WOMAN’S ERA JANUARY (FIRST) 2009

JANUARY (FIRST) 2009

Vol 36, Issue No. 842
CONTENTS
BUILDS HAPPY HOMES
Founder: Vishwa Nath
(1917-2002)

NEW YEAR SPECIAL

womansera.com

58

FINANCIAL
10 PLANNING FOR NEW
YEAR START EARLY
INTERESTING WAYS PEOPLE
WORLDWIDE CELEBRATE
NEW YEAR’S DAY
22
SEASON OF LARGESSE
Suman Bajpai

114
Lesley D. Biswas Dr Rummy Agarwal

ARTICLES
16 LIVE-IN RELATIONSHIP
ONE COMMON
YES OR NO RESOLUTION THE
M. Shamsur Rabb Khan
NEW YEAR
M Shamsur Rabb Khan
54 HONEY FOR BETTER
HEALTH 121 IMBIBED
Rambabu
SOUL WITHIN
87 GARDEN PLANTS
Sheela Ramakrishnan 32
DEFEND THE
Puja Sharma

130 THE
100 A JOURNEY OF ART ROCKING WORLD OF VITRIFICATION 88
Subhra Mazumdar TANTALISING
YOUR SEXINESS A RAY OF HOPE
103 THE MIRACULOUS Dr Parveen Parkash Sudha Hariharan TROUSSEAU
POWERS OF SPICE IN 132 SURGING
HEALING AHEAD!
Golden Reejsinghani Our Correspondent

110 POETRY IN
COLOURS
Our Correspondent COOKERY
113 CHILDREN’S 74 RELISH GREAT GASTRONOMIES
DAY TO SHOW IN THE NEW YEAR
CREATIVITY
Our Correspondent
42 ● Chicken Spinach
and Peas Quiche Chicken
spinach
and peas
quiche
golden
alternately
the oven
brown
bake the
you could

the
s, take
for 10 minutefilling and
in
pie crust it

then pour to cool slightly

Upside
down cheese
cake

WINTER SKIN CARE

out and Allow it cutter
bake again. Use a pizza
in the oven.
in slices.
and serve

● Vegetable Pies BLE PIES

VEGETAS:
INGREDIENT
you will
have to
divide

Dr Geetanjali Shetty
pie crust: portio ns
For the maida . are small crust into
of bread crumbsa the pie with the

Upside Down
250 gm resemble the dish

●
of butter fingers to water to
form ingly. Line
150 gm enough the accord and keep aside. the
salt to taste Add just dough .
Divide Mix all
out the
pastry filling : well.
filling: stiff pliable5 portions. Roll is For the r and mix in a
For the d spinac
h leaves
dough into tti’ which ents togethe ents

gr ea t
into a ‘chapa d ingredi the liquid ingredi
1 cup choppe dough or the grease add

IES
size than Add all then slowly
or peas that you bowl and

R el ish
bigger in no lumps

NOM
pie dishes e mixing to ensure

Cheese Cake
1 cup flour r
small sized use. This is becaus filling into
the
tsp of baking powde to the the maida this

GASTRO
1
powder
to taste are going to cover . form.
Divide have chosen
the crust of pies you mixtur e half
pepper you want baking dishes number
1 cup cream the pie or are bigger or Pour the pastry

w Year
cheese sides of to make. h each of the
3/4 cup of grated pie dishes pie you to
If your only big way throug keep in an oven

in the Ne
salt to taste to bake
you want one dish. If the
dishes
cases and degree C for
15-18

FICTION
D mix in at 160 has

Dark Bottomed
METHO flour, salt, and could use mixture

●
bake the
Sift the with your or until golden
and mix minutes a light
set and which
the butter risen, is The one look
a time when D and colour.
Winter is your
METHO flour, salt, ajwain your
Sift the and mix
with
brown in
you are
using spinac h will
peas one
you can allow than the
CHICKEN AND mix
. as
in the butter le bread crumbs much darker baked . Serve
form a
taste buds
resemb is
fingers to water to once it

Cheese Cake SPINACHICHE

enough the al pies.
Add just Roll out is
the treat they dough . individu

PEAS QU
stiff pliable a ‘chapatti’ which d
Pies, DOWN
into
dough or the grease
demand.
pastas – INGREDIENT
S: bigger in
size than
are going
that you you want the
to use.
UPSIDE CAKE
puddings, thing crust:
For the maida
pie dish
is becau se of the pie CHEES E
t every of This
cover the
sides
just abou DIENTS:

Cauliflower in Mint
300 gm butter crust to the dish
with

●
and of melted dish. Line INGRE – grated
140 gm seeds –
ajwain
looks good 1/2 tsp carom
or baking and keep aside.
Heat 200 gm
of paneer ground to a
of sugar
–
more the pastry e the filling: 120 gm
tastes even the salt to taste
filling: –
To prepar the chicken pieces
fry two powder on powde
r
with For the chicken the oil and to taste for about to 1/4 tsp of cinnam
heavenly dients 11/2 cups
of cooked or cut into adding saltRemo ve and coolin a 150 gm
of hung
curd in 1/2
e soaked
touch of ingre g the
into strands
shredded minute s. of gelatin for 10

Topped with Poppy

Place
rature . rest of 21/2 tsp warm water
durin small pieces room tempe and add the cup of luke
available hs. So 2 tsp of
oil
peas mixing bowl
ents for
the filling
in the
Pour minutes
winter mont begin 1 cup shelled
h cut into
small the ingredi and stir gently. ed
and 1 cup spinac mixing bowl e into the prepar

26 OUR ROMANTIC CANDLE-LIGHT DINNER

let’s party by pieces this mixturbake in a pre
heated
O

at 180 C
le pies ● January
(First) 2009

the new year

eggs s Era
3 beaten crust and minutes
Vegetab Woman’

Seeds
g of milk for 20-25 set. If you
our dinin 50 ml oven is
adorning 50 ml of
cream
bi carb or until
the mixture to be a nice
tasty and s of sodi
want the
pie crust
tables with
3 pinche cheese
1/2 cup grated
dishes!
colourful salt to taste
Ghosh

D. P. S. Kohli
By Roma

● Savoury Canopies
● Sweet Canopies
50 THE LOVE MESSAGES ● Cheese Tarts ● Desi Tandoorie
Neelam Chandra ● Winter Vegetables in Basil Chicken Sandwich
Peppery Roast Mutton ● Pasta with Olives and
92 WHEN I WAS ‘ROCKED’ ●
Paprika
Archana Sengar ● Drumstick Flowers
● Fish in Saffron Sauce and ● Brinjals Winter Style
Fresh Garlic ● Grilled Capers
 FASHION 128
NEWS IN PICTURES

56
OH – SO
117 ARE YOU IN LOVE AMAZING!
LUST OR JUST HAVE
PROBLEMS (QUIZ)
152 CROSSWORD
157 BABY CLUB
165 AS YOU SAY 124
BOMBAY FILMDOM
119 YOUR BODY
120 TEENACHE
156 MONEY MATTERS
158 CLASSIFIEDS
62
104 ETHNICITY
A FANCIFUL FLIGHT EXUDES
READERS’
CONTESTS
FEATURES 98
LITTLE KIDS
FILL UP THE
CROSSWORD
Page
152

47 BEAUTY QUERIES 69 PERSONAL PROBLEMS WITH A AND WIN RS 15,000

GIANT LEAP EVERY FORTNIGHT
48 ALLURING ACCESSORIES 72 FABULOUS FOOTWEAR (Toddler trends)

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www.womansera.com
 EDITORIAL
PAKISTAN’S SHAMELESS DENIAL
I T
t is now more than one month since the carnage of
Mumbai took place courtesy terrorist intrusion
through sea route into our commercial capital. Of
the 10 terrorists, who carried out the attack, only one
Ajmal Amir Kasab could be caught alive. He is
presently in the custody of Mumbai Police.
During the interrogation, he has confessed his
Pakistani roots and declares himself a resident of
Faridkot. But the Pakistani Government is shamelessly
denying this fact. Even the head of Pakistan’s Ministry
of Internal Affairs, Rehman Malik refuses to accept
Kasab as a Pakistani. According to him, there is no
person of this name in the entire database of his
ministry.
Such an importunate stance proves
only two things. Either the entire
bureaucracy of Pakistan is banking upon
plain fallacy or the nation is not
developed enough to maintain an
accurate database of its citizens. As for
the second possibility, it is also well
known that Pakistan is a failed state or at
least heading towards this status sooner
or later. So it will be only a fallacy to
expect that the nation would prepare and
maintain an accurate database of all of
her citizens. Hence, minister’s statement
appears more like an excuse than a solid
explanation.
Meanwhile, American investigation agency, FBI,
which started its probe into Mumbai attack in the
beginning of December, has pointed towards another
secret agency, besides notorious ISI, for having a
proactive role in the attacks.
Undoubtedly, terrorism has become an eternal
problem in this region. And solely Pakistan is to be
blamed for this nuisance. Although there is presently a
civilian government holding the reigns in Pakistan too,
yet the entire world knows that such governments there
are weak and work on the mercy of orthodox Muslim
forces and the military. Present government is no
exception either.
Indian Government, on the other hand, is showing
superb restraint despite all the pressures from Hindu
orthodox forces. Apparently, our Government is aware
that once the war is declared, it will have an escalating
effect and will not end easily or early. Then possibility
of China entering the fray cannot be ruled out. So the
best way is to compel Pakistan to destroy terrorist
camps running in that region of Kashmir that it
continues to occupy illegally.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
LAWS TO FIGHT TERRORISM
he two anti-terrorism bills, Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2008 and the other
one to set up a National Investigation Agency
(NIA), that were passed by the Lok Sabha in the wake
of the Mumbai terrorist attacks will help the government
overhaul the security scenario in the country. The idea
of a Central agency to investigate terrorism and related
offences has been mooted by many committees and
experts. In fact, a federal agency on the style of the NIA
is long overdue.
The Bill gives the NIA the jurisdiction to investigate
offences under a clutch of legislations such as the
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Atomic Energy
Act, and the Anti-Hijacking Act. To fast track the
criminal justice delivery system, the Bill
envisages the setting up of special courts.
The Bill will give the Centre the power
to suo motto direct the NIA to investigate
certain offences; it also obliges the State
governments to assist the Agency in
investigating them. As the Centre would
be entering an area that hitherto was the
preserve of the States, it is important that
the NIA is employed in a manner that is in
keeping with the sensitivities of the State
police.
At the same time, it is important not to
become over-anxious about the possible
encroachment of the States’ powers as
the NIA is meant to investigate only a narrowly defined
list of crimes.
While an independent body of judicial experts would
be set up to review cases under the Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) law before granting sanction for
prosecution, the government needs to strike a balance
between the requirements of law and security agencies,
and principles of natural justice, reasonableness, fair
trial and human rights.
Though the agency would be set up under the
Centre, it was laid down clearly that law and order was
primarily the domain of the States.
The fact of the matter is that the NIA should be kept
away from political interference and control to fulfil the
purpose for which it is being created.
As advancements in technology, communications,
and transport have lent a new dimension to terrorism, it
is time to fight this dreaded menace collectively
by the nation. While improving intelligence and policing,
the fellow countrymen also need to be actively
vigilant.
write to: letters@womansera.com We
9
 How different
communities celebrate the
same day.
By Lesley D. Biswas

INTERESTING WAYS PEOPLE

WORLDWIDE CELEBRATE

New Year’s Day

ew Year is the time for the

N
family, friends and
celebrations in our country
and, while we are familiar
with extravagant
decorations, feasting and
partying being the flavour of
these celebrations, people
around the world have their
own unique and amusing
ways of celebrating this occasion.
While these colourful celebrations
might differ from culture to culture
they often symbolise the same
objective to bring good luck! It’s

interesting to note how the world
celebrates New Year’s Day is very
different from when these
celebrations actually began almost
4000 years ago.
The first celebrations: Amongst
the first to celebrate New Year’s Day
were the ancient Babylonians. It is
said that the first celebration took
place about 4000 years ago and the
tradition of making New Year
Resolutions started with them when
they resolved to return borrowed farm
equipment.
The tradition of exchanging gifts
started in 153 BC with the Romans
giving one another gifts of branches
of sacred trees which got replaced
by gold-covered coins and nuts
imprinted with pictures of Janus (the
God of gates, doors and beginnings)
on them. Other ancient communities
who also used gifts were the
Persians who gifted eggs as a
symbol of productivity; the Celtic
priest who gifted the people branches
of Mistletoe; and English husbands
who gifted their wives ‘pin money’ to
buy pins and other articles on New
Year’s Day.
12
New Year’s Day around the
world: Contrary to the popular belief
AMONGST THE
that New Year’s Day has always FIRST TO CELEBRATE
been celebrated on the first January,
actually there was a time when the NEW YEAR’S DAY
Christians were confused about WERE THE
which day to celebrate New Year’s
Day and in the middle ages they ANCIENT
twice changed the dates of New BABYLONIANS. IT
Year, once to 25th December and
then to the 25th March. Finally, it was IS SAID THAT THE
Pope Gregory XIII who revised the
Julian calendar and New Year’s Day
FIRST CELEBRATION
returned to be celebrated on the First TOOK PLACE
of January.
Arbitrarily, even today, many ABOUT 4000
cultures have stuck to their own days YEARS AGO AND
on which they celebrate the advent
of the New Year. Like the Jews THE TRADITION OF
celebrate New Year in September or
early October; for the Hindu
MAKING NEW
community New Year is celebrated YEAR RESOLUTIONS
as the festival of lights, (Diwali) that
falls on a different date each year;
STARTED WITH
similarly for Muslims who follow the THEM WHEN THEY
Gregorian calendar their New Year’s
Day also varies. In Thailand the RESOLVED TO
celebrations are held on 13 April and RETURN
in Venezuela 31st December is New
Year’s Day. BORROWED FARM
Meaning of New
EQUIPMENT.
Year’s Day traditions:
Just like the dates,
amazingly even the
traditions and customs
that are a significant part
of New Year’s Day
celebrations are also
unique and go on to
display the individual
cultures around the
world. Amongst them,
some are also amusing
like the Mexican tradition
of wearing red
underwear specially by
women to find love in the
new year or the German
tradition of leaving a bit
of food on their plate
until midnight on New
Year’s Eve in a way to
ensure that their larder
remains stacked in the
coming year, and
Denmark’s strange
practice of littering their
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
 SOME FOODS ARE
ALSO THOUGHT TO
INFLUENCE LUCK,
AND EATING THESE
FOODS LIKE BLACK-
EYED PEAS, CABBAGE
AND RICE, ARE
CONSIDERED LUCKY.
AND THE DUTCH
BELIEVE THAT
DONUTS ARE LUCKY
AS THEY ARE
RING-SHAPE WHICH
the first day of the year. So, many
IS THE SYMBOL OF A people do strange things on New
Year’s Day hoping to influence lady
CIRCLE MEANING luck. Like the Japanese who believe
COMING FULL CIRCLE that if they laugh on New Year’s Day,
the whole year will be filled with
IN THE NEW YEAR. happiness or in Venezuela people
believe that wearing yellow
underwear will ensure good luck
friend’s doors with broken dishes through the year.
collected over the year. The Koreans, however, prefer to
remember their fighters on New
Importance of traditions: Year’s Day and organise a ceremony
Traditions have come to play a as a mark of respect to 33 fighters
significant part in the New Year’s who laid down their lives for the
celebrations because it has come to restoration of Korea. A bell is rung
be believed that one could affect the 33 times for each martyr. Another
luck they would encounter through popular Korean belief is that watching
the coming year by what they do on the sunrise and making a wish on this
auspicious day will make their wish
come true.
The people of Austria, Poland and
Belgium also observe this day as the
eve of Saint Sylvester by greeting
each other with kisses at midnight.
The children in Belgium write letters
on decorative paper to their parents
and godparents which they read out
to them. In Hungary effigies of ‘Jack
Straw’ who represents evil and
misfortune, are burnt to get rid of bad
luck.
Some foods are also thought to
influence luck, and eating these
foods like black-eyed peas, cabbage
and rice, are considered lucky. And
the Dutch believe that donuts are
lucky as they are ring-shape which is
14 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
the symbol of a circle meaning
coming full circle in the new year.
The people of Portugal, Spain and
Venezuela eat 12 grapes at midnight
to ensure that the next 12 months are
happy ones.
Many countries celebrate New
year’s Day with parades like the
Junkanoo parade in the Bahamas;
the four-day parade in Nepal; the
Greek parade where people carry
figures of apples, ships and stars;
and the children’s parade in Syria
and Lebanon.
Auld Lang Syne is a song sung in
many English-speaking countries at
the stroke of midnight on New year’s
Eve and it is sung in America to
welcome the New Year. The song
means ‘the good old days’ and was
written in 1741 by Robert Burns. In
London, crowds gather in Trafalgar
Square and Piccadilly Circus to hear
the chimes of the Big Ben
announcing the arrival of the New
Year.
Moving away from differences and
coming to the similarities, in most
cultures, people wear new clothes,
feast on good food, greet one
another and those family members
who are away for work come back
home to enjoy this day together.
There are grand displays of fireworks
and lots of noise created by horns,
bells and guns firing. People make
New Year Revolutions in the hope of
a new beginning and a better life. We
 A modern
concept for living
together as couple
which is devoid
of marital sanction,
legal or religious.
LIVE-IN
By M Shamsur Rabb Khan

RELATIONSHIP
YES OR NO
he Maharashtra Govern -

T
ment's proposal to amend
section 125 of the Code of
Criminal Procedure (CrPC)
to protect the interests of a
woman in a live-in relation-
ship has opened up a new
chapter in human relations in
India. In January 2008, the
Supreme Court observed
that long-term live-in relationships
should be acknowledged as legalised
marriages. A Supreme Court bench
headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat
declared that children born out of
such a relationship will no more be
called illegitimate. Considering the
plight of children born out of
unmarried couple and the rising
number of orphans in the country,
this is a healthy observation.
Legal justification: In the on-
going social reform in the Indian
social milieu, a live-in relationship,
which has always been seen by
people as illicit, illegal and unethical,
has finally been given the green light.
Some hailed it as a progressive step,
while others showed discontent and
discomfort. But let us first consider
the legal sanction. The amendment,
as sought by the Maharashtra
Government and which has drawn
from the recommendations made in
the Malimath Committee on Reforms
of the Criminal Justice System, 2003,
needs the Central Government’s
approval to become a legislation. The
legislation, if amended, provides for
claims for maintenance by a woman
who is living with a man as in a
marriage if she is dumped by her
partner.
This legal sanction, as its
supporters such claim, would provide
security to a woman along with
making man more accountable for his
behaviour and treatment of her.
Besides, the law would see to it that
no man goes scot free after using a
woman for a time. The Malimath
Committee report says: "The man
should not be allowed to take
advantage of his own illegal acts.
Law should not be insensitive to the
suffering of such women." Therefore,
the committee has suggested that the
definition of the word 'wife' in section
125 should be amended so as to
include a woman who was living with
the man as his wife for a reasonably
long period, during the subsistence
of the first marriage.
Although there is a provision for
the maintenance of an illegitimate
child, a woman in a live-in
relationship has no rights equal to
what a wife would enjoy. The
proposed amendment, hence, would
redefine the word 'wife' to include the
woman who was living like a wife for
a reasonably long period.
However, the question of decision
on ‘period’ is a big hurdle as the
government has not specified what
this period should be. Whether it
18
would be a one-year period or more
or less is still to be decided. The
more pertinent question is whether
the amended law will impact the
marriage system in this country, or
whether it will harm monogamy or
encourage polygamy. Let us see an
example. A Madhya Pradesh High
Court judgement in 1985 dealt with
the case of a woman Loli, who had
lived for several years with one
Radhika Singh. They lived together
and produced five daughters and a
son. Upon desertion, Loli filed a case.
The trial court dismissed the case
filed by Radhika Singh's sister-in-law
stating that Loli should not have
property rights as she was just a
‘mistress’. The court also contended
that Loli had started living with
Radhika Singh even when her first
husband was alive and, therefore, relationship is a new arrival involving
there could not be a presumption of a young, working men and women,
valid marriage. But the appellate who love to live together in a single
court set aside the trial court's order room or flat and behave like partners
and the Madhya Pradesh High Court in marriage. Though instances of
upheld the appellate court’s illicit relationship are abundant in
judgement. India, it has been
exclusive to the old kings
What is a live-in and feudal lords, who
relationship?: The term were habituated to
live-in relationship is a keeping a large bevy of
modern, urban concept women in their palaces,
for living together of a the arrival of modern
man and woman outside times negated this trend
marital sanction – legal and called it the
or religious. It is a living exploitation of women.
arrangement in which an For example, in
unmarried couple lives THE TERM Gujarat, Maitri Karaar or
together in a long-term LIVE-IN 'friendship contract', Nata
relationship that seems Pratha in Rajasthan and
like a marriage. Such a
RELATIONSHIP Madhya Pradesh, has
couple seeks to enjoy IS A MODERN, long been practised
close association, have URBAN whereby a man and a
sex, and live in a house. CONCEPT FOR woman entered into
The basic intention is to voluntarily “marriage.”
test their compatibility LIVING However, it prescribed
before they commit to a TOGETHER OF that the woman would
legal union. In western A MAN AND exercise no claim on the
countries, as per the man during or after the
estimate between 1970
WOMAN relationship beyond
and 1990, the number of OUTSIDE 'friendship'. Interestingly,
couples living together MARITAL the man in such
outside of marriage SANCTION – relationships was always
quadrupled from married while the woman
523,000 to nearly three LEGAL OR was single. Hence, she
million. RELIGIOUS. knew that she could
In India a live-in never marry, but enjoy a
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
physical relationship with a man.
In the tribal belts of Jharkhand and
Orissa, there is a custom of wife
selection on makar sakranti night.
Amidst celebrations, boys and girls
assemble under a banyan tree,
choose their partners, live there for
three days and, at the end, if they
find themselves compatible, take the
bride home. If not, both of them go
back to their respective homes and
wait for the next year. However, the
Saif Ali Khan-Preity Zinta starrer
Bollywood hit movie Salaam
Namaste has perhaps added
sanction to the live-in relationship
while the Karan Johar-directed Kabhi
Alwida Na Kehna showed man-
woman anguish to establish an out-
of marriage relationship.
OPPOSITION TO SUCH A
MOVE IS BOUND TO
COME IN A COUNTRY
WHERE THE INSTITUTION
OF MARRIAGE IS
CONSIDERED A SACRED,
LIFE-LONG RELATIONSHIP,
RATHER THAN A
MATERIALISTIC UNION OF
TWO PEOPLE WHICH IS
BORNE OUT OF THE
ONSLAUGHT OF
LIBERALISATION AND
GLOBALISATION.
Changing social set up: Modern
life-style has changed the social set-
up in which new types of human
relations are being discovered.
Today, people in metros – mostly
single, working and financially
independent – are choosing to live
together without marriage. The fact
that they are choosing to live without
marriage usually means that they
have chosen to defy society and, if a
relationship like this breaks up, it is
most likely that the woman will be in
dire straits. But the question is
whether this will impact the moral
fabric of society. Or, in adopting
modernity, are we trying to forget our
tradition? A live-in relationship
certainly seems to have some
advantages over marriage for
women, especially with a new study
finding that live-in boyfriends do a lot
more housework than married men.
What the research study says?
A research study, “Effects of
Union Type on Division of Household
Labour – Do Cohabiting Men Really
Perform More Housework?” carried
out at the George Mason University,
which was based on a questionnaire
sent to 17,636 people in 28 countries,
found that married men tend to help
around the house less than live-in
boyfriends. According to study co-
author, sociologist Shannon Davis,
the key finding of the study,
published in the Journal of Family
Issues (28 June 2007) suggests that
marriage changes the division of
labour.
However, another research at the
University of Warwick, UK, claims
married men and women derive
satisfaction from their spouses’
happiness unlike those people who
live together without marriage. Nick
Powdthavee, who carried out the
study, looked into the lives of
9,704 married individuals and
found a married person is
significantly happier in life
if his or her partner is
leading a cheerful
life. He found no sign of
such an effect on
couples who are
cohabiting. The
research reveals that the institution
of marriage induces the habit of
sharing among spouses who not only
share their material belongings, they
also try to be part of every aspect of
each other's life through smooth and
rough times. The concept of risk
sharing between individuals in a non-
marital relationship was found to be
almost negligible. In India, live-in
couples are still comparatively rare
except for a few cases in the metros
since Indian social upbringing and
ethos stops young boys and girls
from initiating live-in relationship,
those who live in away from their
home towns do love to create such
relationship. From the rich and upper
class to the middle and upper middle
classes, young men and women are
perhaps seemingly ready to go
ahead with live-in relationships.
Virginity, sanctity, religious sanctions,
life-long bonds, etc., seem words of
the past for those who advocate
individual freedom and rights.
Opposition to the Move
Opposition to such a move is
bound to come in a country where
the institution of marriage is
considered a sacred, life-long
relationship, rather than a
materialistic union of two people
which is borne out of the onslaught of
liberalisation and globalisation. A
political party even termed live-in
relationships as anti-Hindu.
Moreover, according to the Hindu
Marriage Act, 1955, there is no
provision for a second wife among
Hindus. Hence, enabling the mistress
to get the status of a legally-married
wife in all matters, including a share
in property, inheritance, and
maintenance, is contrary to the Act.
Critics of live-in relationships rate
it as an act of escapism from
responsibility, or a selfish motive
based on personal enjoyment.
However, a great many advocates of
it may find it more comfortable to
have a relationship without the
sanctity of marriage. A whole lot of
debate on various aspects involved
in living in urgently required before
the government gives it the nod for
legislation. We
SEASON
OF LARGESSE
Another New Year! It’s the thought
that goes into your gifts that matters – not
the cash. By Dr Rumy Agarwal
y children have outgrown
M
Santa Claus. It’s a pity
really, cos such childhood
beliefs make the world
seem less cruel than it is;
and since the reality check
comes sooner than we’d
like it to, we tend to wish
that our children could
hold on to their magical
world, insulated against harsh
realities, for as long as possible. But,
well, everything happens when it has
to, and children have to grow up. But
do they really?
Okay, so they no longer believe
that a plump, cherubic old man with a
snowy beard and red togs slides
down the chimney with a sack full of
gifts on his back which he gives away
cheerily to everyone. But they still do
believe in gifts, don’t they ? Like hell
they do! Be it any occasion or – for
that matter, no occasion – if children
can smell gifts in the air, they’ll be in
line anyway! Another New Year is
here…well... “What better way”—
they’ll urge you —“to kick start it than
by handing over a gift or two?” And
parents being parents, you relent —
just to put a smile on those beloved
faces.
As I, too, pondered on what to buy
for my sons so that they could usher
in the first of the next 365 days on a
hopeful note, I couldn’t help harking
back to my childhood when gift-giving
was a different ball game altogether.
Huge shopping malls hadn’t invaded
the cities then, the consumer market
hadn’t burgeoned the way it has in
recent years and blatant
commercialisation hadn’t converted
every human gesture, every festival,
into a media circus. Those were the
days when giving a gift was more
from the heart and its value was not
in the price tag alone.
Things are very different today.
With such a variety of gifts at our
disposal, we don’t need to give our
grey cells much of a workout in
planning the right gift (but, hey,
wasn’t half the fun in planning the
gift? But that’s another story). So we
just buy something off the shelf, get it
attractively packaged and gift it to
someone – very convenient, very
time-saving. Nothing wrong in that if
the gift-giving is more of a social
norm or compulsion. But when you
wish to give a gift cos you truly love
someone, I think you need to put a
little more heart into it.
GREETINGS CARDS
SENSE OF FULFILMENT
When in school, we were
encouraged to draw our own
greetings cards and give small
handmade gifts to our family and
friends – it was a very engaging
exercise and thoughts and ideas flew
free and fast; the giver felt a sense of
fulfilment and the receiver had the joy
of knowing that someone cared
enough to actually make something
exclusively for him/her. That card/gift
was infinitely more valuable than the
The children apply their innovative ideas in making the handmade greetings cards,
which is essence gives them the sense of fulfillment.
24
most expensive one you could buy
from a store cos it had more of YOU
in it, we were told.
Conversely, we were also urged
to see the spirit behind the gift, the
warmth of the giver’s thoughts rather
than the cost. That is what makes a
gift worthwhile – and this knowledge
is in itself a gift, one which I’d like to
give my children. Hey, Abhishek and
Abhinav, this is the first of your most
valuable, non-material gifts from me
for the coming year – the knowledge
that the value of a gift lies in how
much of yourself – your heart, your
thoughts and your labour – you have
put into it.
Another precious gift that I’d like to
give you for life is the gift of a social
conscience. Both of you are kind-
hearted I know, so how about using
the New Year to show some of that
innate kindness to people less
privileged than, you? There is so
much stuff lying around the house
which you have outgrown or no
longer need – clothes, toys, shoes,
books, etc. These are things which
you have already enjoyed; so how
about reliving those joys by gifting
them to inmates of hospitals or
orphanages? Trust me, sons, the joy
you will get by seeing the smiles on
their faces will not compare to any
you’ve known: the joy of giving
surpasses all other pleasures.
Every New Year heralds a new
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
beginning, a fresh start. I wish to
gift you the wisdom to be able to
learn from your mistakes in the past
year, benefit from all your
experiences and be able to look
forward to new experiences and
new joys with a heart filled with
hope and faith. Having learnt from
the past, put it behind you and
move on to newer horizons.
Last of all, my sons, you have
me. I may not exactly be what you’d
have asked Santa Claus for, but I
am the one person who loves you
more than anyone else in the world;
your happiness makes mine
manifold and your sadness rips my
heart to pieces. Your successes put
me on cloud nine, your setbacks
make my heart ache. I not only
wiped your tears but mine too when
you grazed your knees; I clapped
the loudest when you won prizes; I
still have every single greetings
card you gave me; I will be there
for you in your happiness when you
achieve a coveted goal or even
when you have your first crush. I
will also be right behind you should
your hearts ever break. So, sons,
here I am, gifting myself – my heart,
my love, my attention and my time
– to you for the New Year and
always. Those are my gifts to you,
Abhishek and Abhinav.
P.S. Okay, okay, I’m not a
cheapskate, guys — I’ll also get you
that CD and that jacket and
that…oh dear, I’ve forgotten...but
why should I worry? You’ll not forget
to remind me, I know for sure. We
STORY
SHORT
Our romantic
candle-light dinner
It is an excellent plan to celebrate wedding anniversary. By D.P.S. Kohli
I
t was our 40th wedding anniversary and our
children had arranged a get-together for our
close relations and friends. Obviously, this
party was to be held on our wedding day. On
this occasion, I wanted to do something
different than the usual party and exchange of
gifts.
I had heard so much about romantic candle-light
dinners, so I decided to arrange a candle-light
dinner on the anniversary eve. This was the
first time I was going to do so and didn’t
want anything to go wrong. For some time,
I had been keenly observing such candle-
light dinners in TV serials and films. So I
decided to keep it a secret till the last
moment.
I had taken a yearly membership of one
of the five-star hotels who offer 50 per cent
discount on food plus a complimentary stay dollar smile,
and breakfast for one night. The assistant
manager of this hotel had become a friend,
so I consulted him to book a room for one
night and arrange for a special candle-light
dinner. When I told my wife about our one- achievement. wedding anniversary) and asked my wife
night stay in a five-star hotel, she was quite
excited. However, I didn’t tell her about the
candle-light dinner.
She excitedly put on her party sari and an
expensive pashmina shawl, as it was winter, and
packed her overnight bag. Off we went to the hotel
where we had booked a room. The assistant
manager met us at the reception and we completed
the check-in formalities. The assistant manager took
me aside and confirmed that everything was taken
care of.
The room service-in-charge — a young lady —
26 Woman’s Era
took us to our third-floor room overlooking a garden
and the swimming pool. She opened the room and
my wife said, “WOW — a candle-light dinner for
me!” My friend — the assistant manager, had set up
a special table for two with imported crockery and
silver cutlery. A bottle of champagne deeply
embedded in the ice cubes was cooling itself snugly
in an ice bucket. Four large candles were
strategically placed at the four corners of the table.
The room had been decorated with unusual
flowers like orchids, tulips and, of course,
red roses.
My wife My wife took in all this and flashed her
took in all million-dollar smile, and I was beaming at
my achievement. I had also arranged for a
this and DVD player and brought along a few CDs
flashed her of some romantic ghazals of Ghulam Ali
million- and Jagjit Singh.
I put on the first CD of Jagjit Singh and
out came the ghazal “Nazar nazar se mila
and I was kar.” That set the mood for our romantic
beaming at evening. I took out the chilled champagne
my bottle (provided free by the hotel on our
to hold it while I took off the seal. I wanted
the cork to pop out and touch the ceiling,
as seen in films, so I shook the bottle a
couple of times and loosened the cork.
T
he cork did pop up and touched the ceiling but
I had never bargained to spill half a bottle on
the clothes of my wife. The million-dollar smile
on her face turned into a frown and she said, “Can’t
you do even one thing properly? You have spoiled
my expensive sari and my pashmina shawl”. I
sheepishly offered, “I will buy you an even better
● January (First) 2009
sari and shawl tomorrow.” And this was just the
beginning.
Our hostess lit all the candles and switched off the
lights. I poured the bubbly in the two flutes lying on
the table and gave one to my wife. We said, “To
our 40th wedding anniversary and our first romantic
candle-light dinner,” clinked our glasses and took a
sip. Right on cue, a waiter knocked on the door. I
opened the door and in came a tray laden with
three types kebabs. The smell was very appetising
as their restaurant was famous for their kebabs.
O
was looking forward to starting with the
mouth-watering Kakori kebabs when my wife
looked at the kebabs and dropped a bomb.
She asked, “Have you forgotten that I don’t take
non-vegetarian food on Thursdays”? “My
goodness!” How could I forget that it was Thursday?
Anyway, I ordered some vegetarian snacks for my
wife and waited till they came. By that time, the
kebabs were as cold as the look on the face of my
wife. She was feeling very uncomfortable in the wet
sari. The romance seemed to be slipping out of our
hands.
The only change of clothes was a night suit she
had brought to sleep in. Obviously, she could not
get into the night suit at this time of the evening. To
make amends, I played my trump card and said,
“Darling, I have bought a solitaire diamond ring as
a wedding present for you.” These words brought a
smile back on her face as it does to most of the
women. I put my hand in the inner pocket of the coat
where I had kept it the other day after purchasing it
from the jeweller.
It was not there. I looked into all the other pockets
but could not find it. I was mumbling, “I had kept it
here,” again and again till my wife suddenly
laughed and said, “My forgetful darling, you
changed your clothes before coming over here and
must have forgotten to retrieve the diamond ring.” I
heaved a sigh of relief, in the background, the
singer Ghulam Ali was singing “Itna toota hun ke
chhoone se bikhar jaonga (I am so broken that if
you touch me I will disintegrate)” — it explained my
state of mind. Fortunately, the elusive smile
reappeared on my wife and I felt relieved. Slowly
and steadily, the ice cold champagne, the warmth of
the room, the blooming flowers, the perfumed
candles — or the mix of all of them — started acting
on our mood and both of us felt relaxed and in a
cheerful mood.
Soon, my wife suddenly said, “Let us go home
and I change my clothes, it will take only 20 minutes
as our home is so near. You don’t expect me to wear
these clothes tomorrow also as we are to check out
after breakfast tomorrow.” It was a very sensible
Dining in the midst of
candle lights ambience
to celebrate the
wedding anniversary,
is out of the box idea.
suggestion and I immediately ordered our car to be
brought to the porch.
The car was waiting when we reached the porch,
with my wife taking full precaution lest anybody see
the soiled clothes. It was only a five-minute drive and
we were home in no time. We rang the doorbell,
waited for some time, but nobody came to open the
door. We had not taken the key of the main door as
our son and his family had no plans to go out. We
waited for 15 minutes before making a phone call
on my son’s mobile. His first words were, “Happy
wedding anniversary eve, we hope you are having
a nice time.” I hurriedly told him to come back home
as soon as possible. He said they could not, as they
were out to see a film and would be home only after
midnight.
extinguish the candles and switch on the lights. Now
all that was left was the dinner. The variety of
desserts I had ordered once again lived up the
atmosphere. Two waiters came and cleaned the
table.
Thereafter, we were enjoying each other’s
company and clinging to the bright and lively
moments of our life while under the spell of Ghulam
Ali’s ghazals. It was getting late and we were
thinking of going to sleep. We slipped on our night
suits and called my friend to send the housekeeper
to collect the soiled sari and shawl. Within minutes
the housekeeper knocked on the door and I handed
over the clothes to be dry-cleaned. The housekeeper
had sprinkled rose petals on our bed in order to
recreate our wedding day. My wife said, “It looks so
silly sleeping on those rose petals.” She picked up

A
n annoyed frown appeared on the face of my all the rose petals and threw them in the dustbin. We
wife. We had no option but to go back to our had a very sound sleep on the silken bed sheets in
hotel room. On reaching the lobby, I asked my the heated room and the soft scent of the flowers
wife to go to the room as I had a small around us as well as the intoxicating
matter to attend to. I met my friend the perfume worn by my wife.
assistant manager and told him our Thereafter, we Suddenly, there was a knock on the door
predicament. He said, “My dear friend, were enjoying and I wondered who it could it be at this
you are staying in a five-star hotel, this is a each other’s hour. Reluctantly, I had to get up and open
very small problem which will be sorted out company and the door — it was the housekeeper holding
in no time. After you finish your dinner, just clinging to the my wife’s sari and shawl smelling of being
give me a call, our housekeeper will collect bright and dry-cleaned recently. I said, “How could
the soiled clothes, get them dry-cleaned you deliver the clothes at this time of the
and deliver them to you in the morning.”
lively night? The housekeeper was taken aback
This piece of news cheered up my wife and moments of and said, “It is 9 in the morning, sir and I
the romantic atmosphere was back with a our life while thought your wife might like to change
bang. under the before breakfast.” I looked at the clock in
There was still some ice-cold spell of the room and it was 9 in the morning. We
champagne in the ice bucket; the perfumed Ghulam Ali’s had never slept that long before.
candles were still burning willingly, a ghazals. I tendered my apology to the housekeeper
heady mixture of scent from the galaxy of who gave a meaningful look at the still
flowers combined with the cosy temperature of the sleeping figure of my wife, closed the door softly
room took its toll and we were back with a and went away.
vengeance to relive our old memories. By now my

W
wife had shed her inhibitions, forgotten the soiled e freshened ourselves up and went down to
clothes the restaurant to enjoy the buffet breakfast,
and the vegetarian snacks and was now in a which was included in the package, before
naughty mood. going home. We reached home and were
We enjoyed our drinks and were waiting for our welcomed by our children with shouts of “A very
vegetarian dinner talking about all that happened happy anniversary, dear mom and dad” and all of
during our 40 years of marriage and memories them hugged us. We went to our bedroom and the
sweet and sour. The appetising aroma of so many of first thing my wife said, “Show me the diamond
the dishes, some common and some uncommon, ring.” I replied, “Which ring?” She said, “The
made us feel hungry. Two waiters laid out the dishes diamond ring you forgot to take with you to the
and we started to eat. hotel.” “I am sorry but that was only to take your
The next words from my wife took my breadth mind away from the soiled sari and to change your
away. She said, “Don’t you think it is a little too mood.”
dark, one can hardly distinguish between a piece of She gave me a very dirty look — which I truly
potato and cheese, please turn on the lights and deserved. Will I ever arrange another candle-light
extinguish the candles.” I had no option except to dinner? Your guess is as good as mine. We

30 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 our dreams of having the

Y
near perfect ‘enviable’ body
are on the verge of
becoming a reality, as
scientists have come up
with the formula for the
sexiest woman. To reach
the conclusion, the
researchers investigated
hundreds of theories about
what men find attractive. The study
found that most guys like girls with
big breasts and blonde hair.
However, in the new book, “Do
Gentlemen Really Prefer Blondes?”
American journalist Jena Pincott has
uncovered a series of factors that are
crucial in mating game. The first
being the waist-to-height ratio. The

ROCKING
WORLD
Ways to deal with your figure-
problem. By Dr Parveen Parkash
smaller the waist and curvier the
hips, the more attractive a woman
looks at first glance, according to the
expert. Add to that a perfectly
symmetrical face and a near-perfect
female is ready. Not all beautiful
faces are symmetrical, not all
symmetrical faces are beautiful. But
symmetry does play a role in the
game of attraction.
It is still the breasts and blonde
hair that catch a man’s eye the most,
the study found. Jena explains:
“Breasts are an advertisement of
age, health and good genes, which
is why anthropologists think they’re
crucial to sexual selection in cultures
that don’t eroticise the chest any
more than the face.” Curvy women
have been admired for their sensual
figures. But a new study has found
that ladies with large hips and small
waists are cleverer too, than those
with apple-shaped bodies.
According to international
researchers, women with an hour-
glass figure are not only intelligent,
they also give birth to brighter
children. The fat around fuller hips
and thighs holds higher levels of
omega-3 fatty acids which are
essential for the growth of the brain
during pregnancy. The scientists at
universities of Pittsburg and
California came to the conclusion
after analysing data from a study of
16,000 women and girls, which
collected details of their body
measurements and their scores in
cognitive tests. The team found that
those women with a greater
difference between the waist and
hips scored significantly higher on the
tests, as did their children — possibly
a result of higher levels of omega-3
fatty acids on the hips.
Further, hormones make women
tempting and more appealing during
ovulation. A new research has
revealed that a woman’s voice is
most attractive to a man when she is
ovulating. Australian experts say the
find is further proof that women
become ‘different’ at this point in their
menstrual cycle as they come under
the effect of sex hormones. During
ovulation their oestrogen is at the
peak. Along with this women also
experience a sudden surge of the
male hormone testosterone, which
adds an aggressive edge to their
already sex-receptive mood.
Research has shown the female
lap dancers make more during their
cycle peak and another study rated a
woman’s walk most sexy to men
when she is ovulating. In research,
Nathan Pipitone and Gordon Gallup
of the State University of New York
tested the cycle’s effect on voice
attractiveness and found the
women’s voices to be most attractive
if they were recorded during the peak
fertility period of the menstrual cycle,
and less attractive if they were
recorded during non-fertility periods.
34
It is thought that voices are slightly
higher pitched on high fertility days.
RESEARCH HAS
SHOWN THE
Find your way to a slim and
curvy body: Thin is in, and being
FEMALE LAP
overweight is out. It is a fact that DANCERS MAKE
every woman dreams of having an
hour-glass figure but most overweight
MORE DURING THEIR
women take too long to take matters CYCLE PEAK AND
in their own hands, as they feel that ANOTHER STUDY
losing weight is very difficult and,
therefore, not an option for them. RATED A WOMAN’S
Also, the reality is that, between WALK MOST SEXY TO
managing a house, doing household
chores, looking after the children and MEN WHEN SHE IS
husband, many women feel that it is OVULATING.
impossible to find time for
themselves. away from problem areas with great
Even experts have discovered that shoes, sun-glasses or cool
gaining and losing weight is a accessories, says fashion designer
complicated process and involve Shona Joy.
more than just diet and exercise. ● Avoid large prints. Large body
Some people get hungrier sooner shapes should wear small, all-over
than others; some fill up quickly, prints with a dark background to
some binge and others are disguise any lumps and bumps.
emotional eaters. Losing ● It’s amazing what a difference
weight does not wearing the right underwear makes
always mean rigorous to the look of your outerwear. Form-
exercise and strict diet fitting underwear can shave off
control. You’ve got a starry inches and help you go down a
occasion coming up whole size in appearance.
shortly and feeling Further, get an expert bra
less than svelte fitting. Regular bra fittings
and want to shave off mean you’ll always be
the kilos, pronto. Don’t supported regardless of
think of punishing your boob’s natural
sessions at the fluctuations.
gym. So what you ● Choose outfits
do? Nothing, all it that emphasise your
takes is some clever favourite features. For
styling. example, if you have a
great face and
Get your hands on decolletage but you aren’t
innovative ways to fake so happy with your
your weight waistline, go for an off-the-
● Wear black, black, shoulder tee. This will draw
black says US fashion eyes away from your
editor Sarah Bonett. Katrina waist.
Kaif swears by its slimming ● Use objects you’re holding
power. to your advantage, by placing them
● If you have a large bust in front of areas you’d prefer to
and hips, choose a V-neck dress hide. If you’re big in hips,
with a skinny belt around the carry a clutch. Or, if you want
waist. The belt attracts attention to balance out a large bust,
to the midriff, as does the V, carry a shoulder bag that sits
says fashion designer Wayne on your waist.
Cooper. ● If you’re bigger on
● Draw people’s eyes the bottom half, avoid light
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
shades in pants, skirts and shorts; published in the Journal of
stick to darker shades. If you have Psychosomatic Medicine, concluded
great legs but are bigger around the that obese adults were up to twice as
waist, a shorter A-line dress is likely to suffer from depression,
flattering. anxiety and other mental health
l Make friends with fake tan. A conditions as normal weight adults.
darker skin tone gives a slimmer Furthermore, people with big bellies
silhouette. Concentrate on your are more likely to get Alzheimer’s and
problem areas — think tummy, thigh other forms of dementia. A big belly
and bottom. If you don’t have time for is bad for careers too, as overweight
a tanner to develop, mix equal parts youngsters are viewed more
of liquid bronzer with your body negatively in the workplace than
moisturiser and apply to any exposed those who are of average weight.
part. Latest research is turning
conventional thinking on dieting and
Reserve weight faking for party losing weight on its head. Tummy talk
purposes only: Weight faking is an has become lip talk globally and
instant measure and is good for party more and more research is being
purposes only. Don’t underscore the developed for fighting flab.
severity of a growing girth problem.
Recent research has unearthed the Employ penetrating laser to kill
fact there is no way to fat cells: In liposuction, a surgeon
successfully fight flab as waistline is the best pokes holes in the skin, inserts a
certain hormonal factors in OBESE way for any metal cannula and sucks out fat. It
the human body work physician to know
against weight loss. This
WOMEN WHO your health. has risks of infection and scarring.
However, Dr Anderson, professor of
makes shedding weight an CARRY MOST Dermatology at Harvard Medical
uphill task.
When people say walk
OF THEIR EXTRA thicker If your body is
around the
School, has created a laser that can
kill fat cells without harming the skin.
an extra mile every day FAT AROUND abdomen, here are With the free-electron laser, light
and going up and down the
stairs counts, sounds easy
THEIR diseases to watch
out for: A big belly
goes through the skin into the fat
layer, either killing or decreasing the
to lose weight. But as STOMACH ARE can put you at higher amount of fat, which is then absorbed
sobering statics show, it is
more easily said than
70 PER CENT risk of poly-cystic
ovarian disease,
by the body.

done. Most people with MORE LIKELY TO mess up your Get the directions from
growing girth will, in the DEVELOP periods and cause pedometer: An article in the recent
end, be unable to facial hair growth and issue of the Journal of the American
overcome biology and lose BREAST, COLON infertility. If you have Medical Association highlights a far
much weight unless some AND excessive fat around less invasive commitment device for
big changes occur in body. your belly, you can weight loss, the pedometer, which
More and more PANCREATIC be insulin-resistant. records the distance a person covers
waistline-linked health CANCER. According to the by foot. With a pedometer, you know
problems are now finding latest study, women how many steps you should be taking
their way into many homes. whose peak weight is around their in a day. Knowing this shows pretty
According to Cuilin Zhang, a waists instead on their buttocks and wondrous results. The use of a
researcher at the National Institute of thighs face an increased risk of dying pedometer is associated with a
Child Health and Development at prematurely. Clinicians associate significant increase in physical
Harvard, abdominal fat exposes high body weight with conditions like activity and a significant decrease in
nearby organs to potentially toxic diabetes and heart disease. body mass index (BMI) and blood
chemicals produced by the fat. Fat A lot of people are not aware of pressure.
that collects on buttocks and thighs links between body weight and
may be less harmful because it is far cancer. Obese women who carry Dance to keep bulges away:
from the liver, pancreas and other most of their extra fat around their Fitness may be serious business, but
crucial organs. The greater the stomach are 70 per cent more likely who said that getting fit has to be a
proportion of abdominal fat, the to develop breast, colon and rigorous punishment? For all those
greater is the risk for chronic pancreatic cancer. A health survey of who dread the routine, it’s time to pull
degenerative diseases. Your Americans, results of which were up your socks and jump on the dance

