramatic. It would be

most appropriate to say that the interior design of this

gastropub is in absolute consonance with the architecture

of its shell, creating just the right vibe of an unmistakably

laid-back space.

With New Delhi’s biggest eateries located in South

Delhi and Central Delhi with out of the box concept,

Umang Tewari — a restaurateur who is targeting to be

bigger and better — has no stopping. Coming from a

family background of over 20 years of real estate business,

Umang found his calling in the hospitality sector starting

2002. He is one of the select few who are responsible for

making Delhi a culinary haven with admired brands like

OTB, The Vault Café, Skooter, The Junkyard Cafe, Garam

Dharam, The Junction and his latest project, Local.

Being diligent in his approach coupled with a passion for

hospitality, he constantly aspires to reach greater heights.

Umang completed his MBA from UK, followed by working

in a café to better understand the nuances and culinary

requisites so as to help him in his future endeavors. His

journey to success has been sprinkled with obstacles with

learnings from his first venture, Oxygen, in 2002. He took

care of the fine details and department personally that

helped him in understanding the business closely and thus

marked his foray into hospitality industry.

120

NOVEMBER 2017

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FOOD

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FLAVOURS

OF PUNJAB

THERE’S MORE TO PUNJABI CUISINE

THAN THE OVER-HYPED BUTTER

CHICKEN AND THE PANEER DISHES.

BY BINDU GOPAL RAO

Even 22 years after seeing

Dilwale Dulhania Le

Jayenge, I can vividly

recall the song Tujhe

dekha to and the beautiful

mustard farm it was picturised in. The

sight of the yellow flowers amidst verdant

greenery has always been stuck in my

mind. Imagine then, my joy when I

recently went to Punjab to explore the

state’s culture and cuisine – and landed

there in the midst of the mustard

harvesting season. I was treated to rows

and rows of unending yellow and green

fields that instantly uplifted my spirits on

my maiden visit to the Land of Five

Rivers.

Say Punjab and the immediate

association is of food. As much as it is a

cliché, I always think of Punjabis as

people who love food. While I found this

to be true, I also discovered that there is

so much more to the cuisine beyond the

done-to-death butter chicken and paneer

dishes. It is no coincidence that Punjab

has always had a rich food culture. It is

said that the Maharaja of Patiala was a

food connoisseur who ensured his cooks

write out their recipes in detailed

manuscripts.

I started my food trail in Amritsar at

Pul Kanjari close to the India-Pakistan

border and followed it up with a pind or

farm visit. The first thing that caught my

attention was the amazing array of

pickles from carrot and turnip to

cauliflower and even quail meat. There

were also items like Shikar da Achar and

Dehu da Achar as well as amla and apple

murabbas – they make for a compelling

sight and taste awesome too. While the

ubiquitous lassi is always a big favourite, I

suggest you try the Kaali Gajar Ki Kanji

made with seasonal black carrot, mustard

seeds and asafoetida allowed to dry under

the sun in a container and fermented for a

122

NOVEMBER 2017

FOOD

CUISINE

From top to bottom: Chargha Chicken; Kaali

Gajjar ki Kanji; Lal Lobiya and Bhunna Gosht

few days. The tangy

drink has a sweet sour

taste and is brilliant

pink in colour.

The best part is that

the inherent nature of

the cuisine is simple and

focuses on using

traditional methods of

preparation that retain

the taste, flavour and

nutrients. The spices are

robust and coarsely

grounded. They are never pureed in a

mixie and it is always about cooking the

food slowly and allowing it to cook

overnight on a low flame. Gurpreet Singh,

Corporate Chef, Punjab Grill, explains,

“Most often Punjabi cuisine is

synonymous with North Indian cuisine

and it is limited to butter chicken, dal

makhani and butter naan. However these

are not Punjabi dishes at all. There are

many dishes that are unexplored. In

Punjab it is all about farming and the

focus is on seasonal food. So while in Italy

you have olive oil, you have mustard oil

here. In winters, you have the divine

sarson da saag and the ghobi shalgam

achaar and makki (corn flour) and bajra (a

millet) that make the food special.”

So you have mouth-watering nonvegetarian

delicacies like Tawa Tikka (a

cutlet cooked on slow heat), Mutton

Chaamp (spicy mutton mince cutlets),

Amritsari Machchi (a river fish called

Singhada cooked in traditional spices),

Bhunna Ghosht (a mutton dish) and

Charga Kukkad (a pan fried chicken dish).

The vegetarian fare is equally extensive.

The Methi Paneer (a fenugreek based

dish), Gajar aur Gobhi di sabzi (a curry

with carrot and cauliflower), Lal Lobiya

(a kidney bean preparation) and Harra

Cholliya Pulao (a rice dish with fresh

green channa) figure high on the list of

must-eats. Also, the wadi is a key feature

of the food. These are lentils that are

soaked, pureed and sun dried and can be

used to enhance the flavour of the food –

in the curries and even in rice. The variety

of desserts is also amazing and the

Malpua is made without dipping it in

chashni (sugar syrup). Likewise Amritsar

has its unique fruit cream and also Ganne

Wale Chawal (rice cooked in sugar cane

juice). The Khoye De Barfi, Gajjar Halwa

and Makhane Di Kheer are also great

options to try while you are in Punjab.

The key feature in the cuisine is to

keep the food fresh and literally have a

farm-to-fork experience. Delving deep

into the cuisine, I chat with Rama Ranjit

Mehra who is a Medical Practitioner and

founder of Ranjit’s SVAASA, a heritage

boutique spa haveli in Amritsar. She

explains, “Cooking in a handi put on a fire

overnight especially the sarson ka saag

and maa ki dal is the traditional way of

cooking.

Methi Aloo is also famous here and

the interesting part is that the potato is

cooked with the skin as it is rich in

nutrients and is specifically cooked in

mustard oil. The old Punjabi folks like

food that is served just off the flame. Also,

the atta (wholewheat flour) is never put in

the fridge. It is always kneaded fresh, first

half done and then rested and again

kneaded so that the rotis are fresh.”

In fact the aroma of the food cooked in

this manner is captivating and the use of

pure ghee is extensive. Also, a variety of

digestives or churans are mandatory after

the meal. So you have the pomegranate or

Anardhana Churan that is a must after a

heavy meal.

In fact the Yajur Veda (an ancient

Hindu scripture devoted to the worship of

the gods) has a verse that beautifully

encapsulates Punjabi food: “May I

prosper through the sacrifice and have

plenty milk, ghee, honey and enjoy food

with my kith and kin. May I have freedom

from hunger and have my bins full of

wheat, lentils and all other grains.”

124

NOVEMBER 2017

CARING

SAFETY

ALL FOR

SAFE ROADS

SINCE THE LAST NINE YEARS, SAVE

LIFE FOUNDATION HAS DONE A

COMMENDABLE JOB WITH ITS FOCUS

ON IMPROVING ROAD SAFETY AND

EMERGENCY CARE

BY PUNITA JASROTIA PHUKAN

ACCORDING TO THE GLOBAL STATUS

REPORT ON ROAD SAFETY, 2015,

World Health Organization, India has

the dubious distinction of being world’s

number one in road crash deaths and

injuries, with every day close to 400

people losing their lives. According to

Road Traffic Accident Statistics 2015, 17

people die every hour on Indian roads,

with 50 per cent of road accidents

avoidable if rapid assistance were

rendered. Over the past decade, more

than 10 lakh have lost their lives with

over 50 lakh seriously injured or

permanently disabled in road accidents.

With such a high number of lives lost,

road safety needs top priority, but the

ground reality is something different.

In these accidents most of the time

people lose lives due to lack of proper

emergency trauma medical care

(especially in the first hour of the

accident), lack of first-aid training

among first responders or bystanders

and the fear of police, legal and hospital

harassment. Acknowledging all this, the

SaveLIFE Foundation (SLF) has been

relentlessly doing significant work

towards a strong national road safety

law, training and mobilizing community

volunteers and police officers towards

accident victims with the aim of

improving road safety and emergency

medical care across India.

According to Piyush Tewari, the

President & CEO of SLF, India till now

operates under the Motor Vehicles Act,

1988, whereas road traffic has grown

significantly in the past 30 years. “Some

of the key factors responsible for road

accidents are flawed road design and

engineering, bad road user behaviour,

lack of rapid trauma care, absence of a

universal access number and weak

enforcement of traffic law,” he points

out.

