REPORTS OF AROUND 3200 SEX WORKERS IN TRI-CITY
While the general perception points the presence of ‘Black Sheep’ operating to make big money in flesh trade, certain sources reveals that the metropolitan culture is growing fast here in the tricity.
‘Flash Trade racket busted’…. a common headline and a routine business. Is it so difficult to find paid sex in the tri-city? Easy, as I we sets out on an undercover story.
While call girl culture is gripping the tri-city, there are reports of few girls being forced into this profession taking advantage of their economic hardships and some girls to fulfill their ambition of leading better life at every cost is also alluring many girls into this profession.
If the police reports are to be believed, almost 50 calls girls and pimps has been arrested in less than a month in different of the tri-city. Any doubt, there are open indications of believing that Chandigarh and its counter parts is an emerging as a hub of flesh trade.
It is being said “since the money involved in this sinister trade is quite high call girls are even being brought on contract basis from Delhi, Mumbai and other places ranging between Rs 20,000 and Rs 60,000”.
“Apart from girls brought to the city from other states, there are around 3,000 sex workers active in the city”, claims sources. There are reports “few places in and around the city are fast emerging into red light areas.”
The city is set to join the league of metros in flesh trade. If things go unchecked, the area around Mani Majra may soon be what GB Road is to Delhi, Sona Gachi to Kolkata and Falkland Road to Mumbai.
Though prostitution is a reality in the city, it was usually happening in dingy guesthouses and hotels. But it was never as open as it is now. Girls soliciting customers in the open and striking deals without hesitation was unheard of earlier.
After busting a gang, allegedly involved in flesh trade few months back, the police has every reason to believe the reports of increasing activity of the involvement of inter-state gangs.
The UT police recently arrested five sex workers and a pimp from outside a Sector 45 hotel and claimed that it was a big sex racket.
Sources in the police claims that there are “call girls” being brought from Delhi, Mumbai, Punjab, Assam and West Bengal. Sometimes girls are brought to the city on the pretext of getting them employed here but are later forced into this profession.
A girl hailing from Uttaranchal who was arrested last year told the police, “My love for extravagant lifestyle and unaffordable demands forced my parents to disown me and then I was allured into prostitution on the pretext of a monthly income of Rs 20000”.
“Today even models and younger girls are being roped into flesh trade by pimps and it is becoming more organized in Chandigarh”, she added.
Explaining why sex rackets were being run so openly, a police officer on the condition of anonymity said that the girls and agents who are arrested for prostitution easily get bail in court. “Sex between consenting adults is not an offence. The modus operandi is fashioned in such a manner that the arrangement between the customers and girl looks like that between two consenting adults. Thus, it becomes difficult to book the suspects under sections of the Prevention of Immoral Trafficking Act (PITA), which is non-bailable,” he pointed out.
Besides this, even the million dollar question, technology is a boon or curse, has been asked umpteen times. Technology has made our life easier and more comfortable in many aspects. But it has other sides also. Technology has created threat among parents because of its misuse. YouTube, Social Networking sites, Internet porn sites have been existing and worrying parents because of misuse of these sites by children. Though, these sites are available on net without any control and any one can access them by just clicking ‘I am 18’ tab. There are thousands of uncontrolled porn websites. Pornography is available in different forms like explicit pictures, short animated movies, stories to online videos. This is not limited to porn sites but sex trade and online brothel are also emerging on the net with huge network across the globe.
Quick money
An NGO working among the call girls had reported “girls from rich families are also involved in the profession for quick money and fun.”
Recent disclosure:
“Mr. Cash” — the alleged hi-tech pimp, who was arrested by the UT police in 2005 reportedly, had a list of over 372 clients.
This list had names of over 150 people from Chandigarh such as company executives of multi-national, businessmen and some students.
He was operating through an internet account which was busted by the police. The list of his clients included few people from top echelons of Chandigarh.
Police officers confirm “the modern pimps are more shrewd and organized and reportedly maintain good contacts with few influential people of the society like police officers, bureaucrats, businessmen and politicians.”
In the city a survey conducted by state AIDS control society had estimated presence of more than 3000 commercial sex workers operating here.
Pick up points:
I investigates and list out the ‘‘major pick-up points’’ in the city
Palsora Chowk near Mohali barrier
Picadilly roundabout, near the sector 21 petrol pump
Old Labour Chowk (sector 20-21-33-34)
Sector 20-30 dividing road
NAC, Mani Majra, adjoining bus stand
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
CHANDIGARH is OPEN and EXPERIENTIAL, says VIKRAM PHADNIS
City is ‘open and experimental’, and when it comes to fashion, Chandigarh has a distinct favour, says the Bollywood designer Vikram Phadnis, writes Mandeep Puri..“Every city has its own style of dressing and it’s very difficult to rate, but yes, when we talk about Chandigarh, we can say it’s not very high on flamboyance but has a style of its own”, says the designer who designs the Indian industry and his creations become trendsetters for the world. Vikram Phandis was in city for Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour fashion show.
Among the most STYLISTs....the designer who had been designing for Bollywood for long has his own favorites too. Of course, Salman is the most stylish man in Bollywood. He is a style icon without an effort, feels Vikram Phadnis .
A long journey in the fashion circuit, his career spans over 17 years. Ask him what’s next, and he replies, “I’m writing a script for my film. Though nothing in my career had been pre-planned, but direction has always been a conscious step.”
Friday fashion changes in Bollywood. And with it trends change across the globe," declares, Vikram. As proof, he cites: "People actually ask their designers to customise various dresses shown in Bollywood films for them. For instance, the sherwani's and lehngas in the film Mujhe Se Shaadi Karoge became very popular."
From Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, Sushmita Sen, Bipasha Basu, Ayesha Takia, Malaika Arora, Amrita Arora to Karisma Kapoor...yes..he has dressed them all!
Designing for a comedy movie is easier as compared to character driven script points Vikram. “Surprisingly, I have always designed for comedy movies, most of which have been directed by David Dhawan,” Speaking of Bollywood, the designer has spent over a year working on the outfits for Sushmita Sen for the forthcoming film ‘Dulha Mil Gaya’.
Speaking of challenges, for Vikram it was ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’ that put his creative abilities to test. “I spent two years of my life putting together 800 costumes for the film. From the leading actors to the dance troupes, everyone got to wear clothes designed by me,” says Phadnis.
While among the men Salman Khan is the ‘The’ style icon of Bollywood", for the ladies, he says it’s a forever changing list...just like fashion.
Describing his first visit, the designers says, “I first came to Chandigarh for the shooting of Namastey London and I must say the city has a distinct flavour in fashion. In fact for the movie Namastey London, I created quite a few designs for Katrina after watching the ladies here.”
What was he showcasing at the show? “
It’s club wear, so it has to have a lot of bling. My garments are Bollywood-inspired and have a lot of embellishments.”
On fashion front, “After this, I have Lakme Fashion Week and for the LFW I will present a bridal wear collection for the first time.” He spells bridal trends for the season, “My collection is going to be different. I am presenting earthy but fiery hues. It’s going to be a royal old-world charm.”
Friday, August 21, 2009
We love Chandigarh
While for cute and sexy - Manisha Lamba, Chandigarh has always been a favourite, the designer Vikram Phadnis and Mandira Wirk sense that the city is ‘open and experimental’.
In the city for the Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour fashion show, we talk to the actor and the bollywood designers about their films, fashion, and more…
Manisha Lamba
A Punjaban, Minissha is always happy to be in the North. "I am always excited to come to Punjab
, as my heart longs for this land and connects to almost everyone here." And for the city, "Chandigarh has always been a favourite and what I like here is the accent of the people and the flavour of the food that you don't get anywhere else on earth."
“The food apart, it would give me an opportunity to speak and hear Punjabi,” says the petite actress who wanted to be a journalist, but then acting came her way.
"Bollywood has been very warm to me. In fact, the industry is changing and accepting a lot of newcomers and above all, the industry is expanding and letting in a lot of beginners," says Minissha. Ask was acting a conscious decision and she says, "I did a commercial film with director Shoojit Sircar and he was the one who cast me in Yahaan, and hence started my filmy career.
Here for the fashion event, we ask how did she decide upon the show and she says, "The show is about work hard and party harder and I believe in the same, and this was my reason for choosing the show." So, what is she wearing, "I would be wearing designs by both Mandira Virk and Vikram Phadnis." Decode fashion, "I am not a fashion victim, so I can do without a lot of fashionable things, but then fashion too means an extension of the self."
What's much more exciting is my upcoming project with Shyam Benegal. In his film, Well Done Abba, my character is very different. Like nothing I've ever played before. The story is about a father and daughter relationship living in a village. I play the daughter of Boman Irani."
Elaborating on her tryst with alternate cinema, Minissha called it "an educative experience. I have never entered a village in real life, but this film was shot in a village. It was a hat ke experience."
Vikram Phadnis
Most Stylists... Of course, Salman is the most stylish man in Bollywood. He is a style icon without an effort, feels fashion Vikram Phadnis , who has been designing for bollywood for long and has his own favorites too.
He makes the stars look good and his creations become trendsetters for the world. Vikram Phandis was in city for Blenders Pride Magical Nights Tour fashion show.
A long journey in the fashion circuit, his career spans over 17 years. Ask him what’s next, and he replies, “I’m writing a script for my film. Though nothing in my career had been pre-planned, but direction has always been a conscious step.”
Friday fashion changes in Bollywood. And with it trends change across the globe," declares, Vikram. As proof, he cites: "People actually ask their designers to customise various dresses shown in Bollywood films for them. For instance, the sherwani's and lehngas in the film Mujhe Se Shaadi Karoge became very popular." From Priyanka Chopra, Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, Sushmita Sen, Bipasha Basu, Ayesha Takia, Malaika Arora and Amrita Arora to Karisma Kapoor...yes...He has dressed them all!
Speaking of challenges, for Vikram it was ‘Salaam-e-Ishq’ that put his creative abilities to test. “I spent two years of my life putting together 800 costumes for the film. From the leading actors to the dance troupes, everyone got to wear clothes designed by me,” says Phadnis, who also dressed up the men on screen including Salman Khan who he rates as ‘The’ style icon of Bollywood. As for the ladies, he says it’s a forever changing list. Just like fashion.
What was he showcasing at the show? “
It’s club wear, so it has to have a lot of bling. My garments are Bollywood-inspired and have a lot of embellishments.”
On fashion front, “After this, I have Lakme Fashion Week and for the LFW I will present a bridal wear collection for the first time.” He spells bridal trends for the season, “My collection is going to be different. I am presenting earthy but fiery hues. It’s going to be a royal old-world charm.”
Mandira Wirk
For those of you who have caught stylish action (fashion) week after (fashion) week, will know that Mandira Wirk is a busy bee. The relatively new to the industry designer has been churning out collections that have left lasting impressions. But it’s her surname that gets us inquisitive and we learn she’s a Wirk from Jalandhar. “Punjab is home to me,” says the Punjabi kudi who packed her bags early on to study at the London School of Fashion. “I was always designing my own clothes and that kind of progressed into a full-fledged career,” she says.
What’s in store for the show?
“My collection is feminine and wearable. From ivory to mushroom, I have used lilac and fuschia for my collection and the fabrics include silk and jersey.”
What about Bollywood?
“I have done designing for reality shows. I dressed Lara Dutta and Deepika Padukone for the Knight Riders and some Bollywood projects are in the pipeline.”
Last, what’s keeping her occupied these days?
“After this show I have the Kolkata Fashion Week, Lakme Fashion Week and Spring Summer-2010 collection,” she signs off.
Luxury is changing from a status symbol to a style symbol says international designer Suchitra Dalal
It’s a common saying that ‘A woman has her emotions attached to jewels’.
And thus, to create world class designers in the field of jeweller and make them experienced and knowledgeable designers, the Jewellery Design and Technology Institute (JDTI), Sector 35, Chandigarh introduced a workshop on advanced jewellery designing techniques and international trends, giving young designers an opportunity to learn from international designer Suchitra Dalal.