36 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

floor. Moving and sweating to the
rhythm of dance aerobics helps in
strengthening your body and raise
energy levels for the day. Dance
combines the best of two very
energised forms of burning calories
— dance and aerobics. By
performing highly aerobic activity,
you increase your aerobic enzymes
which help in burning fat.
Keep your sense of humour
alive: A belly laugh can help you lose
weight. It has been found that a daily
chuckle can burn up to five pounds of
fat a year. A really raucous laugh
uses about the same energy as
walking more than half a mile. It
works on many muscles and makes
the heart beat faster. You have 10-20
per cent higher energy expenditure
during episodes of laughter than
during rest and 15 minutes of
chuckling daily could lead to a weight
loss of just over 4.5 pounds in a year.
Maintain a diary : Devote some
time each day to record what you
have eaten and how much, your
hunger level prior to eating, and any
feelings or emotions present at the
time. A food diary can provide a large
amount of self-awareness. It can
identify emotions and behaviours
that trigger overeating, foster greater
awareness of portion sizes and
help discover your
personal food triggers.
Cultivate the
habit of consu-
ming calcium-
rich foods:
Recent studies
suggest that
bone-forming
calcium can
help in weight-loss by adjusting the
body’s fat-burning machinery. It is
said to change the efficiency of
weight-loss by favouring fat burning
rather than fat storing. Dairy sources
of calcium (the low fat variety) is
more effective in weight and fat-loss
than fortified calcium food and
supplements.
Welcome protein diet: David
Cummings of the University of
Washington found diets high in
protein may be the best way to keep
hunger in check. Researchers looked
at the effectiveness of different
nutrients at the suppressing appetite-
stimulating hormone ghrelin. Fats
suppressed ghrelin poorly. Proteins
were the best suppressors of ghrelin
in terms of the combination of the
depth and duration of suppression.
Abstain from the comforts of air
conditioner: The AC limits calories
burned from sweating. It keeps us in
a temperature range in which we do
not have to regulate our body heat.
Scientists suggest that when people
are out of this zone they lose weight
Don’t dismiss Ayurveda as
unscientific: Ayurvedic weight
reducing treatments consist of certain
panchkarma procedures which
facilitate better results of medications
used at a later stage. Various guggul
preparations and phaltrikadi qwath
are the best medicines for obesity.
Similarly, the well-known
arogyavardhini vati along with
triushandi lauh, shila sindoor, triphla
qwath and Mahamanjishthadi qwath
are the foremost anti-obesity
medicines. Ayurveda prohibits
excessive sleep and day-time
napping for persons suffering from
obesity.
Negative calorie foods make the
battle of the bulge easier: Negative
calorie foods are foods that contain
fewer calories than it takes to digest
them. For instance, if you eat a fruit
that contains 50 calories but your
body uses 65 calories to digest it, you
will end up burning 15 calories just
by eating. The good thing about a
negative calorie diet is that it is rich in
vitamins and minerals. Negative
calorie foods that you must include
in your diet are the orange, apple,
carrot, watermelon, tomato,
strawberry and grapefruit.
Pop an anti-obesity pill:
Rimonabant stifles hunger cravings
by targeting the endocannabinoid
system, which plays a role in
regulating weight. Cannabinoid
receptors are thought to stimulate
cravings, rimonabant blocks the
receptors, knocking out cravings. Be
careful, if you lose weight and stop
treatment, it will bounce right back up
again. Scientists have discovered a
new anti-obesity pill of alpha lipoic
acid. This pill would free dieters from
all eating restrictions and also help
slow down the ageing process. This
pill may ‘lock in’ the benefits of
dieting, allowing dieters to return to
normal eating without putting on
weight. The research indicates that
by following a calories restriction diet
for six months and then taking the pill
while eating normally, fools the body
into behaving as if it was still on
whatever diet it was following before
the supplement.
However, simply adding the
supplement to the diet has no effect.
Furthermore, a tiny pill that swells to
the size of a tennis ball in the
stomach is being touted as a cure for
obesity. The pill contains an
absorbent substance which expands
by more than 1,000 times when
combined with water-making, makes
dieters feel full. The team behind this
research is from the Institute for
Composite and Biomedical Materials
at Italy’s National Research Council.
Shrink your stomach through
surgery: When all methods fail to rid
oneself of morbid obesity (BMI
40kg/m 2), bariatrics surgery is the
vital way out. The two most common
procedures involved in the surgery
are gastric banding (reducing
stomach size by creating a smaller
upper stomach or ‘pouch’) and
gastric bypass (creating a pouch and
connecting it to a shortened section
of the small intestine).
 Reducing the size of the stomach
decreases the food intake and
bypassing the upper part of the small
intestine reduces digestion and
absorption of caloric foods. Further, a
silicon balloon inserted into the
stomach with an endoscope can
make you feel so full that you eat just
a quarter of what you normally do.
Now, don’t feel confident with a
curvy waistline alone. It has to be
coupled with yummy breasts. A
perfect combination of a curvy
waistline and gorgeous breasts gives
a new meaning to your sexiness
quotient and makes you truly
cosmopolitan.
Don’t have inhibitions. Keep
your breasts sizzling: For most
women, breast size is an important
part of feeling good, desirable and
normal. If you are not satisfied with
your breast size, go for enhancement
through bra, gels or exercise.
Wearing the right-sized bra helps you
get the wheels moving and in fourth
gear. Go for wearing a bra that fits
you perfectly. It will not only prevent
back pain and provide much-needed
support, but will shape your bust to
look fabulous. Holding your bust up
with proper support via a good bra
can make you look a lot slimmer too.
Couple your healthy diet with
exercises such as push-ups or use
the chest press exercise machine. It
works to firm up the pectoral
(chest) muscles beneath
your breasts. This
causes breasts to look
firmer. If you are not
inspired with your
breast size even
after exercise, they
may need surgical
intervention.
Today, it is not
uncommon for a
woman to undergo
breast implantation.
It is the insertion of
an artificial implant
which is a balloon-
like structure in the
breast to increase
its size. A study
carried out by
the British Association Frequent body weight
of Aesthetic Plastic change hurts your
Surgeons found that boobs: Breast size
operations had risen becomes the causality in
almost fourfold in the process of losing or
2007. You must think gaining weight. Frequent
long and hard before gaining and losing weight
going in for implants. forces the tender skin of
Remember, augme- your breasts to expand and
ntation through surgery contract over and over
is fleeting and the only again. The result is red or
constant thing that is white streaks on the
here to stay is inner breasts. When you lose
bliss and satisfaction. weight, fat is also lost from
An implant may the boobs giving them a
increase your commer- sagging appearance.
cial value, but it is not
going to make your Check up your top
boyfriend love you collection regularly: A
more. According to FOR MOST bra used few times a week
survey, 66% of men for, after several months, it
said they would prefer WOMEN, becomes shapeless. A
that their girlfriends not BREAST SIZE IS loose top can cause the
undergo any plastic ligaments and fibrous
surgery. AN IMPORTANT tissue in your twins the
PART OF stretch, resulting in pain
Tips to spice up and even premature
your pair: Understand FEELING GOOD, sagging. Further, during
the meaning of normal DESIRABLE AND summer, the area around
healthy breasts your breasts traps sweat
Always keep in mind NORMAL. and triggers the growth of
that a normal, healthy HOLDING YOUR zit producing bacteria and
breast comes in many yeast. Stop this by wearing
different shapes and BUST UP VIA A thin and breathable tops
sizes. No breasts are GOOD BRA made of cotton.
the same. Your nipples
may not match either. CAN MAKE Inspect and feel them
This is normal, so don’t YOU LOOK A once a month: During the
worry about it. week after your period,
Asymmetry probably
LOT SLIMMER when breast tissue is at its
isn’t a health danger. TOO. least dense, stand in front
The easiest way to of a mirror and slowly glide
correct the minor asymmetry is by your fingers over each breast and up
placing a pad on one side of your bra. into each armpit. Note any bulge,
rash or puckering. Feel each part of
Keep your breasts clean and your breast with light and then firm
hydrated: Washing them every day pressure, pressing into your flesh to
with a gentle soap helps prevent detect any lumps. If you detect a
breakouts which are caused by lump, note exactly where it is and
bacteria. Keep in mind, frequent have your gyno examine it.
application of soap can make the skin
dry. Get your breasts examined: Visit
Prevent the skin on and above your gyno once a year for clinical
your twins from becoming itchy by breast examination. Sonography
keeping them hydrated with an oil- and/or mammography is useful for
free moisturising lotion after your breast cancer screening. If you have a
morning shower and again before family history of breast cancer, you
going to bed. can be tested for a genetic marker. We
WINTER
SKIN CARE
Because winter ost of us are well aware of

M
what damage the summer
can be harsh, here’s can do to our skin but
forget the toll winter can
how to soften it. take on our face, arms
and legs. Cold weather
By Dr Geetanjali Shetty can be the catalyst for
some worrying complexion
complaints, and can leave
the skin looking less than
its best all over along with your hair
and nails. So now is the time to start
thinking about staying one step
ahead at this chilly time of year by
taking preventative action against
the cold.
During winter,
skin tends to be
dry, itchy and scaly.
Dry skin is always prone to be more
tanned and turn darker, therefore
extra care is needed during winter.
With a little change in your skin care
regime, you can fight winter woes
and sail through the season in style.
SKIN CARE FOR WINTER
Change your cleanser: Dry skin
is another winter woe to be tackled.
And this is aggravated with the use of
soaps and detergents. Cleansers
containing salicylic acid and benzoyl
peroxide can be particularly drying,
especially if you are using them in
conjunction with other acne treatment
products. Use a mild face wash with
moisturisers. Look out for those with
aloe vera. Use mild toners in the
place of astringents since they have
a drying effect on the skin.
You should take a short bath or
shower (no more than 10 minutes)
only once in a 24-hour period. For
adults, showers are generally better
than baths. While longer baths or
showers, especially in hot water, can
be quite relaxing, they will also
increase the loss of natural oils from
the skin and worsen skin dryness.
The bath or shower should be in
warm rather than hot water. Soap
should be used minimally and only
when and where needed (for
example, under the arms, the groin
and genitals, the feet, and the face).
Moisturise: Moisturising is about
44
the only thing you can do to treat dry
skin in the winter. Taking a hot bath
and lathering on the moisturising
cream is an easy and quick start to
healing and preparing your skin for
the cold elements that it will face for
the day.
Some of the best types of
moisturisers for winter weather are
ones that contain oils in them just
because your body isn’t producing
the oils needed to have hydrated
skin. Lanolin, vitamin E oils, and
avocado oils are perfect for
absorbing moisture and retaining it in
the skin. Protein from milk is a great
way to soften skin that is dry or
wrinkled. Honey is also a great
moisturiser that is completely natural
using nutrient-rich moisturising cream
is the most important remedy for
winter-beaten skin. To reduce the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
while evening out natural skin tones,
apply moisturising creams three
times a day to maintain a smoother,
softer, younger looking, more radiant
complexion.
The best time for a moisturiser is
after a bath, which helps seal in the
extra moisture in the upper layers of
the skin thus making it soft and
supple. Importantly, make sure you
moisturise the knees, elbows, calves
and heels well – these areas are
prone to dryness since there aren’t
many oil glands here. To soften
cracked feet, rub in a rich body lotion,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
DURING WINTER,
SKIN TENDS TO BE
DRY, ITCHY AND
SCALY. DRY SKIN IS
ALWAYS PRONE TO BE
MORE TANNED AND
TURN DARKER,
THEREFORE EXTRA
CARE IS NEEDED
DURING WINTER.
pull on a pair of socks before going to
sleep and you will wake up to find a
beautiful pair of feet looking at you.
Exfoliate: Winter is a season
when dead and dry skin gets
accumulated very fast; one is
required to exfoliate the entire body.
Exfoliation will allow the skin to soak
up more moisture and remain
moisturised for a long time. There is
no production of oil from oil glands of
skin in winter. This is because of the
low outer temperature and central
heating. In this condition, there is
more loss of water from the skin. This
might result in premature wrinkled
skin. All these conditions can be
avoided by skin exfoliation but should
be restricted for just once a week in
this season.
Protect: The sun’s damaging rays
can affect your skin even during the
winter months, so use a sunscreen.
Since you’re usually bundled up
when outside in the wintertime, you
don’t need to lather sunscreen all
over yourself. Try to wear make-up
or moisturiser with SPF 15 on your
face throughout the winter.
WINTER LIP CARE
Dry, cracked and chapped lips are
a common winter complaint, and
severe cases of chapped lips can be
very painful, not to mention
unattractive. What’s worse is that
lipstick makes cracks stand out even
more instead of concealing them.
 CARE OF THE HAIR IS Almond oil makes for a great lip
moisturiser.
AS ESSENTIAL AS THE Simply apply some almond oil to
SKIN. USE A MILD your lips before turning in for the
night. Avoid licking your lips and don’t
SHAMPOO DURING bite the skin on the surface of your
THE WINTER. DON’T lips. Lip balms are nowadays
available commonly and some with
OVERDO THE an SPF factor as well to protect users
SHAMPOO REGIME from the harmful rays. Lastly, during
the winter months, it would be wise to
SINCE IT WOULD stay away from the lipsticks that
REMOVE ALL TRACES claim that they are long lasting.
Often, they can dry your lips out and
OF NATURAL OIL cold weather will do that fast enough.
LEADING TO DRY HAIR, Instead, look for creamy formulations.
DANDRUFF AND HAIR
LOSS. ALSO, MAKE WINTER HAIR CARE
Care of the hair is as essential as
SURE YOU WASH YOUR the skin. Use a mild shampoo during
HAIR WITH LUKEWARM the winter. Don’t overdo the shampoo
regime since it would remove all
WATER SINCE HOT traces of natural oil leading to dry
WATER MAKES THE hair, dandruff and hair loss. Also,
make sure you wash your hair with
HAIR DRY. lukewarm water since hot water
makes the hair dry. Intensive hair
conditioners help combat dryness
caused by cold weather. Conditioners
are a must after every wash
especially for dry and thick hair in this
weather. Since the cold weather
causes your hair to dry, massage
your hair in aloe vera juice for a few
minutes. This will restore its softness.
You can also treat your hair with an
oil massage once or twice a week.
Olive oil can work wonders in
reinforcing moisture to your hair.
Avoid exposing your hair to
frequent colouring, streaking or
ironing as they can rob your hair of its
moisture and it is advisable to avoid
heating appliances on your hair like
straightening irons, curlers, etc.
Expose your hair to natural drying.
Keep away from blow dryers this
season.
EATING THE
RIGHT FOOD
Water is important no matter what
time of year it is, but it is extremely
important in the winter. You should
drink plenty of liquids in the form of
water (at least eight-10 glasses a
day), lime or lemon juice, tender
coconut water and other fruit juices to
replenish the water lost from the
winter air taking it out of your skin. A
good night’s sleep is also a good step
to take. While you sleep at night, your
body is replenishing itself and
preparing itself for the oncoming day
ahead, whether it be hot or cold. If
you aren’t getting enough sleep at
night, your body as well as your skin
will not be healthy and glowing.
In the winter we regularly eat a lot
more than we do in any other
season. This is good as long as we
are eating the right foods. Foods that
are full of antioxidants help your skin
to fight off inflammation and protect
the cells of the membranes from
being destroyed by the elements.
Drinking green tea or eating foods
with omega 3 are other great ways
to help. These are rich with
antioxidants. Taking a multi-vitamin
is also a great way to help your skin
along. Those with dry and damaged
skin must have vitamin A in their diet.
the dietary sources of vitamin A are
carrots, papaya, spinach, coriander
leaves, drum sticks, pumpkins and
animal foods such as butter, curd,
egg yolk, liver, fish liver oil, fish and
whole milk. Evening primrose oil in
the form of capsules helps in
replenishing the lipids in the stratum
corneum (uppermost layer of the
skin), thus maintaining the moisture
content of the skin.
Lastly, if you have a skin disease
due to dry skin (such as psoriasis,
atopic dermatitis, eczemas, etc.)
which are known to aggravate in this
season, please visit your
dermatologist. We
 QA &
Q&
I am 18 and have a regular problem
with blemishes after a pimple. What
can I do to lighten the area again?
Use a thick slice of potato and
tape it in place with medical tape so it
stays there for a minimum of 20
minutes. Then remove and wash the
area off. Do it every day. Consult a
A
dermatologist who might suggest
something precise for skin lightening
as well.
I recently turned 45 and find that
pigmentation on my cheeks is getting
darker. What can I do to combat it
as, otherwise, I look much younger
and am quite fit physically?
Hyper-pigmentations occur due to
excess of melanin and this is linked
with hormonal fluctuations – some-
thing to be expected around the age
of 45. You can ask for topical creams
to suppress the production of melanin
which is best prescribed by a
dermatologist.
This would lighten the dark patch.
From your kitchen you can use
unboiled milk on a cotton wool to
lightly rub the area. Or opt for the
skin whitening creams that work
overnight.
I was gifted a skincare product that
said ‘organic’. What does that mean
and why is it better? I have noted that
this suited me a lot better than other
products I was using earlier.
When any beauty product says
‘organic’, it means that the ingredients
are all natural. They would use herbs,
floral extracts, essential oils, etc.
These products avoid any chemicals
and pesticides kind of harsher
products. They are natural and hence
leave better results if you have no
specific problem to address. Also, if
your skin is ‘hypo allergic’ these are
good products.
I use papaya in summer with yoghurt
in a facial. Can I use the same in
winter too as it seems too cold? My
skin is normal with an oily T zone.
Yes, papaya can be used in winter
too. Make a mask with pulped
papaya and mix in a couple of
spoonfuls of oatmeal. Add honey to
give it sticking power and apply for
20 minutes. Another wonderful winter
ingredient can be two teaspoons of
orange juice.
My younger teenaged sister has dyed
her hair blonde. The trouble is when
she goes swimming it turns a tinge
of green and she looks like a monster
until she goes to the hairdresser. Is
there no home remedy?
The greenish tinge for blonde
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
dyed hair comes from the clorine of
the swimming pool water. While
different hairdressers might use fancy
products to diminish that effect a
simple homemade paste could be of
baking soda and water. Apply it to
the hair and leave for 10 minutes.
Rinse, shampoo and always
condition as appropriate.
I want to do my waxing at home. How
can I make good wax at home?
Making wax at home is not always
economical or easy. Even parlours
purchase wax from a readymade
supplier. Use one cup of honey, 3/4
cup of molasses, 1/2 cup sugar, and a
little juice from a lemon.
Be sure to heat it up enough to
where its not too hot. Stir, apply to
the area you want to wax and remove
it with linen strips. Alternatively buy
ready wax and heat it either in
microwave or in a container of hot
water and it will still be cheaper than
going to a parlour.
I have facial hair which I bleach. I
notice that when I use heavier make-
up the hair looks coated and stands
out in the light.
What should I do? What am I
doing wrong?
You should apply the foundation
from forehead and centre, veering
towards the sides. Where there is
facial hair, go against the hair to avoid
streaks and traces.
The brush should blot and absorb
the excess oil of the skin as you apply
the foundation. To get the perfect look
with foundation, the key lies in
blending well.
47
Stoles and fashion
jewellery most sought-after
fashion accessories amidst the
womenfolk worldwide.

Multihued dreams:
Metallic necklace with
stones, beads and pearls
for the chic look!
Cool blue:
Fashion
jewellery with
blue stones and
beads to adorn
your neck.

Green
glamour:
Necklace of
precious
Beaded beauty: Beads in
stones and
different hues and sizes
beads in hues
beautifying this metallic
of green for
chain to accentuate your
that extra
slender neck!
glamour!
Blue beauty: This one with
encrusted patterns and
tussels for girls who want
to be in spotlight.

Earth enigma: Beat the

winter chill by wrapping this
one in warm earthy hues
beautified with encrusted
border and tussels.

Charming cream: Cream

stole fabricated with patterns
in black and tussels.

Ivory illusions: Soft stole in

ivory white embroidered all
over in white.

Pearl possession: Pearls are

enhancing the appeal of this stole in
hues of tomato-red colour edged
with fur adornments.

Warm appeal: Red stole

having a border beautified with white
and copper stones and tussels.

Fringe benefits: Pink stole with sequins

encrusted in big triangular and small
circular shapes. The fringes add to the
modernised looks.

Dresses: Bizarre
New Delhi. Ph: 011-41757166-77
HUMOUR

The Love Messages

SMSs that conveyed wrong ideas. By Neelam Chandra

K
anika was working as an area sales
manager in a big pharmaceutical company
and had a hectic life schedule. She had just
completed her last meeting at 5.30 p.m. and
rushed to Nagpur airport to catch the 6.30
p.m. flight to Mumbai. She had another
important meeting scheduled at Mumbai next songs of Mohammed Rafi and Lata Mangeshkar,
day at 9 a.m.
She finally relaxed when she sat on her window
seat in the plane. She opened her shoulder-length
hair and removed her bangles and earrings. She
simply wanted to relax just now and hoped that the
person who sits next to her would not be a talkative
she learnt that they had a daughter who was her
age. She welcomed Kavyaa with open arms and
they became the best of pals despite their
differences in nature.
While Kanika enjoyed studying, Kavyaa hated it.
She enjoyed singing all the time and knew all the
who were her favourites. After the twelfth class,
Kanika decided to pursue B. Pharm, while Kavyaa
had no desire to study further. Since her parents
were forcing her to study, she took admissions in
BA.

O
person since she had no energy to carry out the ne day, Kavyaa happily came to tell Kanika
formality of talking. She just closed her eyes. that somebody was coming to see her and she
She felt a lady come and sit next to her, but she was very excited about it. Kanika was
did not even open her eyes. But soon she could hear shocked. She asked her, “Kavyaa, you are just in
the lady sobbing. She looked at her to find her fair the first year and only 18 years old. Do you want to
cheeks bathed in tears. She looked at her face again get married now?” Kavyaa, replied, “Why not? You
and a faint sign of recognition flashed in her mind. know, Mangesh is very smart and handsome, an
She was her neighbour and childhood friend MBA and working in one of the best multinationals.
Kavyaa. She tapped her shoulders and Kavyaa also He has a bright future. If he says yes, I will marry
recognised her immediately. him.” Since she had already made up her mind,
Amidst tears, Kavyaa squeezed Kanika’s hands there was nothing Kanika could say.
and said, “I am so happy to see you, Kanika. So Mangesh did say yes to Kavyaa, but he was
sorry for my tears.” Kanika asked her, “Kavyaa, you ready to marry her only with a condition. They
were crying so hopelessly. I cannot believe that the would get engaged now but get married only after
ever-chirping Kavyaa will have tears in her she completed her graduation. He wanted
eyes!” his wife to be at least a graduate. Kavyaa
This made Kavyaa cry all the more. The first one did not like the delay, but Kanika started
Kanika just held her hands and let her cry. read, ‘I am respecting Mangesh.
After she had calmed down. Kavyaa told missing you’, Kavyaa and Mangesh got engaged
Kanika, “I am divorcing Mangesh. I am the second one soon after and they had a lovely courtship
going to Mumbai to get back my things.” said, ‘Please period. They would not sleep without
Kanika was shocked to hear this. Her mind rush to 303, talking to each other and he would come
took her down the memory lanes. Hilton to Kavyaa’s house at least once a month.
Kanika was staying in a palatial Towers’ and After B.Pharm, Kanika went to Mumbai
building. She was the only child and her the third one for her MBA. Meanwhile, Kavyaa’s
father would normally be on business read, ‘I love parents had shifted to their own house at
tours. She would always feel very lonely. you for what Nagpur. Kavyaa specifically invited her
She was overjoyed to learn that a tenant
you have done for her marriage and Kanika attended it.
would be occupying the first floor soon. After her marriage, Kavyaa also shifted
And her happiness knew no bounds when
today to me’. to Mumbai, but Kanika’s life in college

50 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

had become too hectic and she rarely found time.
After her MBA, Kanika took up a job in one of the
leading pharmaceutical companies in Nagpur and
lost touch with Kavyaa.
Four years later, she was meeting Kavyaa now in
this state. She asked her what had driven her to this
extreme step. Kavyaa replied, “Kanika, you won’t
believe it, but Mangesh is having an extramarital
affair with his boss Susan.
I
had doubted it for long and had also heard
rumours about their closeness. But things became
clear last week. I just happened to see his mobile
and started reading his in-box when I came across
these messages from Susan. You know what they
were? The first one read, ‘I am missing you’, the
second one said, ‘Please rush to 303, Hilton Towers’
and the third one read, ‘I love you for what you
have done today to me’. How can I stay with such a
person? When I confronted him and asked him to
explain, he simply said that I am overdoing things
and if I keep thinking like this, we’d better separate.
I was so angry and Immediately came back to my
parents. I just cannot stay with a husband who is
having an affair right under my nose.”
By that time it was announced that the plane is
approaching Mumbai. Kanika asked her where she
would be staying at night. She was not so sure
and hence Kanika invited her to stay with her
in Hotel Marriott where she had booked a
room.
Kavyaa kept crying the full night. Kanika
was feeling really bad for her and asked her if she
had met Susan, her husband’s heart-throb. Kavyaa
got annoyed at the suggestion and said, “Why
should I meet that bitch, the destroyer of my family?”
Kanika slowly convinced her that there was no harm
in meeting her. Since Kanika’s meeting would get
over by 11 a.m. and she had the full day to herself,
she offered Kavyaa to go with her to meet Susan.
Kavyaa reluctantly agreed.
After Kanika’s official meeting, she and Kavyaa
started off together for Mangesh’s office to meet
Susan.
They first decided to go to Mangesh’s room. His
room had a partition and was shared with another
colleague Suyash Pathak. Mangesh’s computer still
had the desktop photo of Kavyaa. When Suyash
realised who they were, he invited them in. He was
full of praise for Mangesh and surprisingly asked
Kavyaa what had made them arrive at this decision.
She told him about his extramarital affair.
Suyash was shocked to hear this. He told her that
this is simply impossible, since no one in the office
had seen Mangesh even flirt with anyone. He further
added that the best thing for them would be to meet
his boss Susan, who was closest to him. Kavyaa had
not named the person with whom Mangesh was
having this affair.
Kavyaa gave the ‘Did I not tell you
look’ when Suyash talked about
closeness with Susan. While they were
going to Susan’s room, Kavyaa kept
muttering, “See how he was talking
about Mangesh’s closeness to Susan?
I am going to really kick her on her
face.” Kanika quietened her since
they had already reached Susan
Gonzales’s chamber. Kavyaa
whispered in Kanika’s ears, “I
am not going in as Kavyaa,
but Kavyaa’s sister
Divyaa.”
They knocked at the
door and heard a “Come
in”. They went inside and
Kavyaa introduced herself
as Divyaa and Kanika as
her friend. Susan was
sitting with her back
towards them since she
was working at the
computer at the back.
She had short curly
hair and was looking
quite glamorous in
her magenta
sleeveless top.
 Upon hearing their introduction, she
turned towards them and they were surprised
to find that she was quite an old lady. Her
age was more than 50. Kanika could see the
surprise on Kavyaa’s face also. From what
she had told Kanika, she had assumed
Susan to be a much younger person. Susan
seemed quite happy to meet them and
immediately ordered sandwiches and coffee.
She began by praising Mangesh a lot
for his efficiency and intelligence. She
added that she wanted to get in touch with
Kavyaa since she had heard about their
impending divorce and told them that she
would like to help them if she could in any
way.
meeting since I was really missing his
I had SMSed ability to convince people and handle
this message to them diplomatically.
Mangesh “The second message was ‘Please rush
during this to 303, Hilton Towers’. Well, I was at
meeting since Delhi as I told you and another important
client turned up at Mumbai. There was a
I was really
mess-up in dates and we had expected
missing his him the next day. Upon reaching India,
ability to he gave me a call. Since I was not at
convince Mumbai, I asked Mangesh to rush to 303,
people and Hilton Towers, where the visitor was
handle them staying. Mangesh had a three-hour-long
discussion with him and finally clinched
diplomatically.
the deal, despite stiff competition from five
other firms. I was too happy to know this,
but since my meeting at Delhi was not yet over, we

D
ivyaa (or rather Kavyaa) told her that Kavyaa
had doubts about his extramarital affair.
Susan started laughing. Divyaa told her about
the messages from Susan which Kavyaa had read
on his mobile. Now Susan was serious and said, “At
times, when messages are read without any context,
they are bound to create confusion as they had done
now.”
She went on: “In fact these messages were sent
by me only to Mangesh. The first message was ‘I am
missing you’. Well, on that day, there was an
important meeting in Delhi and Mangesh has
expressed his inability to come since it was his
engagement anniversary and he wanted to organise
a surprise party for Kavyaa in the evening. The client
with whom we had this meeting was a very tough
one. I was finding it very difficult to handle him. I
had SMSed this message to Mangesh during this
were exchanging messages only and I sent him the
third message saying ‘I love you for what you have
done today to me’ — since it was basically my work
to meet this client.”
She continued, “From my end, please apologise
to Kavyaa. I am really sorry that my messages have
caused so many problems for everybody. Mangesh
is like a son to me. Both my sons are in Canada and
Mangesh’s presence around me makes me feel that
they are near me.”
All of Kavyaa’s doubts had been cleared and
there were tears again in her eyes. Whether these
were tears of happiness or a feeling of guilt for
misunderstanding Mangesh, Kanika could not make
out. They came out of Susan’s room and Kavyaa
took a taxi straight for her home. Kanika could see a
fresh glow and determination on Kavyaa’s face as
she wished her goodbye. We

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– Ram Babu, Vijayawada.

54 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

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 Always keep a close
regular watch by sticking with
the basic necessities of the
budget, to avoid any
deviation. This will save many
blushes during turmoil.
By Suman Bajpai

FINANCIAL PLANNING
FOR NEW YEAR START EARLY
inancial planning is about the

F
right mix of financial
strategies to meet your life
goals; a good place to start is
clarifying what's most
important to you. It could be
saving for an education,
buying a home, planning for
'what if' situations, dealing
with a significant life change
(e.g. marriage, new baby, loss or
change of job), or something else.

Make a budget: So, you’ve

splurged on party, gifts, holidays and
fun… Now the party’s over, New
Year has begun with new hopes and
dreams. With new ventures and
opportunities, make a habit to save
in the beginning so that you will be on
track when the years end without any
regrets. Getting your financial affairs
in order may demand much more
than just a tightening of the
household budget.
A budget shows you the sources
of income and types of expenditure.
Prepare a realistic budget
considering your incomes and
expenditure. A well-planned budget
shows you how to manage cash flow.
While forecasting cash inflows
always be conservative as its best to
underestimate than overestimate.
Write down your financial position
(total salary, assets, liabilities, etc.),
list your spending and work out
where you can save. For a start,
simplify your needs. How much is
enough? Do you really need that
home renovation vacation in some
hills station or new car this year?
A BUDGET SHOWS
These things cause wealth ‘leakage’, YOU THE SOURCES
so think carefully about taking them
on.
OF INCOME AND
If you don’t have time to enjoy TYPES OF
your possessions because you’re EXPENDITURE. PREPARE
working hard to pay off the mortgage,
what’s the point? You want A REALISTIC BUDGET
happiness but not on terms of debt. CONSIDERING YOUR
Excessive holidays, beauty
treatments and shopping sprees can INCOMES AND
be a major drain on your purse EXPENDITURE. A WELL-
power. While you don’t have to
completely deny yourself, there’s a PLANNED BUDGET
compromise to be made – less SHOWS YOU HOW
spending on temporary treats will
give you greater long-term TO MANAGE CASH
satisfaction and happiness. FLOW.
One reason people fail at
budgeting is because they have
unreasonable expectations. A better doesn’t make you feel deprived.
strategy is to establish a realistic Start by listing your necessities –
budget – one you can live with housing, food, kid’s education, and
because it isn’t overly strict and utilities and so on. If you have money
left over, then budget a modest
amount for the occasional luxury –
like dinner out once a month, or trips
to some nearby place. Set
reasonable limits on these latter
categories, but don’t feel compelled
to completely slash them from your
budget. That way, you’ll be able to
stick with your budget over the long
haul.
Make a list: Everyone has certain
fixed incomes and expenses each
month. However, it is important to set
aside money to save for big
purchases, like the down payment on
a house, emergencies like
unexpected medical bills, and of
course retirement. Anything
left after that becomes your
disposable income. Planning
your lifestyle so that you
spend no more than that
amount every month is one of
the keys to financial success.
The first thing you need to do
is make a list of where your
salary goes. Along with the
major payments such as rent, home
loans, car loans, education costs,
insurance premium, etc., you also
need to list down all the small and
big expenses regards to food,
travelling, entertainment, shopping,
and other household expenses.
After you have made this list, you
need to check where you can
cut down on your spending.
Most people don't realise that
they spend a lot of money on
things that don't really excite
them a lot. Cutting down on
such items can help you to
save some big bucks for
things that do matter to you.
Try to put away about 10 to
20 per cent of your take-home
pay for savings or investing.
Having extra money gives you
more twist room in your
financial plan and more control
over your financial life. Apart
from working women,
homemakers too should take to
investing. They can save from
the monthly allowance they get
to run the house. Not only will
this enable them to plan better
for the family's future but the savings
will also prove to be handy on a rainy
day. After all, women are considered
to be better savers than men!
No credits, no cards: The
mistake people make when using
credit cards is that they use them for
indistinct purposes and within an
indistinct time-frame. You should
never use your credit card like cash!
The benefit of credit cards is that you
can make a major purchase and then
pay for it over a short period of time.
If you can't pay off those bills on a
monthly basis, don't shop. Credit
card debts will kill your long-term
financing, will create a bigger and
bigger financial burden, and will put
more pressure on your marriage
relationship. It is important to
priorities your payments. Start with
paying your investments first, then
the credit, then yourself.
Don't carry too many cards.
Multiple cards make it easier to rack
up debts because it's harder to keep
track of your spending. Having lots
of cards isn't necessarily bad for your
credit, but misusing them is. Limit
your cards so that you can manage
carefully: one card for major
purchases and one for short-term
purchases that you can pay off every
month.
Savings account: Set up a
separate savings account. If you
mingle your savings with your regular
checking account, you'll almost
certainly dip into your savings and
may never pay them back. Having
your savings in a separate account
is a constant reminder that these
funds are earmarked for your future,
and watching the balance grow is not
only rewarding and motivating - it's
downright exciting!
Decide on a percentage of your
gross income to designate as
savings. Ten per cen is a good
starting point, but if you've developed
a budget and have analyzed your
spending and you honestly can't find
a way to set aside 10 per cent for
your future, then start out with eight
per cent, or five per cent, or whatever
you're able to do with perhaps a little
bit of discomfort but without great
sacrifice.
Create emergency funds.
Normally, it should be three months’
expenses. Increase the amount if
your job security is low or you have
many dependents. Keep putting fixed
amounts into a joint account,
operable by either or survivor, till you
reach the target. If you need a large
emergency fund, you could park a
portion in short-term liquid funds of
large and successful schemes, which
can be encashed easily and which
earn a higher return. Do not touch
funds for emergencies unless there
is one.
Reconsider financial goals: With
the beginning of the year, evaluate
what you are trying to accomplish.
Do you have an emergency fund in
place? If you are without your regular
income from next month, will you be
able to maintain your standard of
living for a year? Have you saved for
your kid’s education?
Before diving into the equity,
bond, property or offshore markets,
ensure that you have an emergency
fund — three to six months’ worth of
expenses saved in a money-market
account. If that’s covered, start
investing. Think about tax-saving
changes you can make this year.
Be happy : Both money and
saving both are important parts of
your life, but don’t you want to start
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of the New Year with a happy beat,
do things you enjoy? Simple
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 QA &
QMy boyfriend and I cannot get
married for at least four years since
it will take that long for us to finish
our studies, get jobs and establish
ourselves. We have also decided
not to have sex until we get
married. But we touch and pet a lot.
A few days ago, my boyfriend put
his fingers into my vagina (he often
does that but this time he did it
deeper than usual) and I began to
bleed. I am now scared. Am I no
longer a virgin? Also please tell me
if oral sex when a woman sucks a
man’s penis, is safe.
It appears that your boyfriend
broke your hymen and yes, this
means that you are technically no
longer a virgin. But since you are
going to marry this man, it shouldn’t
cause a problem.
Oral sex is safe in the sense that
you cannot become pregnant, but
remember that any heavy petting
can lead to a loss of control and
you could end up having sex.

I am 27 years old and I had a love- marriage six years

ago. Though I love my husband, I have a lot of problems.
My husband is an absolute mother’s boy and cannot
stand up to his mother at all. I want to continue with my
studies now because my in-laws are rich and I don’t have
to do any housework and so am bored at home.
But my mother-in-law thinks that too much studies
makes women haughty and difficult and so has ordered
me to discontinue my distance education programme.
My husband refuses to discuss the matter with his mother
and says that I just have to obey her.
Another thing is that my husband has a problem with
sex. He did not touch me for the first two years of
marriage. After that he had sex with me for about two
months and during this time I became pregnant. He has
not touched me after that. I need sex and this is a big
problem for me.
I have a three-year-old daughter whom I love very
much. I want her to be happy and have a stable
upbringing. But I feel as if I am going mad. I am lonely,
have nothing to do and am physically unsatisfied. What
should I do?
It is really sad that a love-marriage should have turned
out like this. It is also surprising that you did not get to
know your husband better during your courting days. As
you talked didn’t you realise that he was tied to his
mother’s apron strings?
You could even have got an inkling of his disinterest in
sex from the way he treated you. I presume, again
because it was a love-match, that your husband didn’t
marry you unwillingly and that he isn’t in love with another
woman.
Now you mustn’t let the situation drift but should talk
frankly to your husband about two matters. Tell him that
he needs to see a doctor/sexologist, and ensure that he
does so. Also, tell him that you will not give up your
studies and that it is up to him to sort things out with your
mother-in-law. You can also talk to her yourself or have a
sister-in-law, your father-in-law or some other older
relative intervene for you. Be polite but firm. Assure them
that you will not become haughty or difficult and prove
that to them.
I am 26 years old and am very upset
because my breasts are very small.
Earlier I didn’t feel so bad, but
nowadays my friends tell me that no
man will want to marry me as all men
are turned on by big breasts. No
clothes look good on me either. So I
have developed quite a complex.
Are there any exercises I can do to
increase the size of my breasts?
No, there are no exercises that
increase the size of a woman’s
breasts. However, you can have a
surgical procedure and have silicon
implants put in to make your breasts
bigger. But you should have this
done by a good surgeon whom you
have checked out.
Also, take into consideration the
fact that occasionally the implants
give trouble by “leaking” and then
causing pain and discomfort.
Implants can however be removed if
they give trouble or you change your
mind and want smaller breasts again.
But you should not be so
influenced by what your friends say.
One’s body is important, but more
important is the kind of person one
is. People like and love us with whom
we are close and not just our looks.
So there is every chance that you will
find someone who will love you for
yourself and not just for your breasts,
your eyes or some other part of your
body.
I am interested in becoming a writer. I
want to write articles and stories. I
would also like to write scripts for TV
serials and films. Please help me and
tell me how I can achieve my aims.
If you want to become a writer,
you must start writing! Write articles
and stories and send them to
magazines and newspapers to be
published. Be prepared for rejection
slips and don’t get depressed if
manuscripts are returned. Once your
manuscripts are accepted, printed
and paid for, your confidence will
increase.
If you want to write a book too,
you should just plan it and start.
Once it is completed, you should
send the manuscript to publishing
houses for publication. The Internet
70
has a lot of information on magazines
and publishing houses you can send
your work to.
If you lack confidence in your
language skills, you can do a course
in creative writing. These are offered
by many universities and institutes.
But this course is not necessary for
becoming a writer.
Script writing is a specialised kind
of writing and to learn it, you could
do a course in scriptwriting offered
by a media institute. Then comes the
difficult part – getting a TV channel or
director to accept a script you have
written. For this you have to use any
contacts you have and do the rounds
of channels, studios and the offices
of directors. Once you become
known, you could be given stories to
turn into scripts.
I am 24 years old and I have just
finished my studies and got a good
job in a BPO. But the BPO is in
Bangalore which is far away from my
native town. So I will have to stay
alone there.
I have got a room in a working
women’s hostel and so my parents
are okay with sending me so far
away, but I am very nervous about
my safety.
This is mainly because I have
never moved closely with men other
than close relatives and I will have to
do so in my new life. So I find myself
worrying about hypothetical situations
and wondering how I would keep
myself safe in them.
What if a man accosts me in the
street? What if I have to stay late in
office and am the only woman to do
so? What if male colleagues plot to
give me something mixed in a soft
drink or even water so that I lose
consciousness and they then rape
me? These are only a few scenarios
that are giving me sleepless nights.
Please advise me on how I should
deal with them.
You seem to over-reacting to your
situation. Did something happen to
you when you were younger and has
that made you so afraid and wary? If
there was such an incident in your
past, you should try to get over your
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
QA &
fear so that you can lead a normal
life. Remember that most men are
decent and you are in no danger from
them.
But it is better to be over-careful
than to be too care-free. So be
cautious and alert and do not put
yourself into awkward situations. For
this you should follow certain rules.
First of all, do not speak to strangers,
especially those who accost you in
the street. Of course, this does not
mean that you should ignore an old
man who is lost and asks you for
directions. You should always use
your common sense!
As far as male colleagues are
concerned, you cannot afford to
totally ignore them because you have
to interact with them in your work and
will need their cooperation. So be
friendly and helpful, but maintain your
distance. If you have to work late, try
and see that a girlfriend also stays
back. If that cannot be arranged try to
postpone your work to the next day. If
you can’t do that either, make sure
that the security officers/peons/your
superiors know that you are working
late. Make sure that the office car will
see you home or, if that is not
possible, you leave while the streets
are still crowded.
It is better if you never accept a
drink from a man who is not a very
good friend. Get your water/soft drink
yourself. Also remember that there is
safety in numbers. So go out with
girlfriends or in a mixed group as far
as you can. If you are generally
sensible and not gullible, you will
remain safe. You should not get
paranoid about your safety either.
You could also do a course in self-
defence and carry a pepper spray in
your handbag when you go out.
Have you a personal
problem of any nature,
which you hesitate to discuss
with your family or friends?
Share it with us.
WE will try to help you.
Address your letters to:
WOMAN’S ERA
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110 055.
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 Chicken spinach and peas quiche

Relish great

GASTRONOMIES
Winter is a time when
you can allow your
in the New Year
taste buds
the treat they
CHICKEN METHOD
Sift the flour, salt, ajwain and

demand. Pies, SPINACH AND mix in the butter and mix with your
fingers to resemble bread crumbs.
puddings, pastas – PEAS QUICHE Add just enough water to form a
stiff pliable dough. Roll out the
INGREDIENTS:
just about everything For the crust:
dough or into a ‘chapatti’ which is
bigger in size than the greased
looks good and 300 gm of maida pie dish that you are going to use.
140 gm of melted butter
tastes even more 1/ tsp carom seeds – ajwain
2
This is because you want the
crust to cover the sides of the pie
heavenly with the salt to taste or baking dish. Line the dish with
touch of ingredients For the filling: the pastry and keep aside.
11/2 cups of cooked chicken – To prepare the filling: Heat
available during the shredded into strands or cut into the oil and fry the chicken pieces
small pieces adding salt to taste for about two
winter months. So 2 tsp of oil minutes. Remove and cool to
let’s party and begin 1 cup shelled peas room temperature. Place in a
1 cup spinach cut into small mixing bowl and add the rest of
the new year by pieces the ingredients for the filling in the
adorning our dining 3 beaten eggs mixing bowl and stir gently. Pour
this mixture into the prepared
50 ml of milk
tables with tasty and 50 ml of cream crust and bake in a pre heated
O
3 pinches of sodi bi carb oven for 20-25 minutes at 180 C
colourful dishes! 1/ cup grated cheese or until the mixture is set. If you
2
By Roma Ghosh salt to taste want the pie crust to be a nice
golden brown you could Upside down cheese cake
alternately bake the pie crust in
the oven for 10 minutes, take it
out and then pour the filling and
bake again. Allow it to cool slightly
in the oven. Use a pizza cutter
and serve in slices.

VEGETABLE PIES
INGREDIENTS:
For the pie crust:
250 gm of maida
150 gm of butter
salt to taste
fingers to resemble bread crumbs. are small you will have to divide
For the filling: Add just enough water to form a the pie crust into portions
1 cup chopped spinach leaves stiff pliable dough. Divide the accordingly. Line the dish with the
or peas dough into 5 portions. Roll out the pastry and keep aside.
1 cup flour dough or into a ‘chapatti’ which is For the filling: Mix all the
1 tsp of baking powder bigger in size than the greased ingredients together and mix well.
pepper powder to taste small sized pie dishes that you Add all the liquid ingredients in a
1 cup cream are going to use. This is because mixing bowl and then slowly add
3/ cup of grated cheese
4 you want the crust to cover the the maida to ensure no lumps
salt to taste sides of the pie or baking dishes. form. Divide this filling into the
METHOD If your pie dishes are bigger or number of pies you have chosen
Sift the flour, salt, and mix in you want to bake only big pie you to make. Pour the mixture half
the butter and mix with your could use one dish. If the dishes way through each of the pastry
cases and keep in an oven to
bake at 160 degree C for 15-18
minutes or until the mixture has
risen, is set and a light golden
brown in colour. The one which
you are using spinach will look
much darker than the peas one
once it is baked. Serve as
individual pies.

UPSIDE DOWN
CHEESE CAKE
INGREDIENTS:
200 gm of paneer – grated
120 gm of sugar – ground to a
powder
1/ tsp of cinnamon powder
4
150 gm of hung curd
21/2 tsp of gelatine soaked in 1/2
cup of luke warm water for 10
Vegetable pies
minutes

76 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

METHOD
Grind the biscuits in a mixer
and mix in the oil a little at a time.
Use this mixture to line a pie dish
– preferably a non stick cake dish
so that it is easy to over turn the
cheese cake. First grease the
bottom of the dish using your
finger to spread 2-3 tsp of oil on
the base of the dish. Now line this
with the prepared biscuit mixture
and flatten with your fingers.
Leave this in the fridge till you
prepare the mixture for the
cheese cake. Grind the sugar in
the mixer and then add the hung
curd and blend well. Now mix in
the gelatine, cinnamon powder
and the grated paneer and blend
once again to obtain a smooth
batter. Pour this batter over the
prepared cheese tin. Cover with
a foil and keep in the fridge for at
least three hours for the cake to
set well. Loosen the sides of the
cheese cake with the tip of a
knife. Run the top of the knife
along the edge of the cheese
cake. Place a plate on top and
overturn the cheese cake
immediately. The cake if set well
should turn over very easily
because of the grease at the base
of the non stick pan. Cut into
slices and serve. You could also
use silicon cake dishes for
freezing the pie. It is easier to
overturn the cake from the cake
cases made out of silicon.
sweet lime juice
11/2 tsp gelatine – soaked in 1/2
cup of luke warm water for 10
minutes
For the bottom layer:
300 gm of dark chocolate
biscuits
4-5 tbsp of melted butter.
METHOD
Grind the biscuits in a mixer
and mix in the oil a little at a time.
Use this mixture to line a pie dish
with the prepared biscuit mixture
and flatten with your fingers. The
layer should be one eighth of an
inch in thickness or more so that
you can see the layer clearly
when the cheese cake is ready.
You may need to increase the
quantity of the biscuits depending
on the size of the dish you are
using. Leave the biscuit layered
dish in the fridge till you prepare
the mixture for the cheese cake.
Grind the sugar in the mixer and
then add the hung curd and blend
well. Now mix in the Cream
cheese and blend once again.
Dark bottomed cheese cake
Now mix in the gelatine, and the
grated paneer, and the musambi
juice and blend once again to
obtain a smooth batter. Pour this
batter over the prepared cheese
tin.
Cover with a foil and keep in
the fridge for at least three hours
for the cake to set well. You could
also use a spring cake tin for
preparing this cheese cake. It is
easy to unlock the spring tin on a
serving dish so that the two layers
are easily visible.
CAULIFLOWER
IN MINT
TOPPED WITH
POPPY SEEDS
INGREDIENTS:
1 big head of cauliflower –
weighing around 700 gm cut into
flowerets
1 cup of oil
1/ tsp of haldi powder
4

DARK
BOTTOMED
CHEESE CAKE
INGREDIENTS:
200 gm of cream cheese
200 gm of hung curd
200 gm of grated paneer
150 gm of sugar or as per taste
3-4 tbsp of musambi juice –

78 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 Cauliflower in mint topped with poppy seeds

Savory Canopies begin to change colour. Lower

the heat and mix in the green
chillies. Now mix in the green
chutney and cook for a further 2-3
minutes.
When the preparation is dry
and all the water is absorbed from
the chutney put off the heat and
sprinkle the poppy seeds. Serve
with parathans.

SAVOURY
CANOPIES
INGREDIENTS:
12-14 ready made pastry cases
or you can make canopy cases
at home
For the filling:
1 cup of mixed sprouts
1 tsp of chaat masala
2 chopped green chillies 1 chopped red bell peppers with
1/ cup of green chutney
METHOD
2 Wash the cauliflower and drain the seeds
prepared from mint and 2 tsp of lemon juice
out all the water. Sprinkle salt and
coriander leaves 1 small sized onions – finely
haldi on the cauliflower and set
salt to taste chopped
aside for 10 minutes.
For garnishing: Heat the oil in a non stick pan For the home made
3 tsp of poppy seeds and fry the cauliflower flowerets, canopies:
salt to taste covering with a lid till the flowerets bread slices

80 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

or if you are making the flaky Sweet canopies
ones then the following will be
needed
200 gm of maida
80 gm of butter
100 gm of butter for spreading
on the dough
salt to taste
METHOD
If you are making the canopies
with bread all you need to do is
cut the bread slices with a round
cutter or a katorie. This round
shape should be slightly bigger
then your muffin case in which
you are going to bake the
canopies. Cheese tarts
If you do not have muffin trays
put the bread slices into a katorie
or just leave it in a pre heated
oven to bake at 160 degree C for
5-7 minutes or until a light golden
brown
If you want the flaky canopies,
then mix the maida and the salt
and the butter and knead into a
dough.
You should need little water
to knead the dough.
Gently roll out the dough in a
round circle.
Lavishly spread the butter on
the dough and start ‘pleating’ the
dough as you do for parathans.
Roll out once again and cut out
circular pieces with a katorie. Line
a muffin tray ensuring that the
round pastry piece is as big as the
muffin case to cover even the
sides.
Choose small muffin cases and
place a circular piece of dough so
SWEET 2 tsp of chopped and sweetened
fruit peels – used in cakes
that it folds inside the muffin tray CANOPIES fresh fruits of your choice
to cover it from all sides inside. METHOD
INGREDIENTS:
Bake at 150 degree C for 10 Mix all the ingredients for the
12-14 ready made canopies
minutes and then reduce the filling and fill the cases just before
For making canopies at home
heat and cook a few minutes serving. Instead of the sweetened
follow the recipe given above
further till crispy and golden cream try using shrikhand and mix
brown. For the filling: the other ingredients with it. It gives
Allow to cool in the oven. You 2 cups of sweetened thick cream a delicious taste when put into
can store these cases in an air 1 cup of dried fruits or 1 cup of crispy shells. An easy to prepare
tight container. pomegranate seeds sweet dish but excellent in taste.

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 81

CHEESE TARTS
INGREDIENTS:
For the pie crust:
250 gm of maida
150 gm of butter
salt to taste
For the filling:
1 cup of grated cheese
1/ cup of cream cheese
2 saute the vegetables till just
1/ cup of grated paneer
2 tender but still crunchy and not
3-4 tbsp of milk
blend all the ingredients for the
filling and keep aside
For the tarts: Sift the flour,
salt, and mix in the butter and mix
with your fingers to resemble
bread crumbs. Add just enough
water to form a stiff pliable dough.
Divide the dough into 10-12
portions.
Roll out the dough or into a
‘chapatti’ which is bigger in size
than the greased tart trays or
muffin cases you are going to
Winter vegetables in basil
use. Line each of the muffin
cases with the pastry and keep
aside.
Pour the prepared mixture half
way through each of the line
muffin cases and bake in a pre
heated oven at 160 degree for
atleast 12-15 minutes or until the
crust begins to attain a light
golden colour.
WINTER
VEGETABLES IN
BASIL
INGREDIENTS:
300 gm of broccoli
200 gm of mushrooms
100 gm of carrots
200 gm of French beans
1 small head of cauliflower
1 tsp dried basil powder or 7-8
fresh basil leaves
3 tsp of olive oil
2 tbsp of maida
1 tsp chillie flakes
salt to taste
METHOD
Break the broccoli and
cauliflower into flowerets. Scrape
the carrots and cut into cubes or
pieces as per your choice, string
the beans and cut into one inch
Pieces. Heat the olive oil and
over cooked. Lower the heat and
cover and add salt to taste. Also
mix in the chillie flakes and the
basil. In a small mixing bowl, mix
2 cups of water with the maida
and stir to obtain a smooth paste
ensuring that there are no lumps.
Add this paste to the cooked
vegetables and stir constantly so
that the paste does not become
lumpy. Stir and cook for only 1-2
minutes more. At this stage if you
feel you need extra gravy then
add some more water but ensure
that you keep stirring so that the
maida does not turn into lumps. If
you have basil leaves, then
garnish with basil leaves and
serve with dinner rolls.
PEPPERY ROAST
MUTTON
INGREDIENTS:
1 kg leg of mutton – bone
removed
2 tbsp of ginger garlic paste
1 tbsp of green chillie paste
1 cup of curd
3-4 twigs of fresh green pepper
1 cup of oil
For garnishing:
fried onions
potato wedges – optional
METHOD
Try out this mutton recipe
during winter time when fresh

green pepper is available in South
India .
Keep the mutton pieces in
large chunks. With the tip of your
knife, make insertions in the
mutton so that the marinade
seeps well into the mutton. Mix
the curd, salt and ginger garlic
paste and chillie paste to obtain
a marinade.
Marinate the mutton pieces
with this marinade and salt to
taste and leave it aside for atleast
6-7 hours (preferably over night)
Cook the marinate mutton with
the marinade and 2 cups of water
in a pressure cooker till the
mutton is half tender. Remove
from the pressure cooker and
retain any gravy or juice that may
remain.
Tear the mutton into long
pieces or bite size pieces as per
your convenience.
Grease a oven tray and place
the mutton pieces with the
remaining marinade or gravy from
the pressure cooker. At this stage
you may also add the potato
wedges which have been peeled
and salted.
Place the mutton and the
potatoes in a pre heated oven at
180 degree C for atleast 45
minutes or until the meat is
tender. After every 5-6 minutes
brush the mutton pieces with oil.
Continue to do so till all the oil is
used up.
Just before the mutton is
tender and soft – when it is 90
percent cooked throw around the
fresh pepper and turn the mutton
pieces so that the pepper mixes
with the mutton.
Allow to cook for 6-7 minutes
more and serve hot with dinner
rolls. You could have variations to
this recipe.
If you want you could not use a
pressure cooker and roast the
mutton on the oven or the grill
from minute one. Also once the
mutton is ready you could heat 2
tbsp of oil and then fry the mutton
pieces with the fresh pepper.
DRUMSTICK
FLOWERS
Available during the winter
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Peppery roast mutton
months use these flowers to make
a interesting delicacy
INGREDIENTS:
300 gm of drumstick flowers
green chillies chopped
2 tsp of ginger garlic paste
2 tbsp of browned onion paste
3 tbsp of tomato puree
1/4 tsp of haldi powder
1 tbsp of coriander – dhania
powder
1 tsp of jeera powder
4-5 tbsp of oil
salt to taste
METHOD
Boil the flowers in salted water
for 2-3 minutes and drain out all
the water.
Discard the water. Heat the oil
and fry the onion and ginger garlic
paste. Add the flowers and
continue to fry over low heat,
stirring from time to time.
Add the spices and salt and
continue to cook over low heat for
another 3-4 minutes.
Add 2 tsp of water and cover
with a lid. Allow to cook further for
2-3 minutes and serve hot with
rotis.
83
FISH IN the leaves
1 tsp of red chillie paste
11/2 tbsp of besan mixed in 1/2
cup of luke warm water
SAFFRON 3-4 tbsp of olive oil
salt to taste
METHOD

SAUCE AND For the sauce:

Blend all the ingredients for the
sauce in a mixer with one cup of
FRESH GARLIC strands of saffron soaked in half
cup of luke warm water
water and keep aside.
Sprinkle salt on the fish pieces
INGREDIENTS: 1 cup of curd ad keep aside for half an hour.
12-15 pieces of fish – with or 1 cup of cream Heat the olive oil in a non stick
without bones 2 tbsp of tomato ketchup pan and fry the fish pieces,
3 tsp chopped fresh garlic with 3 tsp of garlic paste turning so that the fish is golden
brown on both sides. Remove and
Drumstick flowers keep aside. In the same pan add
the blended sauce. Lower the
heat and add the fish pieces.
Allow the fish pieces to simmer in
the sauce only till the sauce
comes to a boil. Put it off
immediately. Garnish with the
chopped fresh garlic and serve
with pasta or rice.