SLF initially started with training

police personnel — the first responders

at most accident spots — in basic trauma

and life support skills, supported

primarily by the savings from Piyush’s

corporate career. However, the

organization has grown significantly

and is today well-known both nationally

and internationally, getting grants,

awards, public donations and CSR

support in their work towards road

safety.

SaveLIFE basically works at three

different levels - Policy Advocacy, Legal

and On-ground intervention. “In order

to enable bystanders to come forward

Police training provided by SaveLIFE

and help injured persons, a supportive

legal and ethical environment is needed.

In the absence of an efficient emergency

medical service (EMS) system in India,

bystanders can play a crucial role in

ensuring that a road accident victim gets

immediate help within the ‘golden hour’

period,” says Piyush.

Headquartered in Delhi, SaveLIFE

has already made an impact in bringing

down traffic-related fatalities in the

capital city (accounts for a 30 per cent

dip) and has brought a change in the

outlook of police force towards accident

victims. This led to the Central

Government recommending similar

trauma training for police officers

around the country. With a very small

yet capable staff of 20 people, the

Foundation has already made inroads in

20 cities involving different state

governments, law enforcement agencies

and government departments and is

supported by scores of citizens and

institutions concerned about safety on

India’s roads.

126

NOVEMBER 2017

CARING

SAFETY

Encouraging safe driving (top);

Piyush Mishra, Founder and CEO,

SaveLIFE Foundation (below)

KUDOS FOR SLF AND ITS FOUNDER

Conferred with the Prince Michael

International Road Safety Award, 2014

Conferred with the NGO of the Year

award by Rockefeller Foundation, 2014

Awarded membership of Clinton

Global Initiative, 2014

Awarded the Ashoka Fellowship, 2013

Awarded the Echoing Green

Fellowship, 2012

Winner of the Rolex Award for

Enterprise, 2010

All its programmes are delivered

free-of-charge to participants supported

through CSR grants and donations. The

policy advocacy agenda involves

working closely with the central and

state governments as well as the

Supreme Court of India to bring

significant reforms in the road safety

space.

The foundation has already trained

close to 10,000 police officers in 20 states

with a special focus on trauma care for

crash victims as normally they are the

first responders and can play a major role

in saving lives. Recounting the

experience, Tewari says that initially

they faced a little resistance due to the

sensitivity of the issue, but with

intensive first-aid training (of

performing a CPR and safe

transportation of victim), they have

become more confident of providing

trauma intervention. The training

programme on life-saving skills targets

police officials as well as common

citizens, and the one on accident

prevention skills primarily targets

commercial drivers. Another

commendable step is encouraging and

commending the work of first

responders through different awards.

At the national policy level,

SaveLIFE has been involved in the Good

Samaritan Law (which protects

bystanders providing accident assistance

from potential legal and financial fallout,

helping improve the accident survival

rate) and advocating and assisting with

the strengthening of the Motor Vehicle

(Amendment) Bill 2016 aimed at

tightening lax rules and regulations.

According to Tewari, the need for a Good

Samaritan Law was very essential as

ambulances are in short supply across

India. With bystanders being reluctant

to help, legal protection and immunity

from criminal or financial liability can

make a big difference. Once it is cleared

Tewari expects a much larger role in the

implementation at the ground level.

Over time, SaveLife Foundation has

launched various initiatives like India’s

first motorcycle responder service for

road accident victims; driver safety

programmes like The Anticipatory

Driving & Accident Prevention Training

(ADAPT) certificate programme and

Zero Fatality Corridor on the busy

100-km-long Mumbai-Pune

Expressway, which sees a high rate of

road crashes. The organization is aiming

at making it a zero fatality corridor by

2020. But Tewari has realized over the

years that simply training will not solve

this epidemic problem. Inevitably, the

system needs a makeover. The biggest

challenge with road safety in India is the

low priority accorded to it by state

governments.

Things often cast aside as ‘normal’

like untrained drivers, traffic violations

and bad road engineering causes a lot of

fatalities. What is needed is a multipronged

approach and a comprehensive

law, covering all these factors with stern

penalties and having a designated

government agency to enforce it. As

strict licensing, training, and police

enforcement are all controlled by state

governments and are marred by capacity

constraints and massive corruption,

enforcement needs to be made

electronic. Another urgent need is a

centralized emergency number.

128

NOVEMBER 2017

BUSINESS

CASE HISTORY

Hygiene and safety matter at the state-of-the-art air conditoned bhujia making facility at Bikaji

THE FIRST

LITTLE

SAPLING

A NEW BOOK TRACES THE

FASCINATING GROWTH OF

HALDIRAM FROM A TINY, FAMILY-

RUN BUSINESS IN BIKANER TO A

PROMINENT GLOBAL BRAND

In the early 20th century, a

closely-knit family in

Rajasthan’s Bikaner province

gained a reputation for making

the best bhujia in town. A

century later, the family’s

business empire has revenue much greater

than that of McDonald’s and Domino’s

combined. Here, we take a look at the young

man who started it all, Ganga Bhishan

Agarwal, aka Haldiram.

Stepping off the last rungs of the

Bikaner Express at the Bikaner Junction

railway station is akin to time travel. A

swirling mist of dust immediately

welcomes you and everything around

takes on charming medieval sepia tones.

The drive from the station to Bhujia

Bazaar is about three quarters of an hour

and takes on a leisurely quality that one

begins to subconsciously associate with

this dusty, beautiful city.

A beautiful red-stone arched gate

with trellis windows on walls that run

out from it in both directions, imbued

with handmade carvings still peeking

from the domed roof of the archway,

Kothe Gate is a sight to behold. On one

side of the gate are intricately

constructed Rajput havelis, while

through the archway you can see the

bustling Bhujia Bazaar on the other side.

Kothe Gate delicately forms a beautiful

barricade separating the old city from

the new.

Strolling through the narrow,

winding lanes of the bazaar gives a

picturesque view of the streets lined

with little hole-in-the-wall shops selling

samosas and kachoris (varieties of fried

dumplings filled with potatoes and

spices), always served with heaps of

freshly fried bhujia. The atmosphere is

filled with the delicious aromas of

bhujia, snacks and sweets, building a

deep anticipatory tug of hunger.

In every nook and corner of the

bazaar, halwais or professional sweet

134

NOVEMBER 2017

BUSINESS

CASE HISTORY

Top: Ashish Agarwal, one of the youngest

heirs to Haldiram's Delhi, at his Noida office.

Bottom: The first Delhi showroom has grown

in size since it was set up in 1983

‘IT IS GOOD BUSINESS.

HERE, EVEN A ONE-

YEAR-OLD CHILD EATS

BHUJIA WITH EVERY

MEAL. IT’S A STAPLE.’

makers, are producing piles of fried,

delectable and addictive bhujia. Their

hands move swiftly as they skim boiling

oil that is bubbling over the tops of deepfrying

karahis or pans, pulling freshly

fried bhujia through a specially

designed, perforated disc-like ladle. The

action needs practised skill as a skim too

deep might result in burnt painful hands

and a skim too far from the top will leave

the bhujia un-tossed. Yet, they work with

a languishing nonchalance that only

comes from years of practice. ‘In the

beginning, working with hot oil to

remove the bhujia felt like torture, but

with time one gets used to it,’ said

Chhote Ram, the owner of a small sweets

and snacks shop, while proudly showing

off hardened scabs on his hands.

‘Bhujia sells,’ he says, as if justifying

the pains of making the snack. ‘It is good

business. Here, even a one-year-old child

eats bhujia with every meal. It’s a staple.’

The demand for bhujia is evident in the

fact that there are over 300 small bhujia

shops and local brands in Bikaner alone.

Locals treat it like a prerequisite to every

meal, as if the people have been eating

this form of bhujia for centuries.

Around 1885, during the reign of the

benevolent Maharaja Dungar Singh, the

first batch of bhujia was made in Bikaner.

It was, in fact, well over a hundred years

ago when bhujia made its foray into this

market! It is in these very streets of

Bhujia Bazaar that the first Haldiram

shop was set up and has now been

collecting dust for decades. Yet, the story

doesn’t quite start here. Across the

street, opposite that very shop stands an

older shop by the name of Bhikharam

Chandmal. It is on the floor of this tiny,

dingy workshop that the ‘magic’ we now

know by the name of ‘Haldiram’s bhujia’

began to take form.

