Pondicherry - A Confluence of Cultures

Pondicherry is a confluence of spiritual aura, French colonial heritage and Tamil culture, creating an ambience not felt anywhere else in India. Pondicherry is a melting pot of varied cultures, all of which come together in this small but varied own.

A letter from Pondy

Mon ami,

I landed in Pondicherry five days ago. Feels like I’ve been transported back in time to a French colony - a charming Mediterranean town with cobbled streets, stylish houses and ornamental gardens. As the French would say Rues chiques, maisons élégantes et jardins d’agrément. You would have noticed that I have picked up a bit of French. Really can’t help that. All the roads and institutions have names in French like Hotel de Ville which is the Town Hall. Even the local policemen dress French. They still endorse red kepis (caps) and belts.

I have been bicycling all over the town. Pondy has a pristine coastline stretching over 30 kms. The palm-fringed beach has really caught my fancy. And there’s so much to do! There are resorts, a water sports centre, a fishing village, the backwaters. Boy! I can’t decide what to do first.

And you never get lost here. This French Boulevard town has everything planned in a grid.

I’m planning to go to the international city of Auroville, which has the Sri Aurobindo Ashram. Will attend a few sessions at their Yoga centre; probably attain Nirvana.

I’ll write more later...

Getting there

Pondicherry is best accessible by road from Chennai, Bangalore or Kerala. From Chennai it is a pleasant ride along the scenic East Coast Road. It will take you about two and half hours for an easy, pothole-free journey. Bangalore would be a longer journey – six-and-a-half hours if you drive non-stop.

A tourist taxi journey up and down from Chennai in a Ford Ikon, would cost approx Rs 5,800 + toll tax. An Indica however, would be the cheaper option.

Buses also ply regularly to Pondicherry. There is no direct train route to Pondicherry either from Chennai or Bangalore. Chennai is the closest international airport, and directly connects to the highway to Pondy. And there are good transit hotels available in the vicinity for travellers who arrive in the night.

Getting around

A novel way to see Pondicherry is in a cycle rickshaw. Plenty of rickshaws are available especially around the Ashram area. They will show you Pondicherry and its sights at a leisurely pace. And a great experience for those who have not sat in one. And unlike Kolkata this one is not pulled by a human, it is an extension of the cycle.

Are you a health freak? Then hire a cycle. It costs around Rs 20 per day. If you are not the sort who wants to pedal around, hire a motorcycle. They come on hire as little as Rs 100 per day (fuel extra).

History

The history of modern Pondicherry starts with the arrival of the French in 1673, who ruled for most part of the next 281 years. In 1947 the English left India for good, but it lasted till 1954 when the French handed Pondicherry over to an independent India.

The origin of Pondicherry however is buried in legends. Excavated remnants testify trade connections with Rome and Greece, dating back to as far as 100 BC. Ancient Roman scripts mention one of the trade centres along the Indian coast as Poduca or Poduke, which refers, historians affirm, only to the present Pondicherry. Before this period nothing is known with certainty.

Heritage

Pondicherry, which is a conglomerate of different cultural influences, is a heritage town. It is at a crossroads of eastern and western culture, and of ancient and modern spiritual disciplines.

It has a rich French cultural heritage, having been the capital of the French colonies in India since the 17th century.

Sights are manifold, from pastel coloured churches to bright temple towers; Joan of Arc’s heavenward gaze vies with the tall carved pillars from Gingee at the seafront; cricket competes with pétanque. Apart from the monuments there is the French Consulate and the Foyer du Soldat for war veterans of the French Army. Of the cultural organisations the French Institute, the Alliance Francais and the Ecole Francais d’Extrème Orient are noteworthy. These movements converge in a practical manner in the twin communities of the Sri Aurobindo Ashram and Auroville.

An Investor’s Paradise

With the status of industry accorded to tourism, the Government of Pondicherry has prepared a master plan to promote tourism in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. This offers a great investment opportunity to entrepreneurs.

It is estimated that about 3000 additional hotel rooms are required in the next five years. The identified areas of investment include resorts, hotels, theme parks, golf courses, water sports, ferry service between Pondicherry and Chennai, operation of regular chartered flights, and so on.

As an incentive to investors, many concessions and benefits are being provided.

Among them are:

• Grant of interest subsidy on loans by the financial institutions.
• Exemption of luxury tax for hotel accommodation.
• Exemption of sales tax.
• No entry tax for tourist vehicles.
• Majority participation by foreign investors in case of joint venture projects.
• Income tax holiday for 5 years.

The Government also encourages Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and foreign nationals of Indian origin to invest in tourism projects. All the incentives offered by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, are available in the Union Territory of Pondicherry as well.

Architecture

The French relinquished their control of Pondy 50 years ago, but reminders of the colonial days remain. Neat, pleasant, and charming, Pondicherry has a beautiful beach and a sea that is always warm and refreshing. Viewed from the sea, the skyline is typical of that of a Mediterranean fishing village. The town has been planned on a grid right from its inception; divided in a French section and Tamil section, with each having its own distinctive streetscapes. The French Town has colonial style buildings with long compound walls and stately gates. The facades have vertical columns and tall windows and are coloured cream, yellow and pink. Streets in the Tamil Town are lined up with verandas and extended porches where residents would gather and passing guests would spend the night. The colours dominant here are green, blue and brown.

People

When you walk down the streets you canhear French being spoken. French words and phrases squeeze themselves into the colloquial slang like Bonjour, Comment ca va, monsieur? The locals speak French with astonishingly Parisian pronunciation and without any grammatical errors; and switch over to Tamil, again with the perfect Tamil accent.

But the hallmark of Pondicherry is the flat-topped cylindrical red kepi - a hat worn by the police. The French have a saying - Plus ça change, plus c’est lr même chose which means - the more things change the more they stay the same. And this could be somewhat the case for Pondicherry.

Shopping

For the avid shopper, Pondy has a lot to offer and is fast becoming a favourite shopping destination. With taxes low or non-existent Pondy is soft on your purse. It is known for its traditional doll making, textiles and silks. It is also the birthplace of several world-class brands in leather, pottery, aromatics, fashion and handmade paper. Scented candles, incense sticks, lamps and other articles made with handmade paper and dry flowers are the flavour of Pondicherry.

Eating Out

The restaurants serve a rich variety of French, Indian, Asian and continental food, with the latest pizza for an American bite.

Hotels

Pondicherry has a wide choice of hotels for most visitors: beach resorts for the leisure traveller, heritage hotels for those who want to experience something different, high class commercial hotels for the corporate visitors and the neat ashram guest houses for the spiritual seeker.

A Lot to See. A Lot to Do.

Monuments abound in Pondy and each one has a story to tell.

Churches

The large number of 18th and 19th century churches in Pondy is yet another legacy of the French. Notable are the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eglise de Notre Dame de la Conception, the Eglise de Notre Dame des Anges, the Eglise de Notre Dame de Lourdes and the Chapel of the Sisters of Cluny.

The Aayi Mandapam

Located at the centre of the Park, it is the best known monument. Built during the reign of Napoleon III in France, the Aayi Mandapam is named after a 16th century courtesan, Aayi, who demolished her house and built a water tank instead. This reservoir served French engineers later to bring water to the town.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Sri Aurobindo, the great seer, poet and prophet of the twentieth century, made Pondicherry his home from 1910 till his death in 1950. His vision and ideals continue to draw people from all over the world.

Auroville

Located 10 kms north of Pondicherry, Auroville is envisioned as a universal town, where people from different nationalities, faiths and beliefs, can live in peace and harmony. This international City of Unity was constructed under the guidance of The Mother, a Paris-born painter and musician who became Sri Aurobindo’s disciple and close companion. The development of this utopia is still in progress.