Fish in saffron sauce and
fresh garlic
DESI TANDOORIE
CHICKEN
SANDWICH
INGREDIENTS:
multi-grained loaf
2 tbsp of green mint chutney
2 tbsp of butter
2-3 boneless chicken or left over
cooked methi chicken
2 tsp of oil
few slices of salami
slices of tomatoes
METHOD
Cut the loaf into two halves.
Slit each horizontally and butter
the inside of the loaf. Then spread
a layer of the mint chutney. Heat
the oil and fry the salami pieces
for 1-2 minutes. Remove from the
oil and add the chicken pieces
which have been shredded. If you
are using the methi chicken it will
give a different taste and look to
the sandwich. Add a few tomato
pieces and maybe a few green
chillies if you like.
Desi tandoorie chicken sandwich

Pasta with olives and paprika

BRINJALS
WINTER STYLE
INGREDIENTS:
1 large round brinjal weighing
around 250- 300 gm
turmeric
2 tbsp of oil
salt to taste
For the sauce:
500 gm of tomatoes
1 tsp chopped chives
1 tsp basil leaves
2 fresh red chillies
salt to taste
METHOD
To prepare the sauce: Drop
the tomatoes in hot water for 2-3
minutes. Remove with a slotted
spoon and remove the skin. Cut
PASTA WITH 12-15 olives
3 tbsp grated cheese – optional
into halves and then quarters and

OLIVES AND METHOD

remove as many seeds as
possible. Heat half cup of water
PAPRIKA Heat the olive oil and add the
pasta and fry for 2-3 minutes. Add
and add salt to taste. Add the
chopped tomatoes and the chives
INGREDIENTS:
3 cups of pasta boiled in salted the paprika and continue to stir and basil leaves and cook this
water and toss for another two minutes. mixture over low fire till the
2 tbsp of olive oil Add the grated cheese if you are tomatoes are mushy. While
2 tsp of coarsely ground paprika using and serve at once with cooking keep mashing the
– red chillies vegetables in creamy sauce. tomatoes with the back of a

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 85

wooden spoon. Put off the heat
and keep aside.
Cut the brinjals into circles.
Sprinkle salt and haldi powder
and keep aside for 5 minutes.
Heat oil in a non stick pan and fry
the brinjals on medium flame
turning the brinjals so that both
Brinjals winter style
the sides get cooked and attain a
golden colour. Add the prepared
sauce and allow the brinjals to
simmer in the sauce for 2-3
minutes.
Serve garnished with chopped
chives. Goes well with rotis or
even a pulao.
Grilled capers
GRILLED
CAPERS
INGREDIENTS:
5-6 small sized red peppers
5-6 small sized green peppers
3-4 tsp of olive oil
salt to taste
METHOD
For the filling: Boiled mashed
potatoes or mashed vegetables or
any non vegetarian left over
chicken, mutton or fish.
Add whatever spices like
chillie, garlic paste, jeera powder
to give the filling a good taste.
You can even use left over rice
and mix it with a few methi fresh
leaves and add some spice and
use it for the filling.
Remove the seeds and use the
filling to stuff the capers.
Grill on a grill or even a
sandwich toaster adding oil a little
at a time.
Grill and serve hot. We
 GARDEN PLANTS
Some valuable tips on how to make your place green and colourful.
By Sheela Ramakrishnan

How to make your place green and colourful

efore setting up your garden,
Plant large groups of
contrasting flowers next to each
other to create a spectacular effect.
Plant shrubs and individual
ornamental grasses in groups of odd
numbers so as to balance out the
visual aspects of your flower garden.
Don’t clutter a small space
with a large number of plant species.
Limit it to just a few so that your
flower garden does not become an
Never water on a windy day.
Water in the early morning or
late afternoon to avoid evaporation.
Try introducing or attracting
lady bugs, prying mantis, and the
non-stinging Trichogramma wasp to
your garden for natural pest control.
Try gardening with plants
that will attract birds and bats which
will eat up insect pest species in
your garden. We

B
have clarity about the type of
flowers you would like to
grow in your garden – viz.,
perennials, annuals or
biennials, the mainstay of the
flower garden.
Perennials are plants that
survive for many years. Some take
more than one season to mature.
At maturity, perennials will produce
fruit or flowers and seeds. There
are two types of perennials:
Herbaceous perennials that
die to the ground after each
growing season and grow back
each spring.
Woody perennials that
survive intact from season to
season. They enter dormancy in
colder climates. Trees and shrubs
come under this category.
Annuals are plants that
complete their life cycles
(germinate, flower, produce seed
and die). Some annuals grow back
from dropped seeds, otherwise
they must be replaced every year.
Biennials are plants with a life-
cycle that spans two years. During
year one the plant germinates and
grows. The second year it flowers,
produces seeds and dies.
Your garden can also have a
combination of all the above to
have year-round feast to the eyes.
eyesore.
Keep your flower garden
properly maintained. Prune your trees
and shrubs to maintain appealing
shapes. Deadhead your flowers and
cut back old, frayed growth.
Lawns are much easier to
mow if they aren't broken up with a
few flowers here and there.
If you want to plant flowers
under a tree, make sure the flowers
will do well in the shade.
Be careful not to dig up any
roots when planting flowers under a
tree. Plant flowers under trees by
digging a small separate hole for Use a creamy soap for extra
suppleness in your skin.
each plant. Add a few drops of oil to the water
Avoid putting new structures that you are using for bath to retain
or plants where they will damage the moisture lost when bathing.
existing landscape features. Pamper your skin with a little
Plant in curves for better coconut oil before bath to heal
dryness and chaps.
visual balance, not straight lines or Moisten your skin with a good
perfect circles. moisturiser or a creamy lotion or
Make sure that your flower cold cream.
garden slopes away from your Use of sunscreen is must in
house. winters also. So apply 20 minutes
before your step out.
Adding mulch to your
A proper nutritious intake helps in
finished flower garden will help hold rejuvenating the skin from within.
moisture. In addition, deteriorating
mulch will add organic matter to your
soil. Some mulch, such as shredded
bark, can be quite attractive.
Use drip-irrigation systems to
water individual plants and save
water.

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 87

 Oh so hot!
A stylish red
jacket
beautified
with
smocking
patterns on
the sleeves
worn over a
black
spaghetti
top, is paired
with red
trousers.

Tantalising
trousseau
Colour me
red: Lovely
A collection of
red full
sleeved
vivacious
dress for
the vetements for the
Christmas
night. coming New Year!
Chequered
charms:
A short-
pleated and
chequered
skirt enhanced
with a trendy
belt is teamed
with a black
velvet top
beautified with Sensuous skirt:
zig-zag lace. An off-shoulder
yellow top with a
lovely border is
matched with a
red silk skirt
edged with broad
golden tissue
border encrusted
with mirrors.
 Flirty fur:
An off-shoulder
pleated
pinafore is
beautified with
fur on the top.

Colours of night: Heavily embellished with

sequins, the ensemble in dark and light hues
of black looks captivating.
Warm charm:
Short top in
hues of warm
dark wood
colour is
coupled with
denim jeans.

Shimmery
sensation:
Dark purple
shimmery
dress for
the New
Year party.
Dresses: Bizarre
New Delhi. Ph: 011-41757166-77
 When I was
‘rocked’
When there was more fun off the cineplex screen than on it!
By Archana Sengar

I
am not one for family outings. There is too
much preparation to be done, too many things
to be checked, too many doors to be locked
before one sets out. When I was a kid I
dreaded Sunday picnics because it meant
being pulled out of bed horribly early by my
too enthusiastic brother. He was two years
older to me, but acted like a baby, jumping up and
down while yelling in my ear, ‘Picnic, picnic!’ I
always wondered what would become of him;
thankfully, he grew up into a fairly sane man. Now,
if he ever gets up early on a Sunday, it is only
because he has to go to his office to complete some
unfinished work.
wonderful – all that music, and Farhan Akhtar has
sung so well! Ammamma will love it.”
“But, girls, don’t you think it will be better to wait
for the DVD.” I tried to reason with them. You know
your ammamma can’t watch a movie at a stretch. If
we had the DVD, she could continue watching it
after she wakes up and not miss anything.”
“No, acha,” they said together as if they had
rehearsed the statement thoroughly. “The DVD will
take ages, and anyway, this movie can only be
enjoyed on the big screen. By Monday the whole
class will be discussing it, and we don’t want to feel
left out. We must watch it on the weekend.”

S
However, I have been blessed with a wife who o that was it, the cunning angels! But you know,
has shades of my brother’s childhood excitement. it’s true that daughters are a father’s weakness.
Though she does not jump up and down when I could not refuse them outright. However, I tried
planning an outing, I am quite sure her feet are another trick.
itching just to do that. It is only the thought of our How will ammamma climb all those steps in the
teenage daughters that prevents her; after all, cinema hall? You know she has a knee problem.”
parents have to maintain their dignity. I only wish “PVR Priya has a Star class,” pat came the reply.
my parents were as thoughtful. “It’s ground floor. Ammamma won’t have a problem
My father, though 80, still cheers the Indian going there.” I could almost hear them wondering
cricket team with whistles and shouts and follows all how many years had passed since I myself had
its matches on the TV. If it wins, he talks of nothing entered any cinema hall.
else the whole day. If it loses, there’s always another I sighed and gave up. I managed to get tickets for
day to hope for. He also loves to watch all the Saturday evening show. The most
the major football and tennis tournaments, difficult part was leaving the office in time
and during the Olympics it is impossible to My father, to reach home, but I managed that too
unglue him from the TV. though 80, somehow. We had a quick tea and left for
My mother on the other hand, is still cheers the movie. On the way I was informed that
extremely fond of movies, even though the outing would be incomplete without a
since she turned 75 she has been prone to the Indian meal at the adjoining McDonald’s, after
fall asleep in the middle of one. Faith and cricket team the movie. I managed to smile. I didn’t
Joy, my daughters, adore their with whistles want to seem more backward than I was.
grandparents. When their grandmother and shouts If the price of the tickets had given me a
(they call her ammamma), had her 78th shock it was nothing compared to the
birthday on the Friday Rock on! was and follows sensation of being frisked. I wondered
released, they decided she deserved a all its how people could take it so coolly. Finally,
treat. matches on we entered the hall and were led to our
“You must book tickets for this movie, seats by a smart usher. My mother took the
acha’” they cajoled me. “It is simply
the TV. aisle seat.

92 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

commotion, tried to pacify them.
“He was speaking of our house”, he explained
helpfully. A middle-aged lady who seemed to have
come alone to the movie turned and stared at me.
“Your house is on fire?” she asked, sounding
puzzled.
“No, it is not,” I answered firmly, hoping people
wouldn’t begin calling the fire brigade. “But then –
where is the fire?” she persisted. I hastened to
assure her there was no fire anywhere. She turned
back, looking dissatisfied. Rachel whispered again,
sounding slightly sheepish, that now she came to
think of it, she was almost sure she had switched off
the gas. My mother, who had been sleeping
peacefully all the while the hullabaloo had lasted,
woke up with a start, perhaps due to the sudden
silence in the hall. Even the scene on the screen was
one of those ‘quiet’ ones where nobody is speaking.
“Is it intermission yet?” she demanded. “I have to
go to the toilet.”
‘Shush, Ammamma,” whispered Joy, “speak
softly, the movie is still on.”
down. Suddenly, Rachel jumped violently; the
packet in her hand flew into the air and popcorn
rained down like a shower of meteors. With a
trembling hand she pointed to the screen and I
caught a flash of ‘Conserve Water’ before it was
replaced with ‘please switch off your mobiles’.
“What?” I asked, puzzled by her reaction.
Whether or not she agreed with the message there
was no need to panic, even though scientists would
have us believe that potable water on our planet
was going to finish any day now.
“I forgot to switch off the water motor,” she
croaked. “There was no water in the tank when I
was cooking, so I had switched it on, thinking I
would switch it off before leaving. But I forgot...by
now it must be overflowing, and the alarm must be
shrieking itself to death.” I tried to console her, but
she rushed on without listening to me. “If the motor
keeps on running it will burn itself out, plus all the
neighbours must be wondering what the matter is.”
She stopped and turned to me. “Please go home
and switch off the motor. It is not too far.”
“It’s not that near either,” I protested. “I will miss

A
s if to prove her wrong, a large ‘Intermission’
appeared on the screen just then. “See, I was
right”, declared my mother triumphantly. The
lights overhead grew brighter, and she got up and
moved away slowly. “Acha,” said my daughters in
unison, “please get us some popcorn.”
“No need”, said Rachel, “we are having burgers
the whole movie.”
“Is the movie more important than the motor?” she
asked, unmindful of the people glaring at her.
“You can always watch it later on, on the DVD. If
only you had taught me how to drive...” A deep,
heartfelt sigh followed this statement.

I
after the movie, aren’t we?” would have liked to point out that watching it on
“But popcorn is different,” pouted the girls. “We the DVD was precisely what I had advocated in
always have it when we come here with our friends. the first place, and also that I had got her
And there is still an hour to go before we get those enrolled in a driving school before we had the kids,
burgers, and we are starving.” It was amazing how but she had never bothered to use her learning
much unity they could display at the hour of need, so licence after completing the course. That would have
to speak. I got up reluctantly. resulted in an explosion louder than the various
“Oh look.” exclaimed Faith, “Ammamma is trying blasts that had occurred in the city lately. I tried to
to open the exit door. But the toilet is not that way. I think of a solution.
had better go and help her.” She rushed away, and “Can’t you call one of the neighbours and ask
I went to the snacks counter. There was a them to switch it off for us?” I suggested.
long line already, and the menu prices Our flat was on the ground floor, and the
were sky-high. I sighed for the good old “You can motor switch was located right besides the
days when we could buy packets of always watch bathroom ventilator. A tall man could
roasted groundnuts from a kiosk outside it later on, on easily reach inside and switch it off. Okay,
the cinema hall before entering the hall, the DVD. If maybe not that easily, but it could be
and munch through them at a leisurely only you had done. After all, what are neighbours for?
pace. Then I ruefully recalled line in front “But all the numbers are in my
of the lone men’s toilet on the rare
taught me cellphone, and I have not brought it with
occasions I had visited it, and its far from how to me,” she answered .
pristine state, and decided that PVRs were drive...” “Don’t you have a neighbour’s number
a better bargain. A deep, on your phone?”
When I returned, the movie had not heartfelt sigh “Of course not,” I replied, affronted at
begun, but the screen was showing social followed this the idea that I used my phone to chat with
messages such as “Speed thrills but kills”. I the neighbours.
distributed the popcorn packets and sat statement. “Even if you don’t have your phone, you

96 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

must remember a few numbers. Especially the
upstairs Kapur’s. You call her at least four times a
day.”
“Don’t exaggerate,” she rejoined with dignity, “I
don’t call her more than twice a day. Anyway, who
remembers the number when all you have to do is to
punch ‘find’?”
I admitted she had a point. In the older days
people at least dialled the number on those old
fashioned phones. It helped the brain retain the
digits. But what was the use of thinking about that
now?
Joy must have heard us arguing (with the rest of
the audience!), for she came to the rescue
unexpectedly.
“I have Preeti’s number, acha,” she volunteered,
adding (when I looked clueless), that Preeti was the
Kapurs’ daughter. I gratefully handed over my
mobile to her. For someone who claimed to have
never touched it, she operated it with surprising
familiarity, whispering and giggling into it for a time
that seemed unnecessarily long to me. I fidgeted in
my seat, not daring to interrupt. Finally, she switched
it off and gave it back to me.
“All is well,” she said, smiling. “Preeti’s parents
are not at home”, (I almost dropped the mobile.
What had she been chattering about then?), “but
there is no power, so the motor won’t be working
anyway. The lights went off barely 10 minutes after
we left the house; there’s something wrong at the
sub-station. They are repairing it, but it will take
them a while to fix it.”
She finished her piece and turned her attention
back to the screen. I sagged back with relief, trying
not to think of my wasted talktime.
The movie was soon over, but we decided to get
the food packed instead of having it at the
restaurant. For one, it was too crowded, and also
we could not rely upon the inefficiency of the
minions of power company indefinitely. But today
the gods must have been smiling upon us. The
power came back only after we had reached home
and switched off the motor.
“Thank goodness for friends”, exclaimed Joy.
“Thank goodness for power cuts”, intoned my
wife.
“Next time we go on a family outing, I will stay
home”, I promised myself. We
Little kids
with a giant leap
Kids all ready
to take over Trendy trio:
Trendy and
the world in a smart
dresses to
plethora of attire the
innocence of
designs and your children.

playful
colours.
 Three is a
company:
Capture the
days of their
childhood clad
in wonderful
dresses.

Dresses: Sweet n Sour

New Delhi-110 015, Ph: 09212690324
 About the Artist
Name: Puja Sharma
Date of birth: 24 November 1959
Qualification: M.Phil (English), MA
(Drawing & Painting)
Diploma in Art and Craft
E-mail: freezingnight82@gmail.com
Exhibition:
AIFACS – Greater Noida, Wisdom
show, Lalit Kala Gallery, ‘Kala
Kumbh’ – Aifacs & Bikaner, Creative
artist group, Bhagidari Mela New
Delhi organised by Delhi Govt,
Exhibition Groups, Delhi, Wisdom –
Annual Show 2004, All India woman
exhibition at AIFACS Delhi and
Hyderabad by Wisdom Society
2005, Kala Mahotsave All India Art
Exhibition organised by Wisdom
Society; All India Senior Artist
Exhibition at AIFACS; 1st Exhibition
Wisdom show at PSK Delhi, May

A JOURNEY OF ART
2005, 2nd and 3rd Wisdom Show at
PSK Delhi Nov. 2005. Group show
at Lalit Kala Academy, 2006. Group
show at Greenwood Art Gallery,
New Delhi, 2006. Group show at
Army & Navy Building Art Gallery, “My paintings are my personal
Mumbai, Nehru Art Centre Mumbai-
2006. Art Mall.
diary of life’s many joys,
Camps: observations and experiences,”
Demonstration Trildor Colman,
AIFACS, Artist day camp at the says the artist. By Subhra Mazumdar
Platinum Jublee at AIFACS 2005,
f art is considered to be a active member of several artist

Senior Artist camp at Amritsar,
organised by AIFACS, 2005. Senior
Artist Camp at Rani Jhansi Road,
2004; organised by AIFACS 77th
Annual Art exhibition at AIFACS,
March 2005. All India Woman Artists
Camp at Kud, Jammu, organised by
Tourism Deptt. Jammu and Kashmir.
Deptt. 2005. National Art Camp,
Hyderabad 2005, Organised by
Tourism Deptt. Hyderabad, 2005.
Maharani Bagh New Delhi, In
Bhusawal Maharashtra,06. Sahitya
Kala Parishad, New Delhi, Asoka
Hotel, New Delhi, Art Mall 2007.
Conducted summer childrens’
workshop of Sahitya Kala Parishad as
an ‘expert’. Dhumimal city gallery
2008. DPS Srinagar 2008, State
Orissa Lalitkala Academy, 2nd
National Arts camp 2008.
Awards:
Award at 71st Annual Exhibition
Amritsar 2005.
I
journey, then there can be no
better example of such art than
the works of artist Puja Sharma.
A painter with a yen for painting
the outdoors, not just through the
technique of paint and brush, but
with inputs of the heart and mind
alongside, her works are marked
by a steady progress of
remarkable milestones. With each
stage of this onward journey Puja
Sharma’s artistic endeavour has
examined a new dimension, so that
her body of work wears an innate
freshness, a growing maturity and a
pronounced technical excellence.
Though she dismisses this growth
factor simply as ‘ ‘I’m growing old’,
the truth is far from such simplistic
explanations. A teacher of English at
one of the capital’s prominent
schools, Puja spends every hour of
her time at her easel. She is also an
groups who make their art a means
of bonding and exchanging art-
related ideas and creations.
Excerpts from an interview:
Your current works are abstract
forms with a centric emphasis.
What is this centric form of
brilliant colour meant to signify?
I was sitting in a garden
surrounded by flowers, at the Bhimtal
Garden, the hill station of Nainital.
The effect of the sun and shade,
made some parts of this dense flower
cluster appear dark, while elsewhere
it was bright and colourful. From my
seat on the grassy lawns, I
immediately began to make sketches
of the shade and sun dappling effect
and when back home, in my own
garden, the image of that Bhimtal
Garden began to converge and the
painting you see, came alive.
Memories rebuild – another try to HOPE.

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 101


Do you generally paint flowers
in abstract formations?
I have always loved painting
flowers, as part of my overall love for
painting nature. Earlier my flower
paintings were markedly realistic and
I even went on to create a series that
was displayed in one of Delhi’s
galleries. Later, I chose to take the
flower paintings to the
next level and painted
them in the abstract.
What amazed me was
to see how closely
viewers to the gallery
identified with these
abstract flower creations
and nothing gave me
greater pleasure than to
see the smile on their
faces as they viewed
these bright formations.
In some of your
recent abstract works
there is a palpable
division of the canvas
into linear divisions?
Is this a further, or
earlier stage of your
artistic development?
Perhaps, you can call
it an earlier stage or you
can call these paintings
site-specific. The series
was painted in a near
realistic form as I was
seated on top of the
102
and then , they seem to lose their
magic. There seems to be a
silent conversation flowing
between me and the sight, and
that is what I express through the
creations on my canvas.
Can you point to the most
emotive of paintings from your
point of view?
It was a painting that I had
done on my recent trip to
Srinagar. We had gone to
Gulmarg and that day, the sun
was bright and clear, after it had
snowed the previous night. The
sight was breathtaking. The hills
above were snow-covered and
down below, the river and
countryside were a bright blue.
Nagarjuna Sagar dam site in Andhra My imagination took the better of
Pradesh. I could see the geometric me as I watched the local people with
stretches of rock formations their herds. I decided to create a
extending out far from where I was narrative on the canvas, rooted to
seated. There was even a tree line that scene. This abstract work is
on the horizon and then another really divided into three linear
fringe of trees running across from divisions of white tones, blue tones
the other side. The place was and dark tones. The blue tones have
covered in sunlight and below, the a faint play of figures, particularly an
sight seemed to be in old woman who has two parrots on
the shadow. I sat her shoulders. It is a fantasy about
there in the open and old memories of childhood that are
began transmitting in now free to enter and exit her mind
colour just what I as she basks in the sunshine.
could visualise before The nebulous figures is a deliberate
me. I sat there till late stance to convey that one links
in the evening and as with the past while being in the
the shadows length - present.
ened, my painting
took on more sombre Do you come back from a place
tones. The trees and paint pictures based on your
became more wispy experiences?
and distant and the I like to store away fond memories
rocks became promi- and events. When I take up the brush
nent. The painting it seems I can recall these incidents
was later displayed at with more than average hindsight and
the Andhra Pradesh as I paint, I seem to know the exact
State Academy of Art. brush stroke that will be needed to
make that incident come alive. I know
Do you always exactly why I have put a certain
carry your canvases colour, or a certain stroke, in a
on your trips? certain place on the canvas. In that
Well yes. I find the way my paintings are my personal
outdoors seem to lend diary of life’s many joys, observations
themselves to imme - and experiences, making each of my
diate treatment on the canvases a way of relating to my
canvas. Unless I past, my present and perhaps my
record the sights there future. We
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
THE
MIRACULOUS
POWERS
OF SPICES IN HEALING
pices that we use in our
S
daily cooking are full of
healthy antioxidants which
kill the free radicals. They
also remove diseases from
the common to the most
dangerous and keep our
bodies healthy and happy.
Here are some common
spices which help us in our
daily battle with disease.
Asafoetida (hing): It is used for
relieving stomachache, indigestion
and colic. It is usually taken in the
rainy season mixed with jaggery. It
makes the body free of cough, cold
and other respiratory ailments.
Cardamom (elaichi): There are
two types of cardamoms: the small
cardamom which is light green in
colour and the large cardamom which
is dry and black in colour apart from
being used for flavouring. Cardamom
has curing properties too. It is very
good for curing digestive ailments.
● If you eat one cardamom with
one tablespoonful of honey it will not
only improve your eyesight but will
also strengthen the nervous system.
Garlic (lasun) : Garlic has
prophylactic and curative properties
and is very effective in reducing high
blood pressure and curing heart
ailments. Garlic also renews tissues,
cleanses blood and improves digestion.
Cinnamon (dalchini): It is highly
fragrant, not too pungent and acts as
an astringent. Cinnamon is good for
curing acidity, colic and rheumatism.
Cinnamon oil is a very powerful local
stimulant.
Have the benefits of
spices ever remained in doubt?
By Golden Reejsinghani
Fenugreek (methidana): Fenugreek treats urinary and digestive disorders.
is a leguminous plant. Its seeds are ● Heat saffron paste in milk and
bitter and yellow in colour. It is used apply it around the nose and
in curing diabetes, flatulence, forehead. It relieves cold.
diarrohea and enlargement of the ● When saffron is pounded with
spleen and liver. ghee, it is highly effective in diabetes.
● One teaspoonful of fenugreek ● Soaked in water overnight and
powder mixed in one cup of milk taken mixed in honey, it helps in free
daily helps diabetics in reducing sugar. passage of urine.
● To cure constipation, one Turmeric (haldi): Turmeric is an
teaspoonful of fenugreek powder appetiser and aids digestion. It is
should be taken daily in the night with carminative and antiseptic and is
water. used in diabetes.
● To get immediate relief from ● Put one small teaspoonful of
flatulence, heaviness in the chest, turmeric powder in milk and boil it.
burning sensation in the throat, take Drink this milk while still hot. It
one teaspoon of the powder with a relieves sore throat and cold.
little black salt and water. ● Turmeric paste applied before
Cloves (laung): Cloves, besides bathing clears the skin. We
being used as a
seasoning for sweet
and hot prepara -
tions, are a stimu-
lant and carmina -
tive. Clove oil is a
very good mouth -
wash and also
cures toothache.
Cumin (jeera) :
Cumin corrects
digestive disorders
and stimulates the
appetite. It has
carminative and
simulative proper -
ties.
S a f f r o n
(kesar): It is used
to treat fever and
enlargement of the
liver and spleen. It
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 103
A lovely line
blending romance
and nostalgia with
a futuristic
element brings
with it understated
luxury and style...
Wow, a perfect
synergy of
elegance and
sensuality dipped
in a colour palette
of jewel tones!

A FANCIFUL
f light
Passion:
A pleated dress
in plum colour
coupled by a
fitted bodice
punctuated by
dazzling
embellishments.
Romance:
A sensational
scarlet cape
beautified
aesthetically
with a large satin
bow and stones
on the neckline
is coupled with
trousers.
Elegance:
Knee-length
strapless
dress in black with
satin belt and bow
to accentuate the
slender waist.
Desire:
A stylish dress in
walnut grey and
plum with puff
sleeves reminicise
the romantic era
of yore!
Luxury:
A delectable
gown in emerald
green with sensuous
silhouettes is
beautified with
stones on the
neckline. The satin
belt and bow
enhance the beautiful
feminine form.
 Sensuous:
A knee-length
strapeless dress
with sharp
silhouettes in
hues of sapphire
blue clinched at
the waist is
accentuated with
a satin belt.

Designed by: Urvashi Kaur

New Delhi. Ph: +919811432936
 About the Artist
Name: Manjit Singh
E-mail: manjit2255@gmail.com
POETRY IN
COLOURS
Ph: 9873918532

Art shows (Solo)

November 2005 on Sikhism at
Delhi
November 2006 on Swami The artist creates images of words and
Ramdev and Vedic Renaissance
August 2008 Press Club Art depict them on canvas. By Our Correspondent
Gallery, New Delhi Kamayani,
Ek Nisarg Kanya
September 2008 Open Palm
Court, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi
Road, New Delhi. Kamayani ke
Rang, Chintan Se Anand.

Group Shows
AIFCS in 2007
Epicentre, Gurgaon in 2008
Arpana Art Gallery, Siril Fort in
November 2008
Nehru Centre of Art, London 2007

Upcoming art exhibitions

Urvashi of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar
February 2009.
Group show Jehangir Art Gallery
Mumbai February 2009.
Nehru Bal Samiti Award
Sankar’s International Children
he heart perceives, the mind going to be repeated thoughtfully

T
Painting competition
soaks up and stores, an
Durga Pooja Samiti awards
artful metamorphosis begins
Lucknow Chitra Kala Parishad
– the journey becomes
Award 2008
soulful through the aesthetic
Nominated for Asian Peace Award
path paved by poetic
2008 by Artist Academy,
thoughts that overflow onto
New Delhi.
the canvas, their true
essence recalled and
reflected in splashes of
colour. A mix of a cascading medley
of concepts and figures emerge from
feelings and thoughts as artist Manjit
Singh thoughtfully immersed into
Kamayani , the modern Hindi epic,
written by Jaishankar Prasad (1935)
so well that he was successful in
getting the right fragrance when he
gave an enriching visual experience
on his canvas.
Having worked on such a great
work expanded his horizon of
aesthetic senses. The feat is again
recreating the images of words and
then putting them on canvas for a full
view of his current work on Urvashi of
Ramdhari Singh Dinkar, thereby
giving new dimensions to Hindi
poetry too.
Son of a Bengali mother and a
Sikh father, he believes that he’s a
human being first with a secular
approach. A multilingual who knows
Bengali, Tamil, Oriya, Urdu, Hindi,
English and Punjabi, Singh holds
women in high esteem and looks
upon Shabana Azmi and Kiran Bedi
as the epitome of women
empowerment.
A chat with this artist who is a
Hindi poet also and has unique trait
of creating images of words and then
putting them into forms, colours and
textures as per views of prof Shiv
Harit, the art critic and Chairman
 Utensil vendor at rest: A beautiful piece of art (acrylic on canvas) in hues of ochre. Picking up the theme from real
life, the artist Manjit Singh has captured some moments of the routine of utensil vendors.

Management Committee of Sharda
Ukil School of Art...
Excerpts from an interview:
A self taught artist you are! But
how did you actually venture into
this field.
I owe my entry in this field to
Savitri Srivastava, Head of Creative
Art, Bal Bhawan who taught creative
art to me. She is retired now but still
keeps on guiding and inspiring me.
She felt so proud when my works
were selected by Finland govt.
(smiles). But down the memory lane
... I still reminicise one incident when
I was studying in standard V. Our
tenant was a good artist. Once he
started painting a mythological
character on a plywood. I liked it so
much that I actually took his colours
and brushes and tried to complete it.
But, alas! Rather than making it, I
spoilt it. But as they say failures are
stepping stones to success that
incident laid the foundation stone to
my career of an artist.
How do you develop an idea for
a composition?
I capture the themes and ideas
from real life and then depict them.
Every artist has a personal
creative process. Explain yours.
My initial thrust is to expose the

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 111


aesthetic beauty of Hindi poetry
through paintings so I painted the
Kamayani of Jai Shankar Prasad and
now Urvashi of Ramdhari Singh
Dinkar.
What was the reason that you
portrayed Hindi poetry? Wasn’t it
an arduous task to understand the
spirit?
This is my way of paying homage
to our National language Hindi and
India. First, I read the literature to
reach the basic theme and plunge
deep before painting. It’s difficult no
doubt but my sensitivity to literature
and poetry as well as painting made
it possible. I add tints of my own
imagination and fancies in the poetry
so that it may evolve into a
masterpiece. And now, my work is
not restricted to Hindi poetry I’m
going to widen my horizon and now
studying one or two poets from each
state of India. Gradually, I will reach
out to the other parts of the world.
Your relationship with art?
Art is very sacred for me, so it’s
my meditation, my worship.
What would you say about the
commercial impact on art?
Art is the outcome of a gamut of
112
an artist’s emotions. He actually
paints his soul. Commercialisation to
some extent is fine if the quality of
the work is not affected. If the
essence and tenderness of art is not
lost, then commercialisation is just an
honour for an artist that yes he’s
recognised for his work.
Are you influenced by other
artists past or present or do you
stand alone in your vision?
I’m impressed by MF Hussain and
Subroto Kundu but don’t copy their
work.
Your comments about Indian art
in present times. Any difference
from the past?
There’s no denying the fact that
there are better techniques, better
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
material and, of course,
the better media
coverage. There’s a
boom in the art industry
like never before and
people are purchasing it
for investment purposes.
Even the budding young
artists are very talented
and full of energy. Art is
a pyramidical evolution.
No art of any era is bad.
Every artist has an
individual style so one is
free to paint.
Any dream you chase?
I dream to reach moon and create
a rational society where mind is
without fear... where man is not
fighting over the trifle issues of caste,
religion etc. I actually want to give
manifestation of my own desire of
bridging all the barriers of hatred.
How far is your family’s role
significant in making of artist
Manjit Singh?
I give the credit to my wife
Gurmeet Kaur. At her insistence, I
once made a painting. The work was
not actually of my satisfaction so I
tore it into pieces. It was my wife who
then didn’t let me lose heart. She
collected those pieces, arranged
them and got the work framed. The
same painting won a lot of
appreciation.
That very work gave birth to my
own individual style and the incident
paved the way for me to create more
and more.
Even my sons, Parminder Singh
and Jasminder Singh encourage me.
Though they are pursuing CA and
MBA respectively, they love to paint.
An artist with a passion to delve
into depth of life and express his
revelations through paintings. Always
learning and looking forward, he’s
already on a pursuit to capture the
essence of the thoughts of
Harisvansh Rai Bachchan. It’s a deep
desire and long wish of the artist to
get the inauguration of the show by
Amitabh Bachchan, the legendary
son of the poet! We

hampak Creative Child
C
Contest ‘On the Spot Story
Writing and Painting
Competition’ evoked great
interest when children from
all over the country spent
their Sunday showing their
creativity. The contest was
organised in two phases.
First round received around
more than 20,000 stories from
children of 12000 schools across the
country. Out of these 125 children
were selected for the second and the
final round which was an ‘On the
Spot Story Writing and Painting
Competition’ held at Rail Museum,
Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
Achievers Gallary: Children
enthusiastically wrote a story giving
them a theme and drew a painting on
the spot. The Principals of DPS, East
of Kailash, Dolly Chandana, DPS
International, Ameeta Mishra and
representatives of Modern School,
Humayun Road, Manju Mehra and
Sanskriti School, Chanakyapuri,
Shuchi Khanna did honours to the
competition by coming as guest judges.
CHILDRENS’ DAY
TO SHOW CREATIVITY
The first prize of a gold medal, Rs
10,000 cash and a certificate went to
Dolly of DAV International School,
Amritsar, Punjab.
Monika Tayal of Sarti Devi
Rajaram Public School Shamli, Ketki
Godsey of Parachute Regiment
School, Bangalore, Karnataka and
Yash Chadda of Ahlcon International,
Mayur Vihar, New Delhi won the
second prize with a silver medal, Rs
5000 and a certificate.
Five third prizes of a bronze
medal, Rs 2500 and a certificate
each were won by Disha Gupta of
Evergreen Public School, Vasundhra
Enclave, New Delhi, Subhangi
Srivastav, Police Modern School,
Lucknow, Shreya Jain of Sophia Sr
Sec School, Bhilwara, Rajasthan,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Aakriti Khajuria of Presentation
Convent School, Gandhi Nagar, J&K
and Atishay Jain of Mother Teresa
Public School, Preet Vihar, Delhi.
There were 10 consolation prize
winners who were awarded a bronze
medal each with cash prize of Rs
1000 each and a certificate.
The winners were gifted Champak
mementos and all the participants
were gifted bag of goodies with
participation certificates.
Environment’s Children: Talking
to children at the prize distribution
ceremony in the evening Chief
Guest, former Cabinet minister
Maneka Gandhi said that global
warming has become an issue of
serious concern for mankind. She
emphasised the need of shunning the
use of plastic to save pollution and
environment. She also made them
aware of the hazards of the use of
plastic and children’s responsibility
towards saving the earth.
Guest of honour at the function
were mountaineer Padmashree
Santosh Yadav, and famous
cartoonist Padmashree Sudhir
Tailang. All the participants got a bag
of goddies and certificates which
boosted their spirits and memorable
sweet memories of Champak, past
and present. We
113
 ONE COMMON
RESOLUTION ike millions in this country, I

L
do make a new resolution to
initiate a new beginning.
Some refresh their resol -

THIS utions that they had taken last

year while some try to figure

NewYear
out what should be the new
resolution in 2009. Albeit the
resolution that I took about
writing a book on human
happiness in the wee hours of 2008
is still incomplete. Still, I think I have
to refresh that resolution once again
Get rid of terrorism in since the bulk of the work remains to
be done and I am not sure whether it
all its forms and manifestations. would be completed by December
2008. It was not that I did not try. But
By M Shamsur Rabb Khan how could I write about human
happiness when the country
witnessed spate of sorrows due to
terror attacks? This, like the one I am
going to request all my fellow citizens

114 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

to take, is not a one-year resolution in
fact. But before that, I would like to
share some real-time examples.
I asked one of my friends who
work in the real estate sector in Delhi,
who had vowed at the beginning of
2008 that he would work hard to get
a new job with a salary hike of at
least 30 per cent. He was happy to
see his resolution realised in just 10
months’ time. Now he plans to repeat
this feat in 2009 as well. Will he be
able to do that? With real estate
facing a tough time, this seems highly
unlikely, yet he is optimistic. Good
luck to him. Terror and economic
recession are the two brutal realities
of 2008. And, unlike the US, India
has been a victim more of terror than
recession though terror itself brings
an economic halt to a great extent as
it did show some downfall in the
inflow of tourists in Rajasthan and
Maharashtra.
One of my colleagues has been
failing in his professional duties all
through 2008, due to which he has
been reprimanded many times, and
since the organization wants to get
rid of him, he is all too depressed and
melancholic. The other day when I
tried to intervene, he grew reserved.
For, a while my intimacy got a halt, a
the serene-looking man looked so
expressionless. Since he was the talk
of the office for all the inefficiency
that he brought from the US and UK
(he had studied in both the
countries), we were flabbergasted at
his work output. More than that, he
confuses more when he
communicates with us, and always
comes up with an idea or solution
which has no definite conclusions.
But I tried again. This time, when
almost all my colleagues were gone, I
went to him and asked about his
extra silence and alien attitude.
Looking shy and introverted at the
age of 30, the man raised his face
and said, “Please leave me alone. I
want loneliness.” He was married to a
beautiful wife and had an equally
pretty one-year old baby girl. Evading
his response, I asked, “What is your
New Year resolution this time?”
“Nothing in particular. In fact, I
never had one.”
“Have you read this?” I asked,
pointing to a saying of Dhirubhai
Ambani hung right on a wooden
board at his workstation, which read
“I keep revising my dream, only when
you dream it you can do it.” He just
nodded his head, with dishevelled
hair hung on his face.
“My life is a living hell. How can
you talk about a New Year
resolution?” His was a tragic voice,
his eyes welled up with tears. I was
nervous for a while, as if I had put
my hands into a beehive with million
bees ready to sting simultaneously.
Gathering courage, I invited him to
my room. I wanted know if he needed
a resolution more than anyone else
or not.
So, what is your problem?” I was
adamant. He read my face for a
while, lowered his face and said: “I
can’t sleep these days. I have
dreams of bomb explosions and I
carry the load of terror attacks every
time wherever I go. The other day I
was at Chandpole (a market place at
Jaipur) where the bomb ripped apart
many innocents this May. When 9/11
occurred, I was in New York, when
the serial blasts occurred, on 13 May,
I am here. Next, it was in Delhi,
Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Mumbai…Where
do you think I should go and live in
peace? I am too scared.”
So, that was the reason for this
young, bright professional to be so
scared to work properly, proving one
of the five needs of Maslow’s
Hierarchy of Needs right that
professionals are supposed to work
in a safe and secure environment?
After a brief pause, I told him that my
wife had made frantic calls from Delhi
 he said his mouth was sour. More opt for a New Year resolution as per
WE ENJOY than that, I found him very disturbed their plans and commitments, one
PLEASURE ONLY in his sleep that night, restless, common resolution that we, as
WHEN INDIA IS whispering and agitative. This was
the reaction of a child who has
citizens of this country, need urgently
to make is that we will not allow any
SAFE AND SECURE; watched the devastation on TV. Can more terror strikes on our land. No
AND WE we imagine the traumatic horror of
those who have experienced terror
explosion, no merciless killings, no
suffering, no pain, no irreparable
CANNOT ENJOY IT strikes on the personal level, loss.
WHEN HUNDREDS especially children – losing a father, a
mother, a brother or a husband and
This common resolution is the
greatest need of the hour as we can
OF FAMILIES ARE survive only when India
WEEPING FOR survives; we enjoy pleasure
only when India is safe and
THEIR LOVED ONES secure; and we cannot enjoy
WHO HAVE BEEN it when hundreds of families
are weeping for their loved
KILLED BY THE ones who have been killed
MINDLESS by the mindless menace of
terrorism. How can we enjoy
MENACE OF a picnic dish when hundreds
TERRORISM. have tears to swallow?
So, what should be our
resolution this New Year?
We can take a solemn
pledge to fight terrorism as
we had fought for our freedom
decades ago, as freedom from terror
is freedom from fear. And without
fear, there is no joy, no picnic trip and
no party.
The people’s collective voice can
be a tremendous power that must
reach the hidden, unknown and
heinous criminals in India and
abroad. We can pledge to create
more bravehearts like Major
Unnikrishnan. We can pledge to be
more vigilant. And we can pledge to
be more responsible and accountable
citizens.
Unlike individual resolutions,
on 13 May when Jaipur was targeted. wife? Perhaps terrorism is India’s collective and common resolutions
I was a few furlongs from one of the biggest problem today. And a bigger can be more effective and lasting,
blast sites. I was lucky, unlike those threat too. This is a ‘new age terror’ and it would be a good idea to have a
who died or those who received that has been taking a heavy toll of common, collective resolution this
serious injuries. India seems so this country. It hampers our New Year that could benefit all the
unsafe these days: railway stations, economic, social, religious and citizens of the country.
malls, crowded markets, temples and individual growth. Which is why I like But how? Protests, processions,
hotels, etc., Besides, air, water, and my countrymen to go for a collective, writings, opinions, and awareness
land – all need to be put under common resolution this New Year. generation are some of the means
surveillance. From the personal to the national whereby we can warn the hidden
On 26 November when terrorist level, the resolution shows a well- enemy as well as put pressure on the
struck Mumbai, I reached home and thought-out plan that gives a whole government machinery to be
found my son so scared. He was new direction as well as dimension prepared. Above all, we can pledge
constantly watching the disaster live to self-development. But is self- to weed out corruption from public life
on TV. And then he did not take his development possible without that allows what we hear as ‘lapses’
dinner. So, emotionally surcharged, national security? While many may and ‘insider help’. We

116 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 Q U I Z
69
1Q
How often do you see your crush?
a. Often, not as much as you can, a few
times a day.
b. Rarely or never.
c. Every once in a while, maybe once a day
d. Every single day, as much as possible,
multiple times a day.

2Q
How often do you talk to your crush?
a. Very often
b. Rarely or never
c. Whenever you see him/her
d. If you get the opportunity you might try
to talk to him/her

3Q
Have you ever wanted to kiss
your crush?
a. Oh yea baby, give me some sugar.

?
b. Sometimes.
c. Not really.
ARE YOU IN d. Yes, I dream about it all day and night.

LOVE, LUST 4Q
Have you ever kissed your crush?
a.
b.
Maybe once, on the cheek, just a hello kiss.
Yes, maybe on the lips, maybe on the cheek.
OR JUST HAVE PROBLEMS c. Never
d. Yes, on the lips
This is a basic quiz, based on
experience, to determine if you are
really in love. Note that this quiz is
mostly for guys.
d in the
entries will be publisheera
Sforelethccteomd ing issue of Woman’s . Look ou
for the 15 February 2009 issue
t &
Answer the questions win a grand prize...

Last date for sending entries: 31 January 2009

ur friendfor a better
Achattance
ch a photograph of yoma
of fea tur ing in Wo n’s era

W in a
Grand
✂

Prize
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 117
5Q 10Q
Have you ever imagined having sex Do you like the same movies,
with your crush? books, TV shows, etc?
a. Not really. a. Yup, I’m pretty sure.
b. I have; but I don’t let it abuse my complete b. I don’t think so.
view on him/her c. Maybe a few, I’m not really sure
c. All the time; it’s too bad I can’t get any though.
d. I guess a few times d. For the most part; yes; and even if
there are a few that we don’t agree

6Q
Have you ever had sex with your on, we’ll still watch them for the sake
crush? of each other.

a. No, but I want to.

11Q
b. No, and I don’t want to. Do you talk about your crush to
c. Our relationship is all about sex, I always your friends?
need more, but I don’t know if he/she
a. Of course, I’m confident enough
wants more.
with him/her that we can easily
d. Yes, but we only have done it on rare
talk about each other to friends.
occasions to show our affection towards
b. Possibly with the best friend or
each other.
family.
c. Yes, he/she is so hot!

7Q
What physically do you like about d. Nope, I am too afraid to, say.
your crush?
a. I’m not sure, I can’t explain it.
b. Body
c.
d.
Everything.
The hair or eyes.
Scoring Terms and Conditions:
Don’t you hate those artificial quizzes that

8Q
Do you know each others’ parents? only have one obvious right answer? Since we don’t
a. Yes, but I’m not sure how’d they act know about your personal life, these questions could
together. work out, depending on one’s personality and
b. Not well. interactions. And you could probably come up with
c. Yes, both of our families get together better answers!
greatly.
d. Not at all. Prove that you are aware of this trivia.
Send us the coupon with your photo along
with the correct answers.

9Q
Have you been on a date with
your crush? Name
a. Never. Age
b. Yes, but not many times. Address
c. Once.
d. Yes, more than one, multiple places.
PIN
Phone: E-mail

Winner Occupation

of Don’t forget to attach a photograph

Friendship 1. Mark the answers and send us the cutting of

Quiz this quiz along with this coupon. The last date is
31 January 2009. So hurry up and post it now.
Contest - 66 2. The decision of the editor will be final. 3. Depict
your true self only. 4. Send a photograph of your
Rishi Soni own. It may be printed in Woman’s Era, along with
A-84, Shivalik, the results. Send to: Woman’s Era, Delhi Press,
New Delhi. E-3, Jhandewala, New Delhi-110 055.