Haldiram’s grandsons, current

owners of the family business entities in

Bikaner, Nagpur, Kolkata and Delhi,

inherited many of their grandfather’s

admirable genetic traits, but they

certainly received the short end of the

stick when it came to physique! These

men, all shorter than 5’ 5”, have been

endowed with Haldiram’s business

legacy and vigour, but lost out on his

towering six-foot frame.

Haldiram was a tall, agile and fit man

even in his seventies. At the ripe old age

of seventy-two, he was seen riding his

bicycle into town, checking on his

storefronts and going about his daily

chores. Family members remember him

for his ‘energy’, his ‘spirit’ and his ‘drive’,

and call him a ‘man of action right until

the day he died!’ He didn’t seem to ever

slow down, and inspired awe in most

around him. Not only was he tall in

stature, but also tall when it came to his

principles. ‘Haldiram was old-school,’

says his nephew, Poonam Chand. ‘He had

strong beliefs and he stood by his values

and principles. He never strayed from his

path. It is hard to find people like that

these days.’

Independent, shrewd and with

immense faith in himself and his ability

to succeed, Haldiram — both during his

lifetime and after — inspired generations

of men and women in his family to excel

and succeed in business. He not only left

them a legacy in the form of the business

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BUSINESS

CASE HISTORY

they all so deeply cherish, but he also left

a strong set of beliefs and principles for

them to always fall back on.

Described as a man with a ‘sober

disposition’ and ‘serious mannerisms’,

apparently, Haldiram was never

foolhardy and never wasted time on a

joke! He was sincere about his work and

dedicated to providing the best life he

could for his family. Not known for his

sense of humour, Haldiram inspired a

combination of fear and awe in his sons

and grandsons. Perhaps his seriousness

was a result of the hard life he had led, or

perhaps it came from having to grow up

too quickly as a boy — we may never find

out. Nonetheless, it is clear that his

dication and devotion to the business

laid down the foundation, the building

blocks, for this snacks and sweets

empire. However, the story didn’t quite

start with him.

It is a testament to how dearly the

family keeps its heritage guarded and

the value its members place on privacy

that, to date, the media has not been able

to accurately trace the beginnings of

bhujia and this business. Most articles

claim that Tansukhdas, Haldiram’s

great-grandfather, ‘originally started the

bhujia business’. However, family

members claim that Tansukhdas never

had anything to do with this business.

He was, in reality, a small-time merchant

in Bikaner, and the family itself doesn’t

have any record or memory of what his

business might have been. Shiv Kishan

Agarwal, Haldiram’s oldest grandson

alive and owner of the Nagpur unit

admits, ‘Tansukhdas never made bhujia.

I don’t think bhujia was popular in his

time, or had even made a foray into the

public sphere. He was a small-time

businessman and whatever he sold, it

was definitely not bhujia!’ The story of

bhujia definitely predates Haldiram,

though, its alleged original founder

never enjoyed even a tenth of Haldiram’s

fame, fortune and appreciation within

the family.

Ganga Bhishen Agarwal, aka

Haldiram, was born at a glorious time in

Bikaner, when progress was the new

theme song in town and Bikaner was

beginning to evolve from the rural desert

sprawl that it was into a flourishing trade

town. He was the grandson of one

Bhikharam Agarwal, son of Tansukhdas

Agarwal, a poor and unimaginative

merchant living in the Bachaut Ka

Mohalla area in Bikaner.

Married young, Haldiram’s

grandfather was straddled with the

responsibility of a wife and two sons,

when his grandson Ganga Bhishen

announced his arrival into the world

with the usual loud perfunctionary wail

of newborns. In those days, boys became

men as early as ten years of age. Before

they knew it, they were married, and

dutifully, they began adding to the

population soon after. Bhikharam was

himself a young man of just 33 when his

grandson made a grand entry into the

world in 1908! While this might come as

a surprise to the millennials and youth of

today, it was the norm in those times. In

fact, many rural Marwari families even

today marry off their sons and daughters

very early. While balika vadhu (child

marriage) is shocking to the modern

Indian, it is still the harsh reality of

Top: Bhujia being made on

rudimentary chulas in the 1970s.

Bottom: Haldiram - the only

picture of him in the form of a

portrait hanging in Shiv Kishan's

office in Nagpur

‘HALDIRAM WAS

OLD-SCHOOL,’ SAYS HIS

NEPHEW, POONAM CHAND.

‘HE HAD STRONG BELIEFS

AND HE STOOD BY HIS

VALUES AND PRINCIPLES.

HE NEVER STRAYED FROM

HIS PATH. IT IS HARD TO

FIND PEOPLE LIKE THAT

THESE DAYS.’

140

NOVEMBER 2017

BUSINESS

CASE HISTORY

Contractors bag semiya at Prabhu Agarwal's

Singur factory near Kolkata

HALDIRAM’S INITIAL

SUCCESS MIGHT HAVE

CONTRIBUTED TO HIS

LIFELONG COMMITMENT

TO QUALITY AND

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION.

HE STRONGLY BELIEVED

THAT SUCCESS COULD

BE ACHIEVED ONLY BY

PROVIDING CUSTOMERS

WITH THE BEST PRODUCTS,

THEREBY ENSURING

THEIR LOYALTY

young girls with Marwari roots living in

rural areas.

The birth of his grandson was

definitely a burden for Bhikharam. With

the weight of the world on his shoulders,

Bhikharam was desperate to find a new

means of making enough money to feed

the multiple mouths in his house. He

seems to have had a small shop selling

goods that nobody in the family today

remembers, barely earning enough for

family members to sleep content, with

their bellies full. It was in this meagre

manor that our legend was born.

In spite of the tough beginnings,

Haldiram was a bright, cheerful kid with

an enterprising spirit. Always helpful

around the house, he seemed to take the

initiative with most chores and tasks. He

and his younger brothers, Mohanlal

Agarwal and Kishan Gopal Agarwal,

spent many a hot, dusty afternoon

playing in the street in front of their

house. His mother had stopped

addressing him by his real name since he

was little, and the nickname that she had

dotingly given him—Haldiram— stuck

on forever. While he was a favourite

among all relatives because of his

responsible demeanour, he was closest to

his aunt, Bikhi Bai. The kids fondly

called her Bikhi Bua.

Bikhi Bua only visited Bikaner

during festivals and spent a few days at a

time with her maika (parental home) at

the house in Bachaut Ka Mohalla.

Having been married into another

Marwari merchant family, it was her

duty to live with her in-laws and serve

them. It so happened that Bikhi Bua’s

mother-in-law made a rugged, fat and

firm form of bhujia as a snack at home,

which Bikhi Bua prepared for Haldiram

and his brothers during her visits.

Everybody at home loved that spicy,

tasty snack! Shiv Ratan Agarwal,

Moolchand’s second son and Shiv

Kishan’s younger brother, also the owner

of the Bikaner unit, says about the time,

‘There were hardly a handful of families

that made that bhujia [fat and soft] at the

time and even fewer that sold it.’ Bua, in

introducing the family to the snack, had

unwittingly set wheels in motion that

forever changed the fates of this family

and the history of Bikaner itself. An

invisible player, she never received the

credit she deserved for sowing the first

seeds of bhujia in the Haldiram family,

but her loyalty helped the family through

one of its toughest phases, giving them

the initial tools that later made them the

magnates that they are today.

The immediate success of Bikhi

Bua’s bhujia with this young audience

forced Bhikharam and his wife to learn

how to make it just to keep the kids

happy when Bua was away! Somewhere

between 1908 and 1918, Bhikharam,

realizing its potential, began making

larger quantities of ‘fat bhujia’ to sell at

his shop in Bhujia Bazaar. The initial

sales were for a few measly paise per kilo.

The bhujia was spooned into small paper

funnels made from old newspapers. The

product didn’t exactly make waves but it

brought him a little extra cash to keep his

family just about fed and warm in the

winters. The man who first started

making and selling bhujia within the

Agarwal family, Bhikharam Agarwal is

the son of that Tansukhdas, who has

142

NOVEMBER 2017

BUSINESS

CASE HISTORY

always received unwarranted credit

from the press for starting the bhujia

business.