Suchitra, an alumnus of NIFT was here in the city to conduct a workshop on advanced jewellery designing techniques and international trends.
Suchitra has worked with leading international brands like Cartier, Mont Blanc, Vecheron, Dunhill, Costantin, Van Cleef and Arpels.Currently working with French high-end luxury brand Chloe.
“I hope to encourage budding designers and introduce them to international trends in design. There is a lot of information that I want to share with students, making them aware of new techniques of design trends,” says Suchitra.
“Luxury marketing is still a developing concept in India, with many European brands looking towards India, studying the culture and customizing according to Indian demands and also incorporating elements like Indian embroidery,’’ Suchitra mentions how design is still a new concept in India, just three decades old, while for Europe, it dates back to centuries.” Suchitra hopes to return to India after gaining some more international exposure.”I want to be more involved in design education and feel responsible to make people aware.
The workshop covers the concept of luxury, international luxury brands in fashion and jewellery, tools of luxury and sketching and colouring techniques for designs. While the buying power of Indians has increased, Suchitra feels that there is still a long way to go, “Something fashionable in Paris still takes about six months to a year to reach India. Luxury is changing from a status symbol to a style symbol.”
"If we slash the prices to make them affordable, the product would not stand true to the term 'luxury brand', meant only for the niche class”, explains Suchitra.
The prospects of luxury brands in India, she says, "The country does have a good number of elite, the reason these really expensive brands have a thriving business here." No surprises to see several leading brands opening up their retail stores in India. Also, the brands are extensively studying the unexplored Indian markets." As for the brands, she is a part of, "The focus is on the affluent north India, the people of Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Chandigarh, as the spending capacity is maximum here."
Well, there is another reason for the leading international brands to target India, "Fashion in India has always been about the right clothes, minus the accessories, which were never important. It is only in recent times, that top designers started recognizing accessories as a separate important fashion genre."
Ritu Malik, CEO, JDTI says, “There are exceptional career opportunities in jewellery trade and with proper training and experience; there is no limit to what you can achieve.”
The three-day workshop ended on August 20 and included discussions on customer design preference and international fashion and styling.
‘The Golden Lion King’
Life is a circle and each one is a part of it. Each one has a role to play, however small or insignificant it may seem, but we need to take our place to fulfill our purpose in life.
Well that's the underlying theme of ‘The Golden Lion King, a two day musical performance that was staged by students of St John's High School, Chandigarh, at Tagore Theatre to mark the school's Golden Jubilee celebrations, last week.
On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of the St.John’s High School and the Christian Brother’s Education in Chandigarh, the school presented a splendid live musical-theatre performance in the name of unlike anything Chandigarh Has Ever Seen.
Taking inspiration from Walt Disney's The Lion King, the play brought out many a lesson from the jungle for us humans: Be brave only when you have to, don't go scouting for trouble; understand the balance of nature and respect all creatures; look inside yourself for you are more than you have become. The most important theme was of course essayed by the young lion Simba, who finally musters courage to confront his past, believes in himself and takes charge.
Though the lions, including Simba's dad Mufasa and his evil uncle Scarface, looked regal in their beautiful masks, it was the three laughing hyenas who stole the show. The chubby-turned-lean Simba to the wise Rafiki, the colourful Zazu to the cute Timon and portly Pumba, the elegant Nala to the dancing meerkats, the cart-wheeling monkeys to the bisons running roughshod, the graceful antelopes to the perfect pelicans, every boy played his role just right.
This was an act par excellence put together by none other than the students themselves at the Tagore Theatre. Marking the 50 glorious years, the musical was an endeavor to support the cause of educating over 300 under-privileged children who are, today, able to access a holistic education at the St.John’s High School and are part of the mainstream system. This in itself is a unique manifestation of the cause that the under-privileged children are seen as one with the rest of the students. Through this, the school has been instrumental in transforming many lives. Other than this, all eyes were on the five main characters that wore the masks designed by artist Viney Vadhera.
“The minute we told Viney about the idea, he volunteered to be a part of the endavour,” explained Kavita Das, the principal. “The Golden Lion King was a grand production directed by J. Likhari. From the students, their parents and the staff, gave their best. No professional was hired for this because we wanted to represent the talent within the students and also give them an opportunity to develop their acting abilities,” she adds.
Viney, who took nearly two weeks to design one mask said, “The whole process of studying the characters, designing and collecting material for the masks was a challenging one. I had to work within a limited budget and time. The masks had to be light in weight, so I used paper mache for them. Initially, I made large -sized masks, which Kavita Das politely turned down. She wanted small and light ones. So, we had to take the moulds of the five main ‘heads’ and that’s how I managed to make the masks.”
Due to the school’s exceptional social effort and undying intent towards this endeavor, Meena Bazaar extended their support by sponsoring the musical shows.
The circle was complete as the play was all about reaffirming the sense of belonging. Hats off ... all... cheers for the St John's family.
Chandigarh has talent, feels Nirmal Pandey
“Without doubts, Chandigarh has talent, and especially as beginners, these guys are much more aware than aspiring actors in other cities”, says Nirmal Pandey.
On his second visit in a month’s time, he says, “This city has become home for me. I keep coming back for one reason or the other. And this time, it is for the auditions of Gurkul Acting Academy that I am here,” says the actor, who has played diverse roles in movies like Bandit Queen, Desh Drohi, Yeh Koi to Hai and more.
Gurukul Acting Academy is searching for talented freshers with the aim to groom versatile aspirants into actors. “Based-in Mumbai’, the academy is holding auditions in the city to provide a platform to those who have ample talent but lack opportunity. We hope to churn out the best of talent through our years of practical experience in the field of acting. Every year thousands throng the National School of Drama but a part of the talented lot is left out due to lack of seats,” actor and faculty member, Nirmal Pandey, tells us there are 20 seats and that the faculty here is from National School of Drama and Delhi Gurukul Acting Academy.
“While, we have many aspirants from Punjab in the industry, this time we are expecting atleast two to three good actors from here. During the auditions, we have noticed that about 75 per cent of the aspirators are very aware, which is very significant,” he reels, this time moving on to the traits of a good actor — he needs to be passionate, aware, should be a good learner and above all should be a good human, Nirmal lists.
The actor feels that the youngsters are really serious about cinema. He says, “Gone are the days when parents stopped kids from joining movies, these days its parents who are promoting kids. And for youngsters, they know this is the only medium where they can achieve fame, money and power.”
“Yes, the desire for anything surely makes a man work hard for it, but other than that, talent and destiny play a great role. And these days one has to be multi-talented to be successful”, he adds.
That’s true, but destiny: does he believe in it? “Yes, I strongly believe in fate. I know so many actors who are much-much better than me, but circumstances have been such that they haven’t achieved much in life.” Back to the auditions, do all students who come for acting classes want to become lead heroes? “A movie is no more about a lead or second lead, but about an actor. And with the kind of movies we have these days, there is no one single character around whom the movie revolves, but around a good actor who can justify his role. And in the coming times, we would have talented actor bag the limelight than the hero of the movie. So, the concept of lead actor is not going to stay forever.”
About his future plans, the actor is quick to answer, “Apart from movies, I am doing television these days. I have a project called Seeta Geeta and another one with Balaji telefilms.” So, is television really paying better that cinema? “Yes, it is, but then, it keeps you busy 24/7,” he sums.
On his second visit in a month’s time, he says, “This city has become home for me. I keep coming back for one reason or the other. And this time, it is for the auditions of Gurkul Acting Academy that I am here,” says the actor, who has played diverse roles in movies like Bandit Queen, Desh Drohi, Yeh Koi to Hai and more.
Gurukul Acting Academy is searching for talented freshers with the aim to groom versatile aspirants into actors. “Based-in Mumbai’, the academy is holding auditions in the city to provide a platform to those who have ample talent but lack opportunity. We hope to churn out the best of talent through our years of practical experience in the field of acting. Every year thousands throng the National School of Drama but a part of the talented lot is left out due to lack of seats,” actor and faculty member, Nirmal Pandey, tells us there are 20 seats and that the faculty here is from National School of Drama and Delhi Gurukul Acting Academy.
“While, we have many aspirants from Punjab in the industry, this time we are expecting atleast two to three good actors from here. During the auditions, we have noticed that about 75 per cent of the aspirators are very aware, which is very significant,” he reels, this time moving on to the traits of a good actor — he needs to be passionate, aware, should be a good learner and above all should be a good human, Nirmal lists.
The actor feels that the youngsters are really serious about cinema. He says, “Gone are the days when parents stopped kids from joining movies, these days its parents who are promoting kids. And for youngsters, they know this is the only medium where they can achieve fame, money and power.”
“Yes, the desire for anything surely makes a man work hard for it, but other than that, talent and destiny play a great role. And these days one has to be multi-talented to be successful”, he adds.
That’s true, but destiny: does he believe in it? “Yes, I strongly believe in fate. I know so many actors who are much-much better than me, but circumstances have been such that they haven’t achieved much in life.” Back to the auditions, do all students who come for acting classes want to become lead heroes? “A movie is no more about a lead or second lead, but about an actor. And with the kind of movies we have these days, there is no one single character around whom the movie revolves, but around a good actor who can justify his role. And in the coming times, we would have talented actor bag the limelight than the hero of the movie. So, the concept of lead actor is not going to stay forever.”
About his future plans, the actor is quick to answer, “Apart from movies, I am doing television these days. I have a project called Seeta Geeta and another one with Balaji telefilms.” So, is television really paying better that cinema? “Yes, it is, but then, it keeps you busy 24/7,” he sums.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Now, learn through your mobile phones
Learning has just acquired a new – nimbler – form. While e-learning is still being used as a supplementary tool to the conventional forms of learning, a new method of knowledge addition called m-learning has emerged in the global scenario.M-learning or mobile learning refers to the deployment of training programmes on wireless handheld devices, like cell phones and personal digital assistants.Not many in India would have heard of the m-learning concept, as it requires the use of advanced phones with 3G technology or BlackBerry devices.
The field of learning through technology is a vast one with subtle distinctions among its various branches. Distance learning incorporates all forms of instruction in which instructor and student are physically removed from one another by time or space from traditional correspondence courses to web-based instruction. Electronic or e-learning incorporates all forms of online instruction using personal computers.
Mobile learning is enabled by the use of portable computing devices, such as PDAs, palmtops, smartphones, and tablet PCs, communicating over wireless networks. The use of computing in teaching and learning is being extended to spaces beyond the traditional classroom and, within the classroom, teachers and learners are gaining increased flexibility and new opportunities for interaction. Mobile learning is a key theme because this unfettering of teaching and learning with technology has the potential to enable learning experiences that are more collaborative, more richly contextualized, and continuously accessible.
Students, who have traditionally used their time on public transport to catch up on required reading or last-minute revision, Mobile Learning has been catching up for quite a while.
By blending more conventional learning with mobile phones, PDAs and handhelds, you can experience flexible learning that extends the use of ICT beyond the classroom. M-learning benefits all types of learners, from those at primary schools, secondary schools and FE colleges, to those at universities and employers.
By enabling learning on the go, m-learning is the perfect solution for today’s mobile community.The combination of wireless technology and mobile computing is resulting in escalating transformations of the educational world.
M-learning can enhance learning by putting students in a real context and make the process of learning more appealing, motivating, interesting. Students may maximize their acquisition of skills,competencies, may optimize their time of studying. Students simply go out from their classroom, offices, they are not compelled to stay in a place with a personal computer/laptop. They learn really and immediately, everywhere, in any time, while they are walking, travelling, doing their routine actions, and above all “in motion.
M-learning has been used to help those students who are outside formal education, who have abandoned their studies, teenagers no longer motivated by traditional curricula, and to prevent the risk of leaving school. Students using mobile phones and smart-phones to learn mathematics through SMS with the help of a tutor in an informal environment, out of school, outside. They could send text messages, keep in touch with friends, play computer games, learn by doing.