Q&
I am 35 years old and the mother of
two kids. My problem is that whenever
I laugh a few drops of urine comes out
and spoils my underwear. This is
every embarrassing. Please help.
In some women who have had
repeated pregnancies there is a
weakness of pelvic muscles which is
responsible for your problem. Streng-
thening of pelvic muscles is what is
required. For this you should do pelvic
floor exercises which strengthen the
A
part of the pelvic floor muscles which
support the bladder, womb and
rectum. For this you may take advice
from your doctor.
I am 28 years old and slightly
overweight. I am on diet. Though I
am losing weight, at the same time I
am feeling exhausted all the time. Is
it because of dieting? Please advise.
You are absolutely right in
assessing your problem. Dieting can
not only cause fatigue but also
exhaustion. But this does not mean
that you have to discard dieting. It is
the radical reduction in calories which
produces metabolic changes in the
body leaving it with less energy.
Prolonged dieting is going to leave
you with poor nutrition. At the same
time be sure you are not getting
anaemic. So, balance your diet in
such a way that your energy require-
ments are met. You can also pop a
multivitamin tablet daily to guard
against any nutritional deficiency.
I am 35 years old, married and the
mother of a young teenager. Of late,
lethargy has set in, though I
apparently do not feel any problem.
Please help.
There can be a number of causes
which range from the physical to the
emotional. The physical causes can
include poor functioning of the thyroid,
anaemia and variations in blood
sugar levels. Besides, the factors of
disturbed sleep, anxiety depression
and undue stress can also be
responsible. You should consult your
doctor in this regard who can be able
to treat you after investigation.
I am 28 years old and a young
mother. I take regular exercises but,
of late, I find that it is exhausting me.
Please advise.
It may look strange but exercising
either too little or too much can tire a
person. It may look intriguing to write
that too little exercise can be
exhausting. This is not because of
anything but for the fact that the body
requires energy to keep it functioning.
So, if you do little exercise the body
does not function properly. On the
other hand, excessive exercise will
produce chronic fatigue. This can be
avoided by interspersing an exercise
programme with periods of rest. At
the same time in any young woman,
the problem of nutrition as well as
menstruation irregularities have also
to be looked into.
I am 30 years old and married. Of
late, I have noticed that almost in the
middle of the month I get heightened
sex desire. I do not understand it.
Please advise.
This is absolutely normal. Many
women enjoy heightened desire
round about ovulation and then again
a day or two before their periods.
This is as a result of hormonal
influences (oestrogens and tiny
amounts of testosterones). After
ovulation, the production of andro -
gens declines while levels of the
female hormone (progesterone) rise.
So rest assured. There is nothing
abnormal in it.
I am 35 years old and married.
Lately, I have started having a
tingling and numbness in my hands
and feet. Often, there is a feeling of
the falling asleep. I do not know what
it is. Please advise.
I would not like to dismiss your
problem lightly. There can be a
number of causes for your problem
like pressure on the nerves, diabetes,
vitamin deficiency especially of vitamin
B. Sometimes, calcium deficiency can
also cause this problem. So it would
be better if you are investigated on the
above lines and treated accordingly.
I am a 28-year-old housewife. I was
feeling exhausted, so I went to my
doctor who diagnosed it to be
anaemia. I am surprised since I take
a good nutritive diet.
It does look surprising to find a
person who is taking a good diet and
not suffering from any apparent
illness having anaemia. There can be
a number of causes for this. These
include worm infestation where there
is a daily loss of blood. Similarly, you
are losing blood during menstruation.
Hidden loss of blood may not be
detected in an early case of piles. So
it would be better if you are investi-
gated on these lines and treated
accordingly.
— Dr S. N. Khosla, MD.
YOUR BODY
Readers are invited to send in any health
and medical queries they would like to
be answered. Woman’s Era will provide
answers to your questions and offer
solutions to your problems. Individual
replies cannot be sent. Address your
letters (neatly written on white paper) to:
WOMAN'S ERA,
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
 QA &
Q&
I study in a girls’ school. I have a
close friend of many years with whom
I share confidences. We are both 15
years old. Recently, to my shock, she
revealed that she has fallen in love
with me! She suggested that we have
a lesbian relationship and later live
together. I am repulsed by the whole
idea. I like her but not in this way. I
told her this and she accepted my
decision. But now, our friendship is
ruined and I try to avoid her. She
begs me to return to our old status
but I just cannot do so. Can I help
her become straight? Please
advise.
During puberty, when there is a
sudden spurt of sex hormones in the
adolescent’s body, she or he thinks
amorously about even people of the
same sex. Especially too, when they
A
are in single-sex schools where they
do not meet members of the opposite
sex. In due time, however, their
sexual preferences usually become
normal, and they cease to feel such
homosexual inclinations.
Having such juvenile crushes on
teachers and classmates is common
at this age. It is a passing phase and
in all probability, your friend will lead
a normal life after a time.
Your shock and revulsion is
pardonable, but do not be judgemental
or disapproving. You should try to
put the whole thing behind you and
continue with your friendship. You
could also have a boyfriend for
yourself and get another for your
friend so that you will be a foursome.
If, however, she is genuinely gay, you
will not be able to transform her. You
will have to accept her as she is.
120
TEEN ACHE
TEEN CHE
very nice guy. But I am awfully
worried because, earlier, I had had
A
I am getting married next month to a
an affair with a college mate. It is all
over now, and I am going to be fully
devoted to my husband. But will my
husband find out that I am not a
virgin? I am 19 years old.
Your bridegroom may or may not
find out about your earlier
involvement. If you have had
intercourse earlier, perhaps there will
be no bleeding with your first
I am a 17-year-old
girl who belongs to
an atheist family. I
have fallen in love
with a very nice boy,
well-educated and
from a reputable
background. But his people are
very religious-minded and want
him to marry a girl who will blend in
with them. All this time, I am
pretending to be a believer, and
even accompanied my boyfriend to
temples. I am afraid to tell him the
truth as it will mean the end of our
relationship. What should I do?
You cannot build a strong
relationship on pretences. When
your boyfriend finds out that you
have been living a life of lies, he
will be terribly disappointed and
disillusioned, and will surely not
want you to be his wife.
You have to face reality. Tell
him the truth and accept the
consequences. You could promise
not to restrict him in any way
although you have different
opinions. If his love is strong , he
may try to convince his family into
accepting you.
But definitely do not deceive
them into thinking that you are
something you are not.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
intercourse with your husband. Many
times, there is no bleeding too, so
your husband may not suspect
anything. Since you intend to be a
faithful wife, stop feeling guilty over
your past and look forward to a
happy future. Confessing the earlier
affair too is uncalled for.
I am a pretty, 16-year-old girl but my
face is full of pimples. Even my
forehead has ugly bumps. My friends
tell me that my non-veg diet is to
blame for my condition. Will cosmetic
surgery help? Is the treatment costly?
Please advise.
During puberty, hormonal changes
in the body are the main culprits. A
non-vegetarian diet does not play any
significant part in this, though a low-
fat, non-greasy diet could clear your
skin to a certain degree. Keep your
face oil-free with frequent washes
with a medicinal soap. Don’t finger,
scratch or pinch the pimples as this
could lead to infection. Drink at least
eight glasses of water in a day.
Cosmetic surgery cannot help to cure
your problem but can help to deal
with the pits and scars left by severe
acne. At present, you should consult
a good endocrinologist who will start
treatment to heal and contain your
ailment.
TEENACHE
This column is especially for
teenagers. Adolescence can, we know,
be a trying and confusing time. There
are so many questions which seem to
evade solutions. A wrong decision, or
an indiscreet move, can spell disaster
and ruin a life. Share your problem,
worry or doubt with us and WE will
help you find a way out — to a
happier, healthier and more successful
adult life. Send your problems to:
WOMAN’S ERA
E-3, Jhandewala Estate,
New Delhi-110 055,
Womansera.com
 Anand Goswami
Qualification: B.F.A. from Govt.
Institute of Fine Art, Indore.
E.mail:anandgoswami_30@yahoo.co
m
Solo shows
LKA, New Delhi-02, 04, 05, 08
Ayya Art Gallery, Chennai, 2008.
Joie Gallery Lalit Kala Academy 2008
Group shows
Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai,
1991, 2003.
Deolalikar Art Gallery, Indore, 1992.
Bharti Bhavan, Bhopal, 1992.
Deolalikar Art Gallery, 1994, 95.
Indian Habitat Centre, 2004.
Himachal State Museum,
Shimla, 2004.
Two-man Show Habiart Gallery,
2004.
Lalit Kala Academy, 2004, 06, 07.
Urasvati Art Gallery, 2005.
Doon School, old Boys Society, 2006.
Travencore Art Gallery, 2006, 08.
Young Hearts, Bhubaneshwar,
2007.
Gymkhana Club, New Delhi, 2007.
Shri Dharani Art Gallery,
New Delhi, 2008.
Open Plam Court Gallery IHC 2008.
Art Melang Gallery Art Farrago,
Gurgaon, 2008.
E-paintings canvasindia ISH
London, 2008 IMBIBED

SOUL
Camps
Artist Camp Gurgaon 2005.
Artist Camp Kasauli, 2006.
Artist Camp Gymkhana Club,
New Delhi 2007.
Collections

WITHIN
ICICI Bank Mutual Fund Asia Head
Office, Singapore.
Digvijay Singh, Former C.M.
Madhya Pradesh.
Muffins, Janak Puri, New Delhi.
An artist who brings planets closer by
Chairman, Petro and Chemical Sadhana – extreme height of meditation...
Reliance Uppal’s Orchid.
Lalu Prasad Yadav (Minister of By Puja Sharma
Railways, Govt. of India) n idol seated deep within a one gets startled to see the amazing

A
Himachal State Museum, Shimla.
Gymkhana Club New Delhi.
Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd.
(Govt. of India Enterprises)
Many other private collections within
India and abroad.
Award
Indore School of Art 1992.
dark cave, a shrine to sit in scenario within the walls of a temple
front of you with emotions gaining a soothing satisfaction at
bringing your heart open heart. Its all brought about by people
before someone – like Anand Goswami, an artist from
almighty; figures super - Madhya Pradesh who got a super
natural, sculptures so chance of painting a mural of Shiva in
attractive – all placed well oil for a temple when he was just in
decorated according to the class VII. His work was appreciated
environment and value – by all and followed by another series
of murals during his school days. It is
a matter of high imagination of the
artist as such that one’s heart gets
attracted towards those idols which
hold place in temples and places of
worship.
Anand’s paintings for temples
went for quite some time and he
started painting stainglass. Later, he
joined Indore School of Art for a
proper education and guidance to
improve upon his creations.
Anand’s belief that art comes from
his ‘ inner voice’ combining with
devotion to the Supreme, can be
observed strongly with a blend of
‘spirituality’ in his paintings. A person
who is a lone rider, going along the
road of one raas and one rasta. His
works show simplicity in style
figuring, single piece ‘Shakya Muni’
with expressions, through his eyes
prominently conveying the feelings.
His hazy and blurred abstract form
comes out from a brilliant and soft
texture but with vibrant colours. The
use of yellow and red or yellow and
blue merges to give a complete
different tone which are serene and
peaceful. His monochromes invite
strokes of one colour overlapping
another.
The figure in Anand’s painting
seems to be very symbolic by the
looks, full of emotions. It comes out
prominently from the brilliant texture
– a product of many transparent
layers.
Excellent art and expression of
creativity are not a thing of the past
when it comes to Anand Goswami.

Excerpt from an interview:

In all your paintings you have
painted one figure which is
abstract, and not truly visible.
In some of my paintings, I painted
‘Shakya Muni’ who was a preacher
of Shakya Tribe. His path of ahimsa
and peace left a deep impact on my
mind. In another series it is Buddha
who has all the same preachings. I
have brought him out through the
artistic and fascinating mystery.

Do you have a concept before

you start painting?
I do not plan before I paint. My
imagination guides me as I start my strokes. I portray my
dreams of night which I remember so well in the morning. I love
oil colours and the use of gold and Indian yellow. These colours
bring out a certain harmony in Planets’ reflection on earth in my
work. I depict a process of meditation which heals the mind of
man.

It’s true you clash with planets. Do you really have a

knowledge of astrology?
Well, I am a trained palmist and an astrologer from
Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

According to you what is the philosophy of art?

Our mind is the observer and this receiver of one follows the
mind, he can create a better piece. I work according to it.

Say something about the theme of your painting?

Hindu mythology – The Creator – I am painting ‘deities’ and
soon would be painting Ramayana and Mahabharata and not
only Hinduism but the Hindustani touch in it, the Hindustani
culture in truth – old themes and so on.

As an artist your credit goes to whom?

I never had my parents hand over my head but as I was
alone I was blessed by the Almighty that I got little jobs in
temples which carved a fine artist out me at an early age of life.

How do you react towards criticism?

I welcome the comments as these help me to think over
and improve my work.

Do you paint for arts’ sake or commercial sake?

Well, I paint for my own sake, I paint for a prize’s sake not
for labour but an appreciation must be there from others,
otherwise there is no use without cheering up.

Where do you want to see yourself in 10 years from

now?
I want to be a celebrity person – very famous and admirable.

Say something for the up-and-coming artists.

Practice makes a man perfect. One should never be
satisfied. If he wants to be successful he should keep on
practising, creating new works in the field of art. An artist must
never work in groups. Art line is search, you must stay aloof –
single – then only you will be successful as Art is a Worship –
Sadhana – highest place of worship. We

This mural Collection by Manish Kumat architect Indore.


USICAL GIANTS T series and
M legendary showman Subhash
Ghai’s Mukta Arts celebrated the
success of Subhash Ghai’s musical
extravaganza Yuvraaj at Whistling
Woods. The musical celebration of
this multi-starrer saw the entire cast
and crew of the film descending at
the venue.
Subhash Ghai, Krishan Kumar,
stars Anil Kapoor, Salman Khan,
Katrina Kaif, Zayed Khan along with
A.R. Rahman, Gulzar, Sonu Nigam
and Shreya Ghoshal spoke about the
magnificent music in the film.
Humour ruled the roost with
wisecracks from Salman, boosted by
Ghai, Zayed Khan and Anil Kapoor
who played along sportingly. Katrina
looking gorgeous answered Sidharth
Kannan’s cheeky questions with
aplomb.
Set in Prague and Vienna, this
musical extravaganza tells a story of
two brothers Salman Khan and
Zayed Khan who are in desperate
need of money, and have to woo
Katrina Kaif plays a
musician and the beloved of
Salman Khan in Yuvraaj.
B O M B AY F I L M D O M
their eldest brother, Anil Kapoor to
share their inherited property left by
their late father. The father in his ‘will’
had left the entire property worth
billions to his eldest son Anil Kapoor,
who is mentally challenged for his
age, and is a tough nut to crack. The
leading lady Katrina Kaif is a
musician and the beloved of Salman
Khan in the film. She plays the
catalyst in this family drama through
the echo of her music.
To mark the event Katrina
presented Salman with the
musical instrument. On
return Salman gifted a
painting by his good friend
Rouble Negi to Katrina.
HABINA KHAN is the
S costume designer for
Lamha starring Sanjay
Dutt and Kunal Kapoor.
Insiders say, “Sanjay
Kunal Kapoor plays a
Pathan in Lamha.
plays an undercover cop in the film.
Shabina has given Sanju a new look,
that’s absolutely stunning. Dutt looks
raw-rough and tough just like the way
undercover cops look.” The source
added, “Kunal Kapoor plays a Pathan
in the film. Shabina has stylised his
look and costumes accordingly.
Shabina did a lot of research on the
Pathans also with the kind of look
that Kunal has, Shabina’s costumes
gel very well with his personality.”
IRECTOR SUDIPTO Chattopadhya
D who is currently making Pankh
for Whitefeather Films with Bipasha
Basu is pretty nervous. Pankh, with
its bold theme of gender identity, has
already created ripples in the film
industry. To calm his frail nerves,
Sudipto had a special screening of
the rushes of Pankh for a select
few from the film fraternity and he
heaved a sigh of relief when his
guests stepped out of the preview
theatre with a smile on their faces.
Sudipto said, “I was glad that the
audience could easily connect to
the main protagonist emotionally.
The theme of Pankh touched their
hearts and that itself was a
triumphant moment for me.
Everyone who saw the scenes was
full of praise. It was heart warming.”
Jiah Khan very sensitive on issues
of child abuse.
Bipasha Basu
in Pankh.
ERY FEW know that
V Jiah was a UNICEF
ambassador. A close
friend of the actress
revealed, “Jiah first
modelled for UNICEF
when she was barely six.
She became a UNICEF
brand ambassador once
again when she was 12.”
The friend said at the
tender age of six Jiah had
no idea what charity was
all about. By the time she
turned 12 she felt very
strongly for charity work
and thus chose to be
UNICEF brand amba -
ssador once again.
Nandana Sen – full appreciations for her
role in Rang Rasiya.
“Jiah has always believed in doing
charity work and has even made
short film on child abuse. Jiah feels
very strongly about the issue of child
abuse and aims to take active steps
to put an end to it permanently”, she
added.
ANDANA SEN who held a
N special preview of Rang Rasiya
recently has been receiving
compliments galore for her
performance in the film. A close
friend of Nandana revealed, “Her dad
(Amartya Sen) loved the film. It was a
great feeling for Nandana when her
father congratulated Ketan Mehta
several times for making a film that
puts across a strong political
statement so relevant in today’s time.
He also felt proud of Nandana and
said that it was worth flying down
from China to watch the film.
Meghnad Desai who was also
present noticed Nandna’s
performance very minutely and
complimented her on the finer
nuances and expressions that she
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 125
gave in the film. Meghnad’s detailed
remarks took Nandana by surprise.
She was truly touched.”
Rang Rasiya also had a
screening at Galle, Sri Lanka, where
Nandana got a standing ovation for
her performance.
ERENA WAZEIR, the actress
F from Rang Rasiya beautiful not
just by looks but also by heart,
volunteered for the Graffiti Ball fund
raising charity event which was held
at sofitel London Heathrow. She was
one of the guests of honour and
walked the ramp for one of the best
international designer’s in the world.
The dress was put up for the highest
auction at the event...
Ferena is making her debut in
Ketan Mehta’s movie Rang Rasiya,
which is being produced by Deepa
Sahi. The movie is based on Raja
Ravi Varma’s life. ND Ferena plays
the role of a journalist and the third
woman in his life. Ferena has also
recently landed a three-movie deal
with a major studio in Bollywood. She
is also starring in Sadiyaan , a Raj
Kanwar movie with Luv Sinha
(Shatrughan Sinha’s son). Co-stars
include Rekha, Rishi Kapoor and
Hema Malini. Ferena will also star in
a Hollywood movie with Danis Anodic
(Oscar-winning director for No Man’s
Land ).. She also has a movie with
Tania Chandra and Soni Razdan.
The Graffiti Ball aims to raise
£100,000 to support the work of the
Consortium for Street Children
(CSC): the only global network
promoting and protecting the rights
of street children across the world.
AMMIR DATTANI who shot
S glamorous photographs with a
Brazilian model for a magazine
cover, has swept the model off her
feet.. she was completely bowled
over by Dattani’s boyish charm.
Sammir on the other hand found the
model to be hot and sexy. “She is too
hot to handle,” Sammir said grinning.
The sizzling cover promises to spark
off rage on all levels – national and
international.
A close friend of Sammir revealed,
“Sammir and the Brazilian model had
Beautiful Ferena Wazeir with a
beautiful heart.
fun shooting the cover together. As
she was from Brazil, Sammir took
time off to show her around
Mumbai... and she has promised
Sammir a warm welcome if he visited
Brazil.
Now that’s an invitation which
Sammir can never turn down it.
AJA MENON’S controversial film
R Barah Anna starring Tannishtha
Chatterjee, who’s also known as
queen of parallel cinema, dares to
put across the other side of India. It
shows the insensitive wealthy
Indian’s discriminatory attitude
towards his domestic staff. Raja
Menon’s Barah Anna is being
compared to Booker Prize Winner
Aravind Adiga’s novel The White
Tiger. “Tannistha’s performance has
drawn immense attention because
she plays a central role in the film,”
said Raja Menon. Talking about
Barah Anna Menon said, “My film
takes a brutal look at how the poor in
Bombay, a teeming metropolis full of
extremes, cope with their everyday
problems.”
ELINA JAITELY is one lady who
C does not believe in resting on her
laurels! After the amazing response
to her latest Bollywood movie
Golmaal Returns, Celina is all geared
up to impress international audiences
too!
Celina was recently at ‘Hoyts La
Premiere’ in Auckland (New
Zealand) for the Red Carpet
Premiere of her first international
film Love has no Language along
with Australian co-star Ben Mitchell
and Rugby star Monty Beetham
who apparently was quite taken by
Celina’s Indian beauty!
The actress seems to have had
a lot of fun shooting with her Kiwi
co-star Ben; she also underwent a
20-day training in New Zealand
and Australian accents and has
received good reviews for her
characterisation of a Kiwi Indian
girl.
The movie is about a Kiwi Indian
girl, basically a second generation
Indian girl born and brought up in
New Zealand. Marina Roy (Celina
Jaitley) is torn between the Indian
values of old Indian traditions and the
fact that she is actually a Kiwi girl
who has never been to India. A Kiwi-
Aussie boy of Maori (Ben Mitchell)
origin falls in love with her and the
story follows how she plans to avoid
the marriage set up by her parents
with an Indian boy... who is actually
gay!
HE TAJ may have been built over
T 350 years ago but it took Akbar
Khan to resurrect it with his director’s
cut version of Taj Mahal – An Eternal
Love Story is making waves the
globe over now. When contacted at
Damascus where Taj was
showcased at the opening ceremony
of the Special Indian Night, Khan was
excited about the accolades and
acclaim that the film had won there.
Earlier, PM Dr Manmohan Singh
who saw the film with his family
presented a print of this films to the
former president of Pakistan. Taj has
also been adorned by two Indian
National Awards for best costumes
and art direction besides being
selected by Dubai International Film
Festival committee for a world
premiere on 11 December. Recently,
the film was invited by the
Government of Abu Dhabi for a
special screening at the Al-Dhafra
Theatre of Authority for Culture and
Heritage. – Sudha Hariharan
 Mosh, a professional
fetish model, poses for
attendees of Dr
Sketchy’s anti art
school drawing session
in New York’s East
Village. The school
offers to art students
an alternative from
traditional drawing
classes, giving the
class to a burlesque
atmosphere in which
artists share their
creations with friends,
nothing short of the
bohemian art world.
Anti-establishment art
Beauty pageant
Exhibition of Luxury

A woman wearing
body paint, poses
for photographers at
the Millionaire Fair
in Moscow, Yachts,
private islands and
even an Irish castle
are on offer at
Russia’s well
attended exhibition
of luxury goods and Miss Russia Ksenya Sukhinova (C) crowned 58th Miss world,
services. Miss India Parvathay Omanakuttan (L) first runner-up and Miss
Trinidad and Tobago Gabriel Walcott crowned second runner up
wave at the 2008 Miss world pageant held in Sandton
Back to Christmas Convention Centre in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The Kremlin and Red square are
reflected in a Christmas tree ball in
central Moscow.
 Vijay Solanki (R) and Sanjuben Solanki (2-
R), parents of the quadruplets, pose with
their babies and Dr Himanshu Bavishi (L)
in Ahmedabad. The quadruplets were born
or November 2, 2008.

A pedal-power taxi with two women in the back moves through

central Sydney. A novel transport feat, indeed!

Happy with quadruplets

Australian pop singer Kylie Minogue arrived

at Earl’s Court in London ahead of the Brit
Awards 2008. She will be paid $ one million
to perform on the sound track of an up
coming Bollywood movie. Minogue had
agreed to lend her voice to the film ‘Blue’
and will travel to India to record the song.
Pint-sized pop princess

Pedal-power taxi
Meal in space Endeavour and
International Space
Station Expedition
with 18 crew
members share a
Thanksgiving meal
on the shuttle’s
middeck on
November 27.
Shuttle landing

Here is the US Space Shuttle Endeavour atop its 747 carrier aircraft on
December 12, 2008 as they are towed into the ramp after landing at the Shuttle
Landing Facility at Kennedy Space Center, Florida to complete the shuttle’s
three-day return from California.
THE VITRIFICATION
A RAY OF HOPE
The doctors at invitro fertilisation treatment centres
are using new technique for freezing embryos, which results
in successful pregnancies. By Sudha Hariharan
r Hrishikesh Pai has been in
D
the field of IVF for the last
14 years. He is a consultant
gynaecologist at the Lilavati
Hospital Bandra, honorary
gynae colo gist at the Kurla
Bhaba Municipal General
Hospital, hon professor at
the D Y Patil Medical
College, Univer sity of
Mumbai. He is the administrator of
Pearl Family Welfare Hospital, which
is one of the leading family planning
hospitals in the country. He is the
scientific director of three IVF units
The Babies and Us Fertility IVF and
ICSI Centre at Opera House and the
Advanced Fertility Centre at the
Lilavati Hospital, Bandra, and at
Fortis Hospital, Delhi. He is one of
the pioneers in the field of micromani-
pulation in India. He has also been
instrumental in establishing the first
assisted laser-hatching unit in India.
The unit delivered one of the first few
laser-hatched twins in India in the
year 1999. Dr Pai has established the
advanced assisted reproductive
technology unit at the Batra Hospital,
New Delhi.
Dr Pai has been installed as the
President of MOGS (Mumbai
Obstretics and Gynaecology Society)
for the year 2008-2009.
Of all the topics of special interest
to families, none holds a more
important place than a baby. A baby
in a happy, healthy family means that
two people who have joined their
lives together in love and respect
have created out of their devotion a
130
new human being. A baby then is a
sense of our own vision of ourselves
carrying on our love, work and life
into the future, eventually to be
passed on by him to his own children.
Conceiving and bearing a baby
presents for most families no
problems at all. Medical advances
have been such that pregnancy, in
itself a normal process , is more
comfortable and safer than ever
before.There are couples ( one out
of 10) who have trouble conceiving.
Modern science has found several
reasons for this which are equally
divided between husband and wife.
Sometimes, it may be a simple,
easily corrected anatomical defect in
one or the other which prevents the
sperm from reaching the egg.
Sometimes, it is a defect that causes
the husband’s sperm either not to
develop at all, or to develop in
numbers too small or in quality too
poor to make fertilisation possible.
Whatever the cause, medical
science has made it possible for
more than half of the apparently
infertile couples to achieve
pregnancy, provided their problems
are properly diagnosed and correctly
treated.
A RAY OF HOPE
In what should come as a ray of
hope to couples unable to conceive
naturally, doctors and technicians at
Invitro fertilisation treatment centres
are increasingly using a new
technique for freezing embryos,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
ensuring a better survival rate
resulting in successful pregnancies.
Using a technique called vitrifi -
cation, first successfully conducted in
humans in Japan, the embryos are
mixed with a freezing media and
suddenly plunged into liquid nitrogen.
The super-high concentration of anti-
freeze and rapid drop in temperature
never lets the water inside the cell
turn into ice. Due to this sudden drop
in temperature the entire embryo is
turned into a glassy state, avoiding
the ice crystals which are known to
damage embryo survival.
This is good news for the patients
as the woman does not have to
repeatedly undergo removal of eggs.
According to doctors, they usually
take out 10-15 eggs but put back only
two or three. The rest of the
developed eggs are stored by
freezing, wherein vitrification is
showing better results.
Assisted reproductive technology
has undergone significant advances
and embryo freezing has become a
widely used routine procedure that
may contribute to increasing cumul-
ative pregnancy rates from every
cycle of a successful oocyte recovery
and transfer.
Doctors in Mumbai say that their
experience over the years has shown
that there is an ice crystal formation
which damages the eggs in the
process of slow freezing. However,
in vitrification, there is complete
recovery of embryos after the
freezing process.
The technique demands higher
technical skills at the clinics. Several
doctors who initiated the technique
in Mumbai were trained in Japan. In a
recent national conference on
gyanaecology in Bhubaneshwar,
vitrification was discussed and the
cases debated.
The process of IVF or ICSI : The
process of IVF/ ICSI involves
production of many eggs which are
subsequently fertilised in the
incubator. This results in the
formation of many embryos.
Generally 1- 3 embryos are put back
into the womb. The remaining
embryos are classified into good and
bad embryos based on their
appearance under the microscope.
The good embryos are frozen and
stored in liquid nitrogen containers.
The bad embryos are discarded as
they cannot withstand the freezing
process if the patient does not
become pregnant after transfer of the
fresh first-cycle embryos. These
frozen good embryos can be thawed
and replaced into the womb with a
very good chance of pregnancy.
With transfer of three embryos
many patients land up having twins
and triplets. The multiple pregnancies
have problems of miscarriage or
premature babies. Hence many units
worldwide are putting back one or
two embryos instead of the standard
practice of three embryos and
freezing the rest of the extra-good
embryos.
Also, every time one wants to try
for a pregnancy with frozen embryos
three to four embryos are thawed at a
time and if these embryos withstand
the freezing process they are put into
the womb. If this fails to yield a
pregnancy they try again with a few
more frozen embryos, doing this till
they either achieve a pregnancy or
all the frozen embryos are finished. In
recent times with more efficient ways
of freezing, the pregnancy rates per
freezing attempt has gone up to 30
per cent. Thus with availability of an
efficient freezing programme the
cumulative success rate (success
rate in the first-fresh cycle plus
success rate in the subsequent
frozen cycles has gone up to 80 per
cent for three attempts) with
availability of good freezing the
gynecologist also tends to put lesser
embryos back, thus reducing the
problems of twins and triplets.
There are two types of freezing,
namely slow freeing and vitrification.
The slow freezing is the traditional
method of freezing. It is in existence
since the 1980s – in this the
temperature of the embryo is slowly
lowered from room temperature to
minus 40 deg centigrade per minute
and then the embryos are stored in
liquid nitrogen gas whose temper -
ature is minus196. The problems with
slow freezing are many. Firstly, it
needs a machine which takes up to
nearly two hours to freeze embryos
of one patient. Secondly, it is not a
very efficient system as many
embryos are lost during the thawing
process. This in turn hampers the
pregnancy rate. It is also not very
effective in freezing day five mature
embryos called Blast cyst.
A new method, more efficient in
these aspects, is the technique of
vitrification. Dr Pai answers a few
questions to shed light on the new
technique.
How is conventional slow
freezing different from
vitrification?
In conventional slow freezing, the
temperature of the embryo goes
down at precisely 0.3 degree C per
minute. In vitrification, the
temperature is dropped at 23,000
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
degrees C per minute making it
70,000 times faster. At that speed of
cooling and at that concentration of
antifreeze, ice crystals simply cannot
form.
Why are embryos plunged into
liquid nitrogen?
In vitrification the embryos are
mixed with the freezing media and
are suddenly plunged into liquid
nitrogen. Due to this sudden drop in
temperature the entire embryo is
turned into a glassy state without the
formation of water crystals (which
occurs in slow-freezing technique
and which are known to damage
embryo survival).
What are the advantages of
vitrification?
Vitrification has many advantages.
It does not need a freezing machine.
It is also a very efficient system and
the embryo survival of eight cells day
three, embryos and 150 cells day
five, blast cyst embryo are better than
slow freezing. This results in more
number of embryos available for
embryo transfer following thawing.
This in turn increases the cumulative
pregnancy rates in IVF as compared
to those with slow freezing. It is also
very effective in freezing oocytes and
day one embryo called pronuclear
embryos or zygotes.
Are there any other benefits of
overall freezing?
Other benefits of overall freezing –
either slow freezing or vitrification are
as follows:
a) many times the lining of the
uterus or womb is not ideal for
pregnancy in the first fresh cycle. If
this is the case one can freeze all the
embryos and transfer them in a
subsequent natural cycle when the
lining is ideal for implantation.
b) Also, sometimes a patient may
produce a lot of eggs and embryos
with resultant swelling of the ovaries.
This is called hyper stimulation
syndrome and in such situation it is
best to avoid transfer and freeze all
the embryos. The frozen embryos are
then thawed and transferred in the
next cycle. We
131
 About the artist:
Name: Arup K. Biswas
Qualification: 1992 B.V.A.(painting)
Rabindra Bharati University,
Kolkata.
1994 M.V.A. (Painting) with first
class Rabindra Bharati University,
Kolkata. The artist is engulfed
e-mail: arupbiswas@hotmail.com
Solo Exhibitions
in the curiosity to
Solo Exhibition ‘Quest’ Open Palm move on the journey
Court India Habitat Centre will be
held 1st to 6th January 2009. of the marathon of
Solo Exhibition “Unending Quest” quest. Once
The Open Palm Court India Habitat
Centre Delhi, 2008. achieved, it becomes
Solo Exhibition, Gallery Lamere,
Kolkata 1995
a new starting
Tagore Art Gallery, point, to chase the
Kolkata Airport 1992.
Group shows
endless process.
The 7th Northern Region Art By Our Correspondent
Exhibition/ Chandigarh 2007

SURGING AHEAD!
Painting Exhibition of Junior Artists
Camp at AIFACS, New Delhi 2006.
76th Annual All India Art Exhibition
All India Fine Arts and Crafts
Society, New Delhi
rup K. Biswas’s captivating order to refresh his own value. And

A
(State Award) 2004.
10th All India Exhibition of Art State creations bearing a this quest is to remain unending. For
Lalit Kala Academy, UP 2004 physically expanded space as long as man exists on this earth,
75th Annual All India Art Exhibition, or upper stratosphere with he will remain in a deeper search
All India Fine Arts and Craft some tiny human figures in other than the foraging for food and
Society, New Delhi 2003. some works are really sustenance. This search is actually
Two Friends, Shridharani Gallery, curious queries of mankind to search for meaning to make sense
New Delhi, 2003. measuring its self, against of mortal life. Yes, a higher
Two friends, Nehru Art Gallery, an impersonal cosmos. consciousness is troublesome, it just
Mumbai, 2002. This one particular self doesn’t let the human creature rest
Open Air Exhibition Air Force acrobatics in zero gravity, as it were, for long according to Keshev Malik,
Auditorium, New Delhi, 1998. so to gain its worth by unusual or the renowned art critic.
Group Exhibition, Birla Academy of complex acts. Man needs to go far
Art and Culture, Kolkata,1997. from his material or modest self in
Two Friends, Tagore Art Gallery,
Kolkata, Airport, 1992.
State-Academy Exhibition,
Kolkata, 1991.
Awards
Junior Art Camp Organised by All
India Fine Arts and Crafts Society,
New Delhi, 2006.
Art Camp organised by All India
Arts and Crafts Society,
New Delhi, 2004.
Delhi State Award- 76th Annual
All India Art Exhibition. All India
Fine Arts and Crafts Society,
New Delhi, 2004.
A piece of art from Arup K. Biswas’ series ‘Unending Quest’ The painting makes an impact by purely
visual means by contrasting the macro world against the micro.

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 133

 This is, in fact, the core thrust
of Delhi-based, artist Biswas’
craft. He works purposely without
becoming overly heavy as
abstruse, make an impact by
purely visual means by
contrasting the macro world
against the micro wide spaces,
inhabited by magnum bodies
and complemented as if by
speeding forward pathways, carry
the burden of the artist’s theme
of unending quest more patently.
Excerpts from an interview
with this talented artist in whom
art is mingled in his blood right
from his childhood:
Personal themes and ideas that
you like to depict and put forth.
Life itself and the common man’s
search to find the essence of life, I
am on an unending quest. This quest
is the curiosity to move forward and
forward and hence it’s endless.
There’s no vanishing point, because
from the same there will be the
emergence of a new starting point
again.
Your art seem to be affected by
changes in social science and
technology? Why and How?
Certainty in its outward apparel.
It’s surely for this that art works now
come in unusual and unfamiliar
forms. Easel paintings, etc. have been
pushed aside to give way to video art
and the Installation, etc.
134
So this means art can
really change unrecogni-
sably.
Well – so long as the
mortal remains mortal, as
a human subject, he is
prone to feel his
environment; so is the
need for art. Art’s inner
core remains for all time
provocative of deep meanings. I pick
up my themes from the common
man.
You sound really philosophical!
Maybe but the same applies to all
of us. We all are on an endless
journey. We are in search of that
terminating point and we don’t find.
Do you think you are different?
How!
Yes, earlier I used to do figurative
but now my composition is
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
minimised. I have imparted a 3-
dimensional effect in my
paintings with same special
materials. There is an effect of
installation also in my work! I
want to get connected to a
common man through my art. I
want him also to understand my
art, perceive it through his
senses and appreciate. You’ll
observe a content in the space
in my compositions. That’s my
USP.
How do you develop a
concept?
When I think of a particular thing, I
keep on pondering and work on it
until I have it all planned out. The
whole process requires a lot of brain
work since I need to reach to the
depth. I want to get a vivid picture of
my own thinking process and
imagination before depicting it on
canvas.
What would you like to
comment upon the Indian art and
Indian artists in the present
scenario.
Well, every artist is free work with
full freedom. He has his own thinking
but yes Indian artists are getting
worldwide acclaim these
days. Thanks to artists like
Jogen Chaudhary and MF
Hussain who have given a
good platform to Indian art
at the International level.
In the successful
making of artist Arup K.
Biswas, whom will you
give the credit?
Certainly, first of all to my mother
for being the source of my inspiration,
my father for being a support, my
teacher Parthapatim Dev who was
HOD of Art in Rabindra Bharati
University, Kolkata. for sowing the
seeds and now my wife and
9-year-old daughter Akanksha. Last
but not least my friends for always
being with me. The artist’s next solo
show titled quest will be held from Ist
January 2009 – 6 January 2009 at
Open Palm Court India Habitat
Centre, New Delhi. We
JEWELLERY
TRENDS-STYLE
SHINE AND SPARKLE
As the green movement has hit rends keep changing in

T
jewellery but it is a personal
the jewellery world in a big way, there will choice of every woman what
she wants to wear. Indian
be an increase of natural beads and gold jewellery is famous for
its beautiful designs all over
stones adorning all types of jewellery in the world. The intricate
designs for all kind of gold
the New Year. By Suman Bajpai jewellery are the result of the
best craftsmanship. Gold
jewellery is sophisticated and refined,
and is a divine and precious metal
that is perfect for all occasions. That
is the reason gold jewellery never
goes out of style.
What 2008 brought new in terms
of jewellery trends also holds true for
2009 as well. Unconventional pieces
can make you and your outfit stand
out from a crowd by bringing a note

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 135

of uniqueness, simplicity and style.
Since the unique and colourful
aspects have been covered, bear in
mind that what you're wearing should
also be big, as large items of
jewellery are a must the next season
– rings, bracelets, necklaces,
earrings, all the things a woman may
use to accessorise are boldly
oversized.
Certainly, gold jewellery trends
today are more evident than ever
before. More and more people are
turning their heads to the glow of the
precious yellow metal which is
available in various contemporary
designs and patterns suiting every
class of people. Gold jewellery is
subtle, stylish, rich and attractive for
people of every age-group.
Gold chains are among the most
popular accessories in gold jewellery.
They can be worn formally as well as
casually. There is huge variety and
designs for gold chains available in
the market. Box chains, Snake
chains, Robe chains, Link chains,
Figaro chains and Valentino chains
are some kind of gold chains.
Chunky chains and necklaces
made from large, open links remain
popular for 2009. More necklaces are
layered, with links bound together
into stacks that surround your neck.
Some are long enough to wear as a
single chain or to wrap a couple of
times for more depth. Look for more
136
textured links, alone or combined
with polished links. And don’t
hesitate to clip a charm to
some of the links in
your necklace – that's
a trendy look for
2009 and beyond.
Stacked bracelets
and necklaces continue to be
a popular jewellery trend. Mix
up metals and other materials.
Wide-cuff bracelets are an
option if you don't like to wear
multiples on your wrist. Big
earrings are back – especially in the
form of large gold hoops. Concentric
circles floating in the centre of an
outer hoop are trend. Bigger, bolder
and brighter diamonds are being
used as well as black and brown,
champagne, cognac diamonds.
Hoops can come in a variety of
different materials, such as gold or
silver.
POLKI AND DIAMOND
JEWELLERY
The tendency towards opulence is
unbroken in this year's styles. ‘Big is
beautiful’ is one principle. This is
underscored by large cocktail rings,
long necklaces and wide bracelets.
This year, we will see a combination
of unusual geometric forms or
materials such as a gold-silver
choker in trapezoid shapes or in
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
combination with precious metal and
hardwood. The dominant style in
chokers has a middle piece in which
the clasp is concealed. A choker
around the neck emphasises a
woman's personality. Spirals, hoops
or netting lay the foundation for
attaching diverse pieces of jewellery
or charms.
The new year sees a lot of new
trends and this time it's the polki and
diamond jewellery in kundan settings
that will be a hit. While the charm for
traditional charms remain, people are
slowly drifting from the very
traditional ornaments. People don’t
want that Jodha-type jewellery any
more. They are looking for pieces
that are contemporary in look out but
have a tinge of traditionally-crafted
jewels.
Apart from natural yellow and
white, white and pink/rose gold, gold
with beaten, sand blasted, and
grained finishes will be in vogue.
“The unusual will make a style
statement this year as the trends are
changing, women want jewellery
which is customised to their needs,”
says designer Lina Shah. “Chunkier
jewellery will set a trend this year as
women would like to stick to a single
piece of jewellery and would want it
to be noticeable and make a
statement,” adds Lina.
Design trends for the year are
pink and yellow gold jewellery,
chunky stones in unusual settings,
large cocktail rings with multicoloured
stones in white or yellow gold,
enamel jewellery and collages of
gem-set jewellery. Also, diamond and

PEARLS ARE ALSO
MAKING A BIG
SPLASH. WHETHER
THEY ARE WORN IN
LONG LOOPS OR
WRAPPED INTO A
CHOKER AROUND
THE NECK, PEARLS
WILL BE SEEN IN
ABUNDANCE
DURING 2009.
coloured gemstones studded in
natural yellow gold jewellery with a
focus on single colour. Innovative
designs that are bold and striking yet
lighter in terms of weight and
Indian/ethnic motifs interwoven with a
play of colours by way of enamel
work or use of coloured stones in
gold jewellery will rule the fashion
scene.
Women are picking up white, rose
and pink gold jewellery. Coloured
alloys such as nickel, palladium and
copper are added to the precious
metal to craft intricate patterns in
coloured gold jewellery. In gold much
more of the heritage look is very –
like kundan polki is in big way. Gold
jewellery stylises with the fusion look.
Mina kari work is used to make
140
jewellery traditional but in a
contemporary way to suit the current
tastes.
Pearls are also making a big
splash. Whether they are worn in
long loops or wrapped into a choker
around the neck, pearls will be seen
in abundance during 2009. While
traditional ivory is still the most
popular colour of choice, there will be
many other options to choose from.
These will include pale peach, pink,
gold, champagne, bronze, chocolate,
grey and black.
One of today's hottest pearl styles
is to wear multiple strands of pearls.
To take your look from demure to
dramatic, layer on the pearls! Multiple
strands of pearls work for both day
and evening. Multi-strand pastel
freshwater pearls in multiple colours
with a large silver clasp are perfect
summer evening wear. Pearl
chandelier styles are perfect for
evening and long, geometric pearl
earrings in white and yellow gold
have become the look of choice for
daytime. Sensuous, shoulder-
sweeping pearl earrings create a
feeling of glamour like nothing else!
Gemstones in classic settings and
vintage designs are also the hot
fashion trend this season. The latest
trend in gemstone jewellery is
cabochons, which are available in
unusual shapes such as tongue,
sugar loaf, bullet, double cab and
various outline shapes. Gemstone
jewellery is also being paired with
pink gold these days, and new
combinations of coloured gems are
also more common.
In addition, traditional designs,
especially for bridal jewellery, have a
classic look with their timeless
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
appeal. Gemstones of lively colours
matched with diamond accents are
becoming the popular choice. Gem
stones like – marbonite, aquamarine,
tanzanite, tourmaline with rare
shapes and cuts, rubies in marquise
and pear shapes, emeralds and
unusual stones of larger sizes like
green amethyst – will be seen.
SILVER A CLOSE
RUNNER-UP TO GOLD
Expect to see lots of jewellery
made from yellow gold mixed with
deeply coloured gemstones like black
onyx and lapis lazuli. The green
movement has hit the jewellery world
in a big way. We will see an increase
of natural beads and stones adorning
all types of jewellery this year. Look
for natural gemstones such as jade
and turquoise to be a hit along with
wood, bone, and freshwater pearls.
The large, unadorned cuff-bracelet
makes a statement on its own, cuffs
sprinkled with stones and jewels of
all types are also fabulous. These
bold-statement pieces will take your
wrists from ordinary to extraordinary
without spending a fortune.
Silver continues to be popular as
well. With the rising price of gold,
silver is becoming a close runner-up
in the jewellery market. Sterling silver
bears the promise of perfect purity all
over the world. Silver earrings,
bracelets pendants and rings in
desirable designs stand out in its on
genre.
Silver jewellery is really classic
instead of being very flashy like gold
and can be worn on any occasion
from morning till night. Silver stylised
jewellery pieces are for those who
are always young at heart. Costume
jewellery adds style and beauty to
you and your ensemble. Costume
jewellery is made out of a variety of
materials, which can be pure silver,
glass beads, kundan, semi-precious
stones, metal, etc. There is another
trend this season – beads. Beaded
jewellery is at its highest peak and
the sunny summer days are an
excellent opportunity to reveal your
individuality, creativity and versatility
with the wide possibilities. We
 o you want to start 2009 security. This is why our country “So, the jewellery industry will not

D
looking good and feeling
great, not worrying about
your savings and
investments? If you do, go
out and buy gold – if you
haven’t done so already!
You can not only wear it and
feel thrilled and elated, you
can also be sure that you
needn’t worry about the Sensex, the
Nifty, the Nasdaq, the price of crude
or bank rates! Stock exchanges may
crash, the price of oil may fluctuate,
interest rates on FDs may fall and
EMIs may sky rocket, but your gold
will retain its value!
“Yes, the people of India realised
how stable and dependable gold was
much before the rest of the world did
and that is why gold has always held
centre stage for us. Individuals held
and still hold much of their savings
in gold and, through the ages down
to the present day, the yellow metal
has provided our families with
alone accounts for 24 per cent of the
total world demand for gold!”
The speaker is G.R.
Ananthapadmanabhan, the elder of
the two sons of G. Rajendran who
started the first GR Thanga Maligai
jewellery shop in Chennai in 1964.
Today, the family presides over an
empire. It has four huge and
impressive GRT outlets in Chennai
and it wouldn’t be wrong to say that
the GRT shops dominate the gold
market in the city. GRT also has
outlets in Tirupati and Hyderabad
while another in Bangalore will be
inaugurated shortly.
Mr Ananthapadmanabhan goes
on to give other advantages of
holding savings in gold. Gold has
high liquidity because it can be
encashed easily and quickly. It is
divisible and so is a flexible
investment in the sense that you can
buy as much or as little as you want
and can similarly sell part or all of
your holding. And, he adds with a
naughty smile, the women of the
house will be happy when the family
savings are in gold. There is, after
all, no other form of savings that one
can flaunt by wearing it on one’s
body, adding, in the process, to one’s
status!
be affected by the financial crisis that
has the world in its grip today?” I ask
the urbane, articulate and extremely
polite and gentlemanly Mr
Ananthapadmanabhan who has
studied gemology at the Gemology
Institute of America and has a
graduate Jeweller and gemologist
degree.
THE EXPLANATION
He explains that no country and
industry can be completely immune
from the effects of the chaos in the
world financial markets because of
all the interconnections between
countries and industries. So there will
definitely be a ripple effect. But he
adds that India is lucky. It isn’t too
dependent on exports and has huge
domestic demand for most
commodities.
Coming to gold, he goes on to say
that even if consumer demand for
gold ornaments goes down slightly
because of a tight money situation,
the increased demand for gold on the
part of people who want a safe
investment will compensate for that
fall. “There is less hype these days,”
he says. “But the monthly averages
are about the same.” But Mr

GOLD!
INVESTMENT
THAT YOU CAN
REVEL IN!
Gold is arguably the best
investment you can make
and you can revel in the
pleasure of wearing it.
By Kasturi Rangachari
 Govt. Approved Valuers

Jewelled
Passion

SINCE 1937
G.F. - 10, JMD Kohinoor Mall, Savitri Cinema Road, Near Masjid Moth,
G.K.-II, New Delhi-110048 (INDIA)
Certified Ph.: 011-29211955, 32019555 E-mail: varun.shaktijewellersimpex@rediffmail.com
INTERNATIONAL Diamond BIS
GEMOLOGICAL Hallmarked
INSTITUTE Solitares 22k Gold TUESDAY CLOSED

G. Rajendran and G. R. Ananthapadmanabhan.
Ananthapadma nabhan warns
that gold prices are not
scientifically fixed and so
fluctuations are inevitable. “Gold
should be bought as a long-term
investment. Speculation in gold by
lay people is not advisable,” he
emphasises.
The GRT empire is very
professionally managed and yet the
personal touch is very much present
in each of the outlets. As a result,
while the family has diversified into
hotels and resorts and also runs a
school (though that is more to give
something back to society), both Mr
Ananthapadmanabhan and his
younger brother G.R. Radhakrishnan
make it a point to be present in their
two flagship shops in T. Nagar every
day.
“The jewellery business is based
on trust and a hands-on approach
with customers is essential,” Mr
Ananthapadmanabhan says. “Our
customers must have total trust in
GRT to be comfortable buying such a
high-end product as jewellery from
us. They must never have any doubts
about our products. But this isn’t
enough. We have to also make the
buying experience such a very
uniquely pleasant one that they will
want to repeat! We have to provide
them with an ambience that is
reassuring and our services must
make them feel comfortable.
“For instance, they shouldn’t even
have to worry about finding parking
space – which can be a terrible
headache in T. Nagar – so that they
enter our shop in a relaxed mood. So
we have our own parking lot and valet
146
From left to right G. R. Radhakrishnan,
Ethnic jewellery is very much
the rag now.
parking. We try to be professional and
at the same time, to give our
customers personal attention.
“And of course, we emphasise
that the quality of our jewellery is
unquestionable. We work hard to
maintain the highest standards and
our 916 gold is recognised for its No.
one purity. In fact, based on the quality
of our gold, we have been certified as
South India’s No. one jewellery store
by the Bureau of Standards.”
And, when you remember that 40-
45 per cent of the country’s demand
for gold comes from South India with
Tamil Nadu leading the way, this
certificate means a lot!
I had noticed that every member
of the staff of GRT was friendly, polite
and patient and I asked Mr
Ananthapadmanabhan about this.
“Yes, we train the staff to serve
customers well,” he replied. “After all,
where would we be without their
patronage? My father frequently
reminds us that everything we own,
even the clothes we wear, are
courtesy our customers! So we
constantly tell our staff that we will
do all that we can for them – and
their children and grandchildren too!
– but that we won’t tolerate any
complaints about poor service from
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
customers. That and theft mean
instant dismissal!”
Mr Ananthapadmanabhan went on
to talk about how they run their
business. As he talked, his passion
for his work came through loud and
clear. “We buy gold though banks,”
he informed me, “And we source
jewellery from all over India and from
countries like Italy and Turkey as
well.” Most of the 18-carat gold we
sell is imported.
“Each part of India has its
specialities in jewellery and we
bring them all together for our
customers to choose from. To give
just a few examples, Kerala is
famous for its light jewellery,
Chennai for its closed setting of
stones and Kolkata for its
exquisitely detailed work. So we
source these from these three
cities. Much of our jewellery also
comes from Mumbai. In this way we
get the best work of skilled craftsmen
from all over India.
“There is also the fact that we
have a variety of customers from all
over India whom we have to satisfy.
Some of them want fashionable new
designs and don’t mind paying extra
for them. Other are attracted to more
traditional styles. Yet others have
value for money as their prime
consideration. We have to satisfy all
these different people, but by having
a wide array of pieces from all over
India and from abroad, we are able to
do that.” He smiled as he said
earnestly, “Our motto is to give our
customers the maximum choice at
the best prices.”
What kinds of jewellery are
popular now? What trends does he
see emerging in 2009?
“Young professionals have a lot of
disposable income today,” he said.
“Why, new engineering graduates
have starting salaries of Rs 35,000
when they get into the IT industry!
And these young people are
educated and have had exposure to
the world. They wear not just saris
and salwar kameezes, but western
clothes as well. They are fashion-
conscious and know exactly what
they want. We have targeted this 20-
40 age-group with a special range of
jewellery which we have called girls appreciate. “Look, I am not boasts of an entire floor exclusively
Stylus. saying that platinum will replace gold for diamonds. This showroom has
in India or any time in the near future, won the best diamond showroom
but we are trying to promote platinum award given by DTC-De Beers for
THE DAYTIME WEAR as part of what a customer buys. If he four consecutive years.
“Stylus is light and is perfect for is planning to buy ten sets of “People often buy diamonds for a
daytime wear. It is trendy and can be jewellery for his daughter’s wedding, bride as part of her wedding
worn for office, for coffee with friends we suggest that he buys one in jewellery. So we have a fantastic
and even to college. Young people platinum. If a smart young range of wedding diamond jewellery,”
love to accessorise and so Stylus professional comes in to treat herself explained Mr Ananthapadmanabhan.
comes in many colours and designs. to some pieces of jewellery, we show “We have four themes for bridal
To sum up, Stylus is affordable and her some platinum ones too. diamonds. Timeless has traditional
wearable! This trend for light, day- “Platinum has a price spread of designs, the Regal theme brings
wear jewellery is definitely here to Rs1500-Rs1900 per gram, so many about a elegant royal aura, the
stay!” in India can well afford it. And many Vibrant theme brings flashes of colour
Mr Ananthapadmanabhan is also people are finding out – it is just not into traditional designs, while the
an ardent advocate of platinum. true that platinum suits white-skinned Blossom theme has a contemporary
“India is discovering the virtues of Westerners better! So today platinum feel while being intensely feminine.
platinum,” he says in an excited tone. is doing very well indeed!” “Diamond jewellery is the ultimate
“And today it is doing very well. It is Thanks to this positive attitude, jewellery. After all, diamonds are
pure and rare and eternal. It is GRT has been declared to be the forever!” Summing up, gold is an
eternal’ because it is stronger than largest platinum retailer for the last extremely good investment. It is a
even gold! Platinum jewellery is four years. And this year GRT’s solid one, as events of the last six
classy! It looks sleek and is very platinum section received the award months have proved. So, all of us
trendy. It has a fantastic future in for the best platinum showroom in should park at least some of our
India!” “But don’t Indians have a India too. If lightweight jewellery is savings and investment in gold.
passion for bright yellow gold popular with young people for day Buy a car and it has depreciated
jewellery?” I asked. wear, chunky jewellery is also 30 per cent by the time you drive it
“Traditionally, they did and to a popular with them and with everyone out of the showroom! But buy gold
good extent they still do. But that else for evening wear, functions and and it will probably appreciate over
does not mean that platinum cannot weddings. A chunky piece is the the years – and it will never collapse
become popular. In fact, I will go as perfect counterbalance for a demure, and lose its value. And to add more
far as to say that it has a very bright understated outfit but, if the wearer cream to the pudding, it is an
future in this country. People are chooses instead to go over the top investment that women can enjoy!
travelling abroad a lot and are seeing with an extravagantly elaborate, rich Should you buy gold biscuits or
women wearing platinum. They note and colourful one, chunky jewellery pieces of jewellery? The difference is
how good it looks and so they are suits that too! “The ethnic look is also only in the making charges and so it
potential customers. in and so is antique jewellery,” Mr doesn’t matter too much from the
“There are also many people with Ananthapadmanabhan told me. “So investment point of view. But buy
NRI children. When they want to buy we have the Vintage Collection which jewellery and you can revel in the
for their daughters and daughters-in- is a mixture of both. The designs are enjoyment it will bring you even as
law gifts, they often go in for platinum ethnic ones and feature stones of the investment works for you!
jewellery because that is what the various colours. The pieces are What pieces should you buy? You
This trendy lightweight This white gold piece treated with a special should go to a shop like GRT and
stylus piece weight just six has a pendant that makes process that makes buy a piece that appears to have
grams! it very special. them like antique been personalised for you, one that
jewellery. The result is reflects your personality. Buy light
a retro look that is very pieces for day wear and create outfits
popular with around them! Buy heavy, chunky
customers.” pieces for special occasions and wear
The gemology them with panache! Take a serious
course that Mr look at platinum too – and you will
Ananthapadmanabhan probably find that you like it and that it
did in America suits you. Then add a platinum piece
concentrated a lot on to your jewel box. Finally, pamper
diamonds and GRT’s yourself with diamonds – but make
newest showroom in sure that you can afford them! If you
Coats Road, T. Nagar, can’t, save up to buy them! We