As a child, Haldiram was always

found hovering near the chula, asking if

the ladies needed any help with the fire

pit. The little house was too small to

accommodate an actual kitchen space,

because of which the women had

resourcefully carved out a corner for

cooking in the living room. According to

relatives, Haldiram would take on odd

jobs such as chopping, cleaning and

kneading, and gradually began to display

an increasing interest in the bhujiamaking

process. In 1919, when Haldiram

was just an innocent eleven-year-old, his

father and grandfather decided that he

was man enough to take on

responsibilities of his own and got him

married to Champa Devi.

When Bikhi Bua visited next,

Haldiram was a young man, ready to

make his mark in the world. At age

twelve, he sat with her, intent on

mastering the art of making bhujia and

be the best at it. Making bhujia in those

days was a task seeped in backbreaking,

dangerous work. They used wooden

ladles to pour in the batter into large

woks, skimmed the oil with their bare

hands on to thick, perforated,

underdeveloped discs, scooped the

bhujia up and placed it on old newspapers

to dry. Haldiram overcame his fear of

getting burnt, and learnt to deal with the

hot oil; a feat that he accomplished in a

mere fifteen-to-twenty-day period.

Practice makes perfect, and boy did he

practise! Legend has it that he made

several batches a day, and within those

initial few days, he had almost as many

scabs on his hands as veteran halwais

and snack makers today.

With Haldiram adding to the

production, the family began making a

little more money. The boy soon became

a part of his grandfather’s business and

went to the shop daily. He was hardworking

and ambitious; taking on

greater responsibilities rapidly.

Energized by innovative ideas that

constantly sprang to his mind, it is said

that the young Haldiram began many

‘bhujia experiments’ in his spare time. A

keen sense of smell and taste helped

guide this young magician to blend just

the right spices in the right amounts

while seasoning the bhujia. A year and

multiple batches later, his thin, crispy,

moth bhujia was ready to be taken to the

market. The new bhujia was an instant

winner.

Haldiram’s initial success might

have contributed to his lifelong

commitment to quality and customer

satisfaction. He strongly believed that

success could be achieved only by

providing customers with the best

products, thereby ensuring their loyalty.

Even today, a century later, when

Bikaner alone has over 300 locally

branded bhujia shops, and the product

has been awarded the status of ‘Bikaneri

bhujia’, Haldiram is a clear market leader

with over 20 per cent market share in

snacks, leaving the rest of the

bhujiawalas to play catch-up.

(Edited excerpt from Bhujia Barons:

The Untold Story of How Haldiram Built a

Rs 5000-Crore Empire by Pavitra Kumar,

published by Penguin Random House India)

Worker piling heaps of bhujia at the Bikaji

factory, Bikaner

‘THERE WERE HARDLY A

HANDFUL OF FAMILIES THAT

MADE THAT BHUJIA [FAT

AND SOFT] AT THE TIME AND

EVEN FEWER THAT SOLD IT.’

144

NOVEMBER 2017

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MELANGE

TAROT

YOUR FORECAST THIS MONTH

BY SRINIVAS IYER

Aries

You have entered

Taurus

Finances, creativity,

Gemini

There is increased

Cancer

This is a period of

Leo

Financially an

Virgo

You will be very

a period of good

self-learning and

short distance

major changes in

active month with

active throughout

luck which runs for

children’s progress

travel and

your life. You would

increased cash flow

the month. Money

an entire year. More

are the key focus

connections

have already got

is seen. Romance is

is in abundance and

good news: Your

this month. You

with number of

a glimpse of this

indicated and you

you make positive

persona shines, health

are very expressive

people, such as

during September

take the initiative in

gains through your

improves and career is

too. Overseas

public meetings,

itself. Relationships

these matters. Do

own wisdom and

on an expansive path.

communication

marriages, parties

might turn sour and

be mindful on your

intelligence. Home

There will be overseas

will be on a greater

and the like. New

you are advised to

choice of words.

life is stressed out.

travel and increased

scale and also with

sources of finances

nurture them very

Self learning

There is no time for

partnerships.

your partners.

are seen.

carefully.

is seen.

romance.

Libra

You will tend to gain

Scorpio

Overseas matters

Sagittarius

The phase of mass

Capricorn

Spirituality

Aquarius

You are in search of

Pisces

This is the right time

weight during the

and night life

communication

influences you and

mystical subjects

for couples to start

next one year. Control

suddenly gain

and connection has

this is a long term

like moksha and

a family. Some of

your diet right from

momentum for

begun. Along with

influence, which

will pursue with

you put in efforts to

now. Relationship

you this month.

that has also begun

began two months

your efforts, while

unearth your past life

with partner is great,

Long distance

a testing phase for

ago. In career

making good

connections through

with you being the

travel with stay,

you. You are likely

related matters, go

progress. There

study or discussions

self-expressive one

conference calls,

to be stressed out

with the flow, rather

could be hidden

with intellectual ones.

and taking the lead.

and communicating

and not be fully

than seeking clarity

enemies working

Progress is assured for

Short distance travel

through odd hours

motivated in this

of the situation.

in the background.

you in this direction,

is indicated for

is clearly foreseen

long running phase.

Many of you will

You need to be

which transforms your

business purposes.

on the cards.

Be positive.

consult astrologers.

extra alert.

outlook to life.

The above is based on the sun sign and planetary transits thereof. It is general in nature. For specific readings, seek out expert advice based on

your individual chart. (Astrologer Srinivas Iyer is based in Vashi, Navi Mumbai. He can be contacted on shrinivaasiyer@gmail.com)

146

NOVEMBER 2017

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IN FOCUS

MONTAGE

SPRINGFIT UNVEILS

THE AUTOGRAPH

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Along with serving some of

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sunsets by the sea. Watermark is the

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and over the vast expanse of the sea.

Putting aside the mouth-watering

food and the cocktails by the sea,

Watermark is also the first resto-bar

to collaborate with Flyboard Nation

to provide customers the exciting

opportunity to experience the latest

watersport sensation that gives the

thrill of flying over water. Flyboard was

invented in 2012 by multiple-time jet ski

world champion Franky Zapata from

France and it has taken the world by a

storm. This activity is a great spectacle

to watch and it gives thrill seekers the

adrenaline rush that they crave.

Flyboard Nation is India’s first and

only organization offering hydro-flight

sports such as flyboards, jetpacks, etc.

Currently based out of Goa, Flyboard

Nation offers the thrill of these

watersports for which one would go to

neighbouring holiday destinations like

Dubai or Thailand. With the facility now

available in India, exclusively through

them and officially certified instructors

onboard, Flyboard Nation delivers the

never-before experience. Watermark is

owned by Mr. Gokul Kumar who came

to Goa in 1998 for the first time and has

been associated with a lot of real estate

and hospitality projects since then. His

list of projects in Goa include Antares

Beach Resort, La Gulls Court by Amani,

Amani Vagator, The Living Room and

The River Palace.

147

NOVEMBER 2017

IN FOCUS

MONTAGE

WHISPERS FROM THE VALLEY BY ZOYA

ZOYA, THE LUXURY

DIAMOND boutique from

the House of Tata,

unveils Whispers

from the Valley, a

rare collection that

draws inspiration from

India’s crown jewel Kashmir and

its captivating seasons. The poetic

beauty of the valley’s seasons

creates picturesque backdrops

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gentle shikara to falling chinar

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craftsmen into distinct designs that

add a touch of mystical enigma.

Rubies speak of the tulip lines

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sapphires unfold the chronicles of

Chinar-laden autumn,

sparkling diamonds and

precious pearls sing

of the pristine white

winters. These delicately

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piece of it with you, wherever

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autumn to winter. It has

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Summer washes

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blooms resonate with the hues of

love. The contemporary bangle is

inspired by the symmetric rows

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forth the romance of the flowers

in its famed gardens. Encrusted

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by your experience. With this

collection, Zoya recites the story

every season beholds and how

it adds up to the mesmerizing

magic of Kashmir. Showcasing the

splendid beauty and magnetism

of this scenic destination, each

exquisitely crafted piece is a

souvenir of Zoya’s journey and is

handcrafted to inspire.