Pondicherry Museum

On display are the findings of Arikamedu, the Chola bronzes and sculptures, glimpses of French heritage, specimens of traditional handicraft, paintings, armouries and carvings.

Chunnambar Resort

Known for its virgin beaches and backwaters, Chunnambar has a water sports centre which offers exciting boating experiences. It is also a great tourist spot.

Botanical Garden

Established by the French in 1826, it preserves a large variety of exotic species of plants from all over India and abroad.

Villiayanur

Architecturally the finest in Pondicherry, the Sri Gokilambal Thirukameswarar Temple attracts hundreds of devotees during Brahmo-thsavam, a ten-day annual festival held in May-June. The temple car rising to a height of 15.25 metres is profusely decorated, pulled out from its usual position and taken on a procession around the town. It is an awe-inspiring sight.

Mansion of Ananda Rangapillai

Built in 1773, this mansion is a fine specimen of Indo-French architecture. Ananda Rangapillai was the courtier of Joseph Francois Dupleix, the Governor.

Anglo-French Textile Mills

Established over a century ago, a visit to the Anglo-French Textile Mills is an education in itself. The mill gives a ten percent rebate on purchases made by tourists who go on guided tours. The acclaimed fabrics and products of this mill make ideal mementoes and gifts.

The Government Park

It is the centre of the old colonial part of the town. The Park provides a cool and lush green anchor around which most government buildings are situated: the Lt. Governor’s Palace, the Legislative Assembly, Government Hospital, the Ashram Dining Room in a beautiful Villa, the Cercle de Pondichery, a private club, and old Hotel Qualité.

Eglise De Sacre Coeur De Jesus

Dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, this church is noted for its gothic architecture and stained glass panels which depict the entire life of Jesus Christ.

Festive Cheer

Almost every month, there is an important fair or a festival in Pondicherry. Some are religious in nature, others cultural and spiritual and still others, purely gourmet. There is the International Yoga Festival in January, Maasi Magam in February - March at the beach of the Fishing Village and Fête de Pondichery.

A private beach for the asking

If you want to stay right on the beach then the Pondi Ashok is the place for you. On the outskirts of Pondi, this ITDC hotel has its own private beach Blue seas, white sands, palms, a hammock and an interesting book…it’s sheer heaven.

Sightseeing Tour

The Pondicherry Tourism & Transport Development Corporation conducts a daily sightseeing tour in and around Pondicherry. There are both half-day and a full-day trip programmes. For more information and bookings, contact: Tourist Information Bureau, 40 Goubert Avenue, Beach Road % 413-339497

Beyond Pondicherry

Pondy is a perfect base to explore the rich destinations around it. The cool and lush hill stations of Yercaud and Kodaikanal; the imposing Gingee Fort, the holy temple towns of Kanchi-puram, Tiruvannamalai and Chidambaram, the heritage sculptures and magnificent rock temples of Mamallapuram, are perfect for a day trip.

Unwind

080

Unwind
Shivamani’s high-voltage energy inaugurated the city’s newest music centre

After creating waves of music in Chennai, Unwind Center has entered Bangalore. The Center is a spot where amateur performers, students and well-known artists will come together to do what they love: Make music.
Percussion maestro Shivamani inaugurated the Center, holding the crowd spellbound with his magic on the drums for almost 45 minutes. He even jammed with a few Bangalore musicians, giving a great start to the story of Unwind Bangalore.
Bands from across India and abroad will come together to perform here, where all kinds of music is appreciated and encouraged. It is a unique platform for showcasing talent – and that’s everything from Jazz to Bengali folk, Metal to Veena performances.
The visionary behind it all is John Christian. He’s quick to point out that all the events at the Center are free of “drugs, alcohol and sexual suggestiveness.” The days of Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin excess are long gone, in other words.
So father’s, don’t hesitate to send your daughters here as Unwind Center has religiously stood by its objective of ‘good, clean fun’.
They cater to the musical inclination of people of all ages. In fact, they even have an 8-year old studying guitar.

Unwind School of Music
The school features a six-month Fastlane course, which ensures learning an instrument. The tutors are professional musicians who are either studio artists or Live performers.

Academy of Music
The academy is offering 10-month courses in the disciplines of Audio Engineering, Live Audio Digital Recording and Digital Audio Workstations. Only 12 students will be enrolled for this course, which starts in November this year.

Unwind Center
280 Wilson Garden
10th Cross, Opp Wilson Garden Post Office
Ph – 5535-0737 or log on to www.unwindcenter.com

Speed Dating

Café Beat

Speed Dating
Find out if fast love is the answer to your prayers

In an age of instant messaging, fast cars and even faster broadband speeds, the heart too can’t wait. Speed thrills and love sells. Combine both and you get a super combination of love in the fast lane, aka speed dating. You’ve probably read about it in a magazine or surfed it on the Net or probably seen something it on a sitcom on Star World. But chances are, like most others, you haven’t had a first-hand experience. Yet.
Unlike traditional dating, where you undergo embarrassment if the person turns you down, or have to wait for a common friend to conduct that first round of intros, there are no obligations in speed dating.
Better than that, if your date turns out to be a total disaster, you aren’t obliged to suffer the entire evening with a self-obsessed hunk. Nor do you have to cough up a fat sum for impressing a chick by taking her to a fancy restaurant. Sounds enticing? Read on…

What is Speed Dating?
All you get is three minutes. In this time you have to impress one another and make a decision on whether you want to go out on a date, before moving on to the next potential date. Pretty much like musical chairs, huh?

The idea behind the concept of speed dating is to help you meet many single men or women within a short time. In one evening you may not know if you and your date are destined for life-long love – but you sure can tell if you’re not! Only if both sides agree on each other, do you find yourself going out.

Tribute to Tradition

CityInfo, Mumbai
Cover Story

Tribute to Tradition
The conventional Dal Bukhara served in Khurja pottery at the Peshawri has won the restaurant accolades for being the best Indian restaurant in the world.