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 147

Designer Diamond Jewellery
Bikaneri Kundan Jewellery
 Jewels as pure as your emotions

M. SONS ENTERPRISES PVT. LTD.

K-47 A, Lajpat Nagar-II Main Road Central Market, New Delhi - 110024
Tel.: 011-29842095, 29846535 Tele Fax: 91-11-29820933
E-mail: rajiv_jewel1@yahoo.com Website: www.msonsjewellers.in
 This year’s
trends in sparklers
will rule women’s
hearts.
By Suman Bajpai

DIAMOND here's no better way to add

T
style and elegance to an

JEWELLERY
outfit. Eye-catching jewellery
can give an outfit that extra
edge and turn it into a
marvel. The fascination for
jewellery in women is

GLITTERING YET ageless.

penchant
A
for
woman’s
adorning
herself with jewellery is an

ELEGANT endless desire. Jewellery is an

expression of each one’s own
personal style and attitude.
As with clothing, jewellery trends
come and go. The necklace or
earrings style that's hot one year can
look outdated the next. That's why
it's a good idea to reassess your
jewellery on a seasonal basis and fill
in the gaps with some trendy new
styles.
If gold jewellery is traditionally the
most popular pick of the season then
diamond jewellery is not very far

150 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

behind. With nice cuts and various
designs, diamond jewellery is luring
people all over the world. The sparkle
in a woman’s eyes can only be
complemented by diamonds.
Women today want fashionable
jewellery; they follow not only
fashion’s runway trends, but also
their fashion icons. Women want
versatility in their jewellery. They
want anything that gives them a
feeling of change from day to night
or that they can colour-coordinate
with different outfits. So, whether it is
a ring, earring, bracelet or necklace,
it is all desired as long as it is
accented with diamonds, stones or
pearls.
This year, diamonds with colour
stones and crystals will be hot selling
items. Yellow, pink and black
rhodium on rubies and emeralds will
rule women’s hearts this year.
Coloured diamonds in warm shades
of brown, yellow and
yellow-orange
give jewellery a
sophisticated
edge. The sizes
of the diamonds
have gone up.
Designs are coming
with minimalist diamonds but the
basic forms are exaggerated in a
simple way. Vivid colours and bold
designs dominate the trend this
season. Jewellery designs and
colours are luxurious, feminine, and
sensual.
This year, designers are using a
lot of open spaces to create
elegant diamond jewellery. It
appears in a variety of motifs
from simple diamond
pave swirls to more
intricate diamond pave
lattice-work and diamond
orbs. Enduring jewe -
llery icons from
nature continue
to enchant in
new variations.
Diamond-intensive
brooches shaped
hearts or butterfly
designs with lots of diamond
pave will also be on top priority
of the jewellery trend.
With so much emphasis on the
neck, pendants are making a
comeback and they're bold and
dramatic like the necklaces they
dangle from. Necklaces will be in
vogue and are designed to make a
bold statement. Look for an
abundance of multi-strand necklaces
and a layering of strands to create a
look that will take even the most
ordinary outfit from fine to
divine.
Look for diamond-studded,
medallions and gemstone
pendants to add to your
collection. The latest trend
in fashion jewellery
necklaces is the bigger,
the better. The Hip-hop
culture has had an influence
in the fashion marketplace
with thicker, heavyweight pieces
gaining popularity.
Pendants, as well, are hot
commodities but in multi-
stone configurations
with an organic feel.
Although super-
large pendants
were empha-
sised in all the
fashion runway
shows, there's still a
place for smaller, more
delicate pendants if bold
isn't your style.
This year, earring jewellery
may be moving towards slinky,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
THIS YEAR,
EARRING
JEWELLERY MAY
BE MOVING
TOWARDS
SLINKY, LINEAR
DESIGNS, BUT
THE OLDER
STYLES ARE STILL
JUST AS HOT AS
EVER.
linear designs, but the older styles
are still just as hot as ever. Dangle-
earrings and chandelier-earrings are
trends that entered the market a few
years ago and are still holding strong,
while classic studs and pearl earrings
display a timeless beauty that will
never go out of style.
The wrist will take on new
importance this fall and winter and
what better way to flatter an
appendage than with a bold cuff
bracelet. Not to be overshadowed by
necklaces and pendants, the bracelet
is a terrific fashion accessory.
Diamond tennis bracelets remain
the most classic and popular style
and their versatility is endless. It can
be worn by itself or as part of a
matching set that has become all the
rage this season. According to
designer Sahil Kohli of Bhagatraj.S
jewellers, “This year, the new trend is
tennis bracelets. They are fancy with
modern designs, and flexibility is the
151
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 DIAMONDS
HAVE BECOME THE
PREFERRED CHOICE
FOR MOST
WOMEN AND
ESPECIALLY FOR
SPECIAL
OCCASIONS LIKE
ENGAGEMENTS
AND WEDDINGS.
specialty. Women are going for
fusion in jewellery pieces also. We
will see a lot of coloured stones as
she wants everything to match with
her dress.”
Precisely. Rings are not the only
hot trend in diamond jewellery this
year. There are also some great
things to be said for earrings. When it
comes to making a fashion statement
with jewellery, women prefer to sport
a glittery diamond or two. Diamond
rings, pendants, bracelets et al are
available in various designs to adorn
154
the woman at work, at a party or at a
ceremonial gathering.
Today, the trend of wearing a
diamond ring on the right hand,
instead of the traditional left hand is
fast catching up. Diamond solitaire
engagement rings remain popular,
but lots of buyers are choosing three-
stone rings featuring a large centre
stone flanked by a pair of smaller
diamonds. And, often these stones
are quite big – no minimalist looks
here because it’s show time when
sporting three-stone rings It’s time to
be different. It’s not time to wear a
classic, colourless diamond again.
Now, it’s time to wear fancy colour
diamonds, especially a yellow
diamond.
Women today are opting for
alternative semi-precious stones set
around diamonds, rather then going
for the traditional pricier, precious
stones. Sales of the traditional
sapphires, emeralds and ruby stone
jewellery have plummeted and have
been replaced by the colourful semi-
precious stone jewellery.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
The consumer today is no longer
satisfied with the status quo; they
don't want just the round white
diamond or the round white pearls.
Diamonds are being colour-treated to
come in blue, green, pink, yellow,
brown and black. They are being cut
with names like the asscher cut,
cushion cut, radiant cut, criss-cut, lily
cut.
This season, the ‘bold look’ is in
fashion, everyone wants to wear big
pieces that they can flaunt. Hence it
is the time to show off. What is really
catching on in the Indian market is
the concept of fusion jewellery. In this
kind of jewellery, the core design
concepts are Indian, but the styling,
the finish and the metals used are
Western. The preference for
diamonds studded in white gold, for
instance, is on the rise. Fusion
jewellery, for instance, is more
popular for casual or informal get-
togethers or even formal ones. If you
still want to go traditional, now-a-days
there are plenty of designs in
traditional patterns as well.
The trend today is on different
cuts like baguette, marquis and the
princess cut apart from the rose cut
which is very happening. Instead of
the typical long necklaces, ‘round the
neck’ pieces are in. As far as rings
are concerned, the solitaires are in
and the pacheli diamond bangles
with enamel work are popular.
Diamonds have become the
preferred choice for most women and
especially for special occasions like
engagements and weddings. The
diamond engagement ring is the
most sentimental piece of jewellery
a woman will own in her lifetime.
Besides being the ultimate symbol of
eternal devotion and the singular
representation of a man’s adoration
for a woman, a diamond engagement
ring is truly distinctive because each
diamond is different, like the woman
who wears it.
Bridal diamond range of jewellery
consists of necklaces studded with
diamonds with south sea pearls,
diamonds with emeralds and
diamonds with rubies. This fusion of
diamonds with precious stones is the
latest trend in diamond jewellery. We
 CAPITAL
Chit - C h a t
CELEBRATING MAKE-UP
Greater Noida might be far for
Delhi commuters but if the
attendance at the exhibition was to
be believed, it was not a deterrent to
either the participants or the visitor.
With foreign as well as Indian
participation, there was everything
from skincare products to make-up
goodies.
Though it was meant to be a
business gathering with partnerships
being forged there were
demonstrations of make-up as well.
Models were decked in make-up of
latest styles and fads and went
around the stalls. There was hairstyle
competition as well organised by
Wella and various stylists like Javed
and Sylvie were judging the work.
This was the third annual event
and the grand Finale show ‘Vintage
glamour’ offered an amalgamation of
beauty, style and there was
entertainment too. John Bailey is an
internationally known name among
make-up artists. He holds a degree in
Theatre Arts from Florida State
University. He lectures on make-up
156
through Europe, Latin America
and Asia.
Jas Jhally is a name to reckon
with when it comes to haircuts
and hair colouring. He helps
students further their careers and
enhance their creative edge.
Make-up and hair is big business
and this annual event has earned
itself a space for professionals
and for the consumer to know the
trends and styles in vogue
internationally. The India Cup
Open 2008 hair and beauty
competition had various categories
including Henna Art!
A Lifetime achievement award
was bestowed upon June Tomkyns
from Kolkata for her outstanding
contribution to the hairdressing
industry. The next edition is eagerly
awaited as it seems to get bigger and
better each year.
CLASSICAL MUSIC
With many invitees and per -
formers feeling insecure about
travelling to India at this time, it was
really heartening when the Kamilarov
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
The Kamilarov string Quartet performing
mesmerising music.
String Quartet did not change their
arrival plans. The Austrian Cultural
Forum together with The Claridges
organised a mesmerising afternoon
at the hotel. The guests first met and
were introduced to the performers in
the beautifully kept front gardens of
the hotel. Then we shifted to the
ballroom where the group performed
in the company of diplomats, hot -
eliers and Delhi’s lucky few who were
invited for the Matinee. It was a
special Sunday that no invitee would
be able to forget. The three-piece
band performed the well recognised
works of Mozart, Joseph Haydn and
Josef Lanner. The pieces in
sequence were ‘Salzburg’. ‘Kegel -
statt-trio’, ‘Trio Andante Cantabile’,
and ‘Viennese Landler’. The charm
of a live performance is far more
touching than the best quality music
system playing but a CD. With the
Ambassadors of Germany, Nether -
lands and of course personnel from
Austria, Lufthansa India, more than
a hundred people enjoyed the
musical afternoon and then exchan-
ged pleasantries by the poolside with
the signature good food of the hotel.
Models decked in make-up of latest
styles in front of a stall.

The Japanese Women’s Association teaching Indian cuisine to Japanese women.
INDIAN COOKING FOR
JAPANESE WOMEN
Expatriates of any nation, while
living in India get to try our cuisine at
its most authentic and are then
enamoured with the flavours and
spices. It is but natural that they
should then try to learn how to cook
it. The Japanese Women’s Associ -
ation made such a move and
combined it with the charming
gesture of raising funds for the
underprivileged in India. The
Executive Chef Ravi Saxena along
with Executive Sous Chef, Chef
Neeraj Tyagi demonstrated Indian
recipes like butter chicken, baigan ka
bharta, shrimp biryani and various
Indian breads to a group of over 100
Japanese ladies. They were excited
and overjoyed to learn these recipes
and surely will woo their own guests
when they cook all of it somewhere
else in the world.
Ms. Hisaka Tamagawa, member
of the Japanese Women
Association, said, “Such events help
build strong relations between
different cultures. There are more
than 300 Japanese families in India
and it is very exciting to learn Indian
dishes and to learn about Indian
food.”
After the cooking demonstration
and sharing of the recipes was
complete the ladies relaxed in the
sun with a lavish buffet including
what they had learnt how to cook.
Winter is a great time to learn
160
Swiss participation the very quantum
of work it must have required
deserves a full and honest round of
standing ovation.
It was definitely an ambitious
scale at which this effort was
mounted. Getting people from such
diverse divisions as government
departments, politics, business,
diplomats, and of course academi -
cians is a daunting task. The Festival
was conceived on a model of public
private partnership and no less than
65 partnerships with leading
agencies and apex bodies like Lalit
Kala Akademi, Sangeet Natak
Akademi, Directorate of Film
Festivals, National School of Drama,
cooking, hot stove and
almost exciting as the
kitchen seem
cold weather
Directorate of Film Festivals,
Children's Film Society, to name a
sets in. Maybe, the next few, were forged. As Arshiya Sethi
demonstration would be teaching said, ‘To stand with such agencies
Indian women how to do the on a shared platform is a big honour
Japanese dishes! in itself. Working with so many
experts in the various fields of the
DELHI INTERNATIONAL arts was a learning experience for me
and I am indebted to all these
ARTS FESTIVAL "teachers".’
Almost a month-long event, This is barely the second year
bringing different kinds of arts – and the brand DIAF is here to stay. It
shows, talks, performances, will definitely bring international and
exhibitions, even films, and more the best national talent on an annual
were brought together under this basis. The almost month-long event
banner. And not just arts and artists had more than 300 events of cultural
of India, but from all over the world significance in different venues. The
through their different embassies and spirit was probably best showcased
other forum like Helvetia for the on the evening perfor mance of
classical Oddisi dancer Rekha
Tandon.
For the evening the music was
provided by Hans Koch who is a
recognised classical clarinet player
but he has now turned non-
traditional by being an innovative
reed-player. His sounds are
unique as modern has mixed with
traditional and the evening began
with a video of the mundane
uplifted to sublime with his music.
Rekha has just returned from a
residency in Switzerland
(facilitated by the Swiss Arts
Council) and her dance was a mix
of classical Odissi style
Hans kock, Michael Weston
with Rekha at Delhi
International Arts Festval
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
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incorporating postures and mudras
of Yoga to make it contemporary and
yet totally traditional. Michael Weston
is a musician from the pop world of
London and in India he has promoted
and documented Orissa adivasi
culture, particularly the music.
Together these three brought magic
to the select audience of Delhi.
IFE – THE
INTERNATIONAL
FOOD EXHIBITION
This annual event in Delhi, with its
international partici pation, is
becoming very popular with the
importers and the general public too.
Despite quite a few cancellations this
year the event took place and had a
fair presence as well. If there were
energy drinks from Australia there
were the antipasti and other delights
from Italy. Other European
countries including France
showcased their food and
beverages.
However, the real joy were the
two Indian-origin women, both
settled in England and both of them
fully immersed in the world of
promoting Indian cuisine in
European world. Manju Malhi is a
chef who has written books about
Indian food recipes. She was invited
Ms Jagdesh Kaur of Indian origin,
settled in England, at the International
Food Exhibition.
164
by the British High Commission to
showcase how to use British beer in
cooking, and she demonstrated the
same at the High Commission to a
selected invitee group. Then there
was Jagdesh Kaur, Business
Development Manager of Honeytop
Speciality Foods, India. She is the
woman who is selling Indian breads
(all kinds of naans and other curries
as well) to the whole world. While
Sharwood is an old name in England
supplying such goodies, Jagdesh
wants to woo the local market in India
by making these same breads in
India. Fruit juices, chocolates, all
other kind of long-shelf life items
were sampled and surely a few deals The tourism board of Italy comes to
were struck too. These trade shows Indian metros annually promoting
bring the different people involved in Italian tourist destinations.
the world of food together. And most
importantly it shows the local
population as to what is happening
the world over, giving business
opportunities to those who are
interested.
PROMOTING ITALIAN
DESTINATION
Italy is a land rich in natural beauty
as well as man-made architecture
and arts. It is said that more than half
of the world’s art treasures are
housed in Italy. The Tourism Board
of Italy brings an annual road show
to India’s main metros.
With a tagline of ‘Italy – where
dreams come true’ – they have much
to offer to not just the tourist but to
even film-makers of Mumbai who
have been going to Italy for shooting
of various blockbuster films these
days. Well-known regions of Italy
including the Veneto, Campagnia, etc
are increasingly becoming popular
with Indians even for holidays and
the romantically inclined honey -
mooners.
Travel agents and airlines are
promoting European destinations to
India and Italy definitely leads the
way. Over an Italian lunch in the
mezzanine floor of Shangri-La hotel,
everybody enjoyed the information
exchange and hoped to do more
business with the Indian traveller.
– Sona Sharma.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
 SAINA NEHWAL
A TEENAGED LEGEND
She augurs ow Saina Nehwal (born 17
N
March 1990) needs no
good news introduction. She
already announced her
has
for badminton arrival by becoming the first
Indian to win the World
Junior Badminton Cham -
in India. pion ship. This is not the
By Shivendra Kumar only first in her badminton
career. Recently, she
hogged the limelight by becoming the
first Indian woman to reach the
singles quarterfinals at the Olympics.
Currently ranked number 11,
Saina is toast of a billion lives now.
In 2006, Saina appeared on the
global scene when she became the
first Indian woman to win a 4-star
tournament, the Philippines Open.
Entering the tournament as the 86th
seed, Saina went on to stun several
top seeded players including
Huaiwen XU before defeating Julia
Xian Pei Wong of Malaysia for the
title. The same year also saw Saina
166 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
as runner-up at the 2006 BWF World
Junior Championship, where she lost
a hard-fought match against top seed
Chinese Wang Yihan. She did one
better in the 2008 by becoming the
first Indian to win the World Junior
Badminton Championship by
defeating ninth seeded Japanese
Sayaka Sato 21-9, 21-18.
REACHES QUARTER
FINALS
Sania became the first Indian
woman to reach the quarter finals at
the Olympic Games when she upset
world number five and fourth seed
Wang Chen of Hong Kong in a
three-game thriller. In the quarter-
finals Saina lost a nail-biting three-
games to world number 16 Maria
Kristin Yulianti. In September 2008,
she won the Yonex Chinese Taipei
Open 2008 beating Li Ya Lydia
Cheah of Malaysia 21-8 21-19. Maria
Yulianti had earlier lost her quarter-
final match to Pia Bernadet, Saina's
semi-final opponent, thus denying
Saina a rematch.
Saina is the reigning under-19
national champion. Also a regular in
the senior circuit where she lost to
former India number one Aparna
Popat, Saina created history by the
winning the prestigious Asian
Satellite Badminton Tournament
(India Chapter) twice, becoming the
first player to do so.
Born at Hisar in Haryana, her
foray into the world of badminton was
started by her father Dr Harvir Singh,
a scientist at the Directorate of
Oilseeds Research, Hyderabad, and
her mother Usha Nehwal, both of
whom were former badminton
champions in Haryana.
In December 1998, Saina's father
took her to meet coach Nani Prasad
at the Lal Bahadur Stadium in
Hyderabad. Seeing potential in the
girl, Prasad asked Singh to enroll
Saina as a summer trainee.
Harvir Singh and Saina, who was
eight years old then, would wake up
at 6 every morning and head to the
stadium which was 20 kms away.
After two hours of practice, Singh
would drop Saina to school on his
way to work. Saina would often fall
asleep on these journeys which
prompted her mother to accompany
them for the next three months.
Travelling nearly 50 kms a day in
order to accommodate the training
schedule, Singh eventually decided SAINA IS THE REIGNING
to move closer to the stadium in
1999. This, however, didn’t end the UNDER-19 NATIONAL
travelling ordeal as Saina was asked CHAMPION. ALSO A
to attend evening training sessions
as well. With the extra training REGULAR IN THE SENIOR
sessions, travelling expenditure rose CIRCUIT WHERE SHE LOST
phenomenally. Added to the cost of
equipment including shuttles, rackets, TO FORMER INDIA NUMBER
shoes and gutting, expenses rose to ONE APARNA POPAT.
over Rs. 12,000 per month.
In order to keep up with the rising
cost of her training, Saina’s father 2005 she was spotted by the Mittal
withdrew money from his savings and Champions Trust.
provident fund. The tight-rope walk Previously coached by S. M. Arif,
continued until 2002, when sports a Dronacharya Award winner, Saina
brand Yonex offered to sponsor is the reigning Indian national junior
Saina’s kit. As her status and champion and is currently coached
rankings improved, the sponsorships by Indian badminton legend Pullela
increased. In 2004, BPCL signed the Gopichand at his academy in
rising star onto their payroll, and in Hyderabad. We
SAINA’S CAREER SCORE CARD
Event Year Result
Czechoslovakia Junior Open 2003 Winner
Commonwealth Youth Games 2004 2 silver
Asian Satellite Badminton Tournament 2005 Winner
World Junior Badminton Championships 2006 Runner-up
Commonwealth Games 2006 3 bronze
Philippines Open (Badminton) 2006 Winner
Asian Satellite Badminton Tournament 2006 Winner
Indian National Badminton Championship 2007 Winner
National Games of India 2007 1 gold

Yonex Chinese Taipei Open 2008 Winner

Indian National Badminton Championship 2008 Winner

Commonwealth Youth Games 2008 1 gold

World Junior Badminton Championship 2008 Winner

SAINA AT 2008 SUMMER OLYMPICS

Opponent Result Points
Ella Karachkova 2-0 21-9, 21-8

Larysa Gryga 2-0 21-18, 21-10

Chen Wang 2-1 21-19, 11-21, 21-11

Maria Kristin Yulianti 1-2 28-26, 14-21, 15-21

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 167

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CERTIFIED DIAMONDS & DIAMOND JEWELLERY
 C
Theonfessions
Deepika suspected that her ex-colleague had poisoned her husband’s
mind against her. But had he? By R. N. Sharma

E
ver since Deepak had returned from the airport “Yes, you are right... She is Nutan,” Deepak was
after seeing off his friend Krishnan, Deepika quick to intervene. “As my sister’s name is also
had found him in an unusually quiet mood. As Nutan, we decided to give this Nutan a new name
his wife of 6 months, she knew him now and chose to rechristen her Deepika... Deepak’s
sufficiently well. She had never found him in Deepika, you see, and we are still coping with the
such a low spirit. Just his presence at home name confusion for the last 6 months!”
would make the atmosphere lively and Deepak had a hearty laugh in which Deepika
electrifying. He would joke around, chat with his also joined. But Krishnan responded only with a
parents, have heated discussions with his father, smile.
Dawarka Das (on Indian politics and politicians), a “So you know each other,” Deepak added.
pet subject for his father, tease his college- “Yes, we were colleagues in an NBFC
going younger sister, Nutan, or talk about in Mumbai,” Deepika said.
her studies or friends, boys and girls or As theirs was Again Krishnan responded with a warm
just walk into the kitchen to see what was smile and a murmur of “Yes.”
being cooked, look around for some an arranged Deepak remembered that Krishnan had
namkeen to munch or sweet to nibble. Or marriage, worked in Mumbai awaiting the clearance
surprise Deepika by grabbing her and Deepak’s of his work permit and the visa for the
stealing a kiss. request had USA.
Deepak had taken a day off to be with Deepika had resigned her job because
Krishnan, who was on his way to Chennai come after Deepak wanted her to be a housewife,
to meet his parents. As he had a stopover their parents though she could have got herself
for about 6 hours in Delhi, he wanted to had transferred to Delhi. Her income would
spend some time with Deepak and his have been an asset to oversee the studies
formalised
family. He was very particular to meet of Nutan and meeting the heavy medical
Deepika because despite his best efforts, everything. bills of his ailing mother, Naina Devi,
he could not attend Deepak’s marriage. suffering from arthritis and Dawarka Das, a
Instead of whiling away the time at the chronic asthmatic — and even regular
airport, Deepak had brought Krishnan to the house. household expenses.
But the moment Deepika saw Krishnan she had

recognised him. He was her colleague in a non-
banking financial company (NBFC) in Mumbai she
had worked after doing her postgraduation in
commerce.
“So it is you, Krishnan, Deepak had been talking
about ever since he received your telephone call that his parents also, by her gesture.
you would be stopping over here,” Deepika greeted
him.
“But... Nutan...!” a surprised and somewhat
shocked Krishnan exclaimed.
B
ut, as Naina Devi and Dawarka Das needed
constant attention, Deepak had requested
Deepika to resign and she had willingly
sacrificed her well-paid job without dithering for a
moment, endearing herself not only to Deepak but
As theirs was an arranged marriage, Deepak’s
request had come after their parents had formalised
everything.
As Deepika got busy in the kitchen, Deepak and

170 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

Krishnan got time to exchange notes on the
happenings in the intervening period. They were
meeting each other after a gap of about 6 years.
They were batchmates at the postgraduation
business management institute. Krishnan who had
always dreamt of going abroad, had decided to go
to the USA. To get the green card, he had married
an American girl and decided to settle there.
Deepak, on the other hand, had never thought of
leaving India, though he did get a couple of good
offers from abroad. But he got a very good opening
with an MNC in India itself.
But Krishnan’s stony silence had really surprised
Deepak. He had known Krishnan as a very witty
and jolly man.
D
eepika brought coffee and snacks and invited
Deepak and Krishnan to the dining table.
Deepak’s parents and Nutan also joined
them.
There was not much talking. Only Dawarka Das
and Nutan had made some casual queries to
Krishnan about life in America. But it seemed like
Krishnan was not involved in what was happening
around. His replies reflected his indifference.
It was time for Krishnan to depart. Deepak was to
drop him at the airport.
“Do visit us, if you are taking your return flight
from Delhi,” Deepika said.
“Yes,” Deepak seconded her.
“Let us see,” was Krishnan’s cursory
reply.
By the time Deepak
returned from the airport
it was dinner time and
everybody was waiting
for him to join them.
SHORT
STORY
Though present at the dining table,
Deepak was not his usual self. He had
always enjoyed every moment at the dining
table. He would talk about a particular dish
which he had not taken for some days, a
recipe about which he had read in a
magazine, a TV serial or even a latest
movie. A glum face or a mouth shut could
never go well with his personality.
“Don’t quarrel with your food,” snapped
Dawarka Das as he saw Deepak breaking a
small morsel of a chappati and then putting
it back in the plate. “If you are not hungry or
not feeling well, better go and take rest.”
Deepak kept mum.
“Have rajma chawal, your favourite,” Deepika
suggested.
Deepak looked at her but ignored her request. But
he silently admired the way she had picked up the
right notes about his tastes, likes and dislikes and
also of other family members, in just 6 months’ time.
Nutan’s liking for aloo-ka-paratha, Dawarka Das’
preference for arhar-ki-dal and rice and Naina
Devi’s weakness for gajar-ka-halwa — Deepika
loved cooking all these at home.
“Your dad is right, Deepak,” Naina Devi said.
“If you are not well, go and take rest and take
some tulsi tea before you go to sleep.”
Deepak excused himself by saying that he
was having a slight headache.
Deepika returned to the bedroom
with a cup of tulsi tea after she was
through with the kitchen chores
and other daily routines. Also, a
hot cup of milk for Nutan, leg-
massage to Naina Devi and
medicine to Dawarka Das.
“Here is your tea,” said
Deepika as she came
into the room, but was
surprised to find both
TV and lights off —
something unusual.
Deepak always
Deepika
returned to the
bedroom with
a cup of tulsi
tea but was
surprised to
find both TV
and lights off –
which was
unusual in
their daily
routines.
 TRICK YOUR CHILD INTO
EATING
VEGETABLES
f feeding your children vegetables
I
is a daily test of your patience…-
don’t despair, with a little creativity
you can trick them into enjoying a
healthy meal of greens without
them even discovering the
contents.
Hidden delight: Children often
turn up their noses without even
sampling green vegetables. Hide
veggies so that they are lured on by
the taste rather put off by its
unattractive sight. Gram flour is an
interesting way to hide spinach,
pumpkin, brinjal and green coriander.
Make a thick batter of the gram flour.
For batter, take one cup of besan and
a pinch of sodium bicarbonate and
add salt to taste. Use this batter to
lavishly coat vegetables of your
choice. Now deep-fry the pakoras as
a tasty snack served with sauce or
an appetising dip.
Yummy parathas: Dough is
another medium you could tweed in
your favourite vegetables. The usual
aloo-ka-paratha can be substituted
178
Encourage your child to go green.
By Lesley D. Biswas
with cauliflower, radish, and peas.
For peas and cauliflower parathas,
saute finely chopped/grated
vegetable with a little salt and garam
masala powder. Use this to fill in the
dough and roll out parathas. Fry your
veg parathas and win your child’s
approval. For the radish paratha,
grate radish and let it stand for an
hour with a little salt to drain the
water, then follow the same method.
Boiled potatoes can be mashed and
kneaded along with flour with a little
salt, no water. Roll medium balls into
parathas.
Puree veggies: Another fabulous
way to get children to eat veggies is
to puree them. Add pureed
vegetables to chicken soup. You
could dabble with spinach or carrots.
Another healthy soup children do not
mind is mixed vegetables and
chicken soup. Take 2 medium
tomatoes, one-inch whole ginger,
couple of peas, a few French beans
and 100 gm of chicken. Boil together
for 15 minutes. Separate vegetables
and puree keeping the chicken
whole. Add together and put back on
low flame. Now add half teaspoon of
cornflower diluted in half a cup of
water to the soup, and salt to taste.
Your nutritious soup is ready.
Egg delicacies: Children usually
love eggs. Using egg as a base,
prepare a vegetable omelette. For
this you need 2 eggs; 1 tbsp grated
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
cheese; butter for lining the baking
dish and half a cup of sauted
vegetables that could include peas,
beans, carrots and onion. Beat the
eggs with salt, and add cheese. Mix
in the sauted vegetables and pour
into a greased dish. Bake for 15
minutes in an oven at 120 degrees.
You can also fry the egg mixture
leaving out cheese and adding
chopped tomatoes.
Sweet delight: Desserts are a
child’s favourite dish and your best
bet to get them to down veggies like
pumpkin and carrots. Finely grate
pumpkin/carrots, heat some refined
oil/ghee in a thick-bottomed pan, fry
the grated vegetable for a couple of
minutes or until the water evaporates,
add sugar to taste and cook with milk
till done.
As parents, our main concern is if
our child is eating healthy. To make
veggies fun to eat, apply these useful
tips:
● Tempt children with dips.
● Add veggies to fried rice, chow-
mien, marinade and soups.
● Use as toppings in pizza.
● Mince and stuff in burgers and
patties.
● Cut vegetables in creative
shapes and present as a salad.
Kids are selective about the
vegetables they eat. These tricks are
sure to lure even the most rebellious
vegetable eaters into sampling some
of the delicacies. We
 Small, easy-
to-adopt
ideas to

28
make a big
difference to
your life.
By Monidipa
Sharma

SIMPLE WAYS
TO FEEL

ENERGISED
EVERY DAY
 f each day, you feel you can’t
I
muster enough vigour to get
through the day, you are not
alone. Millions of people the
world over, are managing full-
time jobs, parenting responsi -
bilities, looking after elderly
parents, hobbies and social lives
on everyday basis. We are
frazzled bunch — and we need
novel ways to fight fatigue and feel
energised all day long. Here is a list
of simple tips for feeling vibrant and
energised every single day.
1 Jump-start your day: Being an
early bird has countless benefits. The
first advantage is the extra time
gained in the day. The extra hours
may be used to work out, meditate,
read or pursue a hobby. Waking up
early usually means that your day
gets a great start. As an added
bonus, you may catch a glimpse of
the sunrise or gaze at the morning
sky while drinking your cup of tea, to
jump-start your day.
2 Stretch out: Stretching is relaxing
and helps ease your shoulders, back,
hips and legs. The health benefits?
Greater comfort and flexibility with
your own body. If you stretch
properly, you will feel immediate
benefits both physically and mentally.
As a plus, stretching improves
balance and stability and enhances
your posture.
3 Juice up: Drinking fruit juice is
almost as healthy as eating a piece
of raw fruit. The best way to consume
fruit is with its skin on. Try having it
on an empty stomach 15 minutes
before other meals. If you’re not a
DO YOU EVER
fruit fan but want the benefits of
eating fruit, you can start eating fruit WONDER WHY
by squeezing out fruit juices and
drinking it fresh.
YOU FEEL GREAT
AFTER A LONG
4 Try a power shower: Tried a
power shower yet? Finish your
RUN? THAT
EUPHORIC
morning shower with a one-minute
blast of cold water. You may shiver a FEELING WHICH
little at first, but this improves blood
circulation and leaves you feeling CAN LAST UP TO
tingling fresh. It uplifts you and 12 HOURS FOR
invigorates you with the essence of
SOME PEOPLE,
life. Give it a go, you will undeniably
feel more alive. HAS A SCIENTIFIC
5 Eat more green stuff: You know
green veggies are good for you. Try
EXPLANATION.
EXERCISING
to consume as much as possible
every single day to make sure that RELEASES
you get plenty of vitamins, fibre and ENDORPHINS
antioxidants. The human body needs
roughage, so eat up. THAT MAKE YOU
FEEL ALIVE,
6 Feed on fruit: Fruits make the
perfect snack — they’re both easily REFRESHED AND
ENERGISED ALL
accessible and very tasty. The
majority of fruits are also loaded with
fibre and vitamins. For a quick energy DAY.
boost, try this simple recipe for
fatigue: Slice a washed, cored apple
into small pieces. Place them in a
bowl and pour one cup of boiling
water till the apples are fully soaked.
Let the bowl sit for a while. Add one
tablespoonful of honey and stir well.
Eat the apple and then sip the
leftover liquid for an instant energy
enhancer.
7 Just do something: A sedentary
lifestyle saps your energy, but taking
action empowers and recharges you.
The more interesting and exiting your energised all day. Brisk walking is
life, the more alive and energetic you another way to feel alert and
are likely to feel. So live it up. energised. The more physically fit
8 Go get moving: Do you ever
you are, the less fatigue you will feel.
So, workout regularly to keep fit.
wonder why you feel great after a
long run? That euphoric feeling which
can last up to 12 hours for some
people, has a scientific explanation.
9 Exfoliate your skin: Have you
ever wondered how movie stars get
that glowing, youthful skin?
Exercising releases endorphins that Exfoliation is the magic word. No
make you feel alive, refreshed and matter how well you wash your face,
if you do not exfoliate, dead skin cells
will build up. When this happens,
FRESH, RIPE your skin will appear dull and lifeless.
BANANAS ARE A You already know that you feel great
when you know you are looking
SUPER SOURCE OF
FRUIT SUGARS
great. Exfoliation makes a major
difference. Just try it.
AND CAN GIVE A
QUICK ENERGY
10 Catch a catnap: Catnaps are
good for you. However, there’s a
major difference between a “nap” and
BOOST. IF YOU a “power nap.” The nap time that
WANT A QUICK seems to give the greatest benefits
and can keep you energetic all day is
FIX FOR FLAGGING right there in the 10 to 20 minutes
ENERGY LEVELS, range. So how about you? Are you a
THERE’S NO
BETTER SNACK
power-napper?
11 Just stay hydrated: To keep
fatigue at bay, try to drink at least 8
THAN A BANANA. glasses of water a day. Drink even
more water if you exercise. If you
can’t drink plain water, add a dash of
fresh lemon or lime juice and drink up.
12 Buy yourself flowers: The sight
and fragrance of exquisite flowers
can perk up even the most stressful
of days. Instead of waiting for
someone to buy you flower, why not
pick up a beautiful bunch for yourself
and inhale the multi-hued fragrance
of life? Surrounding yourself with
flowers and other things of beauty is
undoubtedly going to lift your spirits
and fill you with joy.
13 Wear comfortable shoes: People
need to choose shoes that fit their
feet, not make their feet fit the shoes.
But in our fashion-conscious world,
many women choose to hobble
around in ridiculously high heels. The
results: your feet are killing you
before the day is through. Seriously
— why walk through your life feeling
uncomfortable? Always choose
shoes that look smart but are easy
to walk around in.
14 Say yes to joy: Aim to create at
least 3 joyful treats in your life every
day. A treat isn’t necessarily food; it’s
anything that you can look forward to
and something that nourishes you
physically or emotionally: a stunning
sunset, a huge bowl of chocolate, ice
cream, or an evening spent with good
friends, all create joy in your
everyday life and let you going.
15 Sip green tea: Is any other food
or drink reported to have as many
health benefits as green tea? If
you’re really craving a cup of hot
stuff, have some green tea. Now the
key, experts say, is to drink high-
quality green tea regularly for these
health benefits.
16 Go nutty: Keep small bags of
nuts and dried fruits (like cashews,
raisins or dates) in your bag. The
healthy fats and fibre in this snack
will sustain you longer than a candy
bar when hunger pangs strike
suddenly.
17 Get a banana boost: Fresh, ripe
bananas are a super source of fruit
sugars and can give a quick energy
boost. If you want a quick fix for
flagging energy levels, there’s no
better snack than a banana. A
banana gives an instant and
substantial boost of energy.
18 Munch on chocolates: Every
once in a while treat yourself to a bar
of high-quality dark chocolate.
Always sit down and eat it slowly,
relishing each mouthful. Enjoy the
feeling of the chocolate melting in
your mouth. This combination of taste
and texture makes chocolate a
preferred form of “comfort food.”
19Try out something new: Learn a
new skill or eat something new that
you’ve never tried before. Try a new
exercise class. Making slight
changes in your everyday routine
removes mental cobwebs and gets
your energy flowing.
20 Look at the bright side: A
positive attitude, positive thinking and
optimism are known to have many
positive life benefits. If you find
yourself fretting about an uncertain
future, take 5 minutes to imagine that
it will have a positive outcome.
Worrying saps you of energy
whereas a positive, optimistic attitude
towards life will definitely keep the
spring in your step all day long.
21 Chill out more: Spend time
outdoors every day. You don’t have
to go outside for long. Just take 10
minutes to breathe fresh air, enjoy
the weather, and listen to the birds.
Getting in touch with nature will
invigorate you.
22 Breathe away stress: When
you’re frazzled, take a few deep
breaths to relax yourself to soothe
your nerves. You can do it any time,
and it becomes even more effective
with practice. If you need to relax, set
aside a few moments a day to
practise deep-breathing to calm
yourself down.
23
184
Take time out: If you are working
too hard, take regular breaks. Stop
your task, take a deep breath and JOKES
stretch. Lack of movement creates
Rajani: I’m sure you will like
fatigue, but brief breaks keep you
Mohan. He’s a fine young man.
clear-headed and fresh.
Her father: Has he got any property?
24 Detox with salt: A simple way to
draw toxins out of the body after a
Rajani: Oh, you men are so
curious. Mohan asked me the same
thing about you.
hard day of labour is to take a hot
Epsom salt bath. Simply massage
Epsom salt into your wet skin when in
* * *
Rahul: What did you get your wife
the shower. Afterwards, rinse
for her birthday?
thoroughly.
Kalyan: She reverses more
25 Unwind your mind naturally: To
release tension in your mind and
decisions than the Supreme Court and
she should dress accordingly.
body, lie on the floor or your bed and
relax. Inhale and exhale as you tense
* * *
Raju: Who was that you were
and release your muscles one at a
time, starting with your toes and
moving up your body to the top of
talking with outside for a whole hour?
Wife: Oh, that was Swarupa. She
did n’t have time to come in...
your head. Let go of the tensions,
stress and anxiety you felt throughout
the day.
* * *
Rani: What made you lose your hair?
26 Revitalise with a foot massage:
Divya: Worry.
Rani: What about?
After an exhausting day at work, or a
hectic weekend of shopping, relieve
the stress and pain with a foot
Divya: Closing my hair.
– Suvarchala, Hyderabad.
massage. A 15-minute foot massage
A sex expert was once asked
can help you sleep better, get
whether a rape was possible while
recharged, and be ready for another
running.
hectic day at the work.
“No,” he replied without
27 Show yourself some love:
Whenever you find yourself brooding
hesitation. “A woman with her skirts
up can run faster than a man with his
pants down.”
over past mistakes, make a list of all
the people who love and respect you.
* * *
Remember all the things you have
achieved in life, and the road ahead.
Remember to count your blessings
Sangeeta had her first set of
triplets. She told her friend with a lot
of pride that this happened only once
and give thanks for the good life you
in every two hundred thousand times.
already have.
“My, my!” said the friend surprised, It
28 Catch some Zzzs: Get regular,
good quality sleep to ensure that your
beats me how you found time for any
other work!”
body has time to recover and heal
itself. Try taking a hot bath and then
retire to bed with a cup of hot milk
* * *
A second-grade teacher was telling
her pupils about different wild
and a good book. Just try it. A good
animals. In order to test what they had
night’s sleep keeps fatigue at bay all
learnt, she asked, “Now, who can tell
through the next day.
me the name of an animal that has
Once you have tried out a few of
horns and is very dangerous for us to
these suggestions, consider
get near?”
making them a permanent part of
Little Prashant piped up
your life, they will help you feel
enthusiastically, “I know, teacher. It’s
energised and refreshed every day.
Good luck.
Woman’s Era ●
We
January (First) 2009
a truck!” – W. Jacob, Pune
MOM’S
ADVICE
A low-key romance
of high-voltage
interest.
By Gulrukh B. Irani
heila’s mother was an

S
extremely practical person.
She never shied away from
giving honest answers to
any of her questions. Sheila
would bombard her with
innumerable queries during
her teens, adolescence and
youth. By then she had been
given all the information she
needed to take on life as a buxom
and reasonably attractive young girl.
Much before she reached puberty,
Sheila was aware about childbirth
and all that happened before and
after it. In fact, girls in school would
use her as a ready reckoner on these
topics, probably because not many
adults would oblige by answering
their curious queries.
 All this was due to her mother,
who was a strong believer in ‘honesty
is the best policy’ and who never
hesitated or hee-hawed like other
parents whenever Sheila asked an
embarrassing question.
She was her friend!
Then came the age of falling in
love resulting in innumerable
crushes. Initially, when Sheila fancied
one boy, but very soon liked another
boy better, she would feel pretty
guilty for liking more than one boy at
a time. But fickle in love was not what
she was. On approaching her mother
with this inconsistent liking of boys
one after the other, her mother
promptly made Sheila feel very
comfortable.
HUMAN NATURE
Explaining to her, she made her
daughter understand the basic
human nature and that it was normal
to keep looking and liking and
choosing to prefer one boy and then
very soon prefer the next one. Sheila
came across many. It wasn’t being
promiscuous! It was a fact, that most
of the times the current favourite was
not even aware of Sheila’s existence,
let alone knowing what lusty thoughts
she harboured for him.
So it was just harmless infatuation
and Sheila was free to indulge in it.
Self-realisation and maturity
188
curbed Sheila’s list of favourites over work hours. Just like the other men
the years to just a handful of boys. he too ogled her but was discreet
Sheila grew up. about it.
Fear and pain of childbirth had His name was Suresh and he was
always held Sheila back from pretty much overqualified for his job
committing to anyone. But her mother but he didn’t seem too much in a
had reasoned with her telling her that hurry to reach the top of the
if childbirth was so painful, then there corporate ladder.
wouldn’t be so many human heads Being complacent in life was not a
in this world nor would there be the sin, nor was it an unattractive trait for
fear of a population explosion. It was a man who could be at the top of the
a fact of life that one could take in ladder but who chooses to stay on a
their stride towards survival. lower rung. One of the other bosses
Matchmaking didn’t work for once asked him in jest, “Suresh, why
Sheila! don’t you try for a higher position?”
After having gone through so Suresh had promptly replied with a
many crushes over handsome pleasant smile, “I don’t want to. If I
neighbours, to classmates to did, I am sure to get that position but
celebrities, it was about time Sheila then in my books it results in bonded
sought her partner on her own. labour. Because, you see, when you
During the course of work or are paid so much, you are expected
social gatherings, many of the male to be here first and leave last to
gender would gravitate justify your salary in the
towards her because of eyes of the big bosses, and
her ample assets on the But then she if I did that, then I would be
physical front but only a reasoned on left with no time to live my
few would try to befriend life, have fun and find
her for her intelligence or retrospection romance,” he said looking
other character traits. that he at Sheila.
Sheila was quite Now that was bold,
disillusioned with men in
probably thought Sheila. Making
general. needed an such a statement pointedly
One morning, a new opening to looking at her. Blushing
regional officer was with embarrassment at the
appointed at work in her let her know blatant intention he had
department. She had to that he found voiced whilst looking
correlate with him during directly at her, Sheila was
her attractive
pleased that he found her
without attractive but embarrassed
being crass that he had voiced it with
keen observation. But then
about it. she reasoned on
retrospection that he
probably needed an opening to let
her know that he found her attractive
without being crass about it.
How sweet!
Next day at work there was a
farewell party for a senior member of
the staff and everyone had
contributed the gift and party that
they were going to give the retiring
member. Sheila had had a
particularly nice rapport with this
member of the staff. Even though she
had joined the company as his
superior, he had helped her along in
finding her shipping at the job she
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

was appointed to do. And, over the
few years that she had worked with
him, he had always guided her
without hesitation if she faltered.
So, when it was time to give a
farewell speech, after Suresh had
said his piece, Sheila put up her hand
to request some silence. Being
honest about voicing her thanks
came naturally and fluently. Everyone
listened in silence and at the end of
her bit, Sheila had a sheen of
moisture in her eyes. The retiring
staff member thanked everyone and
left the office immediately. The rest of
the staff continued with the party.
DATE WITH MATE
Sheila was too disturbed
emotionally to enjoy the joviality that
the others seemed to take for
granted. On the verge of leaving the
room, Suresh caught her elbow and
said softly for her ears only, “Come, I
shall take you home.”
Sheila did not protest but followed
meekly.
He sat her in his car and got into
the driver’s seat without commenting
any further. He took her home but,
just when Sheila was about to thank
him and get out, Suresh said, “You
seem to have fond memories with
your working time with Mr Das who
retired today. Don’t be so sad. He will
come and visit us often. I do plan on
190
Sheila was a little stunned with his
short speech and asked.
What are you trying to say,
Suresh?”
“Well, hee-hawing is not what I do,
so I shall come to the point. I like you
very much. In fact, I like you so much
that I would like to propose marriage
to you. You can take your time and
give your answer, but do make it in
the affirmative, because I not only
like you, but I also love and respect
you for the person you are. I know I
may be rushing you, but if you are
willing I would like to court you and
woo you till you say yes.” So saying
he looked at her expectantly for her
reaction.
“WHOOSH” thought Sheila. She
did like him, and found him extremely
attractive. He did belong to
taking him on a part-time
I too like you, the same background as
basis to help us in she had. He was educated,
attending to crucial find you earned well and, to top it, a
matters. None of our attractive and good human being.
qualifications can ever am more than So here it goes!
replace his on-hand Suresh had been
a little in love
experience.” observing the play of
Hearing this Sheila’s with you emotions on her
mood lightened and she myself, let’s expressive face and was
gave Suresh a tremulous give ourselves waiting for her reply.
smile, which conveyed to a chance and “Well, Suresh, I don’t
him how glad she was to believe in hee-hawing
hear him say what he had. date for a either. Honesty is the best
“You are a good person, while. We can policy. Let me tell you that
Suresh. I am so glad that decide on you have taken me by
you are not an marriage if surprise but, since I too like
inconsiderate corporate you, find you attractive and
boss like a few I have had everything am more than a little in
the misfortune to know. I works out love with you myself, let’s
am also pleased with the right! give ourselves a chance
good rapport you have and date for a while. We
developed with the rest of the staff in can decide on marriage if everything
so short a time. Not often do we works out right! Is that fine with
come across good people in our field you?”
of work, or our life for that matter. I Suresh’s face beamed with
may sound presumptuous when I say happiness and he had a pretty big
please don’t leave our organisation grin on his face. He wanted to hug
for greener pastures very soon. her but it might be too early to get
Everyone likes you as a boss.” physical. And it was inconvenient in
“Thanks for your vote of the car, so he just shook hands with
confidence, but I will be more her.
impressed if I know whether you like Sheila thought this was as good a
me enough to consider me as your moment as any to invite him to her
friend and confidant. Sheila, I have house and said, “Would you like to
liked you from day one and would like come in for coffee and meet my
to further our camaraderie to the level family?’
of close friends.” Suresh accepted her offer! We
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
 PHULKARI
n the field of ornamentation,

I
perhaps embroidery alone can
match jewellery in splendour.
People seem to have a craving
for embellishing a given material

EMBROIDERY
or object to make it more
decorative. In India embroidery
has a hoary past, for there is
mention of needles in very
ancient books.