VIBRANT

CERAMICS EXPO

& SUMMIT 2017

YEAR 2016 WAS A TREND SETTING

YEAR in the history of Domestic &

International trade as it witnessed some

ever lasting decisions which transformed

the overall industry scenario towards

a new economy. It was 2016 when Shri

Narendra Modi, Hon. Prime Minister of

India's vibrant legacy was extended to

the ceramic industry to make its mark on

the Global platform called the Vibrant

Ceramics Expo & Summit. In form of an

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along on a singular platform to exhibit

the latest ceramic innovation to the

100000+ domestic delegation as well

as to eminent international delegation

visiting the exhibition from more than

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a summit in addition to the expo where

eminent speakers from 18 countries

shared their knowledge on this platform

for the benefit of the industry. Never

the less it became the talk of the town

property for Ceramic industry by bring

India on the global map as a Ceramic

exporter.

Since the first year, Vibrant

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of the preceding year which encouraged

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FINISHED PRODUCTS from 16th

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1000+ new designs, size and variety

on display by multiple manufacturers

can be experienced under one roof

along with some remarkable B2B talks,

shows, sectoral presentations by Interior

decorators & architects, innovation and

technology transfers also on the agenda.

148

NOVEMBER 2017

IN FOCUS

MONTAGE

VANS LAUNCHES THE ULTRARANGE

VANS EMBARKS ON A JOURNEY

to adventure with the worldwide

release of the UltraRange campaign.

Marking a major milestone in

Vans’ footwear design history, the

UltraRange leads the path forward

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perfect surf. With his collaborative

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functionality needed for different

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and functional all in one shoe — it

would have comfort and utility, but

look like Vans no matter where you

are.”

“Design and functional product

feedback from our athletes has

been critical to the evolution of

Vans product development ever

since Tony Alva asked for a shoe

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to engage with the people that

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generation of footwear technology,

while paying homage to its rich

history with the iconic Vans

Sidestripe.

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149

NOVEMBER 2017

IN FOCUS

MONTAGE

PARTY TIME AT

AFTER STORIES

AFTER STORIES is a venue that

promises a pleasing, satisfying

after story to your experience

long after you have walked out.

Located behind the IFFCO Metro

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plush interiors that have been

tastefully done. The pub area

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151

NOVEMBER 2017

PERILS OF INVESTING DIRECTLY

IN EQUITY MARKETS

BY SHYAMALI BASU

IN OUR EXPERIENCE of dealing with

individual investors who manage

their equity assets on their own,

we have found that they, from time

to time, resort to buying stocks

as recommended by their “well

connected friends”. In the process,

over a period of time, they end up

owning a large number of stocks and

yet just three or four stocks account for over 50 or 60

per cent of the total value.

This raises an important question: Are individual

investors geared enough with the required time,

knowledge and psyche to take up equity investing

on their own or is the job best left to a Mutual Fund

manager? Mutual funds are a great tool to invest in

equities for individual investors who wish to start

investing even with a small amount of Rs.5,000. But the

real question is, whether the Indian mutual funds, being

professionally managed, have added value in terms of

outperforming the relevant benchmark indices.

Actively managed equity funds in India have

achieved a significant size in last few years accounting

for over Rs. 5 lakh crore as on June 2017 (Source:

AMFI). When it comes to wealth creation active equity

funds have done exceeding well over the past many

years in the Indian markets. This makes a strong case

for investing in actively managed equity funds in India.

This is the information age and a lot can be achieved

through a simple online search. A lot of traditional

businesses and industries are seeing unprecedented

disruption due to the ongoing technological

advancement. However, we still take the help of a

professional on various matters like when we fall ill or

when we need to sort out a legal issue. Equity investing

is no different and is too important to be taken into one’s

own hands.

IN FOCUS

MONTAGE

DISCLAIMER:

The views expressed are author’s own views and not necessarily those of

HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (HDFC AMC).

MUTUAL FUND INVESTMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO MARKET RISKS, READ

ALL SCHEME RELATED DOCUMENTS CAREFULLY

(The author is Senior Vice President & Head - Products &

Marketing, HDFC Asset Management Co. Ltd.)

153

NOVEMBER 2017

HEALTH

FOOD

GIVE ME

GREEN!

IF YOU DON’T LIKE EATING YOUR

VEGETABLES, YOU CAN DRINK THEM

INSTEAD. A GREEN SMOOTHIE

DELIVERS A QUICK, EASY-TO-DIGEST

MEGA DOSE OF NUTRIENTS WHILE

FILLING YOU UP WITH HEALTHY FATS

AND HIGH-FIBRE FOODS.


DRINK TO YOUR HEALTH

• Always go for the 60/40 rule (60 per

cent fruit and 40 per cent greens). The

natural sweetness of fruit will mask the

taste of the added vegetables.

• Opt for vegetables that are in

season because it will be delicious and

affordable too.

• Choose vegetables of various colours

to get different nutrients.

• You can add a spoon of protein

powder to the mix.

• Have it fresh. Smoothies lose their

nutrition and benefits on straining

and storing.

• Avoid gulping. Instead drink it slowly.

• If you opt for a ready-to-drink

smoothie, check the food label for

cream and sugar which will make it

calorie-loaded.

• Smoothies may cause stomach

bloating or irritable bowel syndrome for

people with sensitive digestive systems.

MOVE OVER JUICES. Green smoothie —

lifestyles don’t have the time to create an

a thick drink made from vegetables and elaborate healthy meal. Green smoothies

fruits — are now dominating

with their innovative and flavourful

supermarket shelves, juice bars,

combination of fruits and vegetables

restaurants and recipe books. Although have made it easier for parents who spent

increased awareness of nutrition, clean the best years of their life begging,

eating and well-being play some part in bribing and ordering their kids to ingest

the trend, it’s undoubtedly social media a single atom of spinach. It’s the most

— specifically, Instagram — that’s

accessible way for children and adults to

driving the dramatic rise in smoothie include a lot of fruit and vegetables in

consumption. A tall glass of green

their diet. The instantness of it and the

vegetables blended with fruits, yoghurt fact that you can be quite creative with it

and flaxseed and topped with a sprig of definitely adds to the appeal.

mint looks like an edible craft project.

“Yes, smoothies are gaining a lot of

It’s a well-established fact that we attention as it’s a good source of fibre

need to have, at the very least, five full which aids in gut health and improves

servings of vegetables and fruits every digestion. Smoothie is also an excellent

day. That can be fairly difficult in today’s source of vitamins and antioxidants that

busy world. So how do we get all our

help boost immunity. Most

nutrients every day? Well, with a

fruits and vegetables are rich

green smoothie you can mix

in potassium, therefore it

almost all your servings for

helps to lower blood

these categories into a single

pressure too,” explains

drink. Now, isn’t that very

nutritionist Karishma

convenient?

Chawla of Eat Rite 24x7.

The major attraction

It helps combat acidity,

working in favour of

especially, when had on

green smoothies is the

an empty stomach, she

fact that they are simple to

adds. Apart from vital

make. People with busy

nutrients and satiety (feeling

Super Green at

Jamjar Diner

SHUTTERSTOCK

154

NOVEMBER 2017

HEALTH

FOOD

KALE, KIWI AND

AVOCADO MAGIC

Blending a smoothie can be quite

daunting with all the different

options and the plethora of

ingredients from which to choose.

Here is an easy one from Ministry

of Salads, Mumbai

INGREDIENTS

Medium avocado Half

Fresh kiwi 1 no.

Kale leaves 50 gm

Honey

1 tbsp

Hung curd 3 tbsp

Ice/Water Enough to blend

METHOD

Place all the ingredients in a

blender and puree until smooth.

Do not sieve. Serve immediately.

of fullness) green smoothies are also

convenient to carry or to have while

travelling. They are the best way to stay

hydrated especially during summers.

Green smoothies are low in calories

but very filling and hence it is ideal for

those who are trying to lose weight,

believes Nikhil Kapur, Ironman Triathlete

and Founder Director of

Atmantan Wellness Resort in Mulshi.

Smoothies are also packing a healthy

punch into restaurant menus. They

promise to cure a hangover, flush toxins

from the body, fulfill vitamin

requirements in a few convenient glugs,

and improve digestion and stamina -

smoothies, it seems, can do no wrong.