Dal Bukhara, a dish served at The Peshawri, has won the restaurant accolades for being the best Indian restaurant in the world by the US-based Restaurant magazine, thrice in a row! Wonder what could be so very special about the ordinary dal, the staple diet of every Indian family?
Chef Bhaskar Sankhari, the man who has been creating magic in the kitchens of the ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton which is where the Peshawri is located, would tell us only so much: “I prepare the dal with spices and cream and leave it to slowly simmer on the tandoor overnight.”
Well, chefs have to be allowed to keep their secrets or eating out would never be the same. As the chef elaborated, “Every table at Peshawri calls for a plate of Dal Bukhara.” He takes a whopping order for 90 plates of Dal Bukhara everyday!
Tandoor is a clay oven used to cook food in the Indian North West Frontier province, which is the cuisine served at The Peshawri. The cuisine has been inspired by the Bukhara style of cooking, which is basically cooking of mildly flavoured meat directly over the fire.
“We serve the dal with a dollop of white butter,” added Sankhari. The Dal Bukhara tastes best with Indian breads, since the dal is thick in consistency. They have a special bread - Naan Bukhara - which serves 6-7 people and is the perfect accompaniment to the Dal Bukhara.
The restaurant is set amidst a charming rustic ambience. Unlike most restaurants which have a feminine feel to the décor, The Peshawri has a rugged and masculine look. The walls and the floors are made of stone. The seating is low, carved out of wood logs. Seasoned teakwood has been used for decorations on the walls.
To complete the rustic picture, the food here is served in Khurja pottery — glazed bowls made in the villages of Uttar Pradesh in Northern India. The pottery is showcased in wooden racks along the walls.
The chefs at Peshawri believe that fine dining is purely a sensory experience. You need to have all your five senses stimulated if a meal is to be truly satisfying. In keeping with Indian tradition, guests are encouraged to eat with their fingers so as to enjoy their meal better. The staff is dressed in traditional Pathani suits and jhuttis (typical Indian footwear).
Once seated, the guest is handed an apron instead of the regular table napkin, which double up as hand towels too.
Other dishes from the Peshawri kitchen include Murg Malai kebab, Reshmi Kebab, Kastoori Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, Sikandari Raan, Burra Kebab, Peshawri Kebab and Seekh Kebab in the non-vegetarian selection. They also have a Seafood Platter of Tandoori Prawns, Tandoori Promfret and even Tandoori Lobsters.
Besides Dal Bukhara, vegetarians can choose from their Tandoori Aloo, Paneer Tikka, Tandoori Shimla Mirch, Tandoori Phool (cauliflower) and Sab Sheekh Kebab.
All the food served here comes with a distinctive smoked flavour since it is cooked over amber charcoal doused with pure ghee. And the dishes are served with raita — thick curds with a garnishing of your choice.
Good food is obviously accompanied by good drinks. The bar at Peshawri is well stocked with an array of imported spirits and wines, along with choice of cocktails and mocktails. Scotch and whiskey however, remain the most preferred drink accompaniments with the kind of food served here.
As is the popular trend, Peshawri too has an open kitchen and encourages guests to take part in the fun session of cooking meals. “Foreign guests are often inquisitive to know how a Rumaali roti is made. And we put up quite a show,” smiled Sankhari.


The Peshawri
ITC Grand Maratha Sheraton
Sahar
Ph: 2830-3030

Taking The Atkins Road

080 The Bangalore Monthly Update

Taking The Atkins Road
All the world’s high on Atkins and low on carbs. Contrary to belief, the Atkins Diet is not a high-protein one but one which eliminates carbohydrates from your diet

Dr Atkins created his revolutionary diet on the basis of how our body uses energy. When food is consumed, the body first uses up the carbohydrates for energy. The fats and proteins meanwhile, are stored away in the body in the muscles. It is based on the premise that the elimination of carbohydrates from the diet will result in weight loss, good health, and euphoria.

Revolutionary idea
Atkins restricts processed/ refined carbohydrates (which make up more than 50 per cent of many people’s diet), such as high-sugar foods, breads, pasta, cereal and starchy vegetables.
Core vita-nutrient supplementation includes a full-spectrum multivitamin and an essential oils/ fatty acid formula. Unlike other weight-loss programmes, Atkins allows you to eat satisfying amounts of delicious, nutrient-dense foods – and customize the programme to your individual needs and tastes.
Read on for do’s and don’ts, and an item-by-item guide to what you should be eating while getting to the weight you’ve always wanted.

Atkins Diet Tips and Secrets for Success
- Eat enough calories. Try to get 8-10 calories per ½ kilo of current body weight every day. If you consume too few calories your body will go into ‘starvation mode’ and weight loss will slow or stop.
- The Atkins diet is all about learning how different foods affect you so that you can decide which foods to remove from your diet and which you may enjoy regularly.
- Drink enough water. At least 2000 ml per day. Drinking water aids in lipolysis (break down of fats) and in eliminating ketones. Yes, you do literally urinate your fat away!
- Eat the level of carbs that make you feel your best. You may be able to eat 90 grams per day, but if you feel better at 75 grams, you’re more likely to stick with it.
- And the most important of all; if you fall off the wagon, don’t give up. Forgive yourself and get right back with your Atkins diet plan.

Bookmark
The book Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution works because it targets our stored body fat. Fat is out body’s back-up system for fuel to general energy. If we take it out of the back-up position and convert our body to using it as a primary fuel source, the result is an extremely efficient weight loss and weigh maintenance programme.

What food is involved and why?
There are no calorie restrictions in the Atkins diet, so deciding on exactly what amounts of various foods to include in the menus is something of an arbitrary decision. Carbs to eat regularly include: apples, berries, cherries, grapefruit, oranges, peaches, pears, plums, green vegetables, onions, peppers, tomatoes, oatmeal, wheat bran, kidney beans, lentils, most nuts and seeds, milk, tofu and unsweetened soy products.

Carbs to eat in moderation include: apricots, grapes, kiwifruit, mangoes, melon, papaya, pineapple, carrots, peas, black-eyes beans, soy beans, peanuts, rye bread.

Carbs to eat sparingly include: bananas, fruit juice, prunes, raisins, sweet corn, potatoes, sweet potatoes, white bread, white rice, pasta, pizza, cornflakes, ice cream (sweetened).

Benefits of low-carb eating
Dr Atkins’ low carb diet helps us to regulate insulin production and decrease circulating insulin; less insulin soon results in less fat storage and fewer food cravings. The diet is far from torturous though; those who have tried it attest that hunger is not a part of this plan.

Is exercise important on this diet?
Exercise is an essential part of Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution, as you are advised to take certain nutritional supplements including calcium and fiber.

How expensive is this diet?
Sugar, fat and grains are our cheapest foods, and those are exactly the food types htat these low-carb diet wants to eliminate or reduce significantly. Protein – in particular fish, chicken and meat – cost more than pasta and rice.

Roadmap
Atkins Nutritional Approach
The popularity of the Atkins diet lies in its four-phase eating regimen in tandem with a vitamin and mineral supplementation and regular exercise. It is based on a personalized eating plan which gives you the freedom to select the right food based on your need to achieve weight loss and maintenance along with enjoying good health and preventing disease.

Phase 1: Induction
Cut down on those carbs to 20 grams each day and get your daily dose from salad and other non-starchy vegetables.

Phase 2: Ongoing Weight Loss (OWL)
Add on the carbohydrates in the form of nutrient-dense and fiber-rich foods by increasing to 25 grams daily the first week, 30 grams daily the next week and so on until weight loss stops. Then subtract 5 grams of carbohydrates from your daily intake so that you keep your promise of sustained, moderate weight loss.

Phase 3: Pre-maintenance
Make the prudent transition from weight loss to weight maintenance by increasing daily carbs intake in 10-gram increments each week so long as very gradual weight loss is maintained.

Phase 4: Lifetime Maintenance
Gorge on a wide variety of foods while controlling carbohydrate intake to ensure weight maintenance.

Counting Carbs
These are some of the foods that contain food with 10% carbohydrates or less.
Meats – bacon, beef, calf liver, chicken, duck, ham, lamb, pork, sausage, steak
Fish – catfish, cod, herring, mackerel, salmon, sardine, snapper, trout, tuna
Shellfish – clams, crab, lobster, mussel, oysters, scallops, shrimp, squid
Daily – butter, cheese, cream, coffee, all egg, mineral water, mayonnaise, tea, water
Salads – alfalfa, sprouts, lettuce, celery, cucumber, mushrooms, olives, parsley, peppers, radish
Vegetables – asparagus, avocado, bamboo shoots, bean sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, celery root, eggplant, onion, pumpkin, rhubarb, spinach, string or wax beans, tomato, turnips, water chestnuts, zucchini

Does it really work?
Since the inception of his first low-carb diet book in the 1970’s, Atkins’ books have sold over 15 million copies.

TGI Friday for more reasons than one
Atkins has partnered with TGI Friday’s restaurants to create mouth-watering menu items that meet the criteria of the Atkins Nutritional Approach.