OF HARYANA Excavations have revealed bronze

embroidery needles dating back to
2300-1500 BC as also figurines
A peep into the fascinating wearing embroidered drapery. Similar
embroidered textiles can also be
world of decorative needlework. seen in the ancient Buddhist stupa
sculptures.
By Kusum Mehta Indians use all the embroidery
stitches known to the rest of the
world but with local variations and
innovations. In India embroidered
fabrics still retain the old social
values, for they are amongst the
treasures given to the bride at the
marriage.
Though certain basic embroidery
stitches are common, each area has
its own special styles largely
determined by the environmental
designs.
The Haryana phulkari is of a
spectacular nature. The word means
“flowering” and it creates a flowery
surface. Strangely enough the stitch
itself is simple darning like the
damask, done from the back, either

196 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

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by counting the threads or with the
help of a thread line. This has to be
done with unusual care for a single
miss can throw out the whole pattern.
In the traditional phulkari , the
patterns are dispersed at intervals
over the cloth. The bagh (garden)
style has the entire surface
ornamented by a connected pattern,
with skilful manipulation of the
darning stitch, numerous varieties of
intricate designs are contrived
through horizontal, vertical and
diagonal stitches, each with its own
character based on the motifs it
represents, as also tonal variations
in colours.
There are several kinds of baghs
like shalimar bagh, chand bagh,
mircha bagh, duniya bagh as also
satranga (seven coloured),
panchranga (five coloured) and so
on, each splendid in its own way. The
third kind is chope where the edges
are embroidered with stylised motifs
of flowers, fruits and birds, along with
geometrical patterns.
LOTUS FOR THE CENTRE
Originally, the designs seem to
have been predominantly geometrical
but the phulkari now being produced
for sale has often a lotus for the
centre and stylised animals and birds
worked harmoniously with flowers.
Like other embroideries, some
jewellery patterns are also included.
The stitching is done with silk
198
thread, though occasionally
cotton threads in white and green
are introduced, and sometimes
even woollen. A peculiarity of
phulkari is that the fabric itself is
used geometrically as an inner
decoration so that the
medallations, diamonds, etc., are
not just patterns sewn on but
become an integrated
combination of colours yellow
and madder brown.
This is only possible where
absolute accuracy in thread counting
is observed. In bagh work the stitch is
so refined that the embroidery
becomes the fabric itself. The quality
of the workmanship is measured by
the smoothness at the back that can
only result from the evenness of the
stitches.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Such a demanding craft can only
be a leisure occupation, done with
devotion and earnestness. As
phulkari was part of a girl’s trousseau
as also worn at a particular wedding
ceremony, she had to work on it from
a very early age. In fact, her
proficiency in this seems to have
added to her eligibility as a bride.
Madder brown, rust red or indigo
are the usual background colours.
The stitches are mainly in golden
yellow or white or green. A few bright
colours are introduced in the borders.
The best work in phulkari is found
in Gurgaon, Karnal, Hissar, Rohtak
and around Delhi.
Embroidery done in metal wires
by kalabattu – or zari as it is
popularly called – is in class by itself.
The manufacture of real zari threads
was once a big and important
industry, which has declined with the
advent of synthetic material.
Haryana also produces crochet
items, but they are more
pronouncedly local in designs like
elephants, horses, flowers, trees,
swastiks, etc. We

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to eradicate the tendencies to get
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For children: Constitutional
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 Lofty Dreams
A mother discovers that her overprotectiveness has only nudged
her beloved son towards robotdom. By Smita Shenoy

B
indu tossed and turned in her bed. No matter country's top medical college?"
how hard she tried, sleep had been eluding Ravi had looked up from his newspaper and
her for the past few nights. She had tried hot replied coolly, "I just want him to be happy in
milk, sleeping pills, relaxation techniques and whatever he does."
practically everything else. She would fall into This had broken her remaining control and she
a restless sleep for a few hours and then had shrieked, "What do you mean by that? Don't
suddenly wake up in a cold sweat after a few you think I want the best for my son too? His results
hours in the middle of the night. are due in a week's time and I am anxious that he
She looked across the bed to where Ravi was does his best."
sleeping peacefully. Men!, she thought scornfully, Ravi got up from the breakfast table and before
just give them a bed and a pillow and they leaving it, said, "If you are frank enough
would snore away through the night. How "Why would you will admit that you are worried more
could he afford to sleep so calmly when you want to about beating Karuna than about your son
Akash's medical entrance examination slog for some doing well."
results were due in a week? Akash was newspaper or Leaving her open-mouthed, Ravi took his
their only son and all their hopes were other? Look at briefcase, adjusted his tie and was out of
pinned on him. They had spared no your sister. In a the house. Soon, she heard the car start
expense in sending him to the most few years’ time, which signalled that Ravi had left for
expensive school, the costliest and the best she will be office. But what he had said opened the
coaching centre. She had even taken earning in lakhs Pandora's box. She sat motionless in the
voluntary retirement from her high-paying while you will chair with her thoughts flying back to her
job to coach him and help him personally. be getting a past.
For the last year, the family had had pittance," her Karuna was older than she by three
practically no social life. All her free hours father had years and was her parents’ favourite.
were devoted to Akash's studies. pointed out. Bindu could still hear their comments when
Ravi had not been involved in all this she had stood second on the school in
except for making routine enquiries about class VII and Karuna had topped the
Akash's progress. His attitude angered Bindu very school in her Class IX exams.
much and she confronted him about it at the "You will still be second best to her, Bindu. She
breakfast table the next morning after Akash had left has topped while you have only managed second
for his tutorials. place," her mother had said cruelly.
"How can you be so detached about Again, when they picked their streams of studies,
Akash's future? You hardly take any interest in his the same disparaging comments had been evident.
studies. Do you not want him to top in the entrance She had gone for a course in journalism while
exam? Don't you want him to get admission in the Karuna had taken up medicine.

206 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 "Why would you want to slog for some
newspaper or other? Look at your sister. In a few
years’ time, she will be earning in lakhs while you
dismissed Akash's
chances of getting a
better job without giving
SHORT

STORY
will be getting a pittance," her father had pointed him a fair chance. She had always
out. personally taken care of his study schedule
and made sure he topped his class. And

B
indu had swallowed her tears and now she was determined that he pass the
disappointment. She had vowed to prove her medical entrance with flying colours and
worth. She studied like a woman possessed. become a doctor like, or even better than,
She had met Ravi in the journalism college and it Karuna’s son.
was love at first sight. He was her senior at college. Bindu was jolted out of her thoughts by
With Ravi's encouragement she had topped every the sharp ringing of the telephone.
exam at the university and won accolades Reluctantly, she got up and picked
and medals for her articles. The thing she up the receiver.
longed for, however, still eluded her. Her “Why do you "Hello, Bindu memsahib,"
parents' praise and encouragement were not realise that spoke a frightened and shaken
all reserved for Karuna. It was always I have my voice over the phone.
"Karuna this" and "Karuna that", never "Yes, who is this?" she asked.
once "Well done, Bindu.” Not even when individuality "Memsahib it is me, Shantabai. Karuna
she was employed by the nation's leading and my memsahib is sitting like a statue in front of
daily. ambitions are the computer for the last half hour. I cannot
So she was not really surprised when different from get her to move at all. Could you please
her parents disapproved of Ravi as her yours. Oh, by come over?"
choice for partner. the way, you "Of course I will be there immediately,"
"Trust you to choose a journalist as your said Bindu and shoved the phone down.
life partner. Why could you not choose a can say no to She got ready in a hurry and scribbled a
doctor like your sister did?" the girl that you note on the fridge to let Akash know that
The comparisons had continued and have selected. she would be back soon.
had now trickled down to their children. She took the other car from the garage
Karuna's son Ajay had completed his mechanical and started out for her sister's house. Karuna lived
engineering course from a top university with flying only 15-minutes drive from Bindu's house but they
colours and was working in the USA with a leading hardly met. It was Bindu who avoided meeting her
automobile company for the past six months. Karuna sister because she was tired of listening to her
had also selected a girl for him to marry when he sister's continuous praise of her son Ajay's
came to India in a month's time achievements. At first she had been
on his holiday. genuinely proud of her nephew's
Her parents had feats but now it irritated her to
keep on hearing about them.
Soon, she was at the house
pressing the doorbell
anxiously. Shantabai hurriedly
opened the door and Bindu rushed into the study
where the computer was. Indeed, Karuna was sitting
immobile in front of it with a shocked expression on
her face. Bindu and Shantabai managed to lift
Karuna from the chair and made her sit on the sofa.
Bindu fetched some water and forced Karuna to
drink it. Slowly, the colour returned to Karuna's face
but she still sat without moving or speaking. Bindu
told Shantabai to make a cup of strong coffee and
bring it. Shantabai rushed out to the kitchen at once
to prepare coffee. Bindu went to the computer to
switch off the PC when her eyes fell on the screen. It
was a mail from Ajay. She sat down to read it
because she was sure that that was what had
caused her sister to be in the present state. The mail
read:
“Mom! I hope dad and you are well. I really do
not know how to write this but I have to, I guess. I
will never be able to say this to your face because I
am totally scared of you. I had thought of avoiding
this e-mail but now, on knowing that you have fixed
up a girl for me without even letting me see or speak
to her, I have decided to write and let you know my
feelings.
“Mom, you have never tried to be a loving mother
or even a friend. You did not even let dad and me
bond properly saying that it was a waste of time to
have idle chit-chats. You always controlled my life
deciding on everything right from what I eat, what I
wear down to who will be my friends. In fact, I
hardly had any true friends with whom I could
unwind, play, chat and catch up on movies. All the
friends I had were those pseudo-intellectuals
handpicked by you who saw nothing beyond their
study books.
“I tried hard all my life to please you, mom. I even
took up a subject I loathe. I wanted to be a top
journalist like Bindu aunty or Ravi uncle but you
forced me to take up mechanical engineering
because it would make you proud to have a son in
the USA. I did everything to make you happy but
your demands kept on growing. You had the support
of nana and nani in all this. Their never-ending
ambitions made me sick. They kept on driving a
wedge between Akash and me by constantly putting
him down, whereas the truth is that he is a brilliant
boy.
“Now you are making Bindu aunty like you. The
rare occasions that I speak to Akash or mail him he
says that he is petrified of disappointing her by
doing badly in the medicals. But his heart is not in
becoming a doctor. He wants to become a forensic
scientist. But I guess Bindu aunty may not allow it
because she has her heart set on making him a
cardiologist. Just like you wanted me to get this
present job.
“Why do you not realise that I have my
individuality and my ambitions are different from
yours. Oh, by the way, you can say no to the girl
that you have selected. I have met Deborah and we
are in love. She is Chinese and we are in the same
office. It is just a matter of time before we marry and
settle down. I will send you the details once the date
is fixed. And I don't know when I will be coming
down to India. Maybe in another
three or four years. Who
knows?
“Give my love to dad
“Ajay”
Bindu sat still on the chair
for some time, almost like
Karuna was a little while
ago. Is this how their
children viewed them – as
some demons trying to
control their every breath?
Come to think of it, that is
what the two mothers were
doing – was it not? It took
this harsh mail from Ajay to
open her eyes to the fact
that she was dominating
her son's life completely
and in a negative way.
"Bindu," Karuna
spoke feebly. Bindu
immediately shut off
the PC and went and sat by her sister's side. “Dear Diary,
"I think you should rest now. Do not speak," “I do not know what I will do if I get poor marks
Bindu said with concern. in the medical entrance. I have tried my best but I
Karuna brushed aside her objection, am afraid it is not what I want to do at all. I want to
"No, Bindu, let me speak. Let me feel for what I have become a forensic scientist and assist in solving
done. Right from childhood I have been jealous of high-profile and baffling crimes so as to help my
you." country in reducing corruption. But if I do not clear
Bindu looked at her in shock. "Yes, it is true," my entrance it will shatter mother. I cannot bear to
Karuna continued. "I always felt envious of the see the dejected look in her eyes. I would sooner
freedom you got in choosing your career, your life end my life than see her going through
partner, etc,. while our parents were always over- disappointment. She has a right to expect this from
protective of me and deciding what I should study or me. She is my mother, after all.”
who I should marry. But, unfortunately, instead of

B
realising this and letting Ajay decide for himself how indu could not read beyond this as her eyes
he should lead his life, I totally dominated his were wet with tears. All this, while she had
decisions. Deep down, I was anxious that he should been selfishly thinking of how to upstage her
always stay ahead of Akash and, in the process, I sister, and her son was thinking of how to please his
did the same things that I resented my parents for mother! When had she become such a monster?
doing. I must have subconsciously known that Ajay's Ravi had been right in saying that whatever pleases
patience would wear thin one day and he their son would please him.
would react this way. But to actually see it She heard the doorbell, replaced the
in writing still came as a shock. Nothing Her mind was diary and ran down to open the door.
had prepared me for this, I must confess. I Akash was back from his tutorials. Poor
think it is too late for me to make amends. in a whirl as she thing, he looked ill with all the dark circles
But for you it is not. Akash still has time to drove back under his eyes and the weight he had lost.
decide his stream. Let him become a home. Oh She smiled at him and said, "Get
forensic scientist if he desires. Do not stop goodness! refreshed and come down. Then we will
him, Bindu. Do not make the mistake I What had she go through the Internet to find out about
made." been about to the leading colleges offering forensic
This long monologue obviously tired sciences as a subject."
Karuna out. By the time Shantabai came do? What Akash looked at her, bewildered, for a
with the coffee she was fast asleep. Bindu Ajay had said long time. Then his face cleared up as if he
told Shantabai to let her sleep and went to was completely understood without words that some change
inform jijaji. true. had occurred. He did not want to question it
"I have to go home now. You stay with but knew it was a change for the better.
her till Jeejaji comes home. Call me if you "Sure, I will be down in two minutes,"
need anything," she told Shantabai before getting he said, his face lit up with such pure joy that it tore
into her car and driving off. Bindu's heart. When was the last time her son had
Her mind was in a whirl as she drove back home. looked so radiant?
Oh goodness! What had she been about to do? "By the way, any college degree should be
What Ajay had said was completely true. She had enough," he continued. "But I want to do this the
robbed her son of his capacity to think and decide. right way. I want to make you and dad proud of me.
She had turned him into a robot that did only her Oh, dad has already got some details on this. I will
bidding. And all this for what? For a few words of bring them down. We can go through this together
praise from her parents which, after all her efforts, and decide." Saying this, he bounded up to his
may not have come at all? They might have found room, climbing two steps at a time.
some fault with him still. So Ravi had an idea of his son's objectives and
aims while she had been selfishly wrapped up in her

S
he reached home and found out that Akash had own dreams. Bindu decided she had interfered
not returned. She went up to his room and enough in her son's life. She would be a silent
opened his cupboard and took out his personal supporter from now – letting him pursue his goals,
diary. Normally, she never would have read his only offering advice if and when Akash needed it.
personal jottings but now she was anxious to find She would also get her career back on track. She
out if he had voiced similar thoughts as Ajay. She had learnt an important lesson before it was too late.
flitted through the pages till she came to the last Nothing mattered except the happiness of the ones
entry dated the night before: you truly love. We

212 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 WOMEN AND
little girl walks up to her father
A and says, “I want to grow up
and be rich!”
“Really... why?”
“Because I want to buy everything
that I can possibly buy in the whole
world with my own money!” she says
triumphantly.
“Your money?”
“Yeah!” she says positively.
“Wouldn’t it also be your
husband’s money?” he quizzes.
The little girl is confused, “No it
would be my money, but I could
share it with him if he needs it.”
“You have a bad attitude... you will
have a bad marriage if you keep
thinking this way! Besides, we will
give you enough when you grow up.
We will marry you into a family where
your needs will be taken care of.”
The girl walks away confused...
“Was being rich a bad thing?” she
wonders
216 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
What is it about women and
money? While women are excelling
in every field, the subject of money
still floats on shaky waters. Women in
India are taught from a young age
about being financially independent,
but are thrown off guard when it
comes to growing wealth. While on
the one hand, women are told that
money does make the world go
round; on the other, they are told that
money is what you are given to
maintain the family.
Although cosmopolitan cities have
seen women come out of their
houses and do their thing, they are
few. There are pockets in society
where women are still living in
conservative set-ups where marriage
and domesticity take precedence
over everything.
Sharmila, a lawyer says, “We are
brought up with the mentality that
women take care of the house and

FINANCE
men take care of financial matters.
There are some women who grow up
in a broad-minded set-up but it’s rare.
We hear a lot about empowerment
and independence, but it’s all a feel-
good factor. When I go to my friends’
houses I find that things have rarely
changed... the society is such that it
plays upon a family-structures
mentality.”
If you take a count of the number
of graduating girls and compare them
to the ones who finally find financial
independence, it is small. “Most of
my girlfriends graduating with me are
brilliant. Radhika is just back from a
fashion designing course in London.
But she got married after the course
and is now settled with a child. Her
husband takes care of everything
including the finances while she
dictates the household,” says a
surprised Seema.
This is especially happening in
Forget traditional
biases – women are
more practical
money wizards than
many men.
By Puja Goyal
more affluent families where it is not
considered relevant for women to
bother about finances. They have
servants who take care of everything
while they participate in kitty parties
and social events.
The case is quite different in
normal, middle-class families
where it is considered
proper and polite for a girl
to finish her education
and get married to a well-to-
do man who is able to provide
the basic necessities and
comforts.
Most societal rules
superficially imposed on a
family, make it almost sinful for
a girl to even think of being
rich, successful or wanting to
hold a position of authority.
For example: What will
society say? How will I find a
more accomplished match for
her? Wouldn’t it cause ego clashes
with her husband if she earns more?
A woman should always earn less
than her husband, maintain a position
lower than her husband... and, most
importantly, not try to know her
finances because it is the man’s job.
There are several superficial
societal barriers a woman needs to
deal with but, more importantly, the
eternal question is: “What will people
say?”
Shankar tries to throw light on the
psyche of the society, “Men
sometimes get insecure about their
spouses becoming more successful
than they are; it’s all about what
they’ve been taught, instead of
teaching men to take it in good spirit,
women are taught that it’s better not
to be ambitious about money and
concentrate on so-called domesticity;
I know it sounds cocky but that’s the
way society works. Parents think it’s
more feasible to teach their
daughters to fulfil domestic commit-
ments and not step into the man’s
shoes. Besides, if you remove the
father-daughter relationship, he is
after all a man and he knows what
another man wants; her mother in the
end is also trained in the same
manner. They have different dreams
for their daughter and son.”
STRIKE A BALANCE
Raheem Darediya, on the other
hand, thinks there should be balance
and every member of the family
should work together to run it. “I think
both parents should control money
matters. The father, who has a better
exposure to the outside world, can
take care of bigger expenses, and
Maintenance
family
allowance.
the mother who is familiar with local
markets, and the needs of her
children, can take care of household
expenses.”
An indirect social pressure on girls
causes them to have a very stunted
growth in terms of self-development
and they, therefore, grow according
to what they are supposed to grow
into instead of what they should grow
into. So, why is it a sin if a girl wants
to be rich?
I am sure most women nursing the
desires to be rich – and reading this
article right now – have at some point
encountered the statement, “Oh, but
why do you want to be rich? Don’t we
provide you enough?” Any direct
answer to this without inciting an
uproar is not possible.
This causes most girls to do away
with the prospect that they can also
accumulate wealth and be rich. It is
as if it were a crime to even think of
it. In such a case, wanting more than
what is necessary is like blasphemy.
Women who want be rich are
scorned.
When you think rich, you become
rich. As materialistic as it sounds, the
truth is that money is power, and the
right investment can make money
grow. We do come from a society
where money is a man’s turf and any
invasion there is not welcome. When
I speak to my father about finances, I
still get the same response, “You
don’t have to know everything.”
Being raised in an Indian family,
I’m independent in my endeavours,
but there is more interest taken in the
financial developments of my
brothers – reason: money-making is
not a girl’s turf and it is enough for
her to earn only that which is
necessary for her to sustain herself.
The question is: are girls really
interested in money? On this,
Sharmila says, “Well, look at how
women and men communicate. Men
talk about growth, but women are
always talking about television
shows. Men will socialise for
networking, but women socialise for
bonding. I’m more secure talking to a
man for financial advice because he
will know more. Women hold a
secondary status in these issues...”
So does a man know more
because it comes naturally or
because he has been trained to think
on those terms? Is money-making a
skill that cannot be acquired?
Raheem adds, “Money-management
is not a gender-based issue, it is a
skill and can be acquired by anyone
with correct training. Children whose
parents have given them enough
freedom with money in their
childhood and corrected them
appropriately, will turn out to be
better money-managers, irrespective
of their gender.”
ILLS OF WESTERNISED
TEACHING
Shubhaprada Alse, who is
presently studying gender differences
in her MA first year says, “Westerni-
sation of teaching has led to the
subordination of women in India. It
was not that bad before colonisation.
I think that larger differences find
their roots in smaller differences and
some of them started from religion.
Both men and women are equal.
What was considered as a division
of labour for the proper running of the
family has turned to negation of the
work done just because it has no
money value attached to it. All said
and done, I think women are doing a
lot, and it’s much better now... they
do have some say in some money
matters now.”
Women from the outset are taught
to grow emotionally while men are
taught to grow financially; we pass it
off as a natural, biological chore.
What is it that is stopping women
from growing rich? Maybe it is that
somewhere down the line we are told
that being rich is not a priority for us;
as a result, we are more comfortable
playing various relationship roles and
leaving money matters to men.
Besides these, women face inner
inhibitions, which curb their skills of
creating wealth. In the end, women
believe that, maybe, they are not cut
out for it. The point is that if you’re
not taught or encouraged to think
about money, then you will not
acquire the skills to make it. Money-
making is not something one cannot
learn and acquire, and it does not
require some sort of gifted
development. What it does require is a
great deal of financial planning and
financial thought.
The more women I speak to, the
more I realise that women in general
are not great financial risk-takers.
They would accumulate wealth in
fixed deposits and gold rather than
take risks in stocks and shares, etc.
Most women say, “But there is no
one to tell us.” Although they get
approval from their family members,
they are not told what to do,
Honest cabbie
I had just been married for 15
days. After visiting relatives, my
husband and I were returning to my
mother’s place. In those days, a
honeymoon almost meant visiting
relatives and friends. When we
arrived at the bus station, it was 11
o’clock at night. We got into a taxi
and reached home. I was overjoyed
to see my parents. I caught hold of
my bag and rushed inside. Dumping
it in a corner I greeted everyone. I
was oblivious to this world as I
eagerly began talking to my family
members. My husband paid the taxi
220
assuming that it is a pet peeve which
will last only a few days.
There are various websites like
“sharekhan”, “moneycontrol” and
“ICICI”, etc. that allow you to open
accounts and trade in stocks
fictitiously and provide financial
information, before you can start real
investment. Such sites are a good
way to start learning because you
don’t lose anything. Taking short
courses and reading books also help.
You could even start off by filing your
own income tax returns. Find out
what aspect of finances you enjoy
and work on specialising in them.
NEED FOR MORE SKILLS
Times are changing and it has
become vital that women learn more
than just basic survival skills. The
truth is that this realisation has come
across in the minds of many only
after experiencing the necessity of it
– instead of coming across on
discovering that it is important for
everyone to grow.
driver and came into the house
presuming that I had carried his
luggage. Light dawned on us when he
asked for his bag after the pleasantries
were over. His suitcase had remained
in the taxi.
My parents became frantic. They
sent my brothers in search of the taxi
but they returned after a futile search
of two hours. By then it was almost
one o’clock. My husband retired to bed
requesting my brother to buy him a
pair of inner clothing for the next day.
My mom and dad couldn’t sleep a
wink as they felt that my negligence
would be a black mark that appeared
so early in my married life. My
husband refused to talk to me.
When I woke up the next morning,
I heard loud voices outside. I came out
– lo! – Our suitcase was sitting right in
the middle of the room. The taxi driver
who had gone home after dropping us,
had noticed the bag in it only in the
morning and realising it belonged to
us, had brought it straight back to us!
We could not thank the driver enough.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Women are not making full use of
this opportunity and are pursuing this
new-found independence in full
swing. They are not only getting into
investment but also creating wealth
and buying properties. Many women
now prefer to go to women financial
consultants because they feel the
women consultants are going to
understand them better.
“The kind of consultancy and
expertise that a female consultant
gives to female client is more personal
and catering to her emotional, physical
and mental needs. Women are more
sensitive and can understand where
the client’s fears and wants are
coming from. There is a feeling of
comfort,” says Surekha who is
presently studying finance. “On the
other hand, women are also known to
be more careful and take calculated
risks. They do their homework and it
doesn’t feel like they are just doing it
to get their commission. I think it could
be due to the feeling that women
want to prove themselves more
competitive,” she concludes. We
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 Count sheep?
Play mind games?
Wash your feet?
There are many
things you can do to
try and fall asleep,
but first, find out
why you can’t sleep!
By Dueep J. Singh

CURE
HOW TO
YOURSELF OF
INSOMNIA t's true that even the healthiest of

I
people occasionally have "white
nights" when it is quite impossible
to get to sleep. I recently had a
night like this because my
peaceful slumber was interrupted
by a wrong number at midnight
when a lady called Raj wanted to
speak to her daughter, Pushpa.
What Raj had been doing all the
hours of reasonable ringing-up-your-
daughter time, I do not wish to
conjecture upon.
Anyway, it had hit me for six. Ten
minutes had been spent trying to
explain to her how to dial a number
properly. The next night I was
interrupted by someone who wanted
to know at 11 o'clock, why I had
given her a missed call at seven
o'clock! I had to waste 15 minutes
persuading her that she had dialled
the wrong city code. As trying to get
back to sleep after such a discussion
was futile, there followed another
white night.
Sleep is the cheapest beauty
treatment one can give oneself but
go 48 hours without sleep and,
instead of looking bright, fresh and
relaxed, you look like a wet sponge
— haggard and irritated. You do not
look your age, for you immediately
gain 10 years of distinguished
maturity without make-up.
Your skin, looks like a used tissue
paper, wrinkled and dry. Above all,
because your resistance level is so
low, you find yourself falling prey to
small infections like a cold or slight
fever.
Forty-eight hours without sleep
and I had to get a medical check-up
done to get my driving licence
renewed. So I took the opportunity to
ask the doctor about insomnia, and
how to get a good night's rest.
Excerpts from interview with
Dr Anjana Mehta, MD.
Doctor, what is a sleep
disorder? As far as I know,
insomnia means difficulty in
sleeping, doesn’t it?
As the name
suggests, a sleep
disorder means that you
have some difficulty in
sleeping. Falling or
staying asleep, going to
sleep at unusual times,
sleeping much longer
than what is normal and
other such abnormal
behaviour related with
sleep, all come under
sleep disorders.
Can you please tell me, how
many hours of sleep I really need
to keep healthy.
Eight hours is what an
average adult needs. But some of
us need 10 hours (“Me!” I squeak. I
like my sleep...) Children need eight
to nine hours and babies need even
more. However, there are some
people who are perfectly healthy,
sleeping for about six hours.
How many types of insomnia Here, you do not sleep for weeks and
are there? weeks. I want to tell you that there is
There are different types of often an underlying cause for chronic
insomnia, insomnia. For that you have to check
 Transient or temporary up with your doctor to see if you
insomnia: Transient insomnia is a suffer from depression or anxiety.
disturbance in sleeping patterns  The long-term use of sleeping
which continues for a few nights only. pills and alcohol, or a very heavy
The cause can be jet lag, excitement, meal loaded with proteins before
stress, illness or a change in sleep going to sleep, can also lead to
schedule. Those with transient insomnia. Sometimes, shift work also
insomnia soon return to normal. If disturbs one’s sleep pattern and one
you have a crying baby around or becomes a chronic insomniac.
some construction work going on Medical problems such as chronic
when you are trying to sleep, you will pain or an overactive bladder and the
suffer from temporary insomnia. ageing process can also disturb
 The second type is short-term one’s sleep pattern.
insomnia. This can be a bit more
serious because it continues Can insomnia be
for two to three weeks. Here, Since falling caused by diseases?
the main causes are mental Insomnia is often a
and psychological, like worry asleep is a symptom of another
about finances, change of passive condition rather than a
location or job, and, in India, condition on its own. If
worry about children! Sadness process that insomnia is caused by
about an emotional loss can medical or psycholo -
cause you to lie awake at requires the gical conditions, its
night and grieve. This will lead body and treatment will have to
to short-term insomnia. focus on those under-
 The most worrying type mind to be lying conditions. Only a
of them all is chronic doctor can tell you if
insomnia. But this is very rare! relaxed, your insomnia is due to
strategies such conditions as
heart disease, epil -
which calm epsy, pregnancy,
menopause or arthritis.
both the mind It is not advisable at all
and body are to medicate yourself
with your own gharelu
very helpful in nuskhe or some herbal
medicine because you
managing can get addicted to
insomnia. them.
In addition, medi -
cations prescribed for certain health
condi tions such as high blood
pressure and even asthma may
adversely affect sleep. You
should also identify any psy-
chological factors standing in
the way of your rest. Since
falling asleep is a passive
process that requires the
body and mind to be
relaxed, strategies which
calm both the mind and body
are very helpful in managing
insomnia.
 If I do not get my daily quota of
relaxed sleep, how will that affect
my health?
The important word here is
“relaxed”. You might have eight hours
of sleep interrupted by waking up
with a jerk and dropping off again.
That is not healthy, relaxed sleep.
Relaxed sleep is dropping off in
seven minutes after your head hits
the pillow and waking up the next
morning at your regular time.
Doctor, sometimes, sleep just
doesn’t come. Can you give me
some tips. I tried counting sheep,
but I had to give it up, because it
was making me feel even more
tired. I don’t think it’s stress and
there is no question of my
suffering from heart disease,
arthritis, etc. But I am still am
deprived of sleep. What can I do?
Well, if you have been sleeping
badly, and you do not know any
obvious reason for this, like a major
change in your life or some serious
disturbance and worry, it is
necessary to begin to look at your
lifestyle. Are you eating late? Are you
stressed out? Are you missing your
meals? Are you hurrying around in a
chaotic manner? Well, remember not
to eat much after nine o'clock. If you
want to have something, have a drink
of warm milk.
228
My grandmother advocated that
we wash our feet before we go to
sleep. How does that help?
Apart from the fact that the sheets
remain clean longer, washing your
feet before you go to sleep is a sort
of sleep-inducing trick. Absolutely no
coffee or chocolate before going to
sleep. In fact, insomniacs should stop
drinking much tea or coffee. In a day,
your quota should be not more than
five cups, do not drink either of these
beverages within three hours of your
bedtime. So no consuming caffeine,
nicotine or alcohol too close to
bedtime. Do not watch television right
before going to bed either.
Is it better to rush to bed and
try to go to sleep or is there any
tire-yourself-out routine, which
can make sleep easier?
(Anjana shook her head). In fact,
both of us know that anybody who is
not completely tired out before he or
she goes to sleep, is going to have
quite a whale of a time, counting
sheep.
Actually, there should be a pre-
sleep routine, which we call
unwinding. That is, you need about
half an hour to 45 minutes to get
ready for sleep. That is a time when
you can go through your nightly
beauty routine of moisturising and
cleaning your face, having a bath,
Relaxed sleep is dropping
off in seven minutes
after your head hits the
pillow and waking up the
next morning at
your regular time.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
brushing your teeth, and getting into
bed with a relaxing book. The
moment you begin to feel sleepy,
switch off the light, and forget about
your book.
No three pages more! Stimulus-
control therapy is what is needed
here. The bed is for sleeping and not
for preventing yourself from going to
sleep by keeping awake to finish your
book.
How about going out for a walk
after dinner?
A gentle walk is always
recommended after dinner, but no
vigorous exercising! Exercise has a
direct, beneficial effect on several
factors that affect insomnia. It
reduces the effects of stress,
improves mood and deepens sleep.
Regular daily exercise completed at
least four hours before bedtime
usually improves sleep performance.
Sometimes, even if my bed is
very comfortable, I cannot get to
sleep. What should I do then?
Buy a mattress which is not too
soft. Discard lumpy mattresses. See
that your pillows are plump enough
to support your head.
Sometimes, my back aches
when I go to sleep. How do I
prevent this?
That is a common problem. Sleep
with an extra pillow supporting your
back where it aches. It should be
hard and not spongy. If you have a
lot of back problem, try sleeping on a
hard surface. With an extra-firm
mattress.
No wonder our ancestors were so
straight-backed, sleeping on the
ground or on wooden planks!
Try it out, it helps. The nawaar or
rope charpoy bends itself to the
contours of the body without giving it
support when and where necessary.
So you need a plywood phatta!
Sometimes, it happens that
there is something very important
scheduled for the next day and it
is absolutely essential for me to
get some sleep. And my brain
chooses that time to begin acting
thoroughly active and not relaxing
at all. What do I do then?
For a long time, we doctors
advocated mental relaxation tricks
but you can try some physical
relaxation tricks. Close your eyes and
tell yourself that you are not going to
open them at all. Breathe in very
deeply, counting up to 10. Hold your
breath to a count of five, and then
breathe out, up to a count of 10. This
is a simulation of deep sleep and you
will drop off very soon.
You can also begin to relax all
your muscles by clenching them and
then letting them go loose. Start with
your feet, clenching them, and then
relax. Then work up your body, then
your arms and hands and last of all
your shoulders. That should loosen
up any tense muscles.
Sometimes, I am so tired that I
cannot sleep. What do I do then?
Try relaxation techniques and if
they do not work, get up and wash
your face with cold water. Drink a
glass of water too. You can also
brush your hair, if you want to. Sit up
for a while, go back to bed, make it
afresh and then try to go back to
sleep again.
What do you think of sleep
medications?
Definitely no-no! These
medications have side-effects like
high blood pressure and nausea and
suntans. It has happened that
doctors have prescribed them for a
AN IDEAL MATCH...
Many a times I have come
across this question. Who is an
ideal match for you? Or how will you
describe an ideal match for
yourself? Parents search for "An
ideal match" for their daughter. So,
who is an ideal match?
The simple answer to this
question is that there is no ideal
match for anybody. Surprised? But
it's the truth. The only existing ideal
match is "U" and nobody else. If you
can make yourself an ideal for
someone, then automatically any
230
patient who is in pain, only to find out
that he or she has become addicted
to them even after the pain has
disappeared. It also happens that
continuous use of these medications
make the body build up resistance to
them, lessening their efficiency, due
to which some people begin to take
higher doses in self-medication.
So I got my medical certificate,
saying I am fit to drive. But I am
just this teensy-weensy bit sleep-
deprived. So what's new, pussy
cat?
What I have found out from this
exercise is that before trying to go to
sleep, I must exercise a little, not take
person will become ideal for you.
I had learnt this from my past
relationships and my marriage that
the person with whom you are
related/married to, can be very
different or simply opposite of you.
Then after having a relationship, if
you discover that this person is not
your type, life can become horrible
because it's not easy to break
relationships. The simplest way to
solve this problem is to give time to
your marriage/relationship, and
have patience. You have to make
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
naps, not drink coffee, make sure
that my bedroom is calm and quiet
and dark, no alcohol or smoking at
all at night, (not that it applies in my
case!). and eat some light
carbohydrates before going to bed.
That all right in the general sense.
So let us see what homoeopathy has
to say about insomnia.
Excerpts from the interview with
Dr (Captain) Siddhartha Garewal.
BHMS. Hey, even the Indian defence
forces believe that Homoeopathy is
a genuine medical science!
First of all, doctor tell me,
before we get to insomnia, how
does homeopathy cure a person
naturally?
Actually, homeopathic remedies
are prepared from natural substances
so that they can stimulate the
body's own power of healing itself.
Do you mean that I can be
cured permanently by homoeo -
pathy?
Yes, homeopathy has a better
record of offering long-lasting to
permanent cures, because the
disease is being treated from its root.
Actually, we believe that there is
some affliction of the mind and
body which disturbs the whole
organism.
So we have to provide one
constitutional remedy. Instead
of treating all the body parts
separately, the disturbing force has
to be treated. We
yourself an ideal person – and be
compatible to your partner – and
then you will slowly notice that your
partner is also changing
accordingly, and will become an
ideal match for you.
Don't load yourself with bundles
of expectations, because coz it will
only lead to depression. So, to have
a healthy relationship – and an ideal
partner, become an ideal partner
and understand your relationship
and I can assure you, you will have
a wonderful life. – Shilpi Signodia
 The Bridge
that United Hearts
It was not a material connection but a Faltu child that
brought them together. By Nalini Sharma

D
riven by intense desire to witness the don’t you sleep quietly and let others do so?”
gorgeous snow-clad mountains Nandini was “That is what we have been doing since we
prompted to take a fortnight’s leave in the arrived here... sleeping and eating,” she retorted.
month of January from her college where she “You can sleep as long as you wish. For your
was working as a lecturer. Braving the chilly information, it is nine o'clock. time to get up...”
cold of winter she joyfully undertook long saying which she jerked her shawl free from his
arduous journey from Agra to Fakhruhi, a grip.
small, hilly place nestling in the valley among the “I won’t allow you to go out in such inclement
treacherous terrain of Himachal Pradesh where her weather...” he growled.
husband’s eldest brother was recently posted. “Inclement, weather?” Nandini shot back. “I
Since her arrival there, severe blizzards kept came here only to enjoy such weather and...and to
raging forcing her to remain indoors. The white witness snowfall and picturesque bewitching natural
snow flakes rained incessantly from the heavens beauty. Remember?”
above. Even windows could not be opened He began to wriggle out of the loads of
for fear of them getting inside. Hardly had quilts. Before he could, she quickly made
Occasionally, she would peep out through her exit. The moment she stepped out the
Nandini scaled
a narrow chink in the window pane and sky above greeted her by showering white
marvel at their pure white ethereal beauty. a hillock when flowers upon her. The whole atmosphere
How she longed to go out and bathe under she heard exuded a divine aura, serenity and
the snow shower! But that was not to be. Rahul’s voice, tranquillity that held her spellbound. In
Aware of her intense longing to enjoy such “Wait, awe Nandini gazed at the snow-clad
freakish weather, Rahul, her husband, kept Nandini, I am peaks that outlined the horizon far away,
a strict vigil on her movements thinking that magnificently giving her a mute, irresistible
she was bit queer. He would lie snug
coming. You call. Though it was a time for hectic
buried under quilts smiling smugly at her won’t find morning chores with people running
discomfiture while she listened greedily to your way back. errands all over the place, not a soul was
the sound of the snow storm howling All the hillocks visible save one or two orderlies or
outside lashing against the window panes look alike...” maidservants who scurried past her
that was sheer music to her ears. hurriedly hidden under woollens with their
Eight days departed one by one leaving eyes peeping through headgear.
her short of precious time that she had wished to

spend on sightseeing. Weather still hostile, giving
her no respite, was a great hindrance in fulfilling her
mission. As the ninth day dawned, she peeped out
as usual. To her wonder there seemed to be a lull in
the howling of the chilly wind though the snow flakes
still poured in profusion. Promptly covering herself
from top to toe in woollen garments, she decided to
steal out quietly before her husband woke up.
As she unbolted the bedroom door, Rahul woke
up. Catching hold of her shawl, he cried, “Why
H
ardly had Nandini scaled a hillock when she
heard Rahul’s voice, “Wait, Nandini, I am
coming. You won’t find your way back. All the
hillocks look alike...”
Nandini turned her head to see Rahul hurrying
towards her.She called back, “Rahul, you need not
come. I won’t lose my way back. Rest assured...”
But, unheeding he bounded up beside her in
leaping strides with bouncy steps. Dusting snow
flakes off his body, he looked around. Shrugging his

232 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

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shoulders indifferently, he asked, “What is there to
see here? Only bare tree stumps devoid of leaves
and flowers! Dry twigs and pale leaves groaning
under our feet! Just hear the crunchy sound with
every step you take. This uninhabited, dry stretch of
land and ugly mounds give me the creeps. I don’t
see any beauty here. If I stayed here for a few
seconds more, I would either go berserk or suffer
from depression...surely...”
Saying it in mock depression he twisted his neck
sideways in a dramatic manner. Nandini burst out
laughing at his antics.
“You have the gift of the gab,” she taunted, “You
will go on orating non-stop and...and I am well ware
of your concept of beauty. The green colour of bank
notes is the most beautiful sight for you, their scent is
the sweetest fragrance and nothing is more
melodious to your ears than the sound of crispy, new
currency notes.”
Letting out a hearty guffaw he looked deep into
his wife’s eyes before commenting, “Had I not been
a lover of beauty, I would not have married you.”
His compliment made Nandini blush adding to
her joy in that charming surrounding.
Shivering with cold, he took hold of her right
hand and began to drag her down the hillock. At
that very moment the sun emerged from behind the
range of mountains producing a star-like effect
lighting up the horizon. An unusual sight greeted
Nandini’s eyes – the shadow of the hills silhouetted
in the clouds created by the morning sun. The
sunlight began to filter through the hills and through
the thick growth of bare trees in its purest pristine
glory.
Standing in awe of the majestic panorama, she
drank in the beauty of shimmering sunbeams
greedily playing hide
and seek as snowflakes
melted slowly into dew
SHORT
STORY
drops. The icicles hung like pearls from the
bare branches of the trees sparkling in the
golden glow of the morning sun. Feasting
her eyes on colours, she stared at their
beauty as if in a trance. It seemed that
nature was adorned with pearly white in
obeisance to divine power. The ground
under her feet lay littered with pebbles,
potato-shaped, small, smooth stones and
big boulders – reminder of landslides long
ago. Nothing could ever fill her heart with
so much joy.
“Beautiful! Marvellous! What a
magnificent sight!” she exulted.
R
ahul stopped short on hearing his wife’s
exclamation. But looking around, he cried in
dismay, “Where? I don’t see anything
beautiful...”
Pointing to the branches of trees adorned with
exquisite white icicles glittering in different hues in
the sunlight, Nandini exclaimed exuberantly, “Look
here! Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder...” She
turned his face with both her hands in that direction.
Crosshead: Appaling discovery
Hardly were the words out of her mouth when
something soft struck her toes. Instantly, she bent
down to see what it was. One look at it made her
shriek in horror, “Faltu! Bhaiji’s son? Here?”
Both of them were violently jolted at this sudden
turn of events and cried in unison as if asking the
mute trees and hills, “How did he come here? This
year- old tiny tot could not have tottered up there on
the hillock on his own!” But their voices reverberated
in the hills.
Instantly picking up the wrapped
tiny bundle, Nandini cradled it in her
arms. Faltu’s lips had turned blue in
the freezing cold and he looked
deathly pale. He lay still with
no movement. Putting her
fingers to his nostrils, she
checked its breathing but she
could not feel any. Then,
holding him close to her
bossom, she began to rub his
tiny feet to warm its frail, limp
body.
Man’s evil designs had
Rahul slapped Nandini so hard
that it sent her reeling against the
wall. “How dare you teach Bhaiji”? he
shouted at the top of his voice.
marred nature’s beauty. It was evident that someone
had thrown him there not without some ulterior
motive just before Nandini and Rahul reached there.
Had Nandini not gone to that hillock that morning,
Faltu would never have been found. The euphoria of
sightseeing evaporated in an instant. Rudely
awakened from her blissful reverie to ugly reality,
Nandini’s spirits sagged and, with a heavy heart,
she quickly retraced her steps back home while
Rahul trailed behind her dejectedly.
B
ack home, Rahul joined his two brothers in the
drawing room while Nandini went straight to
Lata, Faltu’s mother, in the kitchen. Putting the
tiny tot in her lap, she asked, “Where did you leave
him, bhabhi? I found him lying on the top of the
hillock under a tree... in this freezing cold...”
“On the hillock?” Lata repeated like a moron not
comprehending. After a few seconds, as the impact
of Nandini’s words hit her mind with
tremendous force, she let out a high-
pitched painful shriek. Stunned, she looked
up at Nandini in utter disbelief with her
big beautiful eyes swollen due to long
crying.
“He was missing since morning,” she
hiccupped between sobs. “He was not
asleep in his cot when I went to feed him. I
searched for him everywhere in the house
but he was nowhere...”
Lata’s face was washed with tears and
her kameez wet with milk. She looked a
perfect picture of sorrow. Instantly, she
squeezed the limp body of Faltu under the
kameez to her breast to feed him. The
warmth and scent of his mother’s body
made the tiny tot snuggle closer to its mother and he
began sucking milk that made Nandini jump with
joy. Lata kept wailing loudly while feeding the little
one.
Soon, the sound of her wailing reached the ears
of her husband whom everybody addressed as
bhaiji. He arrived at the kitchen door with his two
younger brothers in tow – Raman and Rahul. Seeing
her husband, Lata’s wailing pitch rose even higher.
When bhaiji saw his son at his wife’s breast, his
face lit up with joy.
But puzzled out of his wits at her non-stop crying,
he asked, “Lata, where did you find Faltu? Didn’t I
tell you that he would be here buried under some
quilt?”
But in reply Lata kept sobbing hysterically. He
repeated his question again and again but met with
the same response. Unable to control his mounting
rage, he thundered, “Cut your miserable melodrama
and answer me. Where did you find him?”
236 Woman’s Era
Sobbing hysterically she hiccupped incoherently,
“Nandini...er... Nandini found... him... on ...on the
hillock...”
With fear-stricken face and tear-filled eyes, Lata
silently implored Nandini to tell him where she had
found Faltu. In response, Nandini gestured to her
husband to divulge the truth, but he kept mum as if
he had lost the power of speech. Nandini was
aware of the fact that Rahul, being the youngest one
was in awe of bhaiji, his eldest brother, and never
opened his mouth in his presence. Not succeeding
in evoking any response from him, Nandini gave
him a nudge but she failed to make him open his
mouth.
Crosshead: Truth unforheads
Unable to contain herself any longer, Nandini
blurted out the truth, “We found Faltu lying
unconscious on top of the hillock under a tree when
we went for sightseeing... a little while ago...”
Again she looked at her husband to
back her statement up but he averted her
Stunned
gaze.
at this Stunned at this revelation, bhaiji asked
revelation, in a rasping voice, “On the top of the
bhaiji asked hillock? How did he reach there?”
in a rasping Rahul’s silence was getting on Nandini’s
voice, nerves. On top of that, bhaiji’s silly
question irritated her no end. “This one-
“On the
year-old,” she spoke up bluntly, “would not
top of the have walked up there, would he?
hillock? Obviously someone had taken him
How did he there...”
reach ”Why?” he barked.
there?” There was grave silence. No one dared
answer his question. Anyone with a little
intelligence could deduce the ulterior
motive of the person who left Faltu in the desolate
place in the freezing cold but not bhaiji. Only a fool
could ask such a silly question.
Since her arrival there, Nandini had been
immensely grieved to see the ill-treatment meted out
to Lata and her son. She was already seething with
rage. Now, bhaiji’s silly ‘why’ fuelled her anger all
the more.
E
xasperated no end, her suppressed fury erupted
in words all of a sudden, “Bhaiji, Lata bhabhi
didn’t come to this house on her own. You
brought her here and... and you brought Faltu into
this world. You should protect them from... from...”
Even before Nandini could complete her
sentence, her husband standing like a mute statue so
far, suddenly turned mobile with a jerk and slapped
her so hard that it sent her reeling against the wall.
“How dare you teach bhaiji?” he shouted at the
top of his voice. “What he does is none of your
● January (First) 2009
business. Just eat two meals a day and sit quietly in
a corner with your mouth shut... till you are here a
few days more... or else... I would...”
He left the sentence unfinished menacingly. Tears
welled up in Nandini’s eyes with humiliation and
righteous indignation. Rahul’s sudden aggressive
behaviour towards her shocked her immensely but
more shocking than that was the vulgar display of
his manliness in the presence of his mother and
brothers. Yet her husband turned into a coward and
developed cold feet in dread of them. How she
despised his craven behaviour! The pain of being
the wife of a coward was more than all the
humiliation heaped upon her. Even at the age of, 38
he didn’t have the guts to relate a simple fact he had
been witness to – to speak the truth.
T
his incident revealed the ugly facet of his
character – that he was a man of straw, a mere
puppet and a puny weakling under the thumb
of his elders but could fly into a nasty temper to
subdue his morally correct wife at the slightest
provocation. A feeling of emptiness engulfed
Nandini distancing her from her husband. She no
longer felt the same warmth for him in her heart. This
incident turned her into an unemotional robot – cold
and detached from him. She loathed being his wife
and didn’t feel a sense of belonging to his house.
Totally detached, she withdrew to a corner.
Cross head: Papa’s warming
Her father’s words rang in her ears, “Nandini, for
goodness sake, forget Rahul. He is not worthy of you
in any respect. There is a great disparity between
you two. You will never be able to bridge the
intellectual and cultural chasm. You are highly
refined with great aesthetic sense. Your life will be
sheer misery with this...man. You have only seen his
handsome exterior but you don’t know the real man
behind that charming facade. He has charmed his
way into your heart with his fluent, smooth and
persuasive talk because he is shrewd businessman
and... and a glib salesman. He never reads the
books he sells. Being an avid reader, you are well
informed but he is an ignoramus. The moment you
see the seamy side of his life, you will repent your
decision of marrying him. He is uncultured and
highly materialistic. A man is known by his roots and
he can’t shake off its influence.
“Seeing you hell-bent upon marrying him, I paid a
quick, surprise visit to his parental home without
your knowledge. I am sorry to say his people are
uncultured brutes lacking taste, refinement and
manners. Their language and manners are crude. I
have seen their seamy side. What a sordid life they
lead! Their ignorance and crudity will make you run
away in disgust. Coming from different
backgrounds, you will not be able to interact and
adjust with each other. Don’t get carried away by
his deceptive appearance. You are inviting disaster.
I will die of shock if you come to any grief. It is not
love but mere infatuation that will soon evaporate
like camphor...once his true character is revealed.
“It beats me how you, an intellectual girl with
tremendous reasoning power, got influenced
by...that man... Strange are the ways...” he added
stifling a sigh and left the sentence unfinished.
Crosshead: The nightmare begins
B
ut Nandini had refused to heed his sane advice
and stood her ground. She was smitten with
Rahul so much that she married him much
against the wishes of her parents. The very first night
her father was proved right. She had shock of her
life when Rahul had pounced upon her body like a
beast saying, “I was waiting for this moment for
long...”
Miffed by his crude approach, she had
wriggled free of his grasp. Annoyed, he had
snapped at her, “Nandini, what is the
matter? Come on. You are my wife, aren’t
you? Let us celebrate our wedding night...”
With tear-filled eyes, she had managed to
mumble, “Yes, I am your wife, not your
Nandini was shocked to see the ugly
facet of her husband’s character,
which pained her more than the
humiliation heaped on her.
prey. I don’t like your beastly approach. You should
be gentle...”
“Pooh!” he had exclaimed in disgust. “That is
what happens if you marry a teacher. Instead of
making love, she gives me a sermon. Serves me
right!”
Something had snapped inside her at that very
moment. She felt a deep void in her heart. His
rough, unsophisticated, brutal approach had
completely put her off and turned her cold. She had
gone into silent mode after that.
At that very instant he had labeled her frigid. On
another occasion, he had jeered at her, “You are
like a beautiful statue with no life – fit to adorn a
museum...not a home.”
Her marriage was an utter fiasco from the very
start but Nandini kept up the facade before the
world of happy married life not to cause pain to her
who had wrongfully usurped their home and father.
The house, no longer a sweet home, was turned
into a virtual battlefield. Savage fighting took place
between the two warring parties – one of Suresh
and Mukesh, the other of Amit and Sumit. Suresh
and Mukesh would go to any length to cause the
others injury or humiliation and promptly hide in the
protective arms of their loving grandmother ever
ready to cover up their follies and nasty deeds.
Hapless Lata was too terrified of her mother-in-law to
even hug her own sons, wipe their tears or heal their
wounded psyches with a kiss.
If she was ever seen doing so, her mother-in-law
would scold her angrily, “Woman, my son brought
you here not to sleep with but to be a mother to
these two motherless children. Keep away from
those lazy parasites you brought with you...”

parents. How hard she tried but she could not be
normal towards Rahul. His crudity repulsed her.
Their turbulent marriage was a love-hate
relationship. But now his behaviour in bhaiji’s home
had revealed an even more unbearably ugly facet of
his character so far unknown to her.
Nursing her wounded psyche, she began to travel
down memory lane.
Crossroad:Bhaiji’s background
R
aman’s wife, burdened with the Herculean task
of managing the house and two spoilt brats all
alone after the death of bhaiji’s first wife
heaved a sigh of relief on the arrival of Lata and
promptly washed her hands of the whole
responsibility and retired cosily to the sanctum of her
bedroom.
Lata would get up at dawn when everybody was
asleep. She would do the cleaning, wash clothes,
prepare tea and breakfast, tiffin for school, lunch,

S
he remembered just three days after her and then the evening meal. After slogging hard the
marriage, bhaiji first wife, Rama, had died of whole day like a slave, at 11 p.m., she would drop
meningitis leaving two sons, Suresh and dead tired on the mat on the kitchen floor. That was
Mukesh, in the hands of Raman’s childless wife. not enough; bhaiji was there invariably on the dot
Their grandmother doted on them. She pampered seeking her service in bed. Daily, this inhuman
and indulged them so much that they became spoilt routine was repeated. In addition, she and her two
brats – aggressive, self-willed and wayward. After sons suffered indignities and torture at the hands of
remaining two years without a wife, bhaiji secretly family members. She was made to pay for the sins of
married Lata, a young widow of exquisite beauty bhaiji. She suffered silently and never complained to
and a mother of two sons, Amit and Sumit by her fist her husband about the ill-treatment meted out to her
marriage, without consulting his mother, brothers for fear of incurring their wrath, further aggravating
and sons. Everybody was aghast at this behaviour her suffering. She bore her misfortune courageously.
and hated him for his remarriage but Bhaiji, blissfully oblivious of her plight,
nobody dared to oppose him openly. If she was ever enjoyed heavenly bliss of marital life.
Bhaiji was a dictator who ruled the house Nandini’s heart bled to see Lata’s
with an iron rod by creating a fear
seen doing so, unending misery.
psychosis. Consequently, Lata and her two her mother-in- One day, she asked her, “Bhabhi, don’t
small sons had to bear the brunt of their law would scold you think that you are paying a very heavy
anger. Suresh and Mukesh were her angrily, price for wearing a pinch of sindoor on
aggressive, ever ready to fight while Amit “Woman, my your forehead? Widowhood was much
and Sumit were meek, humble and always son brought better than this living death, wasn’t it?
on the defensive. Suresh and Mukesh you here not to Weren’t you happier then?”
despised Lata for taking their mother’s sleep with but Hearing her question, Lata’s fair face
place, refused to call her mother and to be a mother clouded over. Letting out a deep,
always addressed her in a derogatory anguished sigh, she replied, “Nandini, you
to these two
way – ‘that woman’ – and invented are educated, earning and self-reliant. You
imaginary excuses to bash her sons up. motherless can’t imagine the agony and hellish
They considered the trio as trespassers children. suffering of an illiterate young widow with