M-learning can also offer educational opportunities to impaired students in order to overcome some of the barriers encountered in a traditional learning. Motor impaired students may access to PDAs and mobile phones more easily because they are light and easy to handle. Visual impaired learners can use PDAs with text to speech software installed. Deaf learners can take advantages of the rich visual content of PDAs such as photos, images. Dyslexic learners may receive benefits from navigating web resources and also use the rich visual material offered by PDAs..
If the future is already here, where can we find it?
Mobile learning can be used as a ‘hook’ to re-engage disaffected youth. It is around us. It is in the air-literally. Industry has been taking advantage of the fact that computers without wires allow new applications and processes. In addition to mobility, we can access the Internet any time, any place.
Mobile technology is changing the classroom in obvious ways. Wireless Internet access is often depicted by pastoral scenes of students gathered around the proverbial tree with their laptops. However, the scene not often shown is the nervous faculty member competing with the Internet for students' attention.
There are some clues about the future. Signity Solutions paint a picture of the future where anyone can contribute to the reflection of reality on the Internet. Others are using mobility to explore spaces that could not be accessed before.
Learn With Us: Signity Solutions
E-LEARNING, from anywhere to anytime
E-Learning, a new concept and is cost effectiveness that maintains in the long run and over traditional training initiatives. Aggressively, the concept is operational in many enterprises and institutes. Also, specifically for Indian players, there is an increasing service expertise developing, coupled with a maturing of the e-learning offshoring model.
E-learning sounds attractive, suggesting a gigantic leap on to an era of a rapid and a serious learning change. Today it’s clear that there’s no rocket science in learning – the way it is made to appear.Although e-learning has potential in India, adoption has been slow and will need a major marketing and awareness effort. Many companies are ready to use e-learning to support business processes from compliance to generating revenue.
Though, the Indian e-learning market is still at a nascent stage, but thanks to an increasing emphasis on honing individual skills, e-learning is slowly becoming popular in India.
The adoption of e-learning in all spheres—corporates, schools, universities, etc—is low at present. e-learning in India has been most successful in the corporate segment where it is seen as a means of achieving business goals and motivating employees.
In underdeveloped countries, e-learning can raise the level of education, literacy and economic development. This is especially true for countries where technical education is expensive, opportunities are limited, and economic disparities exist.
Nothing can replace traditional classroom teaching, but e-learning complements the process and can help reach out to the masses. There are several companies that are working towards e-learning in India. We at Signity Solutions focus is on providing simple, cost-effective e-learning tools for individuals. We wish to reach out to every computer user who wishes to create his own content, enhance it using multimedia, append to it as and when information changes, share it with others, and make effective use of the same for self-learning as well as to teach others.
The presence of computers in educational institutes, labs and other government institute has given a wider scope to e-learning, which is certainly sounds more attractive and leave a better inpact on the mind of an individual. An online tutoring program with combination of conventional teaching and technology assisted teaching and an innovative Interactive Multimedia Tool to prepare and succeed in any subject. Moreover, with audio and video aids it is almost impossible not to understand. Students are more motivated to learn with increased self-esteem, and e-learning is upcoming tool for interactive education.
With rich experience in developing top quality training methods through e-learning solutions, computer based training (CBT) and web based training (WBT) in education courses that can, depending on your needs, be either instructor-led or Internet or a mix of different modes of training, Signity Solutions has some of best adaption of interactive education.
eLearning brings teachers and students together effectively, anywhere and anytime through the Internet. Online learning can synchronously connect thousands of participants worldwide while offering various asynchronous learning options.
Realizing the need,one among the many, Apt Academic Solutions (AAS) adopted eLearning for their students a few years back. AAS, based in Hyderabad, is an offline and online education service provider. Having worked diligently for about three years now, AAS has succeeded to make a difference in the new age of teaching with their initiative, dedication and commitment. They have encouraged many students to pursue their dream of getting into premier engineering institutes of India by helping build a strong foundation in the core subjects of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
The major advantage is the consistency that e-learning provides. e-learning is self-paced, and learning is done at the learner’s pace. The content can be repeated until it is understood by the trainee. It can be made compelling and interesting with multimedia, and the trainee can be given multiple learning paths depending on his or her needs.
In developed and developing counties, which also includes India the concept of e-learning is used to access to quality education: The fact that instructors of the highest caliber can share their knowledge across borders allows students to attend courses across physical, political, and social boundaries.
Moreover, e-learning can drastically reduce the costs of higher education, making it much more affordable and accessible to the masses. An internet connection, a computer, and a projector would allow an entire classroom in a third world university to benefit from the knowledge of a distant instructor.
Convenience and flexibility to learners: in many contexts, eLearning is self-paced and the learning sessions are available 24x7. Learners are not bound to a specific day/time to physically attend classes. They can also pause learning sessions at their convenience.
The Indian market is still young, but it will continue to adopt the concept of e-learning in order to meet its communication needs and seize business opportunities. We did.... did you...
Contact Signity Solutions
E-learning sounds attractive, suggesting a gigantic leap on to an era of a rapid and a serious learning change. Today it’s clear that there’s no rocket science in learning – the way it is made to appear.Although e-learning has potential in India, adoption has been slow and will need a major marketing and awareness effort. Many companies are ready to use e-learning to support business processes from compliance to generating revenue.
Though, the Indian e-learning market is still at a nascent stage, but thanks to an increasing emphasis on honing individual skills, e-learning is slowly becoming popular in India.
The adoption of e-learning in all spheres—corporates, schools, universities, etc—is low at present. e-learning in India has been most successful in the corporate segment where it is seen as a means of achieving business goals and motivating employees.
In underdeveloped countries, e-learning can raise the level of education, literacy and economic development. This is especially true for countries where technical education is expensive, opportunities are limited, and economic disparities exist.
Nothing can replace traditional classroom teaching, but e-learning complements the process and can help reach out to the masses. There are several companies that are working towards e-learning in India. We at Signity Solutions focus is on providing simple, cost-effective e-learning tools for individuals. We wish to reach out to every computer user who wishes to create his own content, enhance it using multimedia, append to it as and when information changes, share it with others, and make effective use of the same for self-learning as well as to teach others.
The presence of computers in educational institutes, labs and other government institute has given a wider scope to e-learning, which is certainly sounds more attractive and leave a better inpact on the mind of an individual. An online tutoring program with combination of conventional teaching and technology assisted teaching and an innovative Interactive Multimedia Tool to prepare and succeed in any subject. Moreover, with audio and video aids it is almost impossible not to understand. Students are more motivated to learn with increased self-esteem, and e-learning is upcoming tool for interactive education.
With rich experience in developing top quality training methods through e-learning solutions, computer based training (CBT) and web based training (WBT) in education courses that can, depending on your needs, be either instructor-led or Internet or a mix of different modes of training, Signity Solutions has some of best adaption of interactive education.
eLearning brings teachers and students together effectively, anywhere and anytime through the Internet. Online learning can synchronously connect thousands of participants worldwide while offering various asynchronous learning options.
Realizing the need,one among the many, Apt Academic Solutions (AAS) adopted eLearning for their students a few years back. AAS, based in Hyderabad, is an offline and online education service provider. Having worked diligently for about three years now, AAS has succeeded to make a difference in the new age of teaching with their initiative, dedication and commitment. They have encouraged many students to pursue their dream of getting into premier engineering institutes of India by helping build a strong foundation in the core subjects of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry.
The major advantage is the consistency that e-learning provides. e-learning is self-paced, and learning is done at the learner’s pace. The content can be repeated until it is understood by the trainee. It can be made compelling and interesting with multimedia, and the trainee can be given multiple learning paths depending on his or her needs.
In developed and developing counties, which also includes India the concept of e-learning is used to access to quality education: The fact that instructors of the highest caliber can share their knowledge across borders allows students to attend courses across physical, political, and social boundaries.
Moreover, e-learning can drastically reduce the costs of higher education, making it much more affordable and accessible to the masses. An internet connection, a computer, and a projector would allow an entire classroom in a third world university to benefit from the knowledge of a distant instructor.
Convenience and flexibility to learners: in many contexts, eLearning is self-paced and the learning sessions are available 24x7. Learners are not bound to a specific day/time to physically attend classes. They can also pause learning sessions at their convenience.
The Indian market is still young, but it will continue to adopt the concept of e-learning in order to meet its communication needs and seize business opportunities. We did.... did you...
Contact Signity Solutions
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
FACEBOOK, a learning instrument
Oh look….everyone has a mobile phone, a Facebook account… it is the time to use that for educational purposes. With Facebook being a hot favourite among students, teachers, and librarians, the social media site has become somewhat of a platform, offering developers a way to create and share applications for education. This, of course, is great news for online education, as it provides all sorts of great tools designed to make learning and administration easier.
A high communicative value of Facebook translates into academic value and as an educator, Facebook often drawn to tools in popular use, assuming to co-opt them for academic purposes.
But Why Only ‘Facebook’
If you’re active and in practice of teaching, would you mind to share your experiences using Facebook at your school.
Guess, if one morning you find the creative use for Facebook in the classroom. With almost 55% of online teens use social networks and 55% have created online profiles, Facebook , a apart from being a common mode, it is the best medium to exchange text messaging, blogging and visiting online communities and services and exchanges of syllabus among students. Further, students report that one of the most common topics of conversation on the social networking scene is education.
Students use Facebook to represent their identity, and they fill out all sorts of information to that end. Schools have started delivering course schedules, majors, important notices and other on campus affiliations on Facebook. It also shows that “campus safe” identity to classmates and instructors, which helps to build conversations by introducing “primer” information, i.e. “I see you’re a member of the economics club, are you planning on being an economist?”
Students use facebook to talk about school all the time,an application just enables a students’ course information to be a part of those conversations. It also enables contact between faculty and classmates who are not “friends” with a student on Facebook. Faculty that have ventured on to Facebook have struggled with whether or not to be “friends”, and the safest bet with the least amount of line crossed is to not be friends.
If you are a Facebook member, do a search for “What College Best Suits Your Personality’ or Do you belong at a small or large school or An institute of higher learning or a party school, a quiz will let you know many answers that may be important within your peer group.
A Facebook event group is an application where students, faculty and everyone comes together and shares information on the event, viewing tips and meteors in general.
BTW, this event page was started by 2 high school seniors out of Maryland. They use a Facebook group page as an invitation to the event. They ask you to RSVP. 83,147 guests have confirmed their attendance, 19,823 might be attending and 21,287 have sent their regrets and won’t be in attendance. Try it and you’ll begin to see some of the benefits of social networking in education.
Let’s get to teaching and learning. We can see something like this as an engaging collaborative class project…hmmmmm…mind is off and running with this one.
Things have shifted and now Facebook , which is now coming up as a professional in education and there is no empirical evidence validate the use of Facebook in secondary or elementary education.
Even many schools have reexamined their policies and practices and explore ways in which they could use social networking for educational purposes and Facebook is one of them.
Moreover, Facebook is increasingly used as a communications and collaboration tool of choice in businesses and higher education. As such, it would be wise for schools, whose responsibility it is to prepare students to transition to adult life with the skills they need to succeed in both arenas, to reckon with it. Even electronic channels have supported the use on Facebook, where we quote the example of a private channel story from Missouri which highlighted a teacher’s viewpoint about using Facebook to reach reluctant students at the high school.
After some searching, Signity Solution came across some communities that advocated using Facebook in education and one such had examples, including using the Files and Questions modules that states , All assignments and other items get posted to the “Files” module and you can use the “Questions” module to send out questions to your students.
Few applications , where Facebook and Education goes hand and hand:
Check My Campus: An online community that allows college students to share photos and videos of campus life with high school students looking at colleges.
College Prowler: Research colleges and share your experience with friends.
College Toolkit: Search for schools, test your college IQ, and see others interested in the same colleges.
Connect at College: Connect with other Facebook users trying to find a college and those who’ve been to college who can give insight into their school.
SkoolPool: Talk about colleges with your friends and classmates.
Have concerns, contact SIGNITYSOLUTIONS....
A high communicative value of Facebook translates into academic value and as an educator, Facebook often drawn to tools in popular use, assuming to co-opt them for academic purposes.