Health Risk?
It has been claimed that people have suffered serious consequences under the Atkins diet. For one, extremely high protein diets, like Atkins, can lead to acidic urine. Acidic urine leaches calcium from the body which significantly increases one’s risk for osteoporosis and kidney stones.

Induction Diet
Depending on how much weight you need to lose, the induction phase lasts for a minimum of two weeks and a maximum of one year. You can generally expect to lose 10% of your excess weight during the first 14 days of induction.
For the first few days of induction, you will be withdrawing from sugar and caffeine. It will take 3-7 days for these substances to leave your system. During this time, you may find that withdrawal causes you to have headaches, diarrhea, nausea, “brain fog” (be careful driving), and muscle cramps. This is commonly referred to as “induction flu”. If you suffer from these symptoms take heart – they are very temporary. Soon, you will wake up with more energy than you’ve had in years, your moods will stabilize, and your hunger will disappear.

Books on the Subject
Dr Atkins’ Age-Defying Diet Revolution
Dr Atkins’ New Carbohydrate Gram Counter
Dr Atkins’ Quick & Easy New Diet Cookbook
Dr Atkins’ New Diet Revolution

Old World Charm Meets Contemporary Fashion

CityInfo, Mumbai Cover Story

Old World Charm Meets Contemporary Fashion
Fabindia. The Jeero building which houses the store, is more than a 100 years old.

If you ask the locals where to buy some trendy cotton or silk clothing, they would answer you in unison, Fabindia at Kala Ghoda. If you ask them where you can see a bit of old world Mumbai, they will say Jeero building. Jeero building houses Fabindia.
Fabindia, Mumbai has built itself a twin reputation. Not only has the shop been associated with fabric that will make your stay comfortable in Mumbai, but also with being one of the few stores to take antiquity into modernity so seamlessly.
The Jeero building is more than 100 years old. Situated in Kala Ghoda, the store is located in that part of Mumbai which is full of history. The building which now houses the store was a horse stable many years ago, which was subsequently turned into a restaurant called Albela by the actor Raj Kapoor. Years later, Bank of India came to be housed in the building. The bank occupied the building for 40 years. The beauty of Jeero building deteriorated over time and it became a forgotten structure like many others in the city. Until Fabindia came along and recognized the building for what it is – a beautiful structure. Jeero building was given a makeover.
With generous assistance from noted heritage restorer Abhama Lamba, the unfeigned beauty of this architectural structure came to light. Meanwhile, Shimul Khatri, who groomed the interiors, made sure the sanctity and old world charm of the place remained untouched. “The ceilings are 19 feet high! We have stripped off the POP which was concealing the edifice underneath. It had the original wooden ceilings well-preserved beneath,” said Poonam, store manager. Some repairs to plug the leaking roof, the teak rafters were scraped down and re-polished till they shone, cement tiles were laid and walls were disrobed of their plaster; and suddenly the building and its interiors began to shine, like it did all those years ago.
Fabindia is a hotbed of hand-woven and hand block-printed furnishings and made ups. Your house as also your family can be “furnished” at the shop. Ethnic kurtas, kurtis, shirts, skirts, parallels, salwar kameez and dupattas meet here. Dhurries, linen, upholstery, ready-made curtains and towels complete the store. The fabric used is mostly cotton, though there is a bit of silk too (kurtas and dupattas).
Fabindia is always promoting the season and the local artists. From UP to Andhra to Madhya Pradesh, interior Tamil Nadu and even across the shores from Vietnam. In keeping with the season, Fabindia has culled together a new prêt line – their silk and celebration collection. The collection features a whole new range of furniture for bedroom and living rooms. Said Poonam,”Until now we had bed linens, dhurries, pillow cases, curtains; but they were not a complete selection. Our new collection has everything matching, so Fabindia is just a one-stop-shop for all home furnishings.”

Fabindia
Jeero Building
137 MG Road
Ph – 2262-6539/40

Relive 468 Years Within 4 Hours

CityInfo, Bangalore Cover Story

Relive 468 Years Within 4 Hours
Experience Victorian Bangalore with Bangalore Walks: The City’s Latest Tourism Stop

A chilly Bangalore morning, unsure of the walk I was about to undertake, I tugged myself lazily out of bed. Quite sure that no one would turn up this early, I was astonished to see an enthusiastic bunch of people geared up to learn more about the Bangalore they have all known.
Bangalore is now what we call India’s Silicon Valley and the country’s pub capital. But very few actually know much about the history of this pleasant and beautiful city. Legend has it that in the 11th century, an old woman shared her meal of boiled beans with a king who was lost. He later named the place ‘Benda Kalooru’ or town of boiled beans. The name changed as time went on and what we are presently left with is a corrupted version of the original, Bangalore.
The Bangalore Walk however, is far from a guided tour of the city. The walk covers MG Road – yes, I stop short there. Just MG Road. Every person who has ever stepped into Bangalore recognises this buzzing road, which is just over 2 kms, as the main artery of this business city.
The roads of Bangalore come alive earlier than I had ever known. While Arun Pai, who is the brain behind Bangalore Walks, asks you to close your and go back in time where troops are marching into Bangalore. It’s not hard to imagine MG Road bereft of the traffic. Led by Lord Cornwallis, the army trooped down to the city market where they captured Tipu’s Fort. This was the foothold of the East India Company, which helped them gain control of South India.
From then on the city has grown in magnitude, emerging into what you see it and know it. The city has slowly found a place in the country’s history and on the world map too.
There is an eclectic mix of people – right from inquisitive school kids to well travelled tourists and housewives. Even veteran Bangaloreans who have lived here all their lives were surprised at the facts which were brought to light by Arun during the walk.
This is the best bet for someone who is new to Bangalore and wants to learn about the rich culture and historical significance. As had been the British policy, Bangalore was clearly divided into Old City and the Cantonment area. Bangalore grew from a mere military station to a flourishing administrative center, which set it apart from other cantonments. It was separated from the Old City, which had the fort as it nucleus. For over a 100 years Bangalore has been a tale of two cities existing side by side!
Part of the charm of the walk is that much of what happens is kept as a surprise. Do take a look at www.bangalorewalks.com for more info and testimonials.

Do you know?
- What is Tom Hanks’ connection with Bangalore?
He used the Bangalorean Torpedo in Saving Private Ryan
- Which country does Bangalore export wine to?
Bangalore wine is exported to France!
Mayo House is named after…? Lord Mayo, who was the only Viceroy to be assassinated in office
- What was MG Road formerly known as?
South Parade Road

Life After Dark

Café Beat – for Café Coffee Day

Life After Dark
Midnight drives, all-night parties, gate crashing, call centre execs will do anything for fun as long as there’s no sun.

‘Nightlife’ has acquired to a whole new meaning in the last five years. And no, we are not talking only about clubbing zones. We mean life begins at night for Gen X. Not too long ago, graduates fresh out of college would scrimp to be able to afford chai and buttered buns. Partying was out of the question for many, with pubs, bars and clubs seeming like exorbitant, inaccessible spaces. At the most, one could make a trip to one of these watering holes and restaurants at the beginning of each month when the pay cheque had been cashed.
Not anymore. Youngsters today earn as much as their parents did after slogging away for ten years or more. The BPO boom has created a new breed of young adults who are re-defining the concept of consumerism. Loaded with cash and confidence, equipped with the latest gizmos, wearing designer clothes; these liberal spenders believe in having a good time. Listen up to what they have to say.