240 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

no support and means of livelihood seeing
her kids starving. And...and it is a man’s
world, isn’t it? Without a man around, a
woman’s beauty becomes her worst
enemy. Wily wolves in sheep’s clothing
hover about ever ready to pounce upon
her, taking advantage of her misfortune.
She needs a roof over her head and a
husband to protect her from other lecherous
guys. My life may look burdensome to you
but I feel safe here and earn my living
respectably by doing household chores...”
Nandini stared at her speechless. Lata
was right in her own way. She slogged
hard like a slave for a living and a
respectable roof over her head. Bhaiji was
her meal ticket for life. Nandini’s educated,
independent mind was in utter confusion. She
cherished nothing more than freedom and self-
respect. She would have preferred widowhood, an
independent life, rather than getting chained to
abominable drudgery for selfish brutes.
One day, she became extremely tense. No one dared to
asked her, complain to bhaiji. After all, he was solely
“Bhabhi, don’t responsible for the spoilt home
you think that atmosphere. For the first time, Nandini had
you are paying dared to speak the truth in the presence of
a very heavy bhaiji, but in return she was rewarded with
price for a slap.
wearing a Crossroad: Back to the present
pinch of Shedding tears, Nandini sat brooding
sindoor on your
forehead? over the events since her marriage.
Widowhood Suddenly, her chain of distressing thoughts
was much was disrupted by the voice of the
better than this maidservant, the silent spectator of this
living death, family melodrama, “Saab, on my way to
wasn’t it? Arora’s house, I saw Suresh and Amit
holding Faltu in the cold outside...”
Hardly were the words out of her mouth, there
was a thunder that shook the whole building.
“Suresh...Amit...!”
All hell broke loose. Nandini feared the worst.
Bhaiji’s eyes were red like live coal. He was frothing
at the mouth with uncontrollable rage. Hardly had
the echo of his voice died down when Suresh and

A
year after her marriage, Lata gave birth to a
baby boy – bhaiji’s son – thereby adding to
her misery. The news was a bolt from the blue
and came as a terrible shock to all the members.
They were completely taken aback by the
unwelcome surprise. Nandini’s mother-in-law
spewed venom in a loud, angry voice glaring at the
newborn disapprovingly, “Faltu.”
“The house is already teeming with unwanted
children. Throw this faltu worthless fellow away this
very moment, for you have already burdened us with and hurling choicest obscenities at Lata and cursing
two good-for-nothing brats,” she commanded Lata.
The name faltu stuck. Thus the newborn was
named Faltu by the old hag with beady eyes who
was as autocratic as her eldest son. Hapless, Lata
dared not give the newborn a proper name.
The little one had inherited the beauty and
Amit shot out like a bullet from inside the house and
running at top speed, began to scale the hillocks.
Rahul had no nerve to stop them. Raman made a
futile bid to go after them but bhaiji bellowed, “Stay
here, Raman. No need to go. Hunger and thirst will
drive them back home... then I will give them a bit of
my mind...”
And he left for work as if nothing had happened,
Nandini’s mother-in-law wailed at the highest pitch
beating her breast in the most disgusting manner
Faltu, “Why don’t you die, both of you? Bad luck
will befall us if you stay here... any longer...”
Hungry Faltu began to cry. Hardly had Lata
picked him up for feeding when the old woman
thundered, “No! You won’t. Let it die...”

irresistible charm of its mother. Soon, it became the
centre of bhaiji’s attention. He doted on him like a
man possessed, ignoring his two sons by his first
wife. Before going to and after coming back from
work, he was seen pampering the baby.
The two warring parties stopped fighting
suddenly as if a ceasefire had been declared, and
got united against a common enemy – “Faltu the
newborn tiny tot. They would sing in unison
derisively, Faltu, Faltu, Faltu,” causing intense agony
to his mother. They took delight in pinching and
pushing the little one. They would snatch the milk
bottle from his mouth or drop it roughly on the floor
from its cot while the old woman smiled smugly with
evil glee. She mounted her tirade against Lata and
cursed Faltu all the time. The home atmosphere
L
ata dropped on the floor in a dead faint with
the tremendous shock. When became conscious
she resumed doing her chores like a robot while
Faltu sobbed to sleep. Unable to bear the cruelty,
Nandini put a milk bottle to the lips of the sleeping
baby.
Her mother-in-law glared at her and roared,
“Didn’t you have enough for the day from your
husband for poking your dirty nose into our affairs?”
Keeping mum, Nandini stared at her angrily. The
whole drama had made her brazen. No more afraid
of these uncivilised brutes, she prepared to depart
from there as early as possible, cutting short her
visit.
The hours ticked by and the day wore off but
Suresh and Amit had not returned. It was dusk when

242 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

bhaiji came back from work. As he picked up Faltu
in his arms he remembered the boys. He
commanded Raman to summon both of them to his
presence – pronto! Only then did he come to know
that Suresh and Amit had not returned. His forehead
creased with worry lines, he sent his younger
brothers to search the boys in the pitch dark of the
thick jungle on the chain of hills. Three hours’ search
bore no fruit. After 12 hours, at 9 p.m., the police
were informed. It was too late. They combed the
contention with you and turn him into an educated,
cultured, self-reliant person like you...”
Crosshead: Faltu rechristened
In reply, Nandini picked up Faltu, and hugged
him lovingly to her bosom, deliberately ignoring
Rahul’s disapproving glance expressing her silent but
firm consent. Then she asked, “bhabhi, What about
bhaiji? Will he allow it? He dotes upon him...”
“Oh, that is no problem,” replied Lata.

entire area, but the boys had completely
disappeared. They could not be found dead or alive.
A grave-like hush fell on the house. Occasionally,
it was broken by the heart-rending wails of
Nandini’s mother-in-law cursing Lata and Faltu.
Rahul hissed in Nandini’s ears, “It is just because of
you... Had you not gone there for sightseeing we
wound not have come to this grief...”
His words befuddled Nandini. Shocked at his
blame game, she kept quiet. The mental impotency of
Raman and Rahul, their inability to think sanely, blind
obedience to their elder brother and refusal to see
things in the right perspective, had cost them two lives. from her husband. She was happy with the tiny tot
Weary of Rahul’s false accusations against her
again and again, Nandini shot back angrily, “Had I
not gone there for sightseeing, Faltu would have
died...”
“So what?” he cut her short, “His mother Lata
bhabhi is alive. She can produce another Faltu
again but Suresh was the son of our dead bhabhi...
He will not come back...”
T
rue to her word, she succeeded in persuading
her husband, who was completely bowled over
by her bewitching, irresistible charm to let
Nandini take Faltu with her for his proper
upbringing. In spite of Rahul’s repeated vehement
protestations, Nandini stood her ground and
brought Faltu with her to Agra. The very next day
after her arrival, she arranged a namkaran samskar
ceremony and named him Praveen. Keeping a full-
time ayah to assist her in child-rearing, Nandini
resumed her duty at the college and the rest of the
time she devoted to Praveen distancing completely
while Rahul was seething with anger.
One day, erupting like a volcano, he snatched
Praveen from her arms and cried, “Enough,
Nandini, enough. I have had enough of your wilful
behaviour. You are too obstinate, determined to
have your own way. I can’t allow this bone of
contention here in my house any more. He is
creating a rift between us. You have drifted apart
from me since you brought him. It is high time that

A
mit, Lata’s son was not mentioned. Rahul’s we pack him off to the place where he belongs...”
senseless reply horrified Nandini. Only an “This tiny tot is creating a rift?” retorted Nandini,
imbecile could think of such an answer. “You are an expert at blaming the wrong person.
Nandini cringed in fear from him. Her father was You are making me drift away from you, not this tiny
right. They had reached an impasse. There was no tot. Your ignorance, your cowardice, your
congeniality in their relationship as she and her thoughtlessness and your uncultured behaviour are
husband were as different as chalk and cheese. creating a rift between us. You don’t have the guts to
They had no compatibility with different interests and speak the truth. You are incapable of sane thinking.
dispositions. It was impossible to live with Your timely action could have saved two
him. Rahul was an ignoramus. His lack of precious lives....If you wish to win me
knowledge, education, experience and Weary of again, set your thinking right...”
culture became evident with every Rahul’s false “How dare you find fault with me?” he
sentence he uttered. His brothers and accusations cut her short rudely, “And how dare you
mother were all barbarians. Their thinking against her teach me? I am not your student. Don’t try
was frighteningly primitive and uncultured. again and to be a teacher at home...”
They were incapable of sane thinking. again, Exerting control over his anger, he came
Each hour passed like an era in that Nandini shot near her. Holding her chin up, he looked
house. Days dragged by. Nandini heaved back angrily, deep into her eyes and asked, “Am I not
a sigh of relief when the day of her “Had I not the same person you loved once? Nandini,
departure dawned. As she bade goodbye gone there for just say yes or no? No sermon...”
to Lata with tear-filled eyes, she put Faltu at sightseeing, “No,” replied she, “Not the same
her feet and implored in a voice choked person I loved...”
Faltu would
with emotion looking at her beseechingly, He pushed her aside gruffly. An eerie
“Nandini, please take this bone of
have died...” silence pervaded the house. Nandini

244 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

feared that her marriage would finally fall
apart. But the little one kept the house
warm and alive with his innocent pranks.
His sweet smile erased the frown lines from
their faces. At some moments, he made
them laugh together at his antics, thus
taking away the blues. Time flew in the
joyful company of Praveen.
Crosshead: Realisation dawns
Seeing Nandini devoted to Praveen, a
child born not of her own flesh and blood but
of his eldest brother, a sudden realisation
dawned upon Rahul’s mind that he had been
most unfair to her, his gem of a wife. A
feeling of remorse engulfed him. He set about
mending his ways in earnest, hoping to
redeem her love and respect.
Seeing Nandini One day, their phone rang early in the
devoted to morning. bhaiji was on the line. He said
Praveen, a in a whining tone, “Our mother is laid up
child born not sick in bed since you left. She can’t get
of her own flesh over the loss of my son Suresh. I am
and blood but afraid we might lose her too... Your wife’s
of his eldest foolhardiness will cost us her life. Had she
brother, a not gone up the hillock for sightseeing
sudden that day, things would not have come to a
realisation sorry pass...”
dawned upon Nandini had picked up the parallel line
Rahul’s mind by accident to listen to what was being
that he had said. Now, her heart began to beat wildly
been most with fear. She waited with bated breath.
unfair to her. After a few seconds of silence that looked
like eternity, she heard the cool confident
voice of her husband, “Had Nandini not gone up
there on the hillock that day, your son, Faltu, would

G
radually, a change came over him. His
attitude towards Praveen turned positive. He
began to help Nandini in looking after him by
carrying out various small chores like a responsible
father. To Nandini’s immense satisfaction he seemed
to be completely transformed into a new man
exuding superb confidence no more in awe of
bhaiji. A doting husband, Rahul now often gave her
an adoring look that set her pulse racing. He had
won her love and respect by winning himself over.
Looking forward eagerly to a heart-warming reunion
with him, she nursed a secret desire to settle down
peacefully in the bliss of marital life. But a nagging
fear kept gnawing at her guts that, thrown in the
company of his elders, he would revert to his old,
natural craven behaviour that she despised. Since
Rahul was not yet put to the test Nandini dared not
vouch for his total transformation.
have died. Bhaiji, rejoice in the fact that she saved
his precious life. And... and that day we lost not only
Suresh but Lata bhabhi’s son Amit too because....
because we made no effort to stop them. Had we
seen the thing in their right perspective and taken
prompt action, we could have saved two innocent
lives. Not Nandini’s, it is our foolhardiness that has
cost us dearly...”
Nandini heaved a sigh of relief and quietly put
down the receiver in the other room. Rahul had
emerged the victor. He had won over himself – his
fear and diffidence. He had spoken the truth.
Success had rewarded her courage, endurance and
perseverance. She had won the losing battle. With
the victory of her husband over his weakness, she
was victorious. She realised that Praveen was not a
bone of contention but the bridge that had united
hearts torn apart. We

QUICK TIPS FOR A CLEAN KITCHEN

● Clean burnt pans by coating bottom with baking
soda and covering with water.
● Add a generous amount of baking soda to your
hot dishwater to help remove dried foods.
● Make stainless steel sinks clean with a little
rubbing alcohol and remove spots with white vinegar.
Get a shiny stainless steel sink by buffing with a little
baby oil.
● To deodorise your garbage disposal, drop in
some lemon and orange peels.
● Use a little toothpaste to remove black scruff
marks from appliances.
● Use a soft cloth dampened with white vinegar to
remove water spots from stainless steal and wipe dry.
● To remove grease from inside a oven, put a small
pan of ammonia in the oven over night with the door
closed.
● Clean your blender by filling it halfway with water
and adding a few drops of dishwasher detergent. Turn
the blender on and let it clean itself.
● Clean a microwave quickly by filling a bowl with
water a squirt of lemon juice.
● It’s also important to thoroughly clean cutting
boards, which trap in bacteria and germs. Sprinkle salt
on the board. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze half of
the lemon onto the board. Scrub and clean.
● Give your counter tops a new shine with club
soda. – Anju D. Aggarwal

246 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

LIVING DOWN
A PET NAME Pet names ost of the Indians have pet

M
names, lovingly given by
can lead to their near and dear ones,
when they happen to be
embarrassing just babies. While these
names represent the form
of the individual, at that
situations when stage, they really
embarrass most in their
lovely infants adult life. Just take the
names “Gudiya” or “Munni” given to a
become adults. baby girl, and “Munna” or “Babu”
commonly given to a boy, in North
By B. Rukmini India. These names sound apt when
they are babies, but become
definitely discomfiting when they are
called Gudiya aunty, Gudiya nani ,
Munna uncle, Munna chacha when
they are adults, as they sound
ridiculous. But once we get
accustomed to calling a person by a
pet name it becomes difficult, to
revert back to the original name.
Sometimes, we may have to face
a comical situation because of these
 pet names. For instance, I was “Pasi”
when I was a baby, which in Telugu
means infant, but soon my parents,
moved to Tamil Nadu.
After hearing my mother
constantly uttering Pasi, one of the
neighbours asked her, “Why do you
always say ‘Pasi pasi’? If you are
really that hungry why don’t you
simply eat something?” My mother
was flabbergasted, but soon
understood that pasi in Tamil means
“hunger.” After that, she never again
called me by my pet name.
Having stayed in Bhubaneswar for
the last 20 years, I know for certain
that most of the Oriya people
invariably have a pet name by which
they are called even when they
become adults.
I had encountered quite a few
awkward situations because of these
names. Almost a month after we
came here, I asked the girl (she was
about 13 years old) who was my
neighbour, “Does your mama stay
with you all? You must be close to
her, because I constantly hear you
calling mama. The girl’s face
reddened and she didn’t answer, but
her mother who was close by and
listening to our conversation, said
“My daughter is called Mama, it is her
pet name.” It was my turn to be
embarrassed.
A few months after we came here,
I had a mild stomach infection and
so had to visit a doctor. It so
happened that his residence and
clinic were in the same building.
Unknowingly, I entered his residence
and asked the old lady sitting in the
drawing room, for the doctor. She
started calling, “Billu, Billu” in a loud
voice and immediately a dog came
out, barking so loudly that my senses
started somer -
saulting and I ran
almost back to the
gate in panic. The
old lady also came
out urging me to
come back in Oriya.
I never understood
a word of what she
meant, and thought
that somehow she
was determined to
250 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
throw her dog at me, possibly for
disturbing her. As I was stepping out
of the gate, a gentleman almost 35
years old came out and requested
me to come back. Seeing that the
dog was nowhere in the picture, I
went in, and he led me to that part
of the house where he saw his
patients. On the way, I explained to
him that the old lady had
misunderstood me, and called the
dog instead of him. “What do you
mean?” he turned and asked.
“Yes, she called, ‘Billu, Billu’ and
your dog came running out,” I
reiterated. He suddenly turned his
face away from me and said, “Oh, but
Billu is my pet name.” He tried to
sound nonchalant but I didn’t know
where to hide my face!
ANOTHER INCIDENT
There was another incident when I
was invited to a function in my
neighbourhood. It was an occasion
where the newly married bride was
introduced to all the relations, friends
and neighbours. The lady sitting next
to me (who was related to the family)
was supplying the necessary
information and was telling me “Piku
is this” or “Piku is that” in Oriya from
time to time. And all the time, I
thought that she was referring to the
bridegroom. Before I finally got up to
leave, I went to the bride, and putting
the present in her hands, I naughtily
told her, “This is for you and your
Piku.”
“My Piku?” she sounded
incredulous.
“I know your husband’s pet name
is Piku, you don’t have to be
embarrassed. You know, I was only
teasing you,” I tried to sound flippant.
“But Piku is definitely not my
husband’s name,” she was emphatic.
Her mother-in-law who was by her
side, informed me that Piku is her
husband’s name, in a slightly
outrageous tone. Just imagine my
embarrassment at that moment! I
didn’t know how to react or what to
say to cover up my folly! I walked
away, without a word.
After a few days; when I felt I was
ready to face them, I went to their

house and explained the reason
behind my assumption on that fateful
day; and felt relieved when they
laughed at my misunderstanding.
These experiences have taught
me to be cautious whenever I have to
encounter a person by his/her pet
name. But that hasn’t stopped me
from being amused (privately)
whenever I read something like
“Liki Weds Chikki” at the entrance of
a marriage hall or hear comments
like “Puro Sir is really good” and so
on.
My confusion about pet names
was compounded, initially because in
Orissa these names are entirely
different from their original names,
whereas in most other parts a pet
name is usually the reduced or
modified version of the original name.
For example, Manorama is called
Mano, Susheela is called Sushi,
Sheela or Sreenivasan is called
Sreenu, Dhiraj is called Dhiru, etc. All
in all, a pet name may be given with
a lot of love during infancy but to be
identified by that name publicly in
adult life is certainly embarrassing. It
is a case of an endearment turning
into an embarrassment! Do you
endorse my opinion? We
Who is the thief?
I got married in 1962. I had no
parents-in-law even when I got
married. But my husband’s eldest
brother and his wife, both doctors,
acted as parents for us. And I
maintained good relations with my
husband’s relatives throughout,
especially my sister-in-law, the
doctor and I had a very close
relationship and we were like
sisters.
In this scenario, I once went and
stayed with my baby for a few
days. One day we attended the
marriage of a relative. On our
return, my sis-in-law said she was
tired and went into her room to take
rest. She requested me to keep an
eye on the servant. I spent some
time in reading the paper and then
went to the room where the servant
was mopping. To my dismay, I
found the servant was holding a
gold chain in her hand. On seeing
me, she was embarrassed and
handing over the chain to me, she
said, “Chinna amma, this
chain I found on the floor.
Probably peria amma had
dropped it carelessly.”
Later on, after the
woman left, I handed over
the chain to my sis-in-law
and told her what had
happened.
Next day, the clever
servant had asked her
mistress whether the chinna
amma (meaning me) had
given the chain to her as
she had ‘seen’ it on the
floor. My sis-in-law told
me about this and we had a
hearty laugh. Probably, the
servant did not know about
the rapport we shared.
– Savithri Viswanathan,
Chennai.
 CURTAIN RAISER
A
ike love, choosing curtains to
L
accent your home is
inevitable and exciting but
can leave you disillusioned.
Has ‘choosing in haste and
repenting at leisure’
hallmarked your curtain
capers? An informed choice
is more prudent than an
impulsive one and offers
some tips garnered from years of
drapery disappointments.
Choosing curtains can be exciting
because of the plethora of choices.
It is exactly this very reason that
makes the decision- making a
confusing and daunting task. Often,
drape that seems so devastating in
254 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
ON
CURTAINS
Room
drapes
can do
much
more than
decorate.
Here
is how.
By Mridula
Dixit
the bright lights of the showroom
doesn’t quite live up to its promise
inside your house. At times the right
curtain is ruined by an unskilled tailor.
After all, such disappointments are
expensive to the pocket and, more
importantly, to the heart since a lot
of emotions have been invested in
choosing the fabric. A bit of
homework and a frame of reference
can help you make a more
appropriate choice.
Purpose: Curtains have a
multitude of uses besides merely
covering windows. They can serve a
decorative purpose, insulate your
home, divide spaces, or cover ugly
 The primary purpose to buy curtains is
for protection and primacy.
window frames. Before you purchase
curtains, first decide what you would
like their primary purpose to be. This
will dictate the choice of fabric, the
length and style.
For protection and privacy: No
matter where you live you will want to
consider the amount of sun exposure
the room will be getting. If the
windows are on the east or west side
of the home they will be getting the
most direct sunlight over the course
of the year. If you live in a hot area
you should choose window coverings
and curtains that minimise the
amount of heat that comes into the
room. This will not only make you
more comfortable, but will also cut
down on your air-conditioning bills.
For a drawing room window that
256
To choose curtains to match up with the interior furnishing
give a cool and cosy ambience.
overlooks a street or for a bedroom,
concerns of privacy are crucial.
Naturally, a thicker fabric or with a
lining will be your choice. This will
also serve to block sunlight, create a
cool and cosy ambience whilst
protecting your furniture from fading.
On a hot and sunny day it seems
heavenly to enter a well-shaded
drawing room. During evenings, with
the aid of some befitting lighting, the
same cosy room can exude class
and sophistication. Thick curtains
may also cater to a decorative
demand. Decorative curtains can
take all kinds of forms, and can
include curtains used for privacy and
light blockage as well. Many people
do not need curtains for these
reasons but would like to add a more
designer feel to their homes. In this
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
case, you may want to consider
purchasing a simple window dressing
and highlighting it with glamorous
valences and scallops and tassels.
Many a simple bedroom has been
transformed into a boudoir!
Private and Pristine: Obviously
we may seek multiple objectives.
There are times when you welcome
sunlight and like to see your room
bathed in it during the day but would
yearn for privacy after the lights are lit
in the evenings. Tie backs for heavy
drapes will suit you. Or else hang
multiple window treatments. You can
hang two rods and have sheer
curtains behind a practical set of
privacy curtains. Tie back the heavy
ones during the day and let the sheer
curtains accent the room. A sheer or
 The laced curtains give the room a new look. Hanging curtains on rods, trying each in between, brings in sunlight and fresh air.

net curtain is one that is renovation. I love using be a particularly attractive

made from translucent bamboo chicks in summer arrangement if you have tie-backs,
fabric, such as loosely
Many people whereas they seem most so that the curtains can be opened, in
woven polyester voile or choose inappropriate in monsoon. which case, they provide a beautiful
a cotton lace. Sheer curtains over Readymade cotton decorative effect. Again, you will want
curtains allow a majority shades and curtains when alternated to choose a heavy curtain for this
of light to be transmitted other window with lace can also give the purpose, although in this case, the
through the fabric, with room a great summery curtain should be attractive on both
the fabric weave
treatments look. Alternating two or sides, since you will be able to see it
providing a basic level of because of three sets of curtains not from either side.
UV protection while how easy it is only gives you a decor A lined curtain may not be a good
retaining maximum to coordinate makeover, it takes care of idea. You may want to simply
visibility through the them with your spring cleaning as purchase a heavy curtain. If you are
curtain. Sheer curtains well!” She further not pleased with how the other side
are sometimes referred other elaborates that bright of the curtain appears, you can hang
to as privacy curtains in furnishings colours look the best in double panels, so that the decorative
reference to their in the room. cotton. And for special side is facing out on both sides of
screening abilities; during occasions, one can simply your curtain divider. You could also
the day most sheer replace the cotton curtains use strings of shells in lieu of fabric.
fabrics will allow people inside the with silk tapestries and see the room Many people choose curtains over
home to see the outside view whilst taking over a royal elegance. By shades and other window treatments
preventing people outside the home adding a tinge of silver or gold, the because of how easy it is to
from seeing directly into the home. effect can be further enhanced. coordinate them with other
Sheers are a beautiful airy addition Polyester and other synthetics have furnishings in the room. If you have
to a room. You can find sheers that gained ground in the past few years. had your sofa reupholstered, you can
feature beautiful embroidery on them, Self-prints, weave patterns colored choose a complementary fabric for
further enhancing their decorative weaves and patterns are the different your curtains. Those with allergies
appeal. ways in which curtain tapestries are can go in for vinyl blinds.
Climactic variance may also alter adorned.
suitability of fabric. Kavita , an interior Length: The length of curtains is
decorator, advocates the use of two Space Dividers: You may want to also a major decision. There can be
sets of drapes, for changes in use curtains as space-dividers and varied length of curtains used under
season. “That way, I not only get would like to separate your sitting different circumstances.
weather-appropriate blinds, but also area from your dining area. In this ● For instance, sill-length
can bring about a change in the case, you would need rods from the curtains are ideal in cottage-style
decor and that offers freshness and ceiling, and hang the curtains. It can rooms with recessed windows, or

258 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

with horizontal windows. Similarly, floor-length curtains
are necessary for French windows.
● Hanging of curtains on rods can also make a big
difference to the overall look and feel of the room.
They should be hung in such a way as to just about
touching the floor – the height should neither be too
high nor too low. Curtains that look like borrowed
petticoats – either too short or sweeping the floor –
look like an apology.
● Curtain rods should be ideal and match with the
overall style of your room as well as the curtains.
Nothing looks as bad in a room as negligently selected
curtain rods that look out of place in the otherwise well-
decorated room.
● The rods with a brass or metallic look gives out a
formal finishing. Similarly, wooden or plastic rods give
out an informal finishing.
● Tacks, headings, valances, swags, tails, linings,
and other accessories all play an important
role in enhancing the looks of curtains.

Different dresses for different places: Some

people choose to leave kitchen windows without a
shade. However, a cheery mood can be ushered in
with cafe curtains in bright floral patterns, lace or even
the traditional checks used as tie-backs with frills.
Tiered curtains i.e. multiple panels with one or two
panels hanging over the top of the two base panels can
help to create a layered look. Since privacy is not an
issue typically in the kitchen, a light curtain is ideal for
the kitchen, being used more for a decoration than
anything else.
In the bathroom, depending on the size of the
window and whether or not there's a privacy issue,
you can choose either to cover the window with a light
curtain on a rod, or with a vinyl shade or half horizontal
cover with lace of floral print. This can be fixed on the
humble spring wire and yet add an old world charm. All
it then needs is a thriving potted plant for company!

From cloth to curtain: Often scrupulous customers

turn callous while choosing the craftsman. Not anybody
who can stitch in a straight line can make drapes. Just
because you know the metric system doesn’t mean
you are suited to take measurements either. Ideally
first get the tailor home to take the measurements, let
him advise you how much cloth you require and then
choose the fabric accordingly. Good tailors also come
home and do the fittings once the drapes are ready. It
also helps to have 4-inch buckram linings instead of
the 2-inch ones on the top so that curtain rings do not
play peeping Tom. If you choose to have pleated ones
do not penny pinch – go for the three pleats not two.
It’s a misconception that pleated curtains require
excess cloth. Instead you benefit from symmetrical and
neat folds. So go ahead, make the plunge – you
deserve to be house proud. Remember, curtains cover
up and hide as much as they reveal about you! We

ircumstances make all the
C
difference.” This is how one
can describe the 14-year-
old Vaishali Raj, a 9th
standard student of Guru
Nanak Public School at
Adarsh Nagar, north Delhi.
All of a sudden, she lost her
sole breadwinner father in
2003 leaving the entire
family in a financial crunch. Similarly,
her homemaker mother too lost
hope to give Vaishali and her elder
sister a better education. But thanks
to Vaishali’s prodigious struggle in
classical dancing and singing,
everything is going on the right track,
with an elevation in financial
conditions of her humble-background
family.
Apart from dancing, she is also
very fond of acting, modelling and
drama, which together earned her
laurels as well as financial help while
performing across India and abroad -
in Pakistan and Nepal. Interestingly,
showing her humane side as well,
Vaishali sponsors the studies and
basic necessities of three other
underprivileged kids of different age
groups, one even senior to her in
class X, who mostly lives with her in
a two-room rented flat at Adarsh
Nagar.
Says Vaishali with rare guts at
such a tender age, “Initially, I started
performing on the stage with my
cousin brother. Then I started
participating in dance competitions,
with a major debut performance in
the Tecnia Sur Aradhana Institute in
2004, where I won the first prize.
After this I travelled across India,
260
RARE FEAT
OF YOUNG ACHIEVER
VAISHALI
Delhi’s rising star. By Ramesh Kumar Raja
Pakistan and to Kathmandu for
different shows.”
For a teenager who has mostly
seen the dark side of life, it was a
rare honour for her to be invited to
the FICCI auditorium as a guest
performer. She was simply ecstatic
and on cloud nine. Her next
achievement was when she
participated in a dance competitions
held at Talkatora Stadium organised
by the Sindhi Academy. As usual,
she won the first prizes in them. It
was followed by a string of
successes.
Keeping her winning spree at an
all-time high, in 2007, Vaishali
performed at the Diwali Mahotsav at
the Talkatora Stadium organised by
the Sindhi Academy, where chief
minister Sheila Dixit was the chief
guest. She awarded prizes to Vaishali
for her show-stealing performance.
MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Last year, Vaishali was invited as
a guest artiste by Diamond of
Rajasthan (a state-level dance
competition) along with various
distinguished personalities, where
she performed to become the talk of
the entire event. Giving her longest
ever performance, she recently
performed for 41 days daily at Jhoole
Lal Chaliha Mahotsav, Delhi.
Besides, she also got a chance to
meet famous Pakistani sufi singer
Reshma while staging a performance
with her daughter, organised by the
Press Club of India.
Moreover, the cassette company
T-Series has already launched
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
albums on her including Maa
Bhagwati Amba, Jhoole Jhoole
Nandlal, Jhandewali Maa Sab Tere
hi Tera to name a few, there by
advancing Vaishali’s financial
security. Vaishali’s Sai Surbhi video
album has also been launched. She
has performed at the AIMIL Jagran
in 2005 and her programme was
aired on DD-1 and National.
Recipient of various awards and
recognitions, there is hardly any
space left in the shelves of her room
to place anything as they are already
occupied with trophies, medals and
certificates.
Meanwhile, immeasurably over -
whelmed with her talents, her school
management on a number of
occasions approached her mother to
waive her fees but Vaishali herself
categorically declined the offers
terming it unprofessional.
Says her school principal Dhiren
M. Doshi, “We are wholeheartedly
proud of intelligent and versatile
Vaishali to be our student. She is
also very obedient and generous to
everybody. Despite being the sole
earner of her house what surprises
us is her ability to sponsor three
deprived children. Though she
spurns our proposal every time, we
are always there for emotional and
material help.”
Notwithstanding such attainments
in a short span of time, Vaishali
wants to earn her spurs as a great
classical singer. “I am still not perfect.
I will always ensure that my effort to
scale the apex of glory should
continue,” sums up this young achiever
with a dream in her eyes. We
 QUIZ
Tear this page along the perforated line and send it to the under mentioned address. Winner will be announced in the February issue.

Q1 How long have you known him?

a.
b.
c.
2 weeks to a month
6 to 9 months
2 to 6 months
d. Less than a week
e. A year or longer

Q
2
How often do you spend at least
3 to 4 hours together?
a. Once a week at least

?
b. Once a month or less
c. 2 or three times a week
d. Like everyday - we are inseparable.

IS IT

Answer TRUE LOVE

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3
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Q
3
When you’re together in public he...
a.
b.
c.
Always wants to make-out with me.
Holds my hand.
Is nicer of him to be alone with me.
Q
7
What do you like most about him?
a.
b.
c.
His eyes or smiles
His personality or laughs
His way of thinking – he’s so romantic
d. We’re never together in public. d. His friends
e. Pays more attention to those around me. e. The way he treats me

Q4 How many times have you kissed him?

a.
b.
c.
once
2 or 3 times
Haven’t yet
Q
8
If he broke up with you, you’d...
a. Laugh it off – oh well, it happens
b. Cry – what happens now
c. Head for the ice-cream – Not
d. Too many to count being single again!

Q5 How often do you talk about him to

others when you’re apart?
a. Never – He’s kind of a secret
Q
9
If he suddenly broke up with you,
you’d be...
a. Sad and depressed for a while
b. Embarrassed – what are the friends
b. I’m too shy
going to say?
c. Every chance I get
c. Upset – something must be wrong. He’d
d. Only when someone asks
never just do that
e. Rarely
d. Concerned – where am I going to find the
next hot guy
e. Shocked – How dares he!

Q6 How often do you think about him

when you’re apart?
a. I don’t – out of sight out of mind. Q
10
How many promises has he broken?
a. 6 to 10
b. Once or twice b. None Ever!
c. All through the day – the concentration c. 2 to 5
levels die d. All of them
d. Not that much e. 1
Prove that you are aware of this trivia.
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A rare bond
The PoW train to Pakistan stood
ready to steam off at Faizabad
railway station as I followed my
husband – a captain in the Indian
Army. Cradling my six-month-old
son in my arms, I tried to keep pace
with him. He was accompanying the
Pakistani PoWs to repatriate them to
their country at Wagah Border near
Amristar. A unique joyful silence
pervaded the late afternoon air as I
fascinatingly beheld the serene faces
peering out of the windows. They
were, at last, returning to their homes
after nearly two years of captivity in
our camps. Suddenly, my husband
stopped midway and taking our son
from my arms, walked up to an
elderly PoW clad in khaki. As he
looked down from his window at our
son, tears welled up in his eyes as he
struggled with his emotions. When my
husband enquired as to what had upset
him, the troubled PoW answered
incoherently, “Whenever a child was
brought to me for blessings, I always
gave him some money. Today, I do not
have any money to bless him with.”
Hearing this, my husband slowly
pulled out a 100-rupee note from his
purse and said, “Sir! For the past two
years or so, we have lived here like
brothers in uniform. Would you please
accept this humble offer from a
brother-officer and give it to the child
with your blessings?” Wiping his tears
while trying to unsuccessfully control
his emotions, the PoW took the note,
circled it around our son’s head thrice
and gently folded it in his tiny fist
while uttering a faint, “Thank you
brother.” Our son beamed the most
beautiful smile on the departing PoW
as my husband walked towards his
compartment in the gathering dusk.
This incident is indelibly etched in
my memory while our son, a combat
pilot by now, flies his helicopter over
the African skies as part of United
Nations Peace Keeping Mission.
– Usha Dahiya, Ambala Cantt.
Has something
happened in your life
that has left an indelible
impression on your mind? Some
experience that gladdens your heart
or which makes you shudder with
pain or embarrassment even after
years! Why not share it with the
readers of Woman’s Era? All
published incidents will be paid
Rs 200. Send your entries to:
THE INCIDENT I CANNOT FORGET
E-3 Jhandewala Estate, New Delhi-110055.
Womansera.com
Name:
Mobile:
E-mail:

R. S. Prakash
POO jointly produced by Moserbaer
and Nesaki cinemas is one of the
best films of the season, which has
been written and directed in a very
realistic manner. Srikanth, who has
staged a comeback through this film
after a long exile, has executed
himself admirably. Parvathi from the
Malayalam filmdom is the film’s
leading lady. Sasi who churned out
such hits as Sallamale, Rojakottam
and Dishyum , has come up with a
flick that has both style and
136
substance. P. G. Muthiah is the
debutant cinematographer. S. S.
Kumaran another newcomer is the
scorer.
ONE of the most noteworthy
suspense thrillers of the time is
Androrunaal, the screenplay of which
has a perfect blend of action, comedy
and besides horror. Produced by
Yamini Creations, the film has been
written and directed by M.
Arulmurugan. This is his debut
directorial venture. Well-known
producer and distributor “Getup”
Rajendran is playing an important
role in the film. Rajan P. Dev is also
appearing in a vital role. The film has
been shot in locations at Tamil Nadu
and Kerala. Indian is the scorer.
VIJAY TV has now created a new
record of sorts by hosting a magic
show, Mayalogam, in which Dr
Alexander, well-known magician and
also a Guinness Record holder would
perform some mind-blowing acts.
The versatile magician will be
performing some extraordinary feats
that have never before been seen on
Indian television. He is actually an
expert in acts of illusion, who can
make horses, elephants, cars and
bikes disappear and appear on the
sets of Mayalogam. One other act is
the cutting of a human body into two
halves and then uniting them as one
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
being. He is also a well-known
screen actor. Dr Alex has been
performing Magical acts for over a
decade and a half and has also
bagged the coveted Guinness World
Record in 2005 for performing the
longest magic show for 24 hours. He
is also an entrant in Limca Book of
World Magic which is based purely
on psychology, mind-reading clair -
voyance and divinity. Mayalogam is
certainly one more feather in Vijay
TV’s glorious cap.
BABU Ganesh, a master of many film
trades, has now taken a giant leap,
aiming to find a place in the Guinness
Book of World Records. In his home-
production, Nadigai, which
deliberates on the life of a screen
actress, he assumed the
responsibilities of story, screenplay
dialogue, lyrics, music,
cinematography, public relations,
crooning, production and direction,
besides playing the lead role – 14
portfolios in all! The film has been
made in three languages – Tamil,
Telugu and Sinhalese. The theme is
centred around the deaths of
heroines and the screenplay has
been set against that backdrop. The
film has been shot in Sri Lanka too.
THE Mayajaal entertainment group
has come up with yet another
milestone achievement. The world’s
first 2D animation movie called Jai
Vigneshwar has been released on
the first exclusive digital platform in
India. It is learnt that 150 technicians
were associated with the project
during its production work. The film is
Mayajaal’s second animation offering
and has been handled by James
Clifford and Rajni. C. Leo Menezes
has extended his expertise as the
animation director. Ganesh Ramanaa
is the scorer. The audio and video
qualities of the films are excellent as
the entire project has been done on a
digital platform. K. Meenakshi
Sundaram, the multiplex manager of
the Mayajaal group’s earlier venture,
Gulliver’s Travel, a 3D animation film
which was shortlisted for Oscar
nomination. More innovations are in
the offing, he revealed. We
 EXCURSION
FEVER CROSSING
LIMITS WITH
WONDERLA
Discard the
beaten track, for a
change. There is an
enchanting tourist spot
beckoning
you all, which has all
the ingredients
of fun and flavour,
spiced with adventure
and excitement.
lanning for an excursion? ...
P
Tired of the same old tourist
spots? ... Want to discover
something new for the New
Year? Here’s an action-
packed alternative to
celebrate the family
excursion. Recharge your
nerves with an awesome
entertainment filled with fun
and joy. Celebrate your much-
awaited excursion with a flavour of
adventure and excitement.
Wondering how all this is
possible? We are talking about
Wonderla, the largest amusement
park in India, where everything is
either a wonder or a blast. It’s a world
of action-packed adventure along
with fascinating entertainment
designed to meet your fantasies with
fashion. It’s hardly surprising why fun
lovers all scream for Wonderla.
Giving a new definition for fun and
entertainment in the Garden City
138
Bangalore, Wonderla has become a
popular, fun destination attracting
more than 20 lakh people in a short
span of three years.
SAFETY AND HYGIENE
Wonderla is located just 28 km
from Bangalore, the IT capital of
India. At Wonderla, excitement
comes in the form of high thrill rides,
mellow family attractions, water
slides, wave pools, and awesome
indoor shows like the musical
fountain and laser show, virtual
reality show and the extremely
popular Rain Disco – a wet and wild,
dance floor with intelligent ‘rain’ and
laser lighting. Adding to this world of
wonders, the park recently introduced
four mind-blowing rides – The
Dungeon Ride known as the
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
frightening spook house, Hang
Glider, Crazy Wagon and
Boomerang to make the visit even
more refreshing.
When it comes to safety and
hygiene, Wonderla maintains the
highest safety standards. Every
ride undergoes strict, routine
check-ups twice daily – once in the
morning before the park opens to
public and again at night after the
guests leave. Bureau Veritas
Certification (India) Private Limited
has awarded Wonderla with “ISO
14001:2004” certification for its
environment – friendly operation and
OHSAS 18001:2007 for strict
compliance with international safety
standards in its land and water rides.
As a living room seems
incomplete without a family
photograph hanging across the wall,
the rides at Wonderla seem
incomplete without the families
enjoying them together at the same
time. Wonderla is an exciting world
in itself. For, there are plenty of
facilities and conveniences.
All in all, Wonderla is the best
place for your excursion. Enjoy
unlimited rides throughout the park
with a single ticket. For further
details, contact Wonderla on
09945557777; 08113 32441/2/3/4 or
Mail us at gr@wonderla.com or visit
www.wonderla.com. You can also
book your ticket online. We
TAMIL STARS S P E A K !
A RIDE FROM BOLLYWOOD TO KOLLYWOOD!
ust treading across the border-
J line of her teens, Kangana
Ranaut, scouted and spotted by
the late cinematographer-turned-film-
maker Jeeva who had shortlisted the
sweet beauty for his Tamil film
Dhaam Dhoom, is the most
happening hot property of Kollywood.
Having been on a roll at Bollywood
with two major hits to her credit –
Gangster and Woh Lahme – Kangana
has a couple of awards in her kitty
including a best newcomer award.
As her initial films have offered her
author-backed roles, Kangana is very
conscious about the quality of the
THE VERSATILE VILLAIN WHO IS NO MORE
.N.Nambiar, the greatest
villain of Tamil cinema, who
passed away recently, could
be best described as a screen-villain
whom everybody loved to hate!
140
R. Prakash
characters that are being offered to
her. Known for her famous curls, this
slim beauty from Bollywood has
virtually swept the audience off their
feet in her debut film in Tamil, Dhaam
Dhoom.
Kangana is full of praise for Jeeva.
Basically being a cinematographer,
who took up film-making too, he had
a lot of creative ideas. “I used to be
stunned while on schedules by the
way in which he would mount and
execute the scenes,” says she.
Kangana’s first film in the
commercial circuit was Shakalaka
Boom Boom followed by the much-
During the peak of his career, which
stretched over several decades in a
seasoned manner, Nambiar was
actually the envy of many heroes!
During the fifties and the sixties,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
talked about Metro.
Hailing from Manali, Kangana had
an altogether new experience in
Mumbai, not to mention her still
different experience down south
while shooting for Dhaam Dhoom.
Though fine arts was her first
choice, films have been her priority
now. Back at Bollywood, Kangana
has been a lucky mascot, having
signed films that hold a celebrity
status – Madhur Bhandarkar’s
Fashion, Kites opposite Hrithik
Roshan and Raaz 2 opposite
Emraan. “My role in Fashion has
been my dream-role which has
excited me the most, and working
with Madhu was such a fabulous
experience as he would always keep
encouraging me,” she said. Kangana,
unlike the freshers of contemporary
times, appears steadfast with feet
firmly rooted to the ground.
The unpleasant Aditya Pancholi
episode, the acid-throwing incident
on her sister with whom she lives, the
rumours regarding her signing up
projects with Yashraj Films or with
Aamir Khan – all these have never
touched a chord in her and she has
managed to remain unfazed, though
young in age. Maybe, these qualities
are her strong pillars that have and
facilitated her to weather tough
storms on and off the screen. But she
is so sure of herself – which makes
all the difference.
when he crossed swords (literally)
with the likes of M.G.R., Sivaji,
Gemini Ganesh, etc., Nambiar was
treated at par with any of them and it
was he who evolved and initiated a
unique brand in villainy, like that of
Pran in old Bollywood.
In the films of the fifties in which
he shared screen–space with
M.G.R., he was given equal
importance and in some films like
Arasilankumari, etc. he got a better
mileage on the screen-sequences
than M.G.R. himself. Nambiar played
pivotal roles in films produced and
directed by M.G.R. – Nadodi
Mannan, Ullagam, Sultrum Vaaliban
and Maduraiyai Meeta Sundara
Pandian (which was eventually
M.G.R.’s last film before he took over
as the chief minister). Padigooti
Aayirathil Oruvan, Needikku Thalai
Vanangu, Meenava Nanban... the list
of films in which Nambiar proved his
might as a powerful villain pitted
against MGR – is indeed never-
ending! In all his films Nambiar has
had a long and fruitful innings.
Uttama Puthiran, Lakshmi
Kalyanam Thirusoolam and in so
POSITIVE-MINDED PRAKASHRAJ
ne of the most versatile actors
O of the times is Prakashraj who
has taken up yet another facet
of cinema, that is film-making,
besides acting. The best aspect of
his eventful journey is that he has
managed to emerge triumphant in
both his chosen tasks – acting and
film-making.
Of late, Prakashraj’s name has
been in the news, all for the wrong
reasons. Both in his private life and
professional life, he had problems,
but that in no way stood in the way of
his quest for creativity. As an actor,
he continues to innovate and, as a
producer, he continues to churn out
films that are of award-winning class
besides being purposeful.
Like Kamal Hassan and
Rajnikanth, Prakashraj was also
spotted and introduced by the
veteran film-maker K. Balachander
years ago through his home-
production, Duet which was
Prakashraj’s launch pad. Prakashraj
holds Balachander in very high
esteem. “He is my mentor. I owe all
my achievements to that great soul,”
says Prakashraj. He has also worked
with the other great ones like
142
many other movies, he opposed
Sivaji Ganesan. Nambiar fought with
Kamal Hassan too in such films as
‘Guru’ and also played a comic
character in Mangala Vaathiyam
again with Kamal. Garjanai, Yejaman
were a few of the films in which he
co-starred with Rajnikanth. In
Sridhar’s Nenjam Marapadillai,
Nambiar’s villainy transverses
generations as the theme was about
reincarnation.
Digambara Samiar is one of the
noteworthy films of Nambiar in which
he appeared in 11 different
characters. He played a detective in
that, involved in solving a murder
mystery.
Though he was much despised as
a villain on screen, off-screen, he
was quite the opposite. He led a very
disciplined life and never got into
Shankar and Manirathnam.
As a matter of fact, it is
appearing in one of the
lead roles in the latter’s
Iruvar which enabled him
to bag the National Best
supporting actor award.
Prakashraj is the hot
favourite of almost all
directors which include
new-generation film-maker
Gautham Menon.
He is also an
accomplished actor in
Telugu films. From character roles to
cameos, Prakashraj covers a wide
variety of roles, villain roles included.
Also, Prakashraj is one actor who
has never got caught up in the image
trap. While in one film he plays the
villain chasing the heroine, he plays
her brother in the next and her father
in a third – all with the same heroine.
Prakashraj still comes up
successfully in all the three roles and
walks away with the honours.
Prakashraj has tried his hand at
Hindi movies as well. Presently, he
is doing a film with Salman Khan. He
has also done very good roles in
Kannada too, e.g., Nagamandala.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
controversies. He did not have any
bad habits and even carried home-
food to the sets.
Nambiar acted in some
Malayalam movies and some
television serials too. Born in Ooty,
Nambiar took to acting at a very early
age and acted in over 350 movies in
various languages including Telugu,
Hindi, Singhalese. He was also a part
of Jungle an English film. Besides
appearing in light–hearted roles in a
couple of films, Nambiar switched to
character roles in the last lap of his
career.
Among the villainous trio of Tamil
films – M.N. Nambiar, S.A. Asokan
and R. S. Monohar – Nambiar was
the one at the top and he remained
so till the very end. It is worth noting
that Asokan and Monohar are also
no more.
Mozhi which was
produced by Prakashraj,
was possibly one of the
most absorbing movies
of the times.
performance in that
movie was also widely
His
applauded. Abhiyam
Naanum is one of his
recent films that won
laurels from all quarters.
The film dealt with the
emotional bondage
between a dad and his
daughter, with Prakashraj
and Trisha enacting the
respective roles
beautifully.
Mayulu and Inidhu Inidhu are two
of Prakashraj’s forthcoming projects.
The former is a rustic village tale
deliberating on superstition. Ilayaraja
is the scorer for the film. Jeevan, a
newcomer, is the director.
Inidhu Inidhu is a remake of the
Telugu superhit Happy Days.
Prakashraj is one person who prefers
not to have any goals. He prefers to
take life as it comes and in the
process give his best. Also, while
preparing for roles, before the shots
are called, he looks at the situation
with an open mind and just goes
about his job. That’s it! We
 MUMBAI
THE POWER OF RE
Merry-Go-Round
Welcome to the new address of
haute couture ‘RE’, a multi-designer
store located at elite Breach Candy
which was launched by Falguni Shah
(owner) and Aditi Govitrikar (brand
ambassador). RE displays creations
of the most well-known designers
and also introduces fresh talented
designers. The store ventures into
the range of evening, day and festive
wear, for both men and women,
making it a fashion haven for people
with varied fashion sensibilities.
Tastefully done up in gold and
mother-of-pearl, the store displays
luxury and the high standards of its
designers. The launch of RE was
graced by eminent personalities –
Malika Arora Khan, Neha Dhupia,
Poonam Dhillon, Supriya Sule,
Sachin and Sangita Ahir, Dipanita
Sharman, Anjana Sukhani, Anita
Hasnandani, Vineet Mittal, Raj Shroff,
Mridula Chandrashakher, Jesse
Randhawa, Sandip Soparkar,
Shamita Shingha, Shweta Salve,
Rocky S, Manali Wensarkar, Talat
and Bina Aziz, Rupa Vohra, former
Aditi Govitrikar, Falguni Shah, Neha
Dhupia, Poonam Dhillon and Shweta
Salve at the launch of ‘RE’.
136
DG P.S. Pasricha, Poonam Soni,
Helen Brodie and Asif Azim.
A wide range is available here.
From traditional fashion to edgy and
quirky collections by Amber and
Shirrin, Anupama Dayal, Babita
Malkani, Dozakh (Kartikeya and
Isha), Drashta, Gaurav Gupta,
Geisha Designs (Paras and Shalini),
Karishma Trehan, Nachiket Barve,
Namrata Joshipura, Lotus Sutr
(Karishma Jamwal), Priya Awasthy,
Rakesh Agarwal, Swapnil Shinde,
Zuber Kirmani, Anushka's, etc. and
the fresh designers like Annie and
Nimmo, Aurum (Sonali), Ayesha,
Delisia, (Half Full)Rixie Bhatia,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Sudha Hariharan
Lavina Roy, Mor (Avni), Naishi
Choksi, Nisha Bajaj, Saloni, and
Zaee (Shamanaz Parakh) are on
display.
Falguni is a self-trained designer –
a postgraduate in law, she always
dreamt of having her own high-end
fashion store. She strongly believes
“if you can imagine it, you can
achieve it” and she surely did.
OUR TWIN TOWERS
TOWER BACK IN
ACTION
The Taj Trident threw open its
rooms well in time to usher in
Christmas and New Year though an
air of sombriety hung around. It will
be a while before the heritage wing,
which bore the brunt of the attack, is
back in operation. The ferry service
at the Gateway of India has also
resumed service and tourists are
trickling in once again.
PAUSE AND PONDER
Around 4,000 police recruits who
had been undergoing training at eight
centres across the state have been
hauled out mid-way and sent on
special bandobast duty to Nagpur
where the winter session of the
Maharashtra Assembly is under way.
According to one source, policemen
on the streets on 26/11 had not fired
more than 20 bullets during their
training and not more than 30 to 40
rounds in their entire career. Many
have never handled or fired from an
AK-47s or self-loaded rifles (SLRs)!
MARCH OPENING FOR
BANDRA-WORLI
SEALINK?
The first phase of the high-profile
and controversial Bandra–Worli
Sealink is all set to open next March.
According to an official source of the
Hindustan Construction Company
Ltd, (HCL), while no decision has yet
been taken on the issue of toll, four
lanes of this eight-lane bridge will be
operational three months ahead. All
eight lanes are likely to be functional
by July 2009.
MR AND MRS KARAN
JOHAR – HOUSE FULL!
Nirav Parekh’s (Main Course
Productions) much-awaited play, Mr
and Mrs Karan Johar opened to a full
house recently. The comedy in Hindi
meant for the entire family viewing
had talented actors like Aman Yatan
Verma, Delnaaz Paul, Nigaar Khan,
Kiku Sharda, Sheela Sharma,
Ferdaus Mevawala, Umesh Jangam
and Richa Singh. Though the play
had nothing to do with the actual
Karan Johar to its title, it managed to
grab eyeballs!
Delnaaz Paul and Aman Verma
made a cute couple and were more
than happy to play Mr and Mrs Karan
Johar. Kiku Sharda had everyone in
splits with his funny antics! With
veterans like Dinyar Contractor as a
director, music by Kashyap Sompura
and written by Suresh Jairam, the
play successfully managed to woo
the audience.
Theatre actors such as Paritosh
Painter and Balwinder Singh Suri
were the first to walk in followed by
Rakesh Paul who came in with
Manisha Khatwani and willingly
Team of Mr & Mrs Karan.
138
obliged the photographers.
Gauhar Khan, Rajesh Khattar
with his wife Vandana made it
just in time to catch the premier.
HAIR PLAY
Aamir Khan’s funky tatooed hair
styles in Ghajini have set the
youngsters in a tizzy. Almost as if to
cater to this demand, a new Mecca
for hair-styling has sprung up in the
fashionable suburb of Bandra. Not
only can you get as an introductory
offer hair consultation free a trendy
hair-cut, and cutting-edge colouring,
but also get a hair tattoo at Hair Play
the four-seater state-of-the art salon..
With a welcoming courtyard where
one can hang out with friends while
consulting and a cheerful and bright
interior Hair Play invites anyone with
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Dimpy Patange,
owner and hair
stylist, is showing
the interior of her
salon.
a yen for something new and
exciting. Whatever your style
statement, the young and energetic
staff of four can deliver beyond your
expectation! Hair Play boasts of hair
stylist Sandeep KJ, this year’s
L’Oreal Colour Trophy New
Generation Category winner.
Sandeep’s innovative concepts and
skill won him this coveted title over
hair stylists pan India!
Dimpy Patange, owner as well as
a hair stylist, proudly says, “The time
has come when young talent is
recognised and appreciated for what
they do best! Within only three
months of opening this salon, we
have achieved so much and this is
the beginning. My other stylists Nadia
and Nupur too are gaining loyal
patrons who keep coming back for
more!” Dimpy shares this chic
premise with husband and celebrity
tattoo artist Sameer Patange who
lists amongst his clientele Sanjay
Dutt, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan,
Sushmita Sen, Urmila Matondkar to
name a few.
MUMBAI’S PREMIER
CATERING COMPANY
deGustibus Hospitality Pvt. Ltd,
Rahul and Malini Akerkar’s corporate
house that owns and runs the highly
successful Indigo and Indigo
Delicatessen in Colaba and more
recently Indigo Cafe in Andheri, has
now launched Moveable Feast.
Offering a full-service, multi-segment,
multi-cuisine experience, Moveable
Feast specialises in catering for
weddings, institutions, banquets,
private parties, or any other occasion
– big or small.
As Mumbai’s premier catering
company, Moveable Feast is set to
elevate the art of table service, taking
entertaining to new levels of
sophistication with unparalleled
attention to detail.
Moveable Feast offers an
extensive and fully-customisable
menu which offers a wide range of
speciality cuisines, ranging from
Indian and pan-Asian to modern
European or American. Complete
with an on-site bakery and patisserie
to provide a wide selection of artisinal
breads and renowned desserts,
Moveable Feast redefines the art of
event catering by bringing a complete
range of services to every customer’s
doorstep.
IT'S TIGER TIME WITH
DJ DOMINATION
Asia's number one Hip-Hop DJ,
DJ Domination was roped in to burn
up the dance floor across five cities in
DJ Domination,
churning out
grooviest hip-hop
numbers at
Dragonfly.
140
India during the year-end. Tiger beer
along with Mypurplemartini.com.
Tiger gave Mumbai party-goers a
unique experience: for the very first
time in Mumbai. DJ Domination
dished out his latest hip-hop
compilations along with his mastered
art at the turntable at Dragonfly.
Mumbaites set their clocks to 'tiger
time' to experience an ubercool
ambience created by DJ Domination.
The night soared with high levels of
coolness as DJ churned the grooviest
hip-hop numbers and party goers
raised a toast to the high spirits of
the city.
Mypurplemartini.com is India's
nightlife portal and it caters to every
segment of nightlife from eight
premier nightlife destinations of India
(Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune,
Goa, Kolkata, Chennai and
Hyderabad).
DJ Domination, originally from
Miami, Florida, has 15 years of
experience in DJing. His sounds
have an influence from hip-hop
Mughals like Jam Master Jay (RIP),
Grand Master Flash, and DJ Cash
Money. His uniqueness at the
turntable and ear for good music has
won him performances in over 50
countries worldwide with some of the
biggest names in the Hip-Hop
industry like, Jay Z and his wife
Beyonce, Eminem, Nelly, Outcast,
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Missy Elliot, Ludacris, DMX, Busta
Rhymes and many more. DJ
Domination mixed some of the best
of cutting, scratching and acrobatics
to give Mumbai one of the most
entertaining and invigorating
performances ever!
CATERING TO THE
ENTERTAINMENT
INDUSTRY
Percept Talent Management, the
leading talent management company
has partnered with Hansa, India's
leading marketing communications
and services groups research to
cater to the entertainment industry a
niche service. The research provided
by them together will be focused on
ensuring that the clients get their
money’s worth by using facts to
choose and pay celebrities based on
their requirements.
The recent past has seen the
country on the brink of recession. In
such a scenario it is practically not
viable to take a decision without
reliable research and aggressive
strategies.
The talent management industry
is on the anvil of a major path-
breaking concept which will see the
entertainment industry and its ever-
rising price demands streamlined and
directly correlated to the return on
investments.
As early as 2001, brands realised
that a star has an influential power
over the consumer and the utilisation
of celebrities rose from 25 per cent to
60 per cent. As with all new trends
the celebrity endorsement concept
took off in a big way with stars being
paid huge sums of money, but it was
gradually found that the stars may
not always draw consumers.The
research provides an in-depth, multi-
faceted understanding of a star’s
worth all the year round across the
country through an on-going tracking
method.
It is the first-ever large-scale
research that periodically measures
celebrity power on four parameters,
namely, popularity of a celebrity,
media presence, power of persuasion
and image attributes. We
145 Crossword
F A M I L Y P H O T O