But Why Only ‘Facebook’
If you’re active and in practice of teaching, would you mind to share your experiences using Facebook at your school.
Guess, if one morning you find the creative use for Facebook in the classroom. With almost 55% of online teens use social networks and 55% have created online profiles, Facebook , a apart from being a common mode, it is the best medium to exchange text messaging, blogging and visiting online communities and services and exchanges of syllabus among students. Further, students report that one of the most common topics of conversation on the social networking scene is education.
Students use Facebook to represent their identity, and they fill out all sorts of information to that end. Schools have started delivering course schedules, majors, important notices and other on campus affiliations on Facebook. It also shows that “campus safe” identity to classmates and instructors, which helps to build conversations by introducing “primer” information, i.e. “I see you’re a member of the economics club, are you planning on being an economist?”
Students use facebook to talk about school all the time,an application just enables a students’ course information to be a part of those conversations. It also enables contact between faculty and classmates who are not “friends” with a student on Facebook. Faculty that have ventured on to Facebook have struggled with whether or not to be “friends”, and the safest bet with the least amount of line crossed is to not be friends.
If you are a Facebook member, do a search for “What College Best Suits Your Personality’ or Do you belong at a small or large school or An institute of higher learning or a party school, a quiz will let you know many answers that may be important within your peer group.
A Facebook event group is an application where students, faculty and everyone comes together and shares information on the event, viewing tips and meteors in general.
BTW, this event page was started by 2 high school seniors out of Maryland. They use a Facebook group page as an invitation to the event. They ask you to RSVP. 83,147 guests have confirmed their attendance, 19,823 might be attending and 21,287 have sent their regrets and won’t be in attendance. Try it and you’ll begin to see some of the benefits of social networking in education.
Let’s get to teaching and learning. We can see something like this as an engaging collaborative class project…hmmmmm…mind is off and running with this one.
Things have shifted and now Facebook , which is now coming up as a professional in education and there is no empirical evidence validate the use of Facebook in secondary or elementary education.
Even many schools have reexamined their policies and practices and explore ways in which they could use social networking for educational purposes and Facebook is one of them.
Moreover, Facebook is increasingly used as a communications and collaboration tool of choice in businesses and higher education. As such, it would be wise for schools, whose responsibility it is to prepare students to transition to adult life with the skills they need to succeed in both arenas, to reckon with it. Even electronic channels have supported the use on Facebook, where we quote the example of a private channel story from Missouri which highlighted a teacher’s viewpoint about using Facebook to reach reluctant students at the high school.
After some searching, Signity Solution came across some communities that advocated using Facebook in education and one such had examples, including using the Files and Questions modules that states , All assignments and other items get posted to the “Files” module and you can use the “Questions” module to send out questions to your students.
Few applications , where Facebook and Education goes hand and hand:
Check My Campus: An online community that allows college students to share photos and videos of campus life with high school students looking at colleges.
College Prowler: Research colleges and share your experience with friends.
College Toolkit: Search for schools, test your college IQ, and see others interested in the same colleges.
Connect at College: Connect with other Facebook users trying to find a college and those who’ve been to college who can give insight into their school.
SkoolPool: Talk about colleges with your friends and classmates.
Have concerns, contact SIGNITYSOLUTIONS....
Friday, August 14, 2009
‘Kaminey’ will force you to think: Shahid
There are films where you are politely asked to keep your brains at home, and then there are films which suggest you carry them along. “Kaminey will require the use of your brains,” Shahid Kapur attaches a high IQ with it, and takes the opportunity of educating us on how ‘Kaminey’ it is.
He has now cropped his hair and no longer launts his full-grown mane. Although Shahid Kapur has come out of his Kaminey rugged looks, but now he is living it each moment. As the actor laughs, "I am feeling kaminey day in and day out."
On Saturday afternoon, the young actor halted in City to promote his upcoming blockbuster, Kaminey.
Adorning a blue-checkered shirt, the actor got chatty with journos about the film in Hotel Mountview-10.
About Kaminey being tagged with 'A' certificate, he quips, "We all were shocked. Priyanka, Ronnie and Vishal could not believe it. Vishal even gave them the reference of Ghajini.Despite the portrayal of extreme violence, it was given a U/A certificate. " Would this hamper the reach of the film? "Not at all.
“Vishal Bhardwaj is a polite guy. During the script session, he told me of the title. I was like – WHAT! I couldn’t have heard that right! Kaminey!! I wondered what was Vishal upto? And then with me—this guy with a sweet lover boy image! But Vishal convinced me that the title was bang on considering the all-warped-up characters”, he says. Shahid validates the title from the lines written by Gulzaar— Mere arzoo bhi kamini, mere khaawab bhi kaminey, ek dil sey dosti thi, yeh hazur bhi kaminey.’
The ‘f’ word is suddenly a blast. The ‘f’ word is legal. The ‘f’ word is the new ‘s’. And does Fahid Kapoor mind! He lisps, he means to say ‘s’ and ends up saying ‘f’ and is adding yet another word to our options— Kaminey.
Any kismat connection with the two characters he plays here? Shahid flashes a sexy smile finally: “None. I don’t connect with either of the characters because they are so original”. “One stammers, while the other says ‘f’ instead of ‘s’. It was a challenge to play both the characters. So, a lot of research was done, ENT and speech therapists were consulted. We didn’t want to make caricatures on people who stammer,” tells Shahid, who has become selective with his choice of movies. “A successful actor does limited and good work. As an actor I liked the script of Kaminey, and I was ready to take the risk of breaking the chocolate image. Had the audiences not liked the promos, we would have had an uphill task on hands. I am glad people are already liking this movie with a difference.”
With his widest release ever (1100 prints), this is pitched as a make or break film for Shahid, and yes, it does make him nervous. “I’m nervous about every release...unlike yesteryears, where a high number of films determine the star status, today a star is the one who does selective, limited films a year, and very few experiment because money rides the game. Saying that, I have my fingers crossed for this,” says Shahid. There’s no doubt how hard he has worked for it. From following a strict exercise regime with trainer Abbas Ali, getting that raw, rugged, street look correct to braving the speech odds and stripping himself off that lover boy image, Kapur’s given his best shot. “The script and my role within is my top priority. It takes patience, more than anything else,” he advises the youngsters to follow the same mantra
With Chandigarh rush back memories of Jab We Met, good food and great family friends. And now that this most googled star has been voted the sexiest vegetarian and will receive the Rajiv Gandhi Achievement Award, his next feat would be: “the biggest kamina of them all.” Dhan-te-nan!
There’s a little kamina in all of us, Shahid Kapur is all set to become the ‘biggest kamina of all’
He has now cropped his hair and no longer launts his full-grown mane. Although Shahid Kapur has come out of his Kaminey rugged looks, but now he is living it each moment. As the actor laughs, "I am feeling kaminey day in and day out."
On Saturday afternoon, the young actor halted in City to promote his upcoming blockbuster, Kaminey.
Adorning a blue-checkered shirt, the actor got chatty with journos about the film in Hotel Mountview-10.
About Kaminey being tagged with 'A' certificate, he quips, "We all were shocked. Priyanka, Ronnie and Vishal could not believe it. Vishal even gave them the reference of Ghajini.Despite the portrayal of extreme violence, it was given a U/A certificate. " Would this hamper the reach of the film? "Not at all.
“Vishal Bhardwaj is a polite guy. During the script session, he told me of the title. I was like – WHAT! I couldn’t have heard that right! Kaminey!! I wondered what was Vishal upto? And then with me—this guy with a sweet lover boy image! But Vishal convinced me that the title was bang on considering the all-warped-up characters”, he says. Shahid validates the title from the lines written by Gulzaar— Mere arzoo bhi kamini, mere khaawab bhi kaminey, ek dil sey dosti thi, yeh hazur bhi kaminey.’
The ‘f’ word is suddenly a blast. The ‘f’ word is legal. The ‘f’ word is the new ‘s’. And does Fahid Kapoor mind! He lisps, he means to say ‘s’ and ends up saying ‘f’ and is adding yet another word to our options— Kaminey.
Any kismat connection with the two characters he plays here? Shahid flashes a sexy smile finally: “None. I don’t connect with either of the characters because they are so original”. “One stammers, while the other says ‘f’ instead of ‘s’. It was a challenge to play both the characters. So, a lot of research was done, ENT and speech therapists were consulted. We didn’t want to make caricatures on people who stammer,” tells Shahid, who has become selective with his choice of movies. “A successful actor does limited and good work. As an actor I liked the script of Kaminey, and I was ready to take the risk of breaking the chocolate image. Had the audiences not liked the promos, we would have had an uphill task on hands. I am glad people are already liking this movie with a difference.”
With his widest release ever (1100 prints), this is pitched as a make or break film for Shahid, and yes, it does make him nervous. “I’m nervous about every release...unlike yesteryears, where a high number of films determine the star status, today a star is the one who does selective, limited films a year, and very few experiment because money rides the game. Saying that, I have my fingers crossed for this,” says Shahid. There’s no doubt how hard he has worked for it. From following a strict exercise regime with trainer Abbas Ali, getting that raw, rugged, street look correct to braving the speech odds and stripping himself off that lover boy image, Kapur’s given his best shot. “The script and my role within is my top priority. It takes patience, more than anything else,” he advises the youngsters to follow the same mantra
With Chandigarh rush back memories of Jab We Met, good food and great family friends. And now that this most googled star has been voted the sexiest vegetarian and will receive the Rajiv Gandhi Achievement Award, his next feat would be: “the biggest kamina of them all.” Dhan-te-nan!
There’s a little kamina in all of us, Shahid Kapur is all set to become the ‘biggest kamina of all’
Faith and Patience is DOSHI’s mantra for life
Into his second innings, DILIP DOSHI, the Chairman and Managing Director, ENTRACK INTERNATIONAL TRADING PRIVATE LIMITED, was born in 1947 in Rajkot, a lively town in Gujarat.
Though, Dilip never spent much time in Rajkot and rather his formative years, his school days and early cricketing experiences was in Kolkata. Cricket being his first love, in 1972, he had a choice of doing his final law examination or concentrating on cricket career and coming to England to play. He chose cricket and since then, London has remained a home away from home and a center of his activities and achievements.
Dilip’s achievements both in cricket and business have remained distinctive, admirable and exemplary. In cricket he has played remarkably for Bengal and India, test matches and international matches and has also played in English Counties and Leagues. He has played with and against cricketers of international name and fame and has been enjoying very close and cordial relations with them.
In business, Dilip had a dream and desire to deal in world class luxury products. With his visionary ability to see beyond normal timeframe, he could visualize increasing needs and awareness of discerning customers in India for luxury brands. It was with such foresight and enterprising spirit that Entrack India was incorporated in 1994. With his zeal, he has successfully introduced several legendary luxury brands to Indian market and has been exploring in unique manner market potential thereof. This has ensured continuous growth and development of Entrack.
In India, Montblanc, the German luxury manufacturer of sophisticated writing instruments, is solely represented by Entrack International Trading Private Limited.
In a forward to Dilip’s book “Spin Punch” Sir Garfield Sobers said “Dilip Doshi has an interesting story to tell and immeasurable knowledge to pass on to those who want to follow his path into professional cricket. He has played at all levels over the world and there can be no one more qualified to talk about the dying art of spin bowling.”
This could be well applicable to his acumen and achievement in the business for luxury brands.
Dilip’s achievement in game or business could be summarized in what he has written in his book “Spin Punch”, which says, “My story is more mundane and down to earth, a story of hard work, burning ambition a certain faith in myself and, most of all, plenty of patience.”
Dilip says “In today's world it should be possible to provide literacy to everyone, that only some of the lucky ones can take for granted. Literacy breeds self confidence and self esteem in every human being. For Montblanc this kind of philosophy and responsibility are deeply instilled in its thought process. It is quite wonderful and satisfying to be a part of this evolution."
Dilip Doshi, an economics student from Calcutta University says, "Even when I was playing the game I was making plans for my future. One has to move on in life.