What’s the story, morning glory?
Snehal, 22 works with Hutchison 3G, where her shift ends at 3.30am. Instead of waiting for her pick-up car that goes through many a detour-ridden street before dropping her off, her boyfriend picks her up. He works at e-Serve located in the same campus, Mindspace in Malad.
“We go for a long drive on empty roads on the early morning. Its great fun…the only other people on the roads are the milk-vans and newspaper vendors. We even get to catch up with our friends. So its just like college – attend classes and then bogey till sunrise.” Parents have had to do their share of adjusting. Snehal’s parents don’t object to her lifestyle “because they know my friends from college days and it’s the same lot,” she says.
Sleep is a luxury but these problem-solvers have learnt to deal with that, too. Snehal says that lack of sleep is easily manageable. “I barely used to sleep for five hours while I was studying during the final year of college. So I can handle it. Moreover, on days of comp-offs, I sleep all day and make up for that sleep-deprivation.

And now over to the boyfriend…
Rahul is 24 and has a back-end job, which means his hours are not too crazy. “It’s not really the graveyard shift. I finish work at 10.30 and then go our partying with my friends,” he says.
He doesn’t like hanging out with his colleagues. “They are big-time junkies. Once out of work, all they want to do is smoke up while guzzling down beers…that too in the office compound! Earlier, I found it exciting, but then found it was too risky. If we had got caught, all that hard work I put into climbing up the corporate ladder would have gone down the drain.”
He prefers to crash out at the closest beach resort or land up at a friend’s farmhouse. “We drive off on Friday night, and come home on Sunday morning. That’s the only day I actually meet my parents.”
His parents have got used to his way of life. “Before I started working at e-Serve, I used to party till the wee hours of the morning. So it’s nothing new for them,” Rahul says.

Cool? Uncool?
“Sometimes when I finish early (10 pm), we go to Slice of Lime to drink or Pop Tates. Otherwise nothing else except Café Coffee Day is open till that late. There is a table-tennis table and a music zone at 3G. So we mostly hang around the cafeteria, waiting for the pick-up car,” says Gautam, another Hutchison 3G employee.
He doesn’t find the time to go meet his friends because of his busy schedule and the Mumbai distances. Weekends are when he catches up with his buddies. On weekdays, he prefers to go home and sleep. “I know its kinda uncool to say this, but when you are working, its mighty tiring.” He speaks of the adverse effects of working at call-centres, “You need to be prompt in solutions and the mind needs to be alert for that. It’s not all that hunky-dory as most people think.”
Sometimes, he lets himself go, but with a pinch of regret. “There are days when I get tempted and go out partying on work days. It’s sheer hell, man! Endless cups of coffee and smoking are the only way to survive the nasty hangover and sleepiness. So, I generally avoid that.”

Changing Lanes
Fiona used to work with Jet Airways till she joined IBM in November last year. This 23-year old has shift changes very often which means every few weeks she has different hours and a new bunch of workmates. But that still hasn’t deterred her from partying. “In fact, I have made many more friends. We go to restaurants or coffee shops after work. On weekends too I prefer catching on movies and hanging out with this bunch of new friends from work.”

The Commuters
Then there are those who deal with long commutes, making their hours even longer. Like Sanjay, who works at HSBC and handles the lost-card complaints in the UK – a very routine and somewhat dull operational job. He must be doing something exciting after work to maintain the balance, right? But he says, “Far from it! I stay one hour away from office. If I don’t get the pick-up car, all hell breaks lose.” So he goes home and watches TV until he falls asleep. He doesn’t hang out that much with his colleagues, except “for the regular doses of coffee in the cafeteria.” He waits for the weekend to arrive to catch up with his friends.

Party Poop
Atul works with Transworks and doesn’t do much merry-making either. “My girl-friend doesn’t let me party.” Poor chap! “I finish work at 1 am but my girlfriend (who doesn’t work in a call-centre) doesn’t like my colleagues. They go out drinking every night.” Recently, one of his workmates got thrown out of the office. “He would come to work with a groggy hangover every morning. And as a trainer, that wasn’t making a very good impression.”
So does that mean he spends all his free time with his girlfriend? “No,” he is quick to retort. “I still go out with my colleagues. We have sleepover parties over the weekend. Our team leader/ manager regularly takes us out to resorts where my girlfriend can’t join us (phew!), so we guzzle all we want.”

Now isn’t it good to know that the 'work hard, party hard' motif isn’t confined to New Yorkers? Welcome to the global nightlife village.

Reporter's Diary

City Reporter

Reporter's Diary
My First Week In Bangalore

I am not going back home. It's barely been a week and I already love Bangalore. I didn't expect to.
Growing up in the economic hub of the country, I had always found life outside Mumbai slow. I first experienced the blues of sluggish life in Delhi, where I spent a long winter in a college internship. Things moved at a snail's pace; no hurry to go anywhere, neither any to arrive.
And Bangalore felt no different. It seemed dull; I saw no one rushing about in a hurry. Not even that first day when my train swept into the station, and as a welcome gift, the city thrust upon me its un-co-operative auto drivers. Dragging my bags alongside, one soul felt some pity and offered to help me out - for a little over the double fare!
My mind raced, while my eyes hunted for a landmark to locate my new nest. On my quest for home hunting, the auto rickshaw provided me the sights and sounds of the city. Everything was written in Kannada. Signboards appeared like a computer code, a string of 0s (guess that’s the Silicon Valley effect).
Now, I’m a week-old. And the first question that arises is: What’s with these one way roads? Driving 15 minutes to get across the street! Better than a stinky massage in the train every morning, I suppose.
As my week draws to a close, its dawned on me – Bangalore is far from laid-back. Things move swiftly and quietly, and hence efficiently. There is no jostling and pushing, but no one is working at a snail’s pace either.
They might speak a different tongue here, but unlike Mumbai, the people are not hostile. Witnessing a clueless traveller, some have even offered to walk me till my doorstep.
Each morning the RJ declares cloudy weather and showers. I stroll out of home each day looking expectantly at the sky. As I was getting out of office in the evening today, it began to pour. Leaves glistened. Water streamed down the roofed tiles. There was a sweet smell of moist soil. I stood still for a minute soaking it all in. It was a radically different experience from the mucky puddles and sticky windcheaters of Mumbai.
Acchhoo! I should have heed that advise about not getting caught in a shower. But I think its all worth it.

Marine Drive

Ariel acrobats. The Naval Parade. Mumbai Marathon. The Marine Drive has enchanted Mumbaikars and tourists alike. Proudly flaunted as the Queens Necklace, innumerable people head towards it after a back-breaking day at work to enjoy the steaming sun sizzle off into the depths of the Arabian Sea.

The panoramic view of the Marine Drive has fascinated me as long as I can remember. Awaking each morning, rushing to college was worth every bit for the sheer pleasure of a blissful drive across the Drive. But my fascination ran me into trouble one morning. As I gazed into the depths of the sea and rolling clouds above it, I failed to pay heed to the signal turning amber in time.

Brakes screeched. Rubber burnt. Managed to get a dent on the bumper and a swollen ankle. The driver right ahead of me had found a vent for his morning blues. I received a sound socking from him, though only verbal. Once he paused for a breath, I deftly pointed out that his vehicle hadn't received any blemishes. Speechless, he turned and drove away as I turned once again to soak in the sweet murmur of the rising tide.

Numerous memories have been etched at the Marine Drive. But this one never fails to amuse me.

Journalistic Disposition

These are some of my views on current media

Best aspect of being a journalist

A journalist holds the privilege of receiving information as a first-hand account, without any tint of judgment. He shoulders the responsibility of interpreting and analysing this information before dispensing the relevant news to the reading-audience. A journalist also possesses the authority to probe and question power-players, who are stakeholders of the society.