✂
CONTEST
1 2 3 4 5 6
N L

Tear along the dotted line and mail to Crossword No. 145Woman’s Era, Delhi Press, New Delhi-110 055.
A
7 8 9
G R
10
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M S N

B
12 13 14 15
C O A
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18 19 20 21
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A E L
26 27
E L R

Across
1. The study of the human race, especially of
its origins, development, customs and
beliefs (12)
7. A story, play, picture, etc. in which each
character or event is a symbol
representing an idea or a quality, such
as truth, evil, death, etc.; the use
of such symbols (8)
8. The mixture of gases that surrounds the
earth and that we breathe (3)
10. Great enthusiasms and energy, style and
confidence (4)
11. A government official who examines
reports of complaints against public
authorities (9)
12. An animal or a bird, or a model of one,
that attracts other animals or birds,
especially so that they can be shot by
people who are hunting them (5)
14. To injure somebody seriously, causing
permanent damage to their body (4)
16. A type of beer, usually sold in
bottles or cans (3)
1. A large S American snake of the boa
family, that crushes other animals to death
before eating them (8)
2. A system that allows people working in a
recording or broadcasting studio to talk to
each other without their voices being
recorded or heard on the radio (8)
3. Very strict and difficult to change (5)
4. Something that decides or limits the
way in which something can
be done (9)
5. Spoken rather than written (4) Please accept my entry for the
6. Thread that has been spun, used for
knitting, making cloth, etc.(4) crossword competition. I
9. (Of rhythm in poetry) in which one weak
or short syllable is followed by one strong subscribe to all the rules and
or long syllable (6) regulations of the competition.
10. A substance that is melted onto metal,
pots, etc. and forms a hard shiny surface
to protect or decorate them (6) Name
13. A soldier who fought for the union
(= the northern states) in the American
Civil War (6)
Down

17. Chemical symbol for element copper (2) 15. The crime of killing somebody
19. Long piece of paper, cloth, film, etc. that deliberately (6) Address
has been wrapped around itself or a tube 18. A sea creature with a hard shell, eight
several times so that it forms the shape of legs and two pincers (curved and
a tube (4) pointed arms for catching and
22. A small river (5) holding things) (4) City Pin
24. To put something together with something 20. Shaped like an egg (4)
else so as to increase the size, number, 21. Abbreviation for the city of Los
amount, etc. (7) Angles (2)
25. A piece of equipment made of wire or 23. Abbreviation for old age
long straight pieces of metal for receiving security (3)
or sending radio and television signals (6)
26. Very fat, in a way that is not healthy (5)
27. An evergreen forest tree with leaves like
needles, that grows in cool northern
✂

countries (3)

264 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 WIN UP TO
Winners of Crossword - 142
Rs15,000 IN CASH PRIZES

Amruth Raskina, Mangalore. M. Sudhakaran, Nagpur. Prem Dutt Sharma, Delhi.

Deepali, Cha Nirali Asit Mehta, Chennai. Nisha Gupta,

ndigarh. Noida.

Radha Dutt, D Ankit Khanna, Bhilai. Palak Bansal

elhi. , Jagadhri.

Jasbeer Kaur Susmita, Secu

, Ratlam. Seema, Ghaziabad. nderabad.

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 265

145 Crossword
F A M
CWinners
I
O Nof Crossword
TES
L

- 142
T
Y P H O T O

ora.
umbai. Shammi, Patiala. h Mehta, Alm
Asha Netto, M Bhagwan Sing

, HQ Imtrai,
on, Allahabad. Madhur Singh, Satna Swapna Nanda
Hemant Tand
C/o 99APO.

.
th, Bangalore. Rajbir Singh Chauhan, Gurgaon. uyan, Cuttack
Amrita Srikan Itishree M. Bh

ar Chauhan,
Surat. reira, Trichy.
Mahesh Kum Hector Hema Sagar, Hyderabad. Raymond Pe

266 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009

 WIN UP TO
Rs15,000 IN CASH PRIZES

Winners of Crossword - 142 Rules and Regulations

A prize of Rs 15,000 will
be given to the person
sending an all-correct
solution. In case there are
more than one sender of an
all-correct solution, the prize
amount will be divided
among the first 30
competitors chosen by lot.
Renu Sethi, N
ew O. M. Yoosaf, Kerala. The decision of the manage-
Delhi.
ment will be final and
binding. Entries must be on
the crossword printed here.
Photocopies will not be
accepted.
Entries must be sent so
as to reach Woman’s Era
by 15 February 2009, by
ordinary post. No corres -
pondence in this matter will
A. Somasunda be entertained.
ram, Pondiche Shamila Alaudeen, Ramnad.
rry. The contest is not open
to the employees of Delhi
Press. Every entry should
be accompanied by the
sender’s family photo. If you
are declared a winner, your
family picture may be
printed in the oncoming
issue. Please send a signed
declaration that you have
no objection to printing your
J. L. R. Mathe Dr Megha Munet, Mandsavr. family picture.
ws, Vellore.

Answers to Crossword-142

n w in
Across: 2. Remit, 3. Blight,
6. Loaf, 7. Soggy, 8. AC, 9. Code,
w i o rd
10. Don, 11. UK, 13. Tarnish,
15. Oral, 17. Kick, 18. Basket,
20. Axiom, 22. Ngo, 23. Oke, n
i ur w
24. Bond
W yo wer
Down: 1.Rel
ocate, 2. Mea
3. Broad, 4. In
genious,
ck axe, 14
5.
. H
nder,
Track,
ob nob,
o n p o
8. Aura, 12. Pi , 19 . Kind ,
. Kook
16. Lotion, 17
21. MO

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 267

 CLASSIFIEDS
WANTED BRIDE
I am loving, caring romantic and smart Rajkot
(Gujarat) based highly educated boy (32)
searching for good-looking, loving, romantic
and sincere girl for longlasting and serious
relationship, based on mutual trust and
understanding. My hobbies are music, movies,
dancing, longdrive, going to sea beaches and
hill stations, etc. Interested females can write
to me at: yourwouldbeboyfriend@yahoo.co.in
or sms/call at: 09879741823.
HI, I am Kiran. I am working in Bangalore as a
software engineer in a reputed MNC software
company, I am 5.8”, 26 years fair and good-
looking, looks like a model, well settled and
having own coffee estate, I am a fun loving,
moderate, caring, down to earth broad-minded
I like music, shopping, Style and fashion
Moderate, reading books, painting. Traditions
with a touch of western culture, have lot of
family values. I love travelling and appreciate
the nature / wild. I am looking for a beautiful
and modern, broad- minded, fair girl for
companionship/marriage. No dowry, caste,
religion and family, financial status no bar,
secrecy assured. Thanks for reading my details
and feel free to contact me on 9945596311 or
send e-mail:- kirankudla@yahoo.in
WANTED for long life-term relationship
broad-minded, educated female, widow,
divorcee any status for 39 years widower,
without children, government engineer near
Delhi dial:- 09423925172.
270
HIGH-profile, handsome Christian business-
man 42/166 affluent loving, caring, helpful,
sincere, understanding, strong built having
flourishing business, looking for pretty,
educated broad-minded independent lovely
girls/divorcees/widows with/without child for
lifelong relationship, very good loving care
assured, no bars/demands e-mail:
johnphilips99@gmail.com
SENIOR US citizen, educated, retd. pastor
loving, caring, understanding excellent health,
widower living alone, no liabilities, looking for
educated cultured, caring unencumbered god-
fearing Christian female preferably nurse, age
between 50-65 years as life partner willing to
settle in the USA, call me on cell no. 469-438-
1028 of send e-mail: ajay_jamesin@yahoo.co.in
I am looking for woman/girl, who is looking
for a young man (40 age), well educated (PhD),
well settled (Heading International Business in a
Company), healthy, simple, happygoing, fun-
loving, romantic (with a difference), widely
travelled, culturally rich, good ambassador for a
cause, knowledgeable in beauty techniques like
facial, massage, aromatic therapies, etc. and
having positive look towards life. Professionally
occupied broad-minded girls/unsatisfied married
women (even could be housewife)/divorcee can
think, just because I am blessed to motivate the
mind, beautify the body, harbour in the heart and
satisfy the soul and eager to pass the joy. One
who is based at Hyderabad, interested in serious
long-lasting relationship, based on the mutual trust
and understanding and wish to explore the whole
new phenomenon of life beyond materialistic
comfort may please contact: Ph-9177611549 e-
mail:venkimaybe@gmail.com (Secrecy is on
mutually agreed basis).
MARRIAGE BUREAU
HIGH-profile match-making for any families,
professionals, business class, Industrialist,
NRI. Contact: Dilipji – 9999765557. (Delhi)
e-mail:sambandh55@gmail.com.
CONTACT Wing Commander N.K.Kaila for
decent reliable status alliances. All castes/-
religions/NRI/second marriage, professionals,
business class, defence services, doctors,
engineers, MBA, CA and merchant Navy.
EC-326, Maya Enclave, New Delhi-110 064.
Tel: (011)25120386, 9810843039.
ADOPTION
WANTED good-looking, Hindu vegetarian girl
from six years and below 12 years, good at
studies for foster care or adoption for a good
family. Apply to Post Box No. 1442 C/o W’Era
New Delhi - 110 055, with recent photograph
or e-mail: sadarchitapada@yahoo.com, mobile
No.: 09480178686.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
WANTED good-looking, good caste, Hindu
vegetarian girl from six years to twelve years
good at studies for adoption for a very good
Brahmin family. Full secrecy assured. Apply
with recent photograph and e-mail:
rita27_sharma@yahoo.com. Mobile No.
09005915027.
NEWLY born or unborn infant wanted for
adoption. Full secrecy and confidentiality will
be assured to working or unmarried and
widow lady. Sms 00-230-7532533 C/o W’Era
Box No. 1443 New Delhi-110 055.
SURROGATE MOTHER
WANTED women between the ages of 21-33
years to donate eggs, and women between ages
25-36 to surrogate. They should be healthy with
no personal / family history of any major illness.
Preferably they should have had one child. Will
have to undergo blood tests and examination to
qualify. For details of financial emoluments and
Procedure Cell number:-9310663023.
WANTED 20-25 years tall beautiful lady as
surrogate mother. Suitable reward or girl
willing stay lifelong will be preferred.
mmeghdoot@yahoo.com or 09899999734.
DELHI-based handsome, tall, highly qualified,
well-settled family seeks tall and beautiful girl
as a surrogate mother up to 25 years to stay
lifelong. e-mail: greatcyberking@yahoo.com.
WANTED a female (Indian/Foreigner)
widow/divorcee/married, proven fertile 20-35
years. for egg donation/surrogacy. Delhiites/
N.C.R preferred. Secrecy maintained. Good
compensation assured. Contact 2 p.m- 4 p.m
09211227295.
EDUCATIONAL
M.PHIL (all subjects). MBA, BBA, BCA,
B.A, B.ED, B.COM, BSC, M.A., M.COM,
MSC, MCA, Library Course, NTT, DMLT,
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Hindi level do in one year). For guidance,
West Delhi College A-1/22 Hastsal Road,
Uttam Nagar, New Delhi-59. Ph. 011-
25376951, 09999176172.
LEARN interior designing and Nursery
Teacher Training(NTT) course through
correspondence. Heights established in year
1995, offering distance courses having
5000+students from India and abroad. Course
compiled in a set of printed 11 self-
explanatory books with colour illustrations
and examples. Get diploma and job assistance
after successful course completion. To get free
prospectus contact: Heights Institute, 3rd
Floor, P.P. Tower, Main Road, Pitam Pura,
Delhi-110034 (India) Ph. 09811437000 ,
9310137111. www.heightsglobal.com.
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CCIMS est.99 recognised by Government of
Karnataka, offers Distance Education
programme in diploma, PGD, MBA, EMBA,
degree courses B.A. B.Com, BBM. M.Com,
M.A: English, Urdu, Hindi, Political science,
History Economics, HR, Admin, Facility,
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NTT, Teachers Training, Correspondence/
part-time 100 per cent practical training,
Elgbt- 10+2 / Graduate call: 080-25282912,
25257320 9880263709, 9900268253.
Website: www.ccimsinstitute.com, e-mail:
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LEARN drawing through post in English or
Tamil. Specialised course for children. Apply
to MAYACHITRALAYA, B-225, 15th
Avenue, Ashok Nagar, Chennai-600083.
P h . 0 4 4 - 2 4 8 9 1 2 4 0 , E m a i l :
mayachitralaya@gmail.com
CORRESPONDENCE COURSES: Nursery
teachers training, B.P.Ed/M.P.Ed (Pre-Primary
Education), D.E.d., M.El,Ed., Ph.D.(Hon.).
Write: Indian Education Academy, Post Box
No: 14, Palampur: 176061, Himachal Pradesh.
Sms : 09418136034, e-mail: edu@ieaindia.net.
Delhi Government Registered. Affiliated:
United Montessori Association, USA.
PAYING GUEST
PAYING guest accommodation for working
girls,executive ladies in I.P. Extn. Society
Patpar Gunj, contact no. 42171193 ,
9717448140 , 9910189237.
BUSINESS
START part-time social work from home and
earn lifetime income with tax exemption. For
free details write to Hamsa Marketing, Post
Box 2923, Coimbatore- 641012 or sms your
postal address to 092444-20206.
LASER COSMETIC
SURGERY
For permanent hair reduction, pus-filled
pimples and wrinkles, make use of the best
laser machine in town. Contact Dr Mathur’s
Laser Skin Clinic # I, Sec 14 Faridabad
(HAR), Tel no. 9818597337, 1294107840.
Get best result at even better rates.
LASER hair-removal, acne marks,
pigmentation, birthmarks and laser cosmetic
surgery by USA-trained and qualified
cosmetic surgeon. E-34, Greater Kailash-I,
New Delhi-110048, Phone29236912,
29236550.
BOOK ONLINE
MATRIMONIALS
PAY AND SEE IN NEXT ISSUE.
FOR DETAILS CLICK
womansera.com
EMAIL
marry@womansera.com
272
TOUR AND TRAVELS
TRAVELEASE : For Rail and Air Ticketing,
Car Rentals, Hotel Reservations and
Documentations. Special Holidays Package. For
Shimla, Manali, Mussoorie, Nainital, Dalhousie,
Darjeeling. Also Mauritius, Bangkok Pukhet,
Europe, USA and for more than 100
destinations in India and abroad. Contact phone
22459136 fax 911122502959 at Manglam, R-
50, Vikas Marg, New Delhi.(Sunday open).
QUIET getaway at Pushkar. Come and
unwind yourself in serene pollution-free
environment on a farm. Well-furnished
cottages on long and short term. Elderly and
recuperating persons welcome. Contact:
wanchoo46@yahoo.com.
ART AND CRAFT
DESIGNER CANDLE
CONTACT Laxmi Singla for learning
Correspondence / Regular Courses in
exclusive designer candles in gel and paraffin
wax, Tanjore stainglass, Madhubani, soft toys,
calligraphy, 3-D relief painting, pots, flowers
trousseau packing, cooking etc. 62 Agroha
Kunj, sector-13 Rohini Delhi-85.Phone -
01127566007, 09871111388,09868166232,
www.laxmiartncraft.com.
GENITAL/SEXUAL
PLASTIC SURGERY
INCREASE and shape the size of boobs in
underdevelopment, swellings and cancers in
Delhi/Bangalore. Dial 9811440239, 9311630223
or e-mail- info@vaginohymenoplasty.com. Also
for loose genitals.
IF your tummy(abdomen) is loose and ugly
with lot of fat deposits; plastic surgery can
give flat virginal tummy in Delhi, Bangalore.
Call 09311630223/9811440239. Also for fat
deposites over thighs, hips, breasts setc.
JOURNALISM AND
CREATIVE WRITING
DO you want your article, short story or poem
to be published ? Get a job as an investigative
reporter, television anchor or even editor ?
Would you like to receive a free media
magazine which gives practical writing tips,
latest editorial vacancies, freelance assign-
ments, international journalism scholarships,
poetry contests and much, much more ? Do you
want to acquire an internationally honoured
Global Journalism Certificate by taking a
simple, fail-proof written test in the comfort of
your home? This validated exclusive certificate
is ideal for housewives, students and aspiring
journalists/writers. No minimum eligibility or
age limit. Extremely nominal fees. Also
discount for a limited period. Country’s one-
and-only such short-term correspondence
course conducted by London-trained
faculty.India’s No. 1 mass communications
institute invites you to obtain a free copy of the
prospectus and test form from: Anand Khurana,
Editor, The Writer’s Academy, Villa
Bougainvilla, 13 Agra Club, G.C Shivhare
Road, Agra-282001 phone : 0562-2226578 e-
mail: thewritersacademy@rediffmail.com.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Want to book a classified?
24x7 9990057924 (Delhi)
Tele-booking number
DETECTIVE
We are specialists in Matrimonial Enquiries
in India and Abroad, premarital, health check-
up, locating surrogate, ladies and children
available for adoption arranging, difficult
marriage of minorities, Dalit and OBC castes
of physically chellanged and second
marriage(of senior citizen). Contact “Sheel
Consultants” 184 A Paschim Vihar Extension
(near Madi Pur) Police Post New Delhi-
110063. Phone No. 011-25214088.
DOUBTS, deceit, stalking, divorce,
investigation court case, labour case business,
employee, matrimonial, secret enquiries.
Universal Investigation. 9810412615,
9811583899.
PRIVATE, personal investigation,
surveillance, pre-/ post matrimonial,
employment, court labour divorce case, etc.
All India service. contact-Watchtower-
9811155439 011.27054091(Delhi) e-mail:-
watchtowers@sify.com
DETECTIVE SEMINAR
TRAINING
CORRESPONDENCE courses – detective
laws, forensic science, documents writer,
police inspector, constable prep course.
Prospectus 100/ money order. Applied Science
Institute, E-2/74 Chanakya Place, Pankha
Road, New Delhi-110059.
MANIFEST YOUR DREAMS
MANIFEST your life’s dreams and passions.
Maximise your personal power. Learn the
secret of creating your future. Powerful and
easy to use method for creating and attracting.
What you truly desire in your life. Make
decisions, learn tools, take action. Enjoy better
relationship, heal your past, enjoy your present
and create the future you want. Increase your
income. Attract prosperity, optimise your
creativity and productivity. Allow lasting
prosperity and abundance in your life. Let law
of attraction work for you. Activate your lady
luck. Ask universal and cosmic law to work
for you. No tantra, mantra, astrology. For
more details send a self addressed stamped
envelope to Ashok Kumar Sharda, 890 2nd
floor, opp Glendale Apartments, 14 th ‘A’
cross, Indiranagar 2nd stage, Bangalore -
560038. (P) 080-41640186 (M) 09343045392
e-mail:ashoksharda@rediffmail.com,
ashoksharda@rediffmail.com.
BALDNESS
BERKOWITS offers unique solution to
Baldness. Most successful technology
worldwide, Non- surgical cosmetic treatment,
Painless, one sitting solution, perfect natural
look, Berkowits Hair and skin
Clinic.Connaught Place: Ph 23711571-72.
Greater Kailash-I : Ph: 29244630-31. Noida :
Ph. 9999880480 www.berkowits.in
 AYURKSHETRA HOSPITAL
‘AYUKSHETRA’ abode of Keraliya
Panchakarma, one of the biggest hospitals in
Chennai, catering to the needs of all classes of
society. Treatment given for diabetes
migraine, psoriasis, infertility, obesity,
discprolapse, spondylitis, gynaecological
disorders, dandruff, etc. Avoid surgery for
kidney failure, uterine fibroid, cysts piles.
Special traditional treatment for skin disorder
and eye diseases. Satvik food provided to the
patients for speedy recovery. Contact Dr Mrs.
Sharda Ajalkumar No. 5 Panchali Amman
Koil Street Arumbakkam. Chennai 106 ph:
9381026016, 9840089833.
SKIN REJUVENATION
BERKOWITS is specialised clinic for
assuring beautiful and silky skin by offering
multi-therapy treatment for pigmentation,
acne, anti-ageing, tanning, undereye dark
circles, and puffiness, pits scars, moles, warts
and tags removal. Berkowits Hair and Skin
Clinic, Connaught Place : Ph. 23711571-72
Greater Kailash-I: Ph. 29244630-31 Noida :
Ph. 9999880480 www.berkowits.in.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
BERKOWITS offers hair removal by high
Power ND: YAG laser(US FDA
approved).Best laser in NCR; Remarkably
Low Prices; Safest and Fastest solution to
unwanted hair. Berkowits Hair and Skin
Clinic, Connaught Place Ph. 23711571-72
Greater Kailash-I: Ph. 29244630-31 Noida :
Ph. 9999880480 www.berkowits.in.
AMAZING ARTS
WOMAN’S ERA magazine invites young and
talented artists, sculptors and photographers to
highlight/showcase their work in the magazine
pages. Send e-mail of your work and paintings
for inclusion to: e-mail: art.womansera@yahoo.in
and Mobile: 9311711255
REQUIRED freelancer in Delhi to develop a
website for art enthusiasts. Contact immediately
art.womansera@yahoo.in
FOR correspondence / regular courses in
stainglass, warli, Madhubani, American tribal
art, aboriginal Australian art, village art,
jharokhas, Rajasthani paintings. We also take
order work in different mediums. Painting in
relief works and hand-painted lamps for sale.
Contact Mrs Honey Singh, 798 Nikka Singh
Block, Asiad Village, Near Siri fort
Auditorium, New Delhi-110049. Ph: 98105-
62857, 011-26496798, e-mail:-
amazing_artz@yahoo.co.in.
BOOK ONLINE
BUY AND SELL
DEALS AND WHEELS
PAY AND SEE IN NEXT ISSUE.
FOR DETAILS, CLICK
womansera.com
EMAIL
shopping@womansera.com
274
HERBAL CAPSULE TREATMENT &
VANISH MOLE, WART, CORN
SURE-cure herbal capsule for :-(1). New hair
growing (2). Skin disorder (3). Sinus (4). Joint
pain (5). Dark complexion reducer (6)
Children’s weight booster (7) Chronic cold
cough (8). Breast and uterus tumour (9). Hi
erection (10). Breast Hardener. Wonderful
cream for removing ugly mole, wart, corn.
Application process:- apply cream’s thick layer
only over mole, wart, corn.Now let it dry for
four to five hours. After three days repeat
process. By this system it will vanish within
weeks. On heel corn use cream at night. Now
you look beautiful,attractive and charming.
Now you can walk painless, perfectly and
travel. Price of cream is Rs. 200/ delivery free
by courier/ post. Price of Herbal Capsule each
Rs. 10/- upto serial no. (7). Minimum order
for 30 capsule= Rs 300/- plus Rs 100/ delivery.
Serial No. (8) and (10) Rs 20/ each. Serial No.
(9) Rs 50/ each. Please talk over mobile of Dr.
Lodha 09830311758. Please deposit cash into
any one bank a/c. My CBS a/c name:- Hari
Prasad Lodha. (1) State Bank Of India. A/c
No. 11161791075. or (2) Central Bank Of
India A/c No. 1062209946. you may visit my
chambers:- (1) Alpha Nursing Home, Howrah /
Kolkata. (2) Purwanchal Hospital, Kolkata (3)
Lodha Building, Shalboni.(Midnapur). Please
take appointment directly :- 09830311758. e-
mail:- drlodha@sify.comTelefax:-
03324745213. Have nice health. Herb saves
you from operation risk. try Herbal miracle
healing power and result.
A PANACEA FOR ALL DISEASES
TAKE gold log and live for one hundred years
and more-gold log is sure to keep the body
immune from all diseases. It restores youthful
vigour, strength and brightness, rejuvenates
the vital glands and strengthens the whole
nervous system miraculously. It recoups full
retentive power and banishes premature old
age to live long and healthy life. It is mainly of
herbal product, free from side effect and post-
effect. Gold log is more effective than all
tonics of modern preparations. It cures
impotency, lung troubles, mental weakness,
Gonorrhea, Anaemia, Venereal diseases,
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is an Elixir of life scientifically prepared
according to Siddha system of medicine after
50 years of Research. Contact: M/s
Kayakalpha Pharmaceuticals Private Ltd., Post
Box No. 7162, E-32, Anna Nagar(East),
Chennai-600102, India. e-mail: thanu@eth.net.
NATURAL THERAPY
PANCHTATVA yoga and naturopathy
treatment and training centre. Thyroid, spinal,
obesity, sugar, ladies problem, arthritis,
slipped disc, high bp, heart diseases,
depression, cervical and other diseases cure
for, without side effect. All facilities available.
Home treatment and readymade kit available.
Contact :- WZ-1532-B, Radha Krishana Gali,
Nagal Raya, New Delhi-110046. Phone :-
09871224378, 09810095933.
Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009
Want to book a classified?
24x7 9811744262 (Delhi)
Tele-booking number
YOGA THERAPY SPECIALIST
THERAPIES are provided by Renowned
Yoga Guru and corporate trainer Dr Sandip
Kumar, course Director of Shivananda Yoga
Sevashram, New Delhi. He is a PostGraduate
in Yoga Psychology from Bihar Yoga Bharti/-
Bihar School of Yoga, Munger and Post -
Graduate in Preventive and Promotive Health
Care from Apollo Hospitals Group, and again,
he is a post graduate in Holistic Health Care
from the same, Apollo Hospital Group.
(Teachers and Therapists are also available
for Home visit). Sivananda Yoga Sevashram,
258, R. P. S. Colony, Khanpur, (Near Sainik
Farms), New Delhi-62, Helpline: +
919811328067, e-mail:-www.yogayogini.com
WEDDING BANGLE DESIGNER
INDIA’S No. 1, Wedding Designer Bangles
(Chura), 09818717359, Franchisee
welcome.www.anilbhaichuriwala.com
CHOCOLATE MAKING
LEARN technical know-how to make choco-
lates, includes production / cost calculation/
marketing / machinery from professionals and
set up your own profitable unit. Beside training
we accept orders for wedding, corporate and
return gifts. All chocolates material available.
Please dial 9811272138 e-mail:
info@chocolateclassesandmaterial.com, http://
chocolateclassessandmaterial.com.
CANDLE MAKING
LEARN candle making (wax, gel, decoration,
carving)/ chocolate making/ giftpacking/-
trousseau packing/envelope making/basket
making/ basket decoration/gift accessories/ -
soap making/jewellery making/ cosmetology/
nail art / potli and bags/bead work
decoration.Mobile: 9871817722 Delhi e-mail:
info@candleclassesandmaterial.com,
http://candleclassesandmaterial.com.
COSMETOLOGY
LEARN how to make shampoo, cold cream,
facepack, gel, home-made soap and start your
own business. Certificate provided by KVIC,
Govt of India. For detail, plz dial 9811272138,
e-mail: info@candleclassesandmaterial.com,
http://candleclassesandmaterial.com.
CREATIVE WORLD OF FANCY ART
REGULAR classes- Trousseau packing,
perfume making, flower making, Toran
making, gift boxes making, hand embroidery,
designer candle,water fountain, advanced
menhadi, Mix media, modern art, paper mashes
work, pot decoration,designer envelope,
Mughal darwaja,mural painting, relief painting,
jharokha painting, fruit painting, calligraphy
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 regionalism in politics as it is not less effect of the global meltdown on the
than terrorism, as both are Indian economy. Although both the
weakening the nation. Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh
– M. Kumar, New Delhi. and the then Finance Minister
P Chidambaram have been at pains
to explain that the Indian economy is
WHERE ARE insulated against the crisis and that
PAROCHIAL LEADERS? Indian financial institutions are all well
“Mumbai 26/11” is a horrifying regulated and their exposure to
reiteration of the very same fact that institutions like Lehman Brothers, etc.
regarding terrorism, India’s political is minimal, globalisation could result
leadership and the higher echelons of in a cascading effect of the meltdown
EDITORIA
L
ATIONS
TERROR INVESTIG has recently acquittedThese
GOING AWRY
two
PRACTICAL its policy establishment are guilty of and the financial crises could well
SOLUTION TO END
court case.
special POTA Mumbai bomb blast Gateway of
DISAPPEAR
ING CHILDREN
of Children’s
n the occasionCommission (NHRC) states that
Day, Nationala
released A bomb blasts
the
accused in had taken place at

Jhaveri Bazaar
killing 50
the
people and
Osman Ladduwala
leaving
and

O
criminal laxity. Blaming everything on spill over to our country in a big way.
Human Rights report. The report India and Accused years in jail.
children 100 injured. about six
very disturbing to 50 thousand more than la have spent ra, trial of
Sadhvi
from 44 thousand to the report, Batterywa of Maharasht is going on.
every year In the past year, according From Hassan another city
missing. In Nashik, others accused face of terrorism
go missing. children went lost. and eight
76 thousand children were Pragya yet another as Hindu
more than more than 11 thousand are never traced has highlighted to be known
Their case has come

TERRORISM
Delhi alone, of these children Do these
children India, which weight in
this
More than
one-third families. , who in carries much arrest spread,
with their ? If kidnapped terrorism. word Hindu
and reunited or are kidnapped Now the the news
of Pragya’s ns stood
simply disappear and why? to these
country. As soon as other Hindu organisatio of the
al answers all Colonel
kidnaps them only hypothetic of a Lt

Pakistan and ISI is a very convenient India too has been witnessing a stock
fate of these BJP and
about the the RSS, The name
There are that the defence. .
can only speculate the doubt up in her highlighted trial had started.
queries. One Nithari confirm some connection is also being weeks now that the . During all
Cases like may have to Army two meanwhile has
children. children diversion It is almost created
nce of Further, their ruled out. has been rist Squad)
disappeara organ trade. cannot be Much confusionthe ATS (Anti-Terropresentation in the
with the illegal and child labour for his or her family. this period, the Sadhvi. On her
first This
world of the eye with great torturing her.
the crime the apple
d the ATS of
A child is in every family family interrogate Sadhvi accused defensive.
is celebrated the assets of a court, the ATS on the more than
Birth of childrenchildren are not Every country has put the India for
accusation has been tormenting consumed in fighting
joy. In a
way, national assets. on the has been many lives
are, in fact, its resources e Terrorism
l part of Much resource bomb blast occurs,

Refer to Editorial
alone. They

option, but it is nowhere near the market crash, acute liquidity crunch
responsibl
a substantia that they become 30 years. any Many families
spends
of children
so ns to national this evil. Whenever are maimed. Apart from
their contributio many peopleand loved ones. is
education
and make are lost and ers and time
citizens the generally breadwinn resource
nt. highlights over the
lose their tion, much that ultimately prove
developme of the NHRC nurtured paying compensa ions the past three
But the reportthat we in India have The report also in investigat During
consumed and go on in spirals. have been
callous attitude these national assets. ement ss terrorists
only a few acquits an accused,
of the law-enforcmeans directionle
years towards on the working and order or four decades, when court not, enough
raises questions of the people, law In the end more often than it was
For most person
punished.
which there
were, to feel that
agencies. t only.
departmen actuality? If a commonabout his against public begins

Terror investigations
the common

truth. To believe that there were no which has been compelling the RBI
the police in complaint evidence, political
happens to lodge a
But what to his woes. a sham.
A shameless ing
police station will not listen complaint all so in our
country?
of the investigat ing
goes to the the policemen Why is this
only a rough at the working these investigat
missing child, they will lodge the child ce with All political
Or, at the
most, nt of recoveringease at their interferen is seen clearly.work under great In
the complaina with agencies to confusing.
and console but then go on working always have work becomes round a
agencies their and again
the earliest, place As such,
ce. that took pressure. to go again yoke of an
own convenien an incident manager they seem tied to the
would recall child of an Adobe most cases, like the bullock as if they
Readers was great is formed
The
years ago. in Noida and there circular path,in the media an image right direction.
two-three the kid. But on into the for the
kidnapped to recover only expeller. the investigati no quick-fix remedy

going awry (December

had been on the police the police not

Indians involved in this ghastly to cut rates time and again and a
taking is certain that
pressure alacrity, , who are ely, there it seems
political
with superb nabbed the kidnappers Unfortunat current scenario, away from
same In the e is taken its
Working
child but
also But the situation. political interferenc will ever reach all
recovered hefty ransom. cases. and until n, no trial
g a of the ordinary unless to bear
were demandin with most nt investigatio will have
s is missing the independe . Till then, the public
promptnes seriously. conclusion of justice. m We
Why? on this question and final in the name to: letters@womansera.co
is high time to ponderflourish as a physically of the this pretence write
It to ility
has a right responsib
Every child individual. It is the
fit
mentally this.
to ensure (First) 2008

I) 2008. Very frequent operation is to live in a fool’s palpable unwillingness on the part of
grown-ups
Era ● December
Woman’s

terrorists attacks in any part of India paradise. Before pointing a finger bankers to lend, all factors that could
are not now shocking, but at Mumbai towards ISI, one may ask what has be detrimental to production and
it is like a War – it is other kind of the government or security agencies might result in reduction in GDP.
terrorists’ attack where they came to done to nab the local accomplices The Government’s attitude
fight a war! Hundreds of innocent without whose involvement the crime appears to be a little casual and it is
persons died and seriously injured in of this magnitude could never have imperative that more steps are
most brutal terrorist attack in Mumbai been possible. required and initiated at the earliest.
at several places simultaneously Another uncomfortable question For a fast developing country like
which shows how meticulous plans that needs to be answered is that ours, these hurdles are pitfalls that
they had in their arsenal. More why should government talk of have to be tackled on priority basis.
shocking is the government’s soft drastic measures only when five-star – C. V. Aravind, Bangalore.
policy on terrorism, politically – just hotels or Parliament is attacked and
because of vote banks country’s turn the face other way when
safety is at dangerous level as no ordinary citizens are bombed and OBAMA – A HISTORY –
stern action is taken and in the killed in local trains and downmarket MAKER
process indirectly terrorism is chaat bazaars? Your editorial American Indians
encouraged due to weakest policies The impunity and unfailing Support Obama (November II) clearly
and intelligence failures. regularity with which the terrorists are shows that the world is welcoming
Some practical measures (may be targeting India speaks volumes of our the change. Such a significant
theoretically wrong) is the need of the existing traditional legal architectures development has created a history.
hour, like killing all suspected for dealing with the menace of Obama’s extraordinary journey to
terrorists who are in the jail – as often terrorism. Terrorist attack in India is White House will definitely inspire
terrorists’ demand is their release by no longer a question of ‘if’ but ‘when’, people of all hues. His victory has
taking common men as hostages. ‘where’ and ‘what magnitude. Sadly, raised many hopes all over the world.
All foreign nationals especially the national policy against terrorism Looking to his manifesto one finds
from Bangladesh and Pakistan must has become the victim of vote-bank that he is in favour of globalisation.
be sent back to their respective politics. At the moment it seems life He has helped to create legislation
countries even if their ration cards in India is at a permanent discount. regarding lobbying and electoral
are made, selecting a particular date No wonder, India has emerged as a fraud, climate change, nuclear
for such persons to be sent back, front-running soft state. terrorism and the care for the U.S.
cancelling their ration cards by – Gaurav Julka, Ferozepore. military personnel to return home.
suitably amendmenting the law if No doubt, his few policies may be
required. EDITORIA
L tough for India but he will bring a
A CASCADING
C CRISES
THE ECONOMI
TACKLING begun to
affect Indian
has now Prime
OBAMA lobal meltdownlast. So much
so that
INDIANS S

Where is the local political party of fundamental change at national and

UPPORT to admit that
AMERICAN
he current
al election
US Presidenti It is for the first
ways.
has been
time
ethnic G economy
Minister Dr
at
Manmoha
n Singh has
of the ongoing
in the wake more prolonged than
financial

T e in many downturn and

remarkabl biggest single is the globallikely to be severer
of country’s en group
that a member crisis is held in New
most downtroddoffice in the . at a meeting The meeting
and the single powerful
political is anticipated ent came
industries.

EFFECT
minority the presidency This enlightenm of Indian Gross
the most
elected for election for republic. with the captains that India’s
Obama’s the American for the Delhi of the reportsremain around 7-7.5
world. Barack achievement for candidacy came in
the wake
is likely to cent during
an impressive about Obama’s one million Indians Production above 9 per
What is unique more than as Domestic It has been hovering
him. In fact,

Mumbai which is after certain international level as he has more

post is that per cent. in this
supporting , he has years. to panic
president’s were also citizenship past three for the industries While with
living in America the the dual impact.
takes American towards It is but natural to face power of
soon as a
foreigner always faithful At the same They have the purchasing thereby
oath to be system. scenario. financial crisisman is declining
to take an n and legal to one of
the two
American
Constitutio allegiance the common demand for their products. to
to show his also. In creating less time industries haveand
time he has of America
political parties not like to support At the same expenses
the daily
case, he
does he has an cope with with day-to-day
involved
these parties, as an overheads led Jet Airways
either of show himself remain The situation jobs in
to working. thousand

sections of society and wrongly feel The editorial policy plans to bring changes for the
option
voter but
he cannot about two in turn, led
to
to slash
undecided
. Its decision, its employees.
indifferent tor Sandip October.
agitation
by into
commenta
Poet and in New York, nationwide
political parties jumped
hary, living in Even the chairman
Roychaud
American
citizenship At last, company’s at a press
remain the fray.
had taken chosen to Goel declaredall the sacked
had then it is Naresh
2006. He feels that to reinstate
. Now he like him that conference Despite all the rhetoric,
undecided voters s. question
these undecided role in 2008 employee raised a relevant
a decisive Naresh Goel business.
played such election.
Software lity of flying whether
al of sustainabi

that their local progress is at stake Tackling the economic

of California,

better. Eventually, this will help India

presidenti of business,
Kapil, a resident Barack Every kind needs funds.
engineer ago to support constantly same,
decided long forthcoming presidentia
l small or large,facing exactly the The
is
Obama for
the
to him,
non- the country liquidity crunch. all
According feel And presently, in economic jargon, to take
election. in America ly his is called the industries .
living incidental which
resident Indians to Obama
and nurture nt has assured growth momentumis
s closer reasons to Governme sustain the liquidity crisis
themselve have ample steps to help the global
c Party. They of possible fact remains that and the
domestic
Democrati number
a large , But the g investor sentimentsituation that the Prime
this feeling. Indians, there are Latin Americans
s also viz, dampenin amidst this panicky not to show
Not only of them is industry leaders
other nationalitie , etc. All industry. It advised the large-scale layoffs
that may

because of their North or South crises (November II)

citizens of

and the USA to come closer.

and Japanese of undecided Minister has such as the crisis,
Chinese,
Koreans large number their votes that reaction” dealing with
have equally strength
of “knee-jerk spiral”. While in mind their social
together “negative
is the combined lead to a bear
voters. It
election. living in houses must
role in Obama’s of the Indians corporate some of
the
played crucial or Kapil, most will see lities. listen to
Be it Sandip that this presidentia
l election responsibi nt has to meeting.
Above
King come true. The Governme
India Inc during the system
believe Luther civil rights made by the financial
America of Martin is to protect contagion effect.
the dreams this election will give
American when proposals first priority or m We
ly, seen recently, a very all, India’s of confidence mansera.co
Undoubted of it was possible loss
A glimpse Indian community in the from write to: letters@wo
a new turn. the American for the first time

origin. It is high time to ban has touched on the – V. C. Dixit, Ahmedabad.

Obama wishedIt has happened
happy Diwali. presidential election.
history of
US (Second) 2008
Era ● November
Woman’s

Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009 277

 ES RAMU A REAL ACHIEVER As for Ramudgar Choudhary, I tips you have mentioned in the article
WHERE DO HERE?
GO FROM village
Tracing a semi-l
iterate
ing self-su
fficiency in
lad’s attain city by learning the
the big infotech.
think this is just the beginning of an were very handy. The tips are short
of high-endBy Rajib Sen

The real life story

complexities

ambitious journey – not the end and sweet and indicate the key to a
operations
the overseas
ran reasons, him off.
a school which soon cut his new-
Noida for was none. time to put while we
I’ve scoured classes. There It became work. So,
only person ize printed found learning to nt, Ramu
e’s the al afternoon a postcard-s Its a replaceme (and his)
profession That’s when up in my driveway. worked on

H
heard of whose has been computer after fixing
our
cook
ce card landed offer: free went off home to
competen Bill Gates, no and came
by most attractive breakfast upstairs.
certified
when Ramudgar The man before retiringall sorts of
less. Yet, our classes.it wasn’t really free. our food worked at
y entered cost a
But said it would Ramu Ramu then a cyber cafe.

Where does Ramu go because for such a hard-working and

Choudhar from his Bihar behind the card

successful relationship. I did follow

if even his own,
home straight a dozen years a month a places, usly, on
hundred That was
couple of But, simultaneo about computer
village about out, he knew three days a week. in the learning know
ago to help
came t bargain he started he didn’t
least of -basemen already cost hardware since , I got the man in
nothing – lower-than
absolutely he is still era when such classes it. Eventually in a
in which – and I grabbed– Mondays, English. of computer operations
all English, the earth on charge with a
large
at sea. the outsize slogged fail on
woefully him up in But Ramu without organisati to get Ramu
But we put room we
had ys and Fridays earned a major of computers, all
pty store Wednesda He a number the man who serviced
and largely-em was a toilet – for two years. got after by
where there as which others every day. hired computers.
on our roof facilities also. Ramu, certificate those
application

from here
every he

in ambitious man, sky is the limit! some of those tips from the moment I
and bathing became, learnt full-time told me that the there,
was year’s man often on: While
he inevitably work and Yet, the
to
Ramu movesthose skills to the
of domestic as an example had
element Ramu up Ramu built
on
man’s top
man
cook. he held on how well a part-timer when that
an excellent we discovered that others dedication
. This,
extent that, his own, he took
However, him whatever done with proper no computer in broke off to be on was about
four
and gave lay hands despite there being him. That moved out of
loved to read we could to Ramu with
low-cost material comics, for him house! when he also rented
Hindi we heard my the years ago into
on, even Anon, : From house
his time. initiatives our too far away. he
while away with Isabella His next leads to ation not us
a tie-up alumni, Ramu got would accommod point, he
later told
that with Lucknow, other students, dollars. He At some spreading
Noida, had earnings in US

– Subhashini Aggarwal, Deoghar.

College, some a company villages in

(November II) issue of read the article and it has worked

Thoburn School, for posting So I had joined India’s
Public school, a dollar each Net. ation to and
Delhi classes after we earn flags in areas on the computeris required
to travel
started specialleged children. And kind of an American which he was expenses.
track down and and other he
for underprivi to the afternoon helped him someone in Noida to was given hotel ate point,
admitted I were at from a
had him my wife and and my address his own
money another indetermin p to set up
classes when time. At partnershi
the evening, Roorkee. Ramu used a cyber cafe for in had
gone into with an STD-ISD
work till in bargain with my brother-in -law cafe along some part
of
was studying were cyber booth in
daughter Then, via his cheques telephone
Two years later, America, For unknown
His first
break: class to to us.
had no higher , I had forwarded
(Second) 2008

Woman’s Era is very

the school

magic for me!

him to. Meanwhile Era ● November
promote Woman’s

136

inspiring. It proves that if there is a Kudos to Woman’s Era for adding

ery few married
couples live
together
without

USEFUL TIPS FOR

V
their lives reason is
that
conflict. The

will, then there is definitely a way. some sparkle to our lives. More such
is a
nowadays a
everyone
person” whether has
“thinking
woman and so it
man or
and opinions, have
their ego to
is natural couples
s. A few

COUPLES
difference this
manage
do but the rest
ent agreeably, a slanging
disagreem s having tiring
find themselveis unbecomi ng,

Ramu’s journey from a semi-literate relationship oriented articles are

such
match which To prevent of
and pointless. in the form
conflict there
repetitive and fights,
, nagging couple
arguments s that the
precaution
are some
keep in mind.
can
first is to
caring: The the
Loving and of really loving a
intention then
have the missing,
If love is without a
partner.
hurt the other

boy from a mean village, to a “Micro The article on How needed!

person can prick. Many marriages
conscienc
e not be the
Love may is
are arranged. is important then to
what
basis but an intention
should be stress for
that there
and not create the
be together concern for of
Care and
the other. occurrence
lessen the
partner will

Q
fights.

soft certified professional” is by no to

HOW TO PRE Prevent Quarrels
VENT
– Balaji Hariharan, Chennai.
UARRELS
standard a small achievement. His (November II) was an
Here’s how
disruptions
caused by
to avoid
in marriage
disagreeme
By Rungee
n Singh
nts.

transformation from Ramu to eye-opener. I and my

Ramudgar Choudhary in less than girl-friend used to SHOPPING SMART
RT
SHOP SMA go shopping,
I

Shop smart (October

henever I

12 years is astounding. This shows have frequent quarrels. Nevertheless,

double
t end up spending

W
the marke planned!”

spending in
the amount told her
Ritu often the phone.
Saving while on sense. Here’s how. mother over a Paying
as
comm Staying had
Delhi, she to
only takes By Reema
Bansal Guest in
become
addicted
Worse, she
shopping. to
went
always when her

that hard work and dedication never those little fights made our relation-
malls. However,

I) is informative. May I
money,
expensive to send more . It
mother refused to be more calculative
she decided months to wean herself
shop
took her two g malls and
off the enchantin outlets.
at smaller
efficiently

go unrewarded. ship stronger. However, those few add that most women
have a habit to buy
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278 Woman’s Era ● January (First) 2009