“The new-found enthusiasm for fitness,

nutrition awareness, power foods and

the thrill of experimenting with

unexplored ingredients are driving

guests to look for snacks and meals that

are not just healthy but also high energy

boosters,” says Chef Akanksha Saigal of

Ministry of Salads, Breach Candy,

Mumbai. The Kale, Kiwi and Avocado

smoothie here is the most popular.

The Matcha Moringa smoothie at I

Think Fitness Café, Bandra, Mumbai, is

another hot seller. Moringa being a rich

source of vitamins, minerals and amino

acids is hailed as a super food and this

finds traction with the heath conscious

breakfast eaters at the café. The kale,

spirulina, spinach, pineapple and

yoghurt smoothie is the most sought

after drink at Jamjar Diner, Andheri,

Mumbai. Garde Manger Cafe, Vile Parle,

Mumbai engages a powerful antioxidant

blend of mint leaves, basil, apple and

banana to keep the heart healthy and

blood sugar level steady. Mid-meals and

post workout are the best times to reach

for a smoothie. The body needs optimum

nutrition post workout and a tall glass of

smoothie is the best way to feel satiated.

It’s also the best option if you have

skipped a meal. Green smoothie is one of

the healthiest ways to start your day as it

provides the best possible nutrition for

the first meal of the day. “A banana based

smoothie or an alkaline green mix or a

nut based smoothie are best consumed in

the morning, a papaya or prunes

smoothie will work better at night,”

reveals Atmantan’s Kapur.

The base ingredient of a green

smoothie is a vegetable as veggies have

an abundant amount of antioxidants and

less sugar than fruits. Go for multicoloured

vegetables to ensure you get

diverse phytonutrients or antioxidants.

“An ideal smoothie must comprise of

high fibre vegetables like celery, mint,

carrot, dudhi, etc along with low sugar

fruits like apple, pear or orange. The

liquid base to make the smoothie into an

actual drink can be water, soy milk,

almond milk or coconut water. These

kinds of liquids will add to the

nutritional quality of the smoothie,” says

nutritionist Chawla.

You can experiment with different

combinations to create your own unique

flavours. Finally, consider adding some

cinnamon, flax seeds, whey protein, or

chia seeds to boost your smoothie, either

for nutrients or for taste.

SHUTTERSTOCK

155

NOVEMBER 2017

ARTS

PAINTINGS

A GIANT AMONG

MINIATURE PAINTERS

BIKANER-BASED MAHAVEER SWAMI’S

EXQUISITE BRUSHWORK COMBINED

WITH A UNIQUE INNER VISION HAS

MADE HIM ONE OF INDIA’S FINEST

TRADITIONAL ARTISTS

NO DISCUSSION ON INDIAN MINIATURE

painting can be complete without

mentioning Mahaveer Swami. The

Bikaner, Rajasthan resident may be softspoken

and self-effacing but his fame has

transcended state boundaries and he is

now even a big name abroad. His shows in

Korea and France were big hits and he is

just back from a successful show in the

United States.

Swami has descended from a family

of talented miniature painters. He

learned the ropes from his father MR

Swami and grandfather MD Swami. To

Mahaveer Swami goes the credit of

reviving the best aspects of the Bikaner

School of painting.

He stands out among thousands of

traditional painters not only because of

his great skills in drawing and painting

but also because he has an ability to

recognize the difference between the

truly fine and mundane. He prefers to

explore new subjects, new contexts and

new forms of expressions but admits to

being partial to religious and spiritual

themes.

Swami’s style has been strongly

influenced by his studies of Mughal and

Rajasthani miniatures. His subject

matter is often drawn from the lifestyle of

holy men and women, daily life of Indian

women and sometimes from Hindu

mythological terms. His paintings of

ascetics and mystics are particularly

striking because of his deep feelings for

the spiritual and the emotional. As a child,

the various holy men who visited his

grandfather fascinated him.

One of the finest traditional artists

working in India today, his ethereal

colours and exquisite brushwork are

combined with a unique inner vision. His

work demonstrates beyond a doubt that a

rich and beautiful tradition is still very

much alive.

156

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

MY TOWN

Our ongoing series in which we look at various Indian cities

through the eyes of SpiceJet staffers. This month, Geetaben

Gupta, Cabin Crew, holds forth on Surat

Clockwise from above: A replica of the Eiffel

Tower at Surat’s Parle Point; the illuminated

Surat Municipal Corporation; and a diamond

cutting workshop

SpiceJet flies to Surat.

Log on to www.spicejet.com

for details

Connection to the city:

My family is originally from

Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh. But

I have been born and brought

up in Surat.

Best thing about Surat:

Surtis are the jolliest,

friendliest and most helpful

people in India. It is said

that if you ask a Surti for

directions, he will drop you to

the place where you want to

go. Surat is known as a mini India – it has

the second highest number of migrants

after Mumbai. People from different

religious communities live here and

celebrate all major festivals together. It

is famous all over the world as a hub for

diamond, textile and food industries.

Favourite eating place: Surat is home

to many dishes, whose names may

twist your tongue, but whose taste

will put your taste buds back in their

places. With dishes like Undhyu, Ponk,

Locho and Ghaari, Surat has something

to fulfill all my foodie fantasies. My

favourite eating place here is the Piplod

locality where the footpath is lined

with vendors selling street food items

like Surti Sev Khamani, Bhajiya, Ponk,

Rassawala Khaman Dhokla and above

all, Cold Coco.

Places to hang out: Most people love

visiting Gopi Talav, Ubharat and Dumas

beaches and the Botanical Garden.

Local attractions: I would recommend

the Iskon Temple located on the bank of

the River Tapi; the multi-facility Science

Center famous for its planetarium; and

the Jagdishchandra Bose Aquarium,

India’s first multidisciplinary underwater

aquarium.

Recommended places nearby: The

only hill station in Gujarat, Saputara

is an attractive weekend destination

on account of its thick forest cover. At

Silvassa Dadra & Nagar Haveli, you can

visit the Vanganga and Satmaliya parks

as well as the Tribal Cultural Museum

with its numerous atractions. If you are

a water person, head to Dandi Beach,

just 34 km away. Lastly, the beautiful

Nilkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple is

located at Poicha village on the bank of

river Narmada.

Surat when compared to other cities:

I have stayed in Delhi and Lucknow.

People here are more friendly than

Delhites. And if you compare with

Lucknow, well, business opportunities

there are definitely more.

ALAMY

158

NOVEMBER 2017

NEWS

SPICEJET

INSIDER

SpiceJet enhances

frequency on Jaipur-Udaipur

route

SpiceJet has launched a new daily

evening direct flight on the Jaipur-

Udaipur-Jaipur sector. Deploying its

Bombardier Q400 aircraft on the

sector, SG 2971 will take off from

Jaipur at 6.35 pm and reach Udaipur

at 7.45 pm. The return flight from

Udaipur, SG 2972, will take off at

8.05 pm and reach Jaipur at 8.55 pm.

With the addition of this new flight,

the airline will now connect Udaipur

twice daily from Jaipur.

Jaipur is also connected with

Delhi, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh,

Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jammu and

Surat with direct flights and connects

Goa and Mumbai via Ahmedabad

and Surat respectively and a host of

other Indian cities on the domestic

network. Internationally Jaipur is

connected with a daily flight to Dubai

and convenient via connections to

Muscat, Colombo and Bangkok.

Passengers from Udaipur get

convenient onward connections to

Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Hyderabad

and Kolkata via Mumbai, Delhi and

Jaipur on the domestic network

and Bangkok, Dubai and Kabul on

SpiceJet’s international network.

Ms. Shilpa Bhatia, Chief Sales

and Revenue Officer, SpiceJet

said, “SpiceJet always strives to

give its passengers the best flight

connections and options to meet

their social and business obligations."