He secernates and reports about how their lives are being influenced each day through their surroundings. He thus has the power to shape their opinions basis his own interpretation; and grasp the undisputed faith of the reader.

Something interesting that happened recently

One afternoon, I was walking down Linking Road engrossed in typing a SMS to a friend. I saw a girl in a flowing skirt walking towards me, she too noticed me. We both gave a knowing smile and greeted each other as we reached earshot distance. A silent moment passed; neither of us could place each other, although both admitted that the other was a very familiar face.

She mumbled, "I'm sorry, I thought I knew you from school." "Oh! I thought we'd worked together in Crosswords," I replied sheepishly.

A quick apology was exchanged, after which we began to walk away. Just then something struck me! I ran back to her, "This is more than a mere coincidence! How can both us think we know each other?"

Her reaction was hesitation. I began to regret my hasty action. She held her hand forward and grinned, "Hi! I'm Shruti." Astonished, I grabbed her hand and introduced myself, and parted after exchanging mobile numbers.

I've been in touch with Shruti, mostly on chat. We are still trying to figure where we could have possibly met each other before. But can't locate that link...

Favourite publication

Mid-day is my favourite publication. I used to religiously pick it every afternoon while returning home from college; and have been hooked onto it ever since. The simple language, minus any jargon of this tabloid appeals to me which makes it reader-friendly.

Their journalists take up innovative assignments, such as spend the day in the shoes of people from different walks of life; eye-openers where officers are caught on camera taking bribe or lazing on duty. This captures the nuances which make the fabric of our city and captures its pulse in an innovative fashion.

These ground-breaking stories make the reader feel more involved.

A recent TV commercial that you thought was really effective.

The Pepsi bubbly ad is catchy and has worked effectively with the masses.

When the ad was first aired, it did not seem very appealing. But the jingle stuck in the head. And the ad has slowly grown on the public's mind.

Just as 'Thanda' became synonymous with Coke, Pepsi has now become synonymous with Bubbly. And this catch-line is not just targeting the rural-market.

Colleagues at work are overheard calling into the canteen to order a Bubbly, unlike the Thanda, which none of us would be caught dead asking for.

Need For Career Related Content

Need For Career Related Content

Till now, there hasn't been a tested, scientific way of helping students make a choice. So we have all fallen back on the traditional method - choosing 'hot' or 'popular' careers.
We have all seen these trends. Once upon a time every kid seemed to be headed for engineering - or medicine. Then came the era of MBA's. Then everybody suddenly wanted to go after a career in Information Technology and learn programming languages. Biotech and bio-informatics seemed the next big thing. But we have all also seen the backlash of this 'trendiness'.
Given this confusion and uncertainty, what is a student to do next? More important, how can parents, teachers and school principals help students prepare for the complex, competitive world out there?
YoungBuzz conducts internationally accredited psychometric tests which helps students discover the careers better suited for each one. But we don't just stop there! Our counsellor’s help individuals reach their full potentials and gain a better understanding of their strengths, motivations, and temperament and then co-relate these to determine what career paths would suit the student best, giving him a low-down on the latest, recent and upcoming careers as well.

Career Focus - The Road To Success

Education Times, Press Release

Career Focus - The Road To Success

In today’s fast paced world, people are looking for success at a young age.
Is it possible? “Yes!” say the specialists, but one of the major criteria is Career Focus. People who are focused in their careers are likely to climb the ladder of success early in life.
Schools and Colleges play a crucial role in developing students with career focus. In keeping with this need, YoungBuzz -DAV Centre is holding a free seminar called Career Focus - The Road To Success. The seminar is for School and College Principals and Teachers.
The Programme commences with insightful talks by a panel of reputed educationists and industrialists.

The Speakers:
Dr HL Kaila, ‘Need for Career Focus to Achieve Success and Head - Psychology Dept, and How Schools Play a Pivotal Role.’SNDT Women’s University

Mrs. Bharti Naik, ‘Role of Educational Institutes in Career Guidance.’ Principal, M.D. Shah Mahila College

Mr. Dinesh Parekh, ‘Participation of Industry in Developing Youth and Chairman, Advantages of Self Aware Employees at Work.’ Indian Merchant’s Chambers, Thane- Belapur.

The Seminar will be followed by a workshop on Stress Management.
Date: 2nd August, 2003, Saturday.
Timing: 10 am to 12:30 pm.
Venue: DAV- YoungBuzz Centre, DAV Public School, Plot No 267-368, Sector 10, New Panvel, Navi Mumbai.
For more details call 24904111

Formula For Success

Education Times, Lead Story

Formula For Success
Ever wondered about the studying techniques that set the toppers apart? We spoke to a few toppers and got them to share their formula for success.

Another academic year has started off at full throttle- out come the crisp textbooks and notebooks. Everyone is charged up to face new challenges in school and each one has promised themselves to perform better than the year before. But as extra-curricular activities slowly trickle in, studying or revising daily lessons seems boring and is swept under the carpet until the examinations come storming in.
University toppers of ‘Generation Y ‘ however have a new mantra for success. “Try and make sure that you understand the subject you are studying,” they all profess. It makes studying enjoyable rather than a tedious mugging-up session each time.
Zubin Kuvadia, who topped the HSC boards in the Science faculty maintains that you must understand the subject before getting down to studying it. He dedicated long hours solving and practising problems in Chemistry and Physics rather than merely mugging up the formulas. “Solving papers of the previous 2-3 years was of immense help as it gave me a fair idea of the paper pattern followed in the Boards.”
ICSE top ranker of Mumbai, Ruchita Mucchala on the other hand attributes her success to effective time management, “I had charted out a schedule with my mom’s help and followed it diligently. That is how I made sure that I covered my entire portion way before the exams.”
Recently announced SSC topper Mallika Gharpure accedes with Ruchita. “If your study habits are not scheduled evenly throughout the year, you will perform badly in the exams.”
As exams edge in, the pressure to achieve a good score is of prime concern and students begin to lose their cool. Zubin handled the mounting pressure of scoring well in PCM by regularly talking to himself. “I kept reassuring myself which enhanced my self confidence and helped me maintain my cool throughout the exams.”
Do you find yourself saying the following things? Do not worry –you are not alone!!
But here are some pointers to working it all out.

Get this right!
“This stuff is so boring, I can hardly keep awake!”
You will remember more readily material that is interesting to you, so work on creating an interest in the subject. The material is easier to remember if it is meaningful to you. Try to see how your lessons are relevant to everyday life and can be put to use.

“There’s way too much to remember…”
You cannot hope to remember every piece of information that you encounter. Select the most important ideas and information and learn those. Don't overload your mind with details.

“It’s on the tip of my tongue, but…!”
When you are determined to remember, your attention will be better concentrated and you will tend to remember more effectively. Be confident that you can remember it.

“I just don’t know where to begin”
Material that is organized in a way meaningful to you will be easier to remember. Prioritise the information from most important to least important. Outlining or summarising is one way to do this. Also divide material into manageable chunks which can be learnt one at a time.

“I spend hours studying but it gets all boggled up”
Study smart, not hard. Associate the information with something else. Associate new material with related facts you already know.

“I’m gonna stay up all night ‘til I get this”
Study throughout the term, not just before each test. Keep studying as you go along. Review each subject at least once a week. Begin with an hour or two a day about one month before the exam, and then increase study time as the exam approaches. Recall increases as study time gets spread out over time.