Dilip was always interested in Entrack International Trading. “We represent some of the top class luxurious brands in India and abroad like Mont Blanc, Burberrys, Chirico watches, Canally Men's fashion from Milan etc." For his choice of business in life, he smiles and says, "I subscribe to Oscar Wilde's saying: I am a simple man and simply love the best things in life."
Doshi is probably one of the few cricketers who after retiring from the game have chosen an entirely different playing field. "I am not a great believer in cricketers writing or commentating. I think most of them are rather poor, except for maybe Ravi Shastri. All the others are dull and drab. As a spectator I'd rather listen to people who'd bring colour to the game than someone telling me in every other sentence what is technically right or wrong. It is very boring."
The fact that writing is deeply rooted in Montblanc’s history and one of the brand’s core values led Montblanc to initiate the Signature for Good Programme, which supports UNICEF in its efforts to ensure a quality education.
Though, Dilip never spent much time in Rajkot and rather his formative years, his school days and early cricketing experiences was in Kolkata. Cricket being his first love, in 1972, he had a choice of doing his final law examination or concentrating on cricket career and coming to England to play. He chose cricket and since then, London has remained a home away from home and a center of his activities and achievements.
Dilip’s achievements both in cricket and business have remained distinctive, admirable and exemplary. In cricket he has played remarkably for Bengal and India, test matches and international matches and has also played in English Counties and Leagues. He has played with and against cricketers of international name and fame and has been enjoying very close and cordial relations with them.
In business, Dilip had a dream and desire to deal in world class luxury products. With his visionary ability to see beyond normal timeframe, he could visualize increasing needs and awareness of discerning customers in India for luxury brands. It was with such foresight and enterprising spirit that Entrack India was incorporated in 1994. With his zeal, he has successfully introduced several legendary luxury brands to Indian market and has been exploring in unique manner market potential thereof. This has ensured continuous growth and development of Entrack.
In India, Montblanc, the German luxury manufacturer of sophisticated writing instruments, is solely represented by Entrack International Trading Private Limited.
In a forward to Dilip’s book “Spin Punch” Sir Garfield Sobers said “Dilip Doshi has an interesting story to tell and immeasurable knowledge to pass on to those who want to follow his path into professional cricket. He has played at all levels over the world and there can be no one more qualified to talk about the dying art of spin bowling.”
This could be well applicable to his acumen and achievement in the business for luxury brands.
Dilip’s achievement in game or business could be summarized in what he has written in his book “Spin Punch”, which says, “My story is more mundane and down to earth, a story of hard work, burning ambition a certain faith in myself and, most of all, plenty of patience.”
Dilip says “In today's world it should be possible to provide literacy to everyone, that only some of the lucky ones can take for granted. Literacy breeds self confidence and self esteem in every human being. For Montblanc this kind of philosophy and responsibility are deeply instilled in its thought process. It is quite wonderful and satisfying to be a part of this evolution."
Dilip Doshi, an economics student from Calcutta University says, "Even when I was playing the game I was making plans for my future. One has to move on in life.
Dilip was always interested in Entrack International Trading. “We represent some of the top class luxurious brands in India and abroad like Mont Blanc, Burberrys, Chirico watches, Canally Men's fashion from Milan etc." For his choice of business in life, he smiles and says, "I subscribe to Oscar Wilde's saying: I am a simple man and simply love the best things in life."
Doshi is probably one of the few cricketers who after retiring from the game have chosen an entirely different playing field. "I am not a great believer in cricketers writing or commentating. I think most of them are rather poor, except for maybe Ravi Shastri. All the others are dull and drab. As a spectator I'd rather listen to people who'd bring colour to the game than someone telling me in every other sentence what is technically right or wrong. It is very boring."
The fact that writing is deeply rooted in Montblanc’s history and one of the brand’s core values led Montblanc to initiate the Signature for Good Programme, which supports UNICEF in its efforts to ensure a quality education.
This city has talent, feels Nirmal Pandey
“Without doubts, Chandigarh has talent, and especially as beginners, these guys are much more aware than aspiring actors in other cities”, says Nirmal Pandey.
On his second visit in a month’s time, he says, “This city has become home for me. I keep coming back for one reason or the other. And this time, it is for the auditions of Gurkul Acting Academy that I am here,” says the actor, who has played diverse roles in movies like Bandit Queen, Desh Drohi, Yeh Koi to Hai and more.
Gurukul Acting Academy is searching for talented freshers with the aim to groom versatile aspirants into actors. “Based-in Mumbai’, the academy is holding auditions in the city to provide a platform to those who have ample talent but lack opportunity. We hope to churn out the best of talent through our years of practical experience in the field of acting. Every year thousands throng the National School of Drama but a part of the talented lot is left out due to lack of seats,” actor and faculty member, Nirmal Pandey, tells us there are 20 seats and that the faculty here is from National School of Drama and Delhi Gurukul Acting Academy.
“While, we have many aspirants from Punjab in the industry, this time we are expecting atleast two to three good actors from here. During the auditions, we have noticed that about 75 per cent of the aspirators are very aware, which is very significant,” he reels, this time moving on to the traits of a good actor — he needs to be passionate, aware, should be a good learner and above all should be a good human, Nirmal lists.
The actor feels that the youngsters are really serious about cinema. He says, “Gone are the days when parents stopped kids from joining movies, these days its parents who are promoting kids. And for youngsters, they know this is the only medium where they can achieve fame, money and power.”
“Yes, the desire for anything surely makes a man work hard for it, but other than that, talent and destiny play a great role. And these days one has to be multi-talented to be successful”, he adds.
That’s true, but destiny: does he believe in it? “Yes, I strongly believe in fate. I know so many actors who are much-much better than me, but circumstances have been such that they haven’t achieved much in life.” Back to the auditions, do all students who come for acting classes want to become lead heroes? “A movie is no more about a lead or second lead, but about an actor. And with the kind of movies we have these days, there is no one single character around whom the movie revolves, but around a good actor who can justify his role. And in the coming times, we would have talented actor bag the limelight than the hero of the movie. So, the concept of lead actor is not going to stay forever.”
About his future plans, the actor is quick to answer, “Apart from movies, I am doing television these days. I have a project called Seeta Geeta and another one with Balaji telefilms.” So, is television really paying better that cinema? “Yes, it is, but then, it keeps you busy 24/7,” he sums.
On his second visit in a month’s time, he says, “This city has become home for me. I keep coming back for one reason or the other. And this time, it is for the auditions of Gurkul Acting Academy that I am here,” says the actor, who has played diverse roles in movies like Bandit Queen, Desh Drohi, Yeh Koi to Hai and more.
Gurukul Acting Academy is searching for talented freshers with the aim to groom versatile aspirants into actors. “Based-in Mumbai’, the academy is holding auditions in the city to provide a platform to those who have ample talent but lack opportunity. We hope to churn out the best of talent through our years of practical experience in the field of acting. Every year thousands throng the National School of Drama but a part of the talented lot is left out due to lack of seats,” actor and faculty member, Nirmal Pandey, tells us there are 20 seats and that the faculty here is from National School of Drama and Delhi Gurukul Acting Academy.
“While, we have many aspirants from Punjab in the industry, this time we are expecting atleast two to three good actors from here. During the auditions, we have noticed that about 75 per cent of the aspirators are very aware, which is very significant,” he reels, this time moving on to the traits of a good actor — he needs to be passionate, aware, should be a good learner and above all should be a good human, Nirmal lists.
The actor feels that the youngsters are really serious about cinema. He says, “Gone are the days when parents stopped kids from joining movies, these days its parents who are promoting kids. And for youngsters, they know this is the only medium where they can achieve fame, money and power.”
“Yes, the desire for anything surely makes a man work hard for it, but other than that, talent and destiny play a great role. And these days one has to be multi-talented to be successful”, he adds.
That’s true, but destiny: does he believe in it? “Yes, I strongly believe in fate. I know so many actors who are much-much better than me, but circumstances have been such that they haven’t achieved much in life.” Back to the auditions, do all students who come for acting classes want to become lead heroes? “A movie is no more about a lead or second lead, but about an actor. And with the kind of movies we have these days, there is no one single character around whom the movie revolves, but around a good actor who can justify his role. And in the coming times, we would have talented actor bag the limelight than the hero of the movie. So, the concept of lead actor is not going to stay forever.”
About his future plans, the actor is quick to answer, “Apart from movies, I am doing television these days. I have a project called Seeta Geeta and another one with Balaji telefilms.” So, is television really paying better that cinema? “Yes, it is, but then, it keeps you busy 24/7,” he sums.
Ours is indeed a story without an end: happy or sad, says Viren
‘ The art lies in the fact that how well can it be told on paper, canvas or stage’ fells Viren Tanwar, one of the few artists who has done his city proud by painting well the saga of life, writes Mandeep Puri
1974 batch of Diploma in Painting of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh had one such bright boy, surprisingly a Jaat from an aristocratic family of Hisar. While other boys of the family chose to study law and engineering, this one would settle for nothing but art. Viren with his lean-and-tall aesthetic looks stood out in the group and was known as an ‘outstanding’ in the limited art vocabulary at hand.
The city artist, who completing his and higher studies at Slade School of Art, London 1984 received several awards, honours and scholarships, which includes the All India Fine Arts and Craft Society-New Delhi 1978, 79, 80, 94 and 95; 7th International Contemporary Art Exhibition (Graphics) 1984; National Academy of fine Arts, New Delhi 2000; Chandigarh Fine Arts Academy 1980 and 81; Punjab Fine Art Academy 1975, 78 and 94 and British Council Scholarship.
He also exhibited many solo shows at New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh and represented in many international, national and state exhibitions including Sotheby's Exhibition and auction, New York 1995 and 96; International Contemporary Art Exhibition, Mexico 1995; 8th International Triennale, Berlin1987; and several others in India at New Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta and Chandigarh.
Works acquired in prominent private and institutional collections in India, USA, UK, Holland, Germany, France and Pakistan.
Viren was as painterly as he came and this made him a favourite teacher to many as well as inspiration when he started teaching in the same college that had groomed him. But now looking back, one feels that what was most striking was the dignity that he imparted to the human form even when he was dealing with the gross. And this week one is face-to-face with the canvases of this painter who has indeed done the city, his friends and family as well as his faithful students proud by passing through the rough and tumble of life to paint the ‘Story without an end…’
Art and life, a title of the paintings that Viren has put together in a show at the Apparao Galleries in Chennai on November 27 , which is still regarded as his best work.
The artist is emotional and what makes him special is that he retains his ability to laugh at life and what it brings; sometimes the smile of his five-month-young grandson and sometimes the hurt of recalling the past, which can only be described by the title of a Dostoevsky novel: ‘Insulted and Humiliated’.
The only humiliation for a creative spirit is that she/he be alienated from one’s own art. “Well, it nearly happened and making a living and looking after the more worldly needs there were times I felt that I would never be able to paint with the fervour that I had in youth,” says Viren. But it has happened and once again this blue-eyed artist of the city is soaring in ‘Every thing is for Sale’, the title that is going to Chennai.
A good artist is the one who struck balance with the acrobats, mind you the girls have blossoms in their hair. And the colours, Viren has used are the bright and vivid hues of Kanchivaram silks. So there is a riot of oranges, reds, greens, blues magentas and what have you.
One chuckles with Viren and talks about his ongoing work ‘Everything is for Sale’ ‘. “Is duniya mein har cheez bikau hai, which is why I am a painting a nude male figure. Even the bodies are being sold, what is needed is the right buyer”, says Viren.
What has been more challenging to the artist, Viren is quick to answer, the right message. “Every paining has a message for people. The success is attained only if the artist has succeeded in delivering the right meager through his painting”.
Circus, a traditional work, which is one among the many. Like others Circus too have a special message. For Viren like is a circus, where people tends to jump from one ball to another in search for a better living.
‘We were performing the Circus and we continue to do so’, he adds.