Hon'ble Chief Minister of Assam

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Mr. Ajay

Singh, CMD, SpiceJet, and Dr. Go

Okazaki, Executive Managing

Director, Setouchi Holdings Inc,

along with other dignitaries and

SpiceJet employees during the

demo flight session of the Kodiak

aircraft at Guwahati airport

SpiceJet’s big push for regional connectivity

SpiceJet, India’s largest regional player, in its quest to revolutionise the country’s regional

connectivity, is working closely with Japan’s Setouchi Holdings to explore opportunities

for small 10 and 14 seater amphibious plane operations to provide air connectivity to the

remotest parts of the country. In a groundbreaking initiative – the first by a major Indian

airline – SpiceJet is exploring the introduction of smaller fixed wing aircraft to provide air

connectivity to places which have hitherto remained unconnected due to infrastructural

challenges. Amphibious planes have the ability to take off and land from places that do

not have landing strips and where no runway exists thus reaching areas where there is

no other mode of transport available. Reliable, tough and resilient, these smaller fixed

wing aircraft can land on water bodies, gravel and grass.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing Director,

SpiceJet, said, “Even while we are acknowledged as one of the world’s fastest growing

markets, the ground reality remains that only about three per cent Indians travel by

air. Infrastructural challenges have been a key deterrent for providing air connectivity

to smaller towns and cities. We are extremely delighted to join hands with Setouchi

Holdings and look forward to exploring new opportunities that will help us serve our

country better.” Added Dr. Go Okazaki, Executive Managing Director, Setouchi Holdings

Inc., “We are happy to introduce Kodiak which will support this objective. Under this

association, we have already executed land plane demonstrations in Nagpur and

Guwahati. As a next step, we would also like to go for seaplane demonstration soon.”

There are about 200 Kodiak Quest aircraft flying all over the world for the past 10 years.

159

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

Diwali initiative launched by

SpiceJet

In a one-of-a-kind initiative, Roshan Hoga

Desh Hamara, launched on the auspicious

occasion of Diwali, SpiceJet adopted

the remote village of Baruahchuck, in

the Majuli district in Assam. The airline

aims to provide sustainable energy

access through a solar microgrid to the

people living there thereby improving

their quality of life. This will help

bring electricity to approximately 70

households, one school, one anganwadi,

and two temples, in addition to the

street lighting. On the occasion of the

announcement of the special initiative,

Mr. Ajay Singh, Chairman and Managing

Director, SpiceJet said that “On occasions

like these, we remember our fellow

countrymen who are not as fortunate as

us. This Diwali we wanted to try and light

up the lives of those who have never had

electricity.”

Meanwhile, SpiceJet staffers across

the country celebrated the festival

of lights in their customary joyous

manner. In order to give a festive feel to

passengers and staff on Diwali (October

19, 2017), operating cabin crew and

ground staff came to duty in ethnic wear.

All headrest covers were adorned with

Diwali themed creatives.

Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam Shri

Sarbananda Sonowal addressing a

conference during the flag off ceremony

SpiceJet flags off first daily direct flight on the

Guwahati-Dibrugarh route

SpiceJet launched its 50th destination, Dibrugarh, by introducing daily

flight services on the Guwahati-Dibrugarh route. SpiceJet is the first

airline to offer daily direct air connectivity between Guwahati and

Dibrugarh. The traditional flag-off and lamp-lighting ceremonies were

held at the Dibrugarh airport.

The new flight will further connect Dibrugarh with Silchar via

Guwahati. The flag-off ceremony was graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister

of Assam Shri Sarbananda Sonowal; Shri Chandra Mohan Patowary,

Cabinet Minister, Assam; Mr. D K Kamra, Regional Executive Director,

AAI; Mr B K Tailong Airport Director Guwahati AAI; Comdt L K Haokip

CISF along with Mr. Debojo Maharshi, Chief Marketing Officer, SpiceJet.

The first passenger was welcomed by Spicejet officials and the

ceremony finally came to a conclusion with the flagging-off the flight

SG 3214 at 10.40 am, from Dibrugarh Airport.

160

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

SpiceJet signs order

for up to 50 Bombardier

Q400s

SpiceJet Limited has concluded

a firm purchase agreement

with Bombardier Commercial

Aircraft, for up to 50 Q400

turboprop airliners, making it

the largest single order ever for

the Q400 turboprop aircraft

program.

Upon delivery, the

airline will become the first

in the world to operate a

90-seat turboprop, pending

certification by regulatory

authorities. The purchase

agreement includes 25 Q400

turboprops and purchase rights

on an additional 25 aircraft.

Mr. Ajay Singh, Chairman

and Managing Director,

SpiceJet said, “I am pleased to

confirm SpiceJet’s latest order

for up to 50 Bombardier Q400

planes that was announced at

the Paris Airshow. I am sure

this fresh order will further

enhance connectivity to

smaller towns and cities and

help realise Prime Minister

Narendra Modi’s vision of

ensuring that every Indian

can fly.”

Since 2010, SpiceJet has

taken delivery of 15 Q400

aircraft. The airline currently

operates 20 Q400 aircraft

in a 78-seat configuration to

domestic and international

destinations. When concluded,

this fleet expansion will provide

SpiceJet the ability to grow

profitably and leverage the

robust demand forecast in

the world’s fastest growing

regional aviation market.

SpiceJet wins four awards at

major youth football tournament

A SpiceJet football team, consisting of

players drawn from the airline’s staffers

all across the country, was one of the star

performers at the Youth Soccer League

(YSL) football tournament, which concluded

in Ahmedabad recently. More than 50 teams

participated from Ahmedabad and other

Indian cities in different categories like

Under 14, Under 21, Open and Corporate.

SpiceJet played exceptionally well and

emerged as the runners up in the Corporate

category. One of its players, Rahul, won the

Best Player of the Tournament award. He

shared the Outstanding Player Performance

award with Mitchell. SpiceJet also won the

Fair Play award. One of the objectives of

Jaisalmer is the latest addition

on the SpiceJet network

SpiceJet has added Jaisalmer to its domestic

network making it the first and only airline in

the country to provide direct air connectivity

between Jaisalmer and Delhi. SpiceJet

has also introduced direct flights between

Jaisalmer and Jaipur making it the only Indian

carrier to connect the two key tourist and

business destinations of Rajasthan. The airline

has recommenced flights between Delhi and

Jodhpur.

the tournament was helping in promoting

the cause of road safety in Ahmedabad. The

event was hosted by SRSA (Safer Roads

Safer Ahmedabad), a local body active in

spreading road safety awareness.

“Hosting the SpiceJet team was

a pleasure. Their players were full

of enthusiasm and were thorough

professionals, both on and off the field. It

was a joy to watch the team play,” said the

tournament’s organisers later. “The entire

team was very courteous and respected the

proceedings of the game and made sure

they were actively involved in discussions

with guests and speakers on the need of

road safety issues. They happily agreed on

promoting road safety in the same way the

airline’s staff promotes safety."

Jaipur-Jaisalmer will be the fourth sector

under UDAN or the regional connectivity

scheme for SpiceJet. The route will be

serviced by the Bombardier Q400. Ms Shilpa

Bhatia, Chief Sales and Revenue Officer,

SpiceJet, said, “Scheme UDAN has been on

a fabulous pursuit of bringing the un-served

and under-served airports on the national

flight map and taking flying to the masses.

The fact that Jaisalmer will now be offered

air connectivity after a wait of 16 long years

speaks volumes for UDAN.”

161

NOVEMBER 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

162

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

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 20% discount on

flight tickets and 20% 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

163

NOVEMBER 2017

STEP: 7

Customers can pay via Credit or

Debit card. QuickPay option saves

transaction time

SPICEJET

INSIDER

ST RS OF SPICEJET

Meet SpiceJet achievers from various departments, who have stood out

for their outstanding work

MANIK SHARMA

GURUGRAM

Internal appreciation: Manik

is an aggressive group

sales member and is always dedicated to

his job. An exceptional team player with

leadership qualities as well, he always tries

his best finding solutions to all the issues

and delivers 100 per cent results. He has

been continuously achieving his targets.

Manik motivates other team members as

well to make sure that they deliver high

quality results.

Experience with SpiceJet: I have enjoyed

every minute of the six years that I have

been at SpiceJet. My growth during these

years has been immense. I feel that a

person's growth does not totally depend

on his performance but also on the support

and guidance of his seniors.

JATIN DHINGRA

GURUGRAM

Internal appreciation:

Jatin has always been

a good team player. His contributions

towards target achievement are

highly appreciated. He always sets a

new target for the team. Jatin is very

good with his selling skills and has

consistently won many recognitions

for target achievements.

Experience with SpiceJet: It has been

more than two years with SpiceJet.