“I’m confident about what I’ve studied. Then do I need to do mock tests?”
Take practice tests as you study. Test yourself, or ask a friend to test you. This will help you get used to being tested and should desensitise you somewhat to the actual thing.

“I’m really tensed. Got butterflies in my tummy. Is that a sign of not being confident?”
When you enter the classroom, remind yourself that you feel confident and relaxed. However, a little amount of tension is good, as it keeps you more focussed. Avoid last-minute studying and shut out the conversations of others who are doing this.

“Is there a way of tackling the exam paper?”
Be calm when you receive the question paper. Read the instructions and questions carefully. Do the easy questions first; an "easy" point counts as much as a "hard" point and generally takes less time. Review your answers carefully. You may remember a fact or idea, correct a wrong statement, find a mis-marked answer, or discover you have been caught by a trick question.

“I know I cannot handle this anxiety myself. But how can I tell this to anyone?”
Talk about it. Share your feelings of anxiety with someone skilled at helping others: a counsellor, a tutor. Exploring the problem with someone can help you understand why you are fearful can provide support, and can help you work towards a solution that works out perfectly for you.

(YoungBuzz is India’s premier career guidance company. For more information call on 24904111 or log on to www.youngbuzz.com)

Education Times, Press Release

Career Focus - The Road To Success

In today’s fast paced world, people are looking for success at a young age.
Is it possible? “Yes!” say the specialists, but one of the major criteria is Career Focus. People who are focused in their careers are likely to climb the ladder of success early in life.
Schools and Colleges play a crucial role in developing students with career focus. In keeping with this need, YoungBuzz -DAV Centre is holding a free seminar called Career Focus - The Road To Success. The seminar is for School and College Principals and Teachers.
The Programme commences with insightful talks by a panel of reputed educationists and industrialists.

The Speakers:
Dr HL Kaila, ‘Need for Career Focus to Achieve Success and Head - Psychology Dept, and How Schools Play a Pivotal Role.’SNDT Women’s University

Mrs. Bharti Naik, ‘Role of Educational Institutes in Career Guidance.’ Principal, M.D. Shah Mahila College

Mr. Dinesh Parekh, ‘Participation of Industry in Developing Youth and Chairman, Advantages of Self Aware Employees at Work.’ Indian Merchant’s Chambers, Thane- Belapur.

The Seminar will be followed by a workshop on Stress Management.
Date: 2nd August, 2003, Saturday.
Timing: 10 am to 12:30 pm.
Venue: DAV- YoungBuzz Centre, DAV Public School, Plot No 267-368, Sector 10, New Panvel, Navi Mumbai.
For more details call 24904111

Education Times, Lead Story

Formula For Success

Ever wondered about the studying techniques that set the toppers apart? We spoke to a few toppers and got them to share their formula for success.

Another academic year has started off at full throttle- out come the crisp textbooks and notebooks. Everyone is charged up to face new challenges in school and each one has promised themselves to perform better than the year before. But as extra-curricular activities slowly trickle in, studying or revising daily lessons seems boring and is swept under the carpet until the examinations come storming in.
University toppers of ‘Generation Y ‘ however have a new mantra for success. “Try and make sure that you understand the subject you are studying,” they all profess. It makes studying enjoyable rather than a tedious mugging-up session each time.
Zubin Kuvadia, who topped the HSC boards in the Science faculty maintains that you must understand the subject before getting down to studying it. He dedicated long hours solving and practising problems in Chemistry and Physics rather than merely mugging up the formulas. “Solving papers of the previous 2-3 years was of immense help as it gave me a fair idea of the paper pattern followed in the Boards.”
ICSE top ranker of Mumbai, Ruchita Mucchala on the other hand attributes her success to effective time management, “I had charted out a schedule with my mom’s help and followed it diligently. That is how I made sure that I covered my entire portion way before the exams.”
Recently announced SSC topper Mallika Gharpure accedes with Ruchita. “If your study habits are not scheduled evenly throughout the year, you will perform badly in the exams.”
As exams edge in, the pressure to achieve a good score is of prime concern and students begin to lose their cool. Zubin handled the mounting pressure of scoring well in PCM by regularly talking to himself. “I kept reassuring myself which enhanced my self confidence and helped me maintain my cool throughout the exams.”
Do you find yourself saying the following things? Do not worry –you are not alone!!
But here are some pointers to working it all out.

Get this right!
“This stuff is so boring, I can hardly keep awake!”
You will remember more readily material that is interesting to you, so work on creating an interest in the subject. The material is easier to remember if it is meaningful to you. Try to see how your lessons are relevant to everyday life and can be put to use.

“There’s way too much to remember…”
You cannot hope to remember every piece of information that you encounter. Select the most important ideas and information and learn those. Don't overload your mind with details.

“It’s on the tip of my tongue, but…!”
When you are determined to remember, your attention will be better concentrated and you will tend to remember more effectively. Be confident that you can remember it.

“I just don’t know where to begin”
Material that is organized in a way meaningful to you will be easier to remember. Prioritise the information from most important to least important. Outlining or summarising is one way to do this. Also divide material into manageable chunks which can be learnt one at a time.

“I spend hours studying but it gets all boggled up”
Study smart, not hard. Associate the information with something else. Associate new material with related facts you already know.

“I’m gonna stay up all night ‘til I get this”
Study throughout the term, not just before each test. Keep studying as you go along. Review each subject at least once a week. Begin with an hour or two a day about one month before the exam, and then increase study time as the exam approaches. Recall increases as study time gets spread out over time.

“I’m confident about what I’ve studied. Then do I need to do mock tests?”
Take practice tests as you study. Test yourself, or ask a friend to test you. This will help you get used to being tested and should desensitise you somewhat to the actual thing.

“I’m really tensed. Got butterflies in my tummy. Is that a sign of not being confident?”
When you enter the classroom, remind yourself that you feel confident and relaxed. However, a little amount of tension is good, as it keeps you more focussed. Avoid last-minute studying and shut out the conversations of others who are doing this.

“Is there a way of tackling the exam paper?”
Be calm when you receive the question paper. Read the instructions and questions carefully. Do the easy questions first; an "easy" point counts as much as a "hard" point and generally takes less time. Review your answers carefully. You may remember a fact or idea, correct a wrong statement, find a mis-marked answer, or discover you have been caught by a trick question.

“I know I cannot handle this anxiety myself. But how can I tell this to anyone?”
Talk about it. Share your feelings of anxiety with someone skilled at helping others: a counsellor, a tutor. Exploring the problem with someone can help you understand why you are fearful can provide support, and can help you work towards a solution that works out perfectly for you.