BOX:
Who – Viren Tanwar
What- An Artist
When- 1974 Chandigarh
1974 batch of Diploma in Painting of the Government College of Art, Chandigarh had one such bright boy, surprisingly a Jaat from an aristocratic family of Hisar. While other boys of the family chose to study law and engineering, this one would settle for nothing but art. Viren with his lean-and-tall aesthetic looks stood out in the group and was known as an ‘outstanding’ in the limited art vocabulary at hand.
The city artist, who completing his and higher studies at Slade School of Art, London 1984 received several awards, honours and scholarships, which includes the All India Fine Arts and Craft Society-New Delhi 1978, 79, 80, 94 and 95; 7th International Contemporary Art Exhibition (Graphics) 1984; National Academy of fine Arts, New Delhi 2000; Chandigarh Fine Arts Academy 1980 and 81; Punjab Fine Art Academy 1975, 78 and 94 and British Council Scholarship.
He also exhibited many solo shows at New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chandigarh and represented in many international, national and state exhibitions including Sotheby's Exhibition and auction, New York 1995 and 96; International Contemporary Art Exhibition, Mexico 1995; 8th International Triennale, Berlin1987; and several others in India at New Delhi, Chennai, Calcutta and Chandigarh.
Works acquired in prominent private and institutional collections in India, USA, UK, Holland, Germany, France and Pakistan.
Viren was as painterly as he came and this made him a favourite teacher to many as well as inspiration when he started teaching in the same college that had groomed him. But now looking back, one feels that what was most striking was the dignity that he imparted to the human form even when he was dealing with the gross. And this week one is face-to-face with the canvases of this painter who has indeed done the city, his friends and family as well as his faithful students proud by passing through the rough and tumble of life to paint the ‘Story without an end…’
Art and life, a title of the paintings that Viren has put together in a show at the Apparao Galleries in Chennai on November 27 , which is still regarded as his best work.
The artist is emotional and what makes him special is that he retains his ability to laugh at life and what it brings; sometimes the smile of his five-month-young grandson and sometimes the hurt of recalling the past, which can only be described by the title of a Dostoevsky novel: ‘Insulted and Humiliated’.
The only humiliation for a creative spirit is that she/he be alienated from one’s own art. “Well, it nearly happened and making a living and looking after the more worldly needs there were times I felt that I would never be able to paint with the fervour that I had in youth,” says Viren. But it has happened and once again this blue-eyed artist of the city is soaring in ‘Every thing is for Sale’, the title that is going to Chennai.
A good artist is the one who struck balance with the acrobats, mind you the girls have blossoms in their hair. And the colours, Viren has used are the bright and vivid hues of Kanchivaram silks. So there is a riot of oranges, reds, greens, blues magentas and what have you.
One chuckles with Viren and talks about his ongoing work ‘Everything is for Sale’ ‘. “Is duniya mein har cheez bikau hai, which is why I am a painting a nude male figure. Even the bodies are being sold, what is needed is the right buyer”, says Viren.
What has been more challenging to the artist, Viren is quick to answer, the right message. “Every paining has a message for people. The success is attained only if the artist has succeeded in delivering the right meager through his painting”.
Circus, a traditional work, which is one among the many. Like others Circus too have a special message. For Viren like is a circus, where people tends to jump from one ball to another in search for a better living.
‘We were performing the Circus and we continue to do so’, he adds.
BOX:
Who – Viren Tanwar
What- An Artist
When- 1974 Chandigarh
MEHFIL..a name that SPEAKS
Usually people head out to their favourite eating place. Not that there is anything wrong in it. At least one knows what to expect. Also the staff knows you by face or even name and gives you a good table. The service is good and the food of course is excellent.
However, once in a while it is good to open one’s mind and try out a different restaurant. Not only does it give you a new experience, you might just end up adding the restaurant to your list of favourites.One such restaurant that one can add is the Mehfil at Sector 17. Though the restaurant has been there for about 29 years, what makes this place a worth visit is the food that has maintained the quality ever since it started.
From my vivid memories of this restaurant, this is one of the better and oldest restaurants in Sector 17. The food has a lot of variety and oriental touch. The restaurant is pricey compared to others in the area but the food is good and customer service is decent.
A conventional facade of a typical family joint
The Ambience
The decor is refreshingly fun, yet contemporary. Whilst crisp, it is also not cold - a warm ambience is achieved through wooden abstract images, and contrasting steel bars representing seaweed. I like to think the wicker bowls high on the ceiling are the bobbing boats on the horizon above. But perhaps that’s a glass too many on my part. The ambience are fantastic being surrounded by intriguing local artworks and oriental themed but not like the same old or boring traditional themes. If you have someone to impress on a lunch date, then this is the ideal bistro. The service is friendly, attentive, the ambience warm and unobtrusive. Mehfil is at hand to talk you thorough the menu. Most importantly of course, the food is fantastic for the price – a meal menu cost about 450 for a couple.
The Wine Bouquet
The pub, which is in the basement, is really hip and happening. The music is good, the ambience is just right, the decor is bright and cheery and the crowd…….. The Wine Bouquet, which is the first of its kind has a presence of 120 different types of wines to choose from.
The food
Our woes came with the snacks however, one in particular - the ‘Tandoori Chat‘, followed by a ‘Surmai and a Bethi Fish’. Not knowing what Bethi Fish was, I thought to give the dish a try . The dish was a combination of tandoori and fried. To me it was not a matter of "taste" , which is worth eating.
Each dish that is menu has been very carefully chosen after extensive research and keeping in mind the palate of well earned customers..From Indian to Chinese the food offers a fine dining experience. Though the entry to the restaurant and the décor might not be something to rave about, the food is sure is.One can start with the Murg Badami and Afgani Tangri. It is tender and moist. For the vegetarian, the Dal Makhani ( Speciality), Paneer Tikka Butter Masala and Chaana Amritsari is most cherished.
A perfect meal needs to be accompanied with a perfect drink. A cocktail combination of vodka, pulp of raw mango, salt and roasted cumin powder gives that punch to the meal.A real surprise on the new menu is the child section. Yes, a child section with has a multiplicity for your kids. With unique Smiles fries, Alpha Fries, Criss Cutz, Tafar, Marri, and a health drink, Yakult. Some of the other dishes that find a mention in the new menu are chicken Mutton Kashmiri and Tikka.
Of course no meal is complete without the dessert. Try the chocolate crunch or a brownie or even a tilli wali kulfi. It is absolutely delicious. If you are not a chocolate fan, try the Ice Creams from the house Baskin Robins. A must for those who love the pulpy sweets.So, here’s a toast to the menu at Mehfil…
Mukhraj Mendhiratta, owner who is into hotel industry since 1980s
However, once in a while it is good to open one’s mind and try out a different restaurant. Not only does it give you a new experience, you might just end up adding the restaurant to your list of favourites.One such restaurant that one can add is the Mehfil at Sector 17. Though the restaurant has been there for about 29 years, what makes this place a worth visit is the food that has maintained the quality ever since it started.
From my vivid memories of this restaurant, this is one of the better and oldest restaurants in Sector 17. The food has a lot of variety and oriental touch. The restaurant is pricey compared to others in the area but the food is good and customer service is decent.
A conventional facade of a typical family joint
The Ambience
The decor is refreshingly fun, yet contemporary. Whilst crisp, it is also not cold - a warm ambience is achieved through wooden abstract images, and contrasting steel bars representing seaweed. I like to think the wicker bowls high on the ceiling are the bobbing boats on the horizon above. But perhaps that’s a glass too many on my part. The ambience are fantastic being surrounded by intriguing local artworks and oriental themed but not like the same old or boring traditional themes. If you have someone to impress on a lunch date, then this is the ideal bistro. The service is friendly, attentive, the ambience warm and unobtrusive. Mehfil is at hand to talk you thorough the menu. Most importantly of course, the food is fantastic for the price – a meal menu cost about 450 for a couple.
The Wine Bouquet
The pub, which is in the basement, is really hip and happening. The music is good, the ambience is just right, the decor is bright and cheery and the crowd…….. The Wine Bouquet, which is the first of its kind has a presence of 120 different types of wines to choose from.
The food
Our woes came with the snacks however, one in particular - the ‘Tandoori Chat‘, followed by a ‘Surmai and a Bethi Fish’. Not knowing what Bethi Fish was, I thought to give the dish a try . The dish was a combination of tandoori and fried. To me it was not a matter of "taste" , which is worth eating.
Each dish that is menu has been very carefully chosen after extensive research and keeping in mind the palate of well earned customers..From Indian to Chinese the food offers a fine dining experience. Though the entry to the restaurant and the décor might not be something to rave about, the food is sure is.One can start with the Murg Badami and Afgani Tangri. It is tender and moist. For the vegetarian, the Dal Makhani ( Speciality), Paneer Tikka Butter Masala and Chaana Amritsari is most cherished.
A perfect meal needs to be accompanied with a perfect drink. A cocktail combination of vodka, pulp of raw mango, salt and roasted cumin powder gives that punch to the meal.A real surprise on the new menu is the child section. Yes, a child section with has a multiplicity for your kids. With unique Smiles fries, Alpha Fries, Criss Cutz, Tafar, Marri, and a health drink, Yakult. Some of the other dishes that find a mention in the new menu are chicken Mutton Kashmiri and Tikka.
Of course no meal is complete without the dessert. Try the chocolate crunch or a brownie or even a tilli wali kulfi. It is absolutely delicious. If you are not a chocolate fan, try the Ice Creams from the house Baskin Robins. A must for those who love the pulpy sweets.So, here’s a toast to the menu at Mehfil…
Mukhraj Mendhiratta, owner who is into hotel industry since 1980s
A Designer Collection
The retro fever has surely started to rule the fashion stores in city and Micky Chhabra, an all women store of fashion apparel, fashion jewellery, footwear and accessories is no different.
Clothing and accessories brand Micky Chhabra came to town in 2005 with two outlets - in Sector 17 and Sector 10. It has a wide range of designer fashion clothing, perfumes, footwear, bags, fashion jewellery, cosmetics, eye wear and more. All the products at the store are of western fashion couture.
Micky Chhabra, has witnessed a growing demand for western clothes. “Girls aren’t interested in sitting at home. They want to do something productive and work, and wear good clothes for that. And most girls like to have fun over the weekend and go out for parties in fashionable western wear,” says the owner Bhupinder Singh Chabbra.
Catering to what many call the Punjabi desire to flaunt everything, it claims that each of its products is an exclusive piece. 'The economy in Chandigarh is on a high. It is also a gateway to northern India. Tourists from across the country too stay in Chandigarh when in the region. So the chances of reaching a larger number of prospective consumers increase,' explains Chhabra.
He says the outlet sees several hundred girls aged 15 to 25 years every day. “Physically fit women in their 40s and 50s also shop here.”Romantic, steamy, graceful, sporty or casual, whatever maybe the look, skirts are in. Short or long, straight or flared, frilly or plain, woolen or khaki, you couldn’t really ask for more. Be it in lengths, cuts, fabrics or accessories, there is something for everyone. We’ve got you a style check on what’s ruling.
This season, denim dresses are in vogue and are available for Rs 2,395 to Rs 3,000. Halterneck outfits and tops in Lycra and satin are popular as are long tops with leggings, skirts, dresses, broad belts, chunky neckpieces and earrings, wedge heels, and round and peep-toe sandals.At Micky Chhabra-10, you can pick these checked skirts with big buttons for Rs 895 onwards. For a feminine touch, one can go in for the ones with laces and satin ribbons. A must pick here is a black satin piece for Rs 1,500. And for a delicate look, you can take your pick from the range in nets. Skirts in jute or tweed with embroidered flowers are also a rage.
“A few years ago, everyone from Punjab went to Delhi to shop for Western wear, now people come to Chandigarh to do their shopping. Fashion is not about high society; rather it is the latest trend that makes style and fashion. ,” he adds.The shops stock college wears with girls picking up black and brightly coloured stylised tops that cost between Rs 700 and Rs 1,800.
And the fashion statement doesn’t end there. You can even mix and match ganjees in different cuts and styles, with sleeveless jackets and capris. “The racer-back ganjees are a convenient pick for work-outs at the gym,” says Mehak, a customers who were busy shopping at Micky.