This is a great place to work. I enjoy

my work here as I am able to learn

something or the other on a daily

basis. It is an amazing work place

to work in. It is up to you to grab

opportunities as there are many

of them in this organisation. I shall

always be thankful to my seniors and

colleagues for all their support.

GROUPDESK

RESERVATION

SAURABH BHANKAR

GURUGRAM


Saurabh is a very fast learner

and has always proved himself by handling

all situations independently. He has the

required zeal to work towards the goal of

the department. He is always ready to do

more than the call of duty, whenever asked

to contribute. Very efficient, focused and

motivated in achieving all his targets, he is

a valuable team player and always extends

his support towards his colleagues.

Experience with SpiceJet: This is my first

job. It really feels awesome when your

work is appreciated and rewarded by

your seniors. I am proud to be a part of an

organisation where most of its workforce

is young, aggressive and enthusiastic. I feel

blessed to be a SpiceJetter.

ANJALI TYAGI

GURUGRAM


Anjali has always been

a creative and proactive employee

with many ideas towards process

improvement within the department

and getting the same implemented.

Her role and recommendations as an

auditor have streamlined a number

of processes associated with refunds

which is very useful for the business.

She has the zeal to go much ahead and

is a valuable asset for the organization.

Experience with SpiceJet: The only

way to do great work is to love what

you do. I am overwhelmed by the

work and the responsibilities that are

placed on me. In the end. I would like

to conclude: In God we trust and all

others we audit because auditing is my

profession.

164

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

SALES

ANCILLARY

MANISH SAINI

JAIPUR


His commitment levels

are of the highest standards and his

passion for work is simply outstanding.

He is organised and prioritizes his work,

which helps him save time. Manish is

supportive and a very good team player.

He is a quick learner and is constantly

sharing ideas to increase revenues;

understands the business well and is

very proactive in his approach. Manish

works well under pressure and is

receptive to ideas.

Experience with SpiceJet: This is a great

place to work and grow professionally. I

am grateful to my seniors and colleagues

for their support. I look forward to many

more fruitful years with this great airline.

SATISH SREEPADA

HYDERABAD

Internal appreciation: Satish

is very focussed and carries

out his work in a very organised and

professional manner. His understanding

of the product is excellent and he shares

a very good relationship with customers.

He speaks very positively about the

organisation with all his customers and

also works well under pressure.

Experience with SpiceJet: The last four

years of working in SpiceJet have been an

enriching experience. Professionally it has

afforded me many and varied challenges. I

have also got the opportunity to work with

and learn from many talented individuals.

SpiceJet has provided me with the perfect

grounding and structure to help me

achieve my goals.

MEHREEN ANWAR

GURUGRAM


Mehreen has emerged

as a very strong team player with an

extreme focus on increasing revenues and

improving processes. She has been one of

the best performers in ancillary revenue

and someone who the team looks up to.

She has an extremely positive influence on

the team and takes challenges head-on.

Experience with SpiceJet: It has been

an extremely fulfilling journey with

SpiceJet, now spanning over 11 years.

Every day brings a new challenge and it

is great meeting them head-on. With a

strong support from the organization and

guidance from seniors these challenges

actually don’t feel like challenges but as

stepping stones to improve yourself.

REVENUE

SALES SUPPORT

RAJAT SHARMA

GURUGRAM


Rajat is a hard and smart

worker, keen to learn and implement

new things and ready to take on new

challenges. This is what makes him

different from other team members. He

often goes behind the call of duty to

complete the task assigned to him.

Experience with SpiceJet: By creating

a culture that’s fun and inclusive, with

core values that remind all employees

to enjoy their work and not take

themselves too seriously, Spicejet

motivates employees to take pride

in what they do. This often translates

to going the extra mile and ends in a

win-win situation for all concerned.

It’s been a great experience for me to

watch the company grow and achieve its

wonderful success.

S NIRMAL KUMAR

GURUGRAM


Nirmal is good observer

and quick learner too. He keeps

working silently and monitors the

flights very closely. He is very hard

working and a valuable team member.

Experience with SpiceJet: It is often

quoted that pleasure in the job

puts perfection in the work. This is

something that has been instilled in me

working with Spicejet over the past one

year. With a team that compliments

people and magnifies every individual's

strengths, I have not only made friends

but mentors, guiding me even outside

the realm of work. I take a lot of pride

working in SpiceJet and joy in being a

part of the revenue management team

as it has given me a successful and

ever-growing career path.

ISHA TUTEJA

GURUGRAM

Internal appreciation: It

is a very good thing when

your staff know and understand their job

responsibilities and take the ownership.

Once a job is assigned to Isha, she

takes full ownership of it. If you have

colleagues like her the team definitely

becomes stronger and all the team

members achieve the desired goal.

Experience with SpiceJet: I am proud

to be called a SpiceJetter, and have

been working for more than 11 years

with SpiceJet under motivational

leaders who are always liberal with their

guidance. Most important is that your

leaders believe in you and give you a

chance to do well and grow within the

organization. Thank you SpiceJet for the

opportunity and trust that have been

given me.

165

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

THE MID-AIR MENU

SpiceJet's 'pre-booking only' menu offers Thai, Continental

and Indian Platters

SPICEJET'S EXTENSIVE INFLIGHT MENU will leave flyers delighted with their onboard

experience. The 'Hot Meals' section will bring a warm smile to your face. From filling

breakfast options to lip-smacking snacks, from sumptuous lunch and dinner options to

vegetarian and non-vegetarian delicacies, SpiceJet offers a multitude of meal choices on

pre-booking. In addition, special meal categories such as Jain meal, Navratra meal, meal

for diabetics, gluten-free meal and cakes are also on offer, along with Thai, Continental

and Indian platters. Hot favourites like Pringles have been retained in the nonperishables

section to entice kids. All in all, SpiceJet's menu is a red, hot, and spicy treat

for your taste buds.

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 24x7

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

EXCLUSIVE OFFER

ON PRE-BOOKING

PRE-BOOK A MEAL

THROUGH WWW.

SPICEJET.COM AND GET A

FLAT 20% OFF ON YOUR

NEXT FOOD DELIVERY

o

166

NOVEMBER 2017

SPICEJET

INSIDER

ADD-

Know more about SpiceJet’s

innovative products and services

SEAT SELECTION DOMESTIC INTERNATIONAL SPICEFLEX

(DOMESTIC)

SPICEFLEX

(INTENATIONAL)

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

Preferred Seats - on Boeing /Airbus

Ahead of exit row window /aisle M 300/- M 450/- Free Free

Ahead of exit row middle M 250/- M 400/- Free Free

Behind exit row window /aisle M 200/- M 350/- Free Free

Behind exit row middle M 99/- M 150/- Free Free

Preferred seats Q400 Free Free

Front half of cabin window /aisle M 250/- M 400/- Free Free

Rear half of cabin window / aisle M 150/- M 300/- Free Free

Seat + Meal Combo

Combo Price M 399/- M 499/-

PRE-BOOK EXCESS BAGGAGE

5 kgs M 1425/- M 2450/-

10 kgs M 2850/- M 4,900/-

15 kgs M 4275/- NA

20 kgs M 5700/- NA

30 kgs M 8550/- 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 350/- per kg As per current excess

baggage rate

At boarding gate M 350/- 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 750/- M 1400/-

Varanasi/Guwahati/Jaipur)

FLY FOR SURE M 299/- Only ex-India M 499/-

VALUEPACK

a) Pay M 499/- and get a SpiceJet voucher worth M 1999/-

b) Pay M 999/- and get a SpiceJet voucher worth M 3999/-

*SPICEMAX SEATS OFFER SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LEGROOM, PLUS COMPLIMENTARY MEAL, PRIORITY CHECK-IN, PRIORITY BOARDING

(AT AEROBRIDGE GATES), AND PRIORITY BAGGAGE HANDLING. *BASIS AIRCRAFT TYPE/SECTOR **NA STANDS FOR ‘NOT AVAILABLE’

*THE ABOVE MENTIONED PRICES AND FEATURES ARE ACCURATE AS AT THE TIME OF MAGAZINE PRINTING, AND ARE SUBJECT TO

CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

167

NOVEMBER 2017

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

28

4

20

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.

Jaisalmer

Jodhpur

25 th October, 2017

Dibrugarh

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

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