(YoungBuzz is India’s premier career guidance company. For more information call on 24904111 or log on to www.youngbuzz.com)

Mid-Day, Launch Pad

Launch Your Career

LaunchPad is a Management Finishing School organized by Mid-Day in association with YoungBuzz. LaunchPad equips young professionals with a set of tools that gives them the edge towards climbing the corporate ladder. The LaunchPad programme has been divided into various workshop modules focusing on sharpening their Presentation Skills, Leadership & Team Effectiveness, Communication Skills, People Skills and Stress Management.
The session on Inter-Personal Skills demonstrates how different people react in different ways under pressure at work. The participants are posed with real-life situations where they learn life skills such as persuasiveness, selling skills and negotiation. Asmita, an engineering student at RAIT, Nerul remarked, “The workshop has helped me in gaining vital Communication Skills which were lacking. It has also taught me effective time management and how to organize myself more effectively.”
The module on Team Leadership is based on the finer points of planning, delegation and organization, which are of utmost importance for the team to work effectively. Nouman Qureshi, who is currently working as an Assistant Manager with a magazine commented, “The psychological tests conducted during the workshop helped me introspect about myself and learn many aspects I was unware of. The team building workshop helped me directly analyse why many of my earlier plans as a leader failed – simply because we didn’t work well as a team.”
The session on Interviews, Group Discussions and development of Presentation Skills has demonstrations on techniques for improving presentation skills through mock interviews and presentation sessions. One of the participants Sebastian Joseph, who has been working in the financial sector, remarked, “I have picked up vital Presentation and PR Skills at the workshop. I have become much more confident at interviews, because now I know how to be more presentable and interviewer-friendly.”
The module on Communication Skills deals with effective communication – verbal and non verbal; helping them to become better communicators and understand the audience whom they are addressing.
In Business Etiquette the participants are taught about the importance of grooming at the workplace such as telephone etiquette, dining manners, formal dressing, etc. There is a complete module on Stress and crisis management, which will help the de novo to deal with the various factors of stress at work.
The longer duration of the programme will help them practice their newly acquired skills, share their experiences with co-participants and make it a habit before they finish the programme.
The first four modules have been successfully completed. The next module is due to be held on Saturday. Fresh batches will start soon. For more information call YoungBuzz on 24904111.

Add Years To Your Life

Times of India >> Dombivli Kalyan Plus >> Health
Water is an integral part of our life. But so far, the criterion for identifying the ‘proper’ type of water for consumption is limited to its taste, purity and water purification system. Little is known about the fact that water can be re-structured and new properties can be derived from it. i.e. water can be made alkaline without adding anything to it.
It has become evident that the water cluster size, the pH of water, its mineral content, the permeability and hydrating ability of water and its ability to transport necessary nutrients to the cellular level are important factors of water.
Studies reveal that there are five places on the world-map where the life-span of inhabitants is well over 100 years, with exceptionally good health. One such race is Hunza. Hunza is situated about 100 km North of Gligit in Pakistan. Many people in Hunza claim to be 150-years old, and many others are documented centenarians. The population of Hunza and the other four places viz. Vilcamba in Ecuador, Georgia in Russia, another place in Mongolia and one in Peru have completely different diets and climate conditions, but they all live longer and healthier lives.
The only common factor found in these places was that the water there contain negative ions, which has a different boiling point, freezing point, viscosity and surface tension and can enter the body cells three times faster. Structured hexagonal, it is filled with mineral solutes, and tests highly alkaline.
Alkaline water is found beneficial as it neutralises harmful acids and disposes them safely without leaching out valuable minerals such as potassium, magnesium, sodium, and calcium from the body. This process makes our body less susceptible to diseases.
Research shows that our food is the main cause of aging. Almost 99 per cent of the components of food are composed of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen and only one per cent is minerals. These minerals play an important role of controlling each organ’s function. Alkaline minerals in food turn into alkaline waste after digesting, while acidic minerals turn into acidic waste. Some amount of acidic waste is excreted from the body in the form of urine or sweat. But acidic waste that has not been excreted circulates along with blood vessels within the body. This acidic waste gradually accumulates in our capillary blood vessels and eventually blocks them. Moreover, the organ accumulating acidic waste begins to slowly deteriorate, causing serious illnesses. Alkaline water helps to neutralise these acidic wastes, making them more soluble in the blood vessels.
There are three types of illnesses caused mainly by acidic waste:
Osteoporosis – caused by solidified acidic waste in the body
Solidified acidic waste that affects joints and organs in result of the raising cholesterol, kidney ailments, arthritis and gout.
The capillary blood vessels gradually block up with solidified acidic waste causing essential organs to be deprived of sufficient quantities of blood and nutrients. This can cause diabetes, kidney ailments, hypertension, cancer and other diseases.
Alkaline water contains structurally smaller molecules, which helps the body assimilate more water and hydrate quickly. By drinking alkaline water, we increase the intake of oxygen as compared with drinking plain water.
Alkaline water can be prepared at home from our regular tap water through user-friendly water ionisers. These ionisers generate ionised alkaline drinking water through a process called electrolysis, which can raise the pH level of the water from anywhere between 7.1 pH to 10.0 pH.
In the past the ability to alkalise our body was dependent mostly on eating an alkaline diet (satvik food) such as fruits and vegetables and avoiding acidic foods like meat and dairy. However, new technology has made the process to alkalise our body much more easier with water ionisers.
Alkaline-ion water is healthy to consume because it increases the anti-oxidants in the water and acts as a solvent of acidic waste stored in the body.
Ionisation cuts the size of the water molecular cluster in half enabling the smaller cluster to penetrate the cellular membranes of the body easily. This in turn speeds up new tissue building and waste removal.
Ionisation splits the water molecule into H+ and OH- ions, thus by drinking oxygen rich alkaline water with oh- ions, more oxygen is available to enrich blood. The ionised oh- molecules have extra electrons that neutralise destructive free radicals circulating throughout the body and thus allow the natural healing processes of the body to predominate and promote health.

Computer Literacy High On Cards

Times of India >> Dombivli-Kalyan Plus >> Digital Divide
The digital divide has become the most serious divide in history. It is the need of the time that the effort to bridge this divide be taken up as a challenge by the government, NGOs and industry organisations.
Experts suggest that computer training should be made mandatory and included in the right to education from the high school level. In today’s age of information technology, the scope of the word ‘literate’ should be expanded to computer literate than limiting it to ‘capable of reading and writing one language.’
Anagha, a computer assistant in BH Madhavi English school informs, “The students are introduced to computer education from a tender age of eight. They are taught Logo to build their logical abilities. From class 5-10 they are taught Windows 95 and basic internet usage such as surfing the net and sending e-mails. Senior students of class 11 and 12 are given education or making power-point presentations and basic scripting of HTML, which helps them decide if they are interested in making a career in computer scripting, which has become very popular among students.
Gurunath Patil, superintendent, Pragati College says, “Basic computer education has been made compulsory in both junior and senior college. However, advanced courses of specialised certificate courses are optionally available on the campus.” When asked how the college has managed to provide such updated courses, he discloses, “Due to lack of qualified faculty, the college has tied up with Datapro, which provides faculties to the college. Computer labs have been an initiative of the government and therefore students can avail the facilities at a discounted rate.” Most of the courses range between Rs 500-1,000. moreover even people who are not students of the college are permitted to use the knowledge of these professional faculty members.
On the other hand, an official from K V Pendharkar College stated that they had kept computer as an optional subject at degree levels for both commerce and science. “But most students asked for computer education. So over the years the college has made computer education compulsory.”
Many companies like Artintel, from Navi Mumbai have not given up hope. They provide the infrastructural assistance to the schools and provide them the computers on rental basis and believe that basic computer knowledge should be made compulsory.
However, a faculty from a popular computer institute in Dombivli east is disillusioned about the fact that most of the college principals from the suburbs are very un-cooperative when approached for conducting awareness campaigns.
“They presume that we are here only to sell the courses to their students, while our intention is merely organising these workshops to educate students about the various career options which computer education can open up for them.”
However, the fact remains that many of the schools and colleges cannot afford to provide computer education facility to students due to lack of funds to develop the required infrastructure. “Setting up a computer laboratory is very expensive. We cannot expect all the students to pay for these courses. Though basic computer knowledge is imparted in all schools and colleges today, it is still an option subject in most educational institutions of the suburbs,” complains a senior educationist from Dombivli.
Over the years, the educational board has realised that computer education is
now an integral part of our country’s social fabric. For this global village to become a reality, the common man needs to be empowered with the strength of computer literacy. How this dream can be realised best need to be seen!