“Gangi and the frock style are in fashion, where blue is most in demand”, says the store sales girl.
Designed to look like a spaghetti from the front, the racer-back style gives you a closed back with deep-sleeve cuts. “I team the ganjees with jeans and while the look is casual, it’s definitely appealing,” she shares. Ganjees are the best pick when you go clubbing. Besides the heat inside the club, even the dancing gets you sweaty. So ganjees make for the ideal club wear,” she adds
“It’s about comfort yes. But more than that, summers are extremely harsh on your skin. You are constantly dehydrated and when you sweat, the cloth just agitates your skin. Ganjees become your best companions. In the gym, in college...you’re letting your skin feel free”, explains the store girl.
Owners Profile:
Who: Bhupinder Singh Chabbra
What: Cloth Merchant
Where: Chandigarh
Bhupinder Singh Chabbra, owns the two stores in the city. Dealing with fabrics for Chabbra is no different; he is into trading of fabrics, handlooms, bed sheets since years now.
Clothing and accessories brand Micky Chhabra came to town in 2005 with two outlets - in Sector 17 and Sector 10. It has a wide range of designer fashion clothing, perfumes, footwear, bags, fashion jewellery, cosmetics, eye wear and more. All the products at the store are of western fashion couture.
Micky Chhabra, has witnessed a growing demand for western clothes. “Girls aren’t interested in sitting at home. They want to do something productive and work, and wear good clothes for that. And most girls like to have fun over the weekend and go out for parties in fashionable western wear,” says the owner Bhupinder Singh Chabbra.
Catering to what many call the Punjabi desire to flaunt everything, it claims that each of its products is an exclusive piece. 'The economy in Chandigarh is on a high. It is also a gateway to northern India. Tourists from across the country too stay in Chandigarh when in the region. So the chances of reaching a larger number of prospective consumers increase,' explains Chhabra.
He says the outlet sees several hundred girls aged 15 to 25 years every day. “Physically fit women in their 40s and 50s also shop here.”Romantic, steamy, graceful, sporty or casual, whatever maybe the look, skirts are in. Short or long, straight or flared, frilly or plain, woolen or khaki, you couldn’t really ask for more. Be it in lengths, cuts, fabrics or accessories, there is something for everyone. We’ve got you a style check on what’s ruling.
This season, denim dresses are in vogue and are available for Rs 2,395 to Rs 3,000. Halterneck outfits and tops in Lycra and satin are popular as are long tops with leggings, skirts, dresses, broad belts, chunky neckpieces and earrings, wedge heels, and round and peep-toe sandals.At Micky Chhabra-10, you can pick these checked skirts with big buttons for Rs 895 onwards. For a feminine touch, one can go in for the ones with laces and satin ribbons. A must pick here is a black satin piece for Rs 1,500. And for a delicate look, you can take your pick from the range in nets. Skirts in jute or tweed with embroidered flowers are also a rage.
“A few years ago, everyone from Punjab went to Delhi to shop for Western wear, now people come to Chandigarh to do their shopping. Fashion is not about high society; rather it is the latest trend that makes style and fashion. ,” he adds.The shops stock college wears with girls picking up black and brightly coloured stylised tops that cost between Rs 700 and Rs 1,800.
And the fashion statement doesn’t end there. You can even mix and match ganjees in different cuts and styles, with sleeveless jackets and capris. “The racer-back ganjees are a convenient pick for work-outs at the gym,” says Mehak, a customers who were busy shopping at Micky.
“Gangi and the frock style are in fashion, where blue is most in demand”, says the store sales girl.
Designed to look like a spaghetti from the front, the racer-back style gives you a closed back with deep-sleeve cuts. “I team the ganjees with jeans and while the look is casual, it’s definitely appealing,” she shares. Ganjees are the best pick when you go clubbing. Besides the heat inside the club, even the dancing gets you sweaty. So ganjees make for the ideal club wear,” she adds
“It’s about comfort yes. But more than that, summers are extremely harsh on your skin. You are constantly dehydrated and when you sweat, the cloth just agitates your skin. Ganjees become your best companions. In the gym, in college...you’re letting your skin feel free”, explains the store girl.
Owners Profile:
Who: Bhupinder Singh Chabbra
What: Cloth Merchant
Where: Chandigarh
Bhupinder Singh Chabbra, owns the two stores in the city. Dealing with fabrics for Chabbra is no different; he is into trading of fabrics, handlooms, bed sheets since years now.
La Opulence in City Beautiful
“La Opulence”, a leading name in hair styling, professional beauty care and skin treatments, launched another branch, which is second in the city in Sector 15. The salon specialised in hair colouring, hair styles and hair treatments like dandruff, scalp purifying and hair spa.
The unit head and Beauty Expert, Ms Grace, feels that the experts are the best gurus. “It is very important that the skin and the hair is taken care by the experts. La Opulence provides all kinds of skin treatments i.e, acne, pigmentation, dark circles, wrinkles, open pores, oily and dry skin treatments with deep analysis and expertise in all types of skin texture”.
She is a well known trainer and pioneer beauty expert with experience of more than 8 years in hair and skin care.
Sonia, another beauty expert at the saloon knows how to use her specialisation of make-up available for different occasions. “I advice my customer not to follow the trend, rather go, which is best suited according to the skin texture. Smoky and waterproof are best for summers, while light make up is prefect for any formal occasion”.
The hairstylists are the best in male and female, which includes trendy cuts, coloring techniques, waving, relaxing and hair extensions.
Sahil, a senior hair designer believes in imparting different looks to every customer. “Customers ask for different hair colour, there are styles called chunks, which can be done in red, pink and blue. In fire colours we have red, gold and copper touch, which are very popular among the younger generation. For changing style there is shacky cut, which is an all time favourite”.
About the hairs and styles, Sahil is quite to add, “Hair styles depend upon our personality and the hair quality”.
He is one of the best hair designers available in the City Beautiful, having experience of over 10 years.
Wella Professionals products are used for all type of hair treatments. "La Opulence" salon is also providing special packages for students which includes hair cut, head massage, shaving, threading for girls, cleansing at much discounted rates. The salon has well trained staff from Wella Professionals, who are considered best in the city. La Opulence has another branch in Sector 22, near Hotel Aroma, whose aim is to create trust and loyalty behind the chair.
BOX:
Keeping in mind the wide students community living in and around the sector, the La Opulence also announced a discount of 50 percent on its regular rates.
--
The unit head and Beauty Expert, Ms Grace, feels that the experts are the best gurus. “It is very important that the skin and the hair is taken care by the experts. La Opulence provides all kinds of skin treatments i.e, acne, pigmentation, dark circles, wrinkles, open pores, oily and dry skin treatments with deep analysis and expertise in all types of skin texture”.
She is a well known trainer and pioneer beauty expert with experience of more than 8 years in hair and skin care.
Sonia, another beauty expert at the saloon knows how to use her specialisation of make-up available for different occasions. “I advice my customer not to follow the trend, rather go, which is best suited according to the skin texture. Smoky and waterproof are best for summers, while light make up is prefect for any formal occasion”.
The hairstylists are the best in male and female, which includes trendy cuts, coloring techniques, waving, relaxing and hair extensions.
Sahil, a senior hair designer believes in imparting different looks to every customer. “Customers ask for different hair colour, there are styles called chunks, which can be done in red, pink and blue. In fire colours we have red, gold and copper touch, which are very popular among the younger generation. For changing style there is shacky cut, which is an all time favourite”.
About the hairs and styles, Sahil is quite to add, “Hair styles depend upon our personality and the hair quality”.
He is one of the best hair designers available in the City Beautiful, having experience of over 10 years.
Wella Professionals products are used for all type of hair treatments. "La Opulence" salon is also providing special packages for students which includes hair cut, head massage, shaving, threading for girls, cleansing at much discounted rates. The salon has well trained staff from Wella Professionals, who are considered best in the city. La Opulence has another branch in Sector 22, near Hotel Aroma, whose aim is to create trust and loyalty behind the chair.
BOX:
Keeping in mind the wide students community living in and around the sector, the La Opulence also announced a discount of 50 percent on its regular rates.
--
“Montblanc Signature for Good” initiative
Montblanc, a leading manufacturer of writing instruments, watches and accessories paid a special tribute to the culture of writing - a tradition, which has always been cherished and promoted.
Montblanc took the initiative and announced the “Montblanc Signature for Good” in support of UNICEF’s educational and literacy programs.
A special edition of the iconic Montblanc writing instrument, Meisterstück was launched at all the exclusive Montblanc boutiques worldwide. The “Meisterstück Signature for Good” edition is a unique writing instrument with a filigree gold – plated olive wreath on the cap including a sapphire that links it to the hallmark of UNICEF. UNICEF being the beneficiary of this program, parts of the proceeds generated from sales of the UNICEF Product Collection will be donated to UNICEF to fight illiteracy.
Montblanc in collaboration with Gallery Blue Spade and Gallery Latitude 28 presented an exclusive contemporary art show curated by Bhavna Kakar.
An interesting show, which focused on contemporary art and its practice, it represents a diverse display of selective works by varied artists at the MONTBLANC BOUTIQUE at Taj Hotel.
The idea: Changing lives through literacy
Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc International, stresses the importance of Montblanc`s relationship with UNICEF as, “The support of the children without proper access to education cannot stop when times are tough.”
Since 2004, Montblanc has been a supporter of UNICEF and is renewing its commitments towards the common goal of working for children’s right to literacy. In previous years,’ the ‘Power to Write’, campaign has raised over US$ 1 million in Montblanc boutiques across the world towards education programs initiated by UNICEF.
Montblanc stands for credibility, trust, reliability and long lasting values, therefore taking their commitment to UNICEF very seriously to enhance the joint commitment in supporting education programs around the world.
Contemporary Art show – INDIA HERE AND NOW
Gallery Blue Spade in collaboration with Latitude 28 presented an interesting collection primarily focused on Contemporary Art and its practice.
The show of contemporary works curated by Bhavna Kakar, represented a diverse display of selective works sponsored by Mont Blanc at their showrooms at The Taj, Chandigarh.
About Gallery Blue Spade
Gallery Blue Spade (formerly Gallery mementos) with gallery spaces in Bangalore and Pondicherry exhibited the work by well known, upcoming and fresh artists from India and abroad.
Established in 2007, the gallery is dedicated to engaging with highly innovative and revolutionary art in diverse and unconventional media. The gallery also aims to constantly create a space that initiates collectors towards emerging art that overcome the limits of art by boldly breaking down irrelevant constructs that hinder its true potential.
About Gallery Latitude 28
Sunaina Nanda of Enigma Art has been a collector and art patron with a great collection of works by masters, emerging and mid-career artists from India. Established in 2006 and graduating to Latitude 28 partnered with Bhavna Kakar the gallery is committed to featuring evocative and challenging art in a variety of media. The gallery also aims to cultivate a space that introduces collectors to emerging talent who probe the creative and material boundaries of their art.
About the Curator
Bhavna Kakar is a curator and consultant and the Managing and Executive Editor of Art and Deal Magazine, the only art quarterly published from Delhi on Indian Contemporary Art. After attaining a degree in Fine Arts from Government College of Arts, Chandigarh, Masters in Art History from M. S University , Baroda, she is now pursuing her PhD from National Museum , New Delhi under UGC.
Some of the well know PARTICIPATING ARTISTS were BINOY VARGHESE, M F HUSAIN, SHUVAPRASANNA BHATTACHARYA, S H RAZA , SANJAY BHATTACHARYA , JOGEN CHOWDHURY, NEERAJ GOSWAMI, PARITOSH SEN, AKBAR PADAMSEE , LAXMA GOUD, T VAIKUNTAM , SUMAN ROY, SHYAMAL MUKHERJEE, SEEMA KOHLI, GIRISH KULKARNI, BIBEKANANDA SANTRA, SAPTARSHI NASKAR, DIPALI BHATTACHARYA , PARAG ADHIKARI, MANISH PUSHKALE, CHANDAN CHOUDHURY, SIDDHARTH, RAJIV PURI , DEVIBA WALA
Montblanc took the initiative and announced the “Montblanc Signature for Good” in support of UNICEF’s educational and literacy programs.
A special edition of the iconic Montblanc writing instrument, Meisterstück was launched at all the exclusive Montblanc boutiques worldwide. The “Meisterstück Signature for Good” edition is a unique writing instrument with a filigree gold – plated olive wreath on the cap including a sapphire that links it to the hallmark of UNICEF. UNICEF being the beneficiary of this program, parts of the proceeds generated from sales of the UNICEF Product Collection will be donated to UNICEF to fight illiteracy.
Montblanc in collaboration with Gallery Blue Spade and Gallery Latitude 28 presented an exclusive contemporary art show curated by Bhavna Kakar.
An interesting show, which focused on contemporary art and its practice, it represents a diverse display of selective works by varied artists at the MONTBLANC BOUTIQUE at Taj Hotel.
The idea: Changing lives through literacy
Lutz Bethge, CEO Montblanc International, stresses the importance of Montblanc`s relationship with UNICEF as, “The support of the children without proper access to education cannot stop when times are tough.”
Since 2004, Montblanc has been a supporter of UNICEF and is renewing its commitments towards the common goal of working for children’s right to literacy. In previous years,’ the ‘Power to Write’, campaign has raised over US$ 1 million in Montblanc boutiques across the world towards education programs initiated by UNICEF.
Montblanc stands for credibility, trust, reliability and long lasting values, therefore taking their commitment to UNICEF very seriously to enhance the joint commitment in supporting education programs around the world.
Contemporary Art show – INDIA HERE AND NOW
Gallery Blue Spade in collaboration with Latitude 28 presented an interesting collection primarily focused on Contemporary Art and its practice.
The show of contemporary works curated by Bhavna Kakar, represented a diverse display of selective works sponsored by Mont Blanc at their showrooms at The Taj, Chandigarh.
About Gallery Blue Spade
Gallery Blue Spade (formerly Gallery mementos) with gallery spaces in Bangalore and Pondicherry exhibited the work by well known, upcoming and fresh artists from India and abroad.
Established in 2007, the gallery is dedicated to engaging with highly innovative and revolutionary art in diverse and unconventional media. The gallery also aims to constantly create a space that initiates collectors towards emerging art that overcome the limits of art by boldly breaking down irrelevant constructs that hinder its true potential.
About Gallery Latitude 28
Sunaina Nanda of Enigma Art has been a collector and art patron with a great collection of works by masters, emerging and mid-career artists from India. Established in 2006 and graduating to Latitude 28 partnered with Bhavna Kakar the gallery is committed to featuring evocative and challenging art in a variety of media. The gallery also aims to cultivate a space that introduces collectors to emerging talent who probe the creative and material boundaries of their art.
About the Curator
Bhavna Kakar is a curator and consultant and the Managing and Executive Editor of Art and Deal Magazine, the only art quarterly published from Delhi on Indian Contemporary Art. After attaining a degree in Fine Arts from Government College of Arts, Chandigarh, Masters in Art History from M. S University , Baroda, she is now pursuing her PhD from National Museum , New Delhi under UGC.
Some of the well know PARTICIPATING ARTISTS were BINOY VARGHESE, M F HUSAIN, SHUVAPRASANNA BHATTACHARYA, S H RAZA , SANJAY BHATTACHARYA , JOGEN CHOWDHURY, NEERAJ GOSWAMI, PARITOSH SEN, AKBAR PADAMSEE , LAXMA GOUD, T VAIKUNTAM , SUMAN ROY, SHYAMAL MUKHERJEE, SEEMA KOHLI, GIRISH KULKARNI, BIBEKANANDA SANTRA, SAPTARSHI NASKAR, DIPALI BHATTACHARYA , PARAG ADHIKARI, MANISH PUSHKALE, CHANDAN CHOUDHURY, SIDDHARTH, RAJIV PURI , DEVIBA WALA
Bridal Affair 09
Vivah , an unforgettable celebration, where no stone is left unturned. The Indian wedding industry, which is currently estimated at Rs 50,000, crore is all set to grow by 25 per cent annually. "The Indian Wedding" is no longer a traditional ritual but is fast turning into a mega buck moolah and donning a new corporate look, writes Mandeep Puri. The Countdown begins, as the wedding season is just round the corner and the wedding couples are in an extensive race of the stores to make sure they pick the best and give kaante ke takkar to each other. For all the dulhas, who are rather tired of flipping through fashion magazines, something they’ve never done before, and the dulhans, who are running through the window shopping eyeing to catch the best, here is something unique, an exhibition of its own kind, ‘The Bridal Affairs 09’.
Vivah is all about planning, planning for the Royal splendour and to show truly spirited Indian weddings. And, with this class and splendour, Rashmi Bindra , a city based Fashion creator , the brain behind this Mega Bridal Affair, gave the city beautiful an eco of the song that soars in the heart of every bride.
The Bridal Affair was a reflection of the dreams that resides in every bride and groom’s eye and gave a wholesome package to make every wedding a dream wedding. A trend that guided through a forte of designers to give Blushing Brides and Grooms the Exotic Attires, Contemporary Jewels, Accessories, Beauty and Spas, Memorable photography, Ultimate furnishing, Wedding Planners to colour their weddings bright, along with the traditional hues.
Dream wedding was a combination of style and elegance aiming to bring the manufacturers and buyers under one roof catering for the budgets of people from each and every strata of life.
"Dream Weddings was one the first bridal event in the city, wherein people got a chance to pick and choose from the best designers who created the perfect wedding dress for them, make best bargains in jewellery, right information on designing from the wedding planners, book the best photographers who will frame your memorable moments, to buying the best home furnishing items as well, to selecting exotic flowers for decoration. The main consideration was providing everything at nominal prices”, said Reshmi Bindra.
So, if you were eying a designer lehenga for 50,000 grands, at Dream Wedding the same was available at 20,000. A reason why to drop at the exhibition was the clientele. With or without recession, marriages will always be a grand affair and people don't mind splurging on it.
Bridal affair, a two-day wedding exhibition at Taj, Chandigarh gave a chance to indulge into the world of weddings. From trousseau to planning, the event here gave you a chance to pick jewellery, accessories, furnishings, wedding menu, freezing the moments in style and an exotic honeymoon.
The exhibitors’ arena layered the bride’s wardrobe with designer lehengas, saris and cocktails dresses in innovative cuts and styles. The price range started at Rs 5,000 onwards. Designs from Geeta’s design studio, Phagwara had plenty of options for all the festivities involved. Swarovski embellished saris with layers and frills, evening gowns with traditional embroidery for an Indo-western look and zari and gotta worked suits for that formal yet traditional look.
Adding a little style, they gave each affair a different look. For related festivities cocktails dresses and themed kitty party wear in bright hues and minimal embellishments made for good options. The collection here was between Rs 4,000 to Rs 40,000.
Aashma fashion studio from Jaipur had a collection that was elegant and trendy. Both formal and semi formal collection, it comprised of ghad suits, kurtis, angrakhas, designer cholis (less on bling), yet embellished with patchwork gotta and doris. And it was bright hues like orange, greens and reds that called for attention. The other designs included Aabis, Aura, Diyaz from Delhi, Adna collection from Amritsar, Vanillastyle from Mumbai and Riwaaz form Lucknow.
Gunjan Nagpal, a Panchkula bases designer had something for everyone. Her collection , 'Aura', not only had something for the dulha and dulhan, but also had a bit for everyone who will be a part of the affair. "The bride and the groom are the centre of attraction at a marriage. However, I have also focused on the nanka dadkas, saki saheliyan and the dresses of yaar dost”, said Gunjan.
Designer jewellery from Orra, D’ Dmas and Nakshatra took every heart away, while the trendy imitation jewellery was worth checking out. Mehendi, tattoos and home furnishings in exquisite fabrics was another thing to look for. Rinaldi designs, Joy and Peace from Kashmir gave the right ambience. Decorated baby shower baskets, shagun thalis was other important tit-bits.
But, in case if the shopping doesn’t interest you then this might. Book yourself a helicopter doli or flower shower from the air. Now, that’s shaadi with a twist
The beauty advice and plans was taken care by VLCC.
Earlier, the exhibition was inaugurated by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, President, Indian Council for Child Welfare,
Vivah is all about planning, planning for the Royal splendour and to show truly spirited Indian weddings. And, with this class and splendour, Rashmi Bindra , a city based Fashion creator , the brain behind this Mega Bridal Affair, gave the city beautiful an eco of the song that soars in the heart of every bride.
The Bridal Affair was a reflection of the dreams that resides in every bride and groom’s eye and gave a wholesome package to make every wedding a dream wedding. A trend that guided through a forte of designers to give Blushing Brides and Grooms the Exotic Attires, Contemporary Jewels, Accessories, Beauty and Spas, Memorable photography, Ultimate furnishing, Wedding Planners to colour their weddings bright, along with the traditional hues.
Dream wedding was a combination of style and elegance aiming to bring the manufacturers and buyers under one roof catering for the budgets of people from each and every strata of life.
"Dream Weddings was one the first bridal event in the city, wherein people got a chance to pick and choose from the best designers who created the perfect wedding dress for them, make best bargains in jewellery, right information on designing from the wedding planners, book the best photographers who will frame your memorable moments, to buying the best home furnishing items as well, to selecting exotic flowers for decoration. The main consideration was providing everything at nominal prices”, said Reshmi Bindra.
So, if you were eying a designer lehenga for 50,000 grands, at Dream Wedding the same was available at 20,000. A reason why to drop at the exhibition was the clientele. With or without recession, marriages will always be a grand affair and people don't mind splurging on it.
Bridal affair, a two-day wedding exhibition at Taj, Chandigarh gave a chance to indulge into the world of weddings. From trousseau to planning, the event here gave you a chance to pick jewellery, accessories, furnishings, wedding menu, freezing the moments in style and an exotic honeymoon.
The exhibitors’ arena layered the bride’s wardrobe with designer lehengas, saris and cocktails dresses in innovative cuts and styles. The price range started at Rs 5,000 onwards. Designs from Geeta’s design studio, Phagwara had plenty of options for all the festivities involved. Swarovski embellished saris with layers and frills, evening gowns with traditional embroidery for an Indo-western look and zari and gotta worked suits for that formal yet traditional look.
Adding a little style, they gave each affair a different look. For related festivities cocktails dresses and themed kitty party wear in bright hues and minimal embellishments made for good options. The collection here was between Rs 4,000 to Rs 40,000.
Aashma fashion studio from Jaipur had a collection that was elegant and trendy. Both formal and semi formal collection, it comprised of ghad suits, kurtis, angrakhas, designer cholis (less on bling), yet embellished with patchwork gotta and doris. And it was bright hues like orange, greens and reds that called for attention. The other designs included Aabis, Aura, Diyaz from Delhi, Adna collection from Amritsar, Vanillastyle from Mumbai and Riwaaz form Lucknow.
Gunjan Nagpal, a Panchkula bases designer had something for everyone. Her collection , 'Aura', not only had something for the dulha and dulhan, but also had a bit for everyone who will be a part of the affair. "The bride and the groom are the centre of attraction at a marriage. However, I have also focused on the nanka dadkas, saki saheliyan and the dresses of yaar dost”, said Gunjan.
Designer jewellery from Orra, D’ Dmas and Nakshatra took every heart away, while the trendy imitation jewellery was worth checking out. Mehendi, tattoos and home furnishings in exquisite fabrics was another thing to look for. Rinaldi designs, Joy and Peace from Kashmir gave the right ambience. Decorated baby shower baskets, shagun thalis was other important tit-bits.
But, in case if the shopping doesn’t interest you then this might. Book yourself a helicopter doli or flower shower from the air. Now, that’s shaadi with a twist
The beauty advice and plans was taken care by VLCC.
Earlier, the exhibition was inaugurated by Mrs. Jean Rodrigues, President, Indian Council for Child Welfare,
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