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City’s little star Gifts for someone you
love Artistic Swan on Wheels
From Darkness to Light Southern flavours ‘Fast’ Forward Tuning the body with
asanas |
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Will live-in get the better of the wedlock?
Tahira Kashyap checks out what’s in the mind Live in is what the latest trend is. Is it love or just an easy excuse to get away from the liabilities of marriage? For a person in love, nothing seems impossible, but the latest interpretation would be nothing is impossible for a person in love including changing one’s partner often! Just the way Saif Ali Khan’s attitude was in Dil Chahta Hai, “Well guys, I think that I am finally in love. Hey but did you check that chick out?” Such people have so much love to spread that it just cannot be limited to one single person. From where did this concept creep into our society? Like always, let’s blame the West. They are our fashion gurus: from danglers to rolled up jeans, from tattooing to piercing, from burgers to pizzas, from divorces to live-ins...the credit solely goes to the West. We, too, have spent our energies copying them and adapting them into our culture sans any adulteration! A live-in relationship is very simple: fall in love, have your romantic moments (with precaution), don’t believe in commitments, live with each other in one house, get fed up, get lost and...find another one. Simple. Can we relate to it? I guess not, that’s why even this bollywood movie had a marriage of the two in the end, that is, after Saif managed to get Priety pregnant. But marriage as a consequence doesn’t happen most of the time. Even while making a movie on live-in relationships, our movie makers couldn’t help but give us an acceptable happy ending in the end, which, of course, is marriage. But it is said that most of these live-in relationships which end up in marriage, eventually end up in divorce in the first 15 months. It does give the couple the benefit of not filing for a divorce suit or getting into the legal part of it, you simply walk out. But till when and how far will we keep changing one for the other? Certainly this sale is not going to last for long. And trust me even the discounts keep getting lower and lower as one ages. Do we not need the security of that ‘the one’? What happened to the story of that one prince who would come riding on a horse and sweep you away! Those who prefer to live-in are prone to seek perfection over the simply good and this search of finding the perfect one never ends. Live-in for many becomes an excuse for promiscuity. Are we ready for such a drastic invasion in our culture? Here is what the city youth feels about this subject: Gursimran Singh, a student of Mass Communication, has a rather positive approach to it. He says, “It is the best way to go about things. The initial hang-ups and inhibitions about whom you are going to get married to or whether its going to last or not, are done away with if you decide to know each other by living together.” It too is a relationship which should be given its due respect and you get to learn a lot even if the relationship does not materialise into marriage, he adds. Milli Sharma and Shweta Gujral sing in the same tone “It is upto your free will. If you feel responsible enough to handle it, why not?” Socially we are getting modernised and what we considered taboo some years back is now cool with most of the people, they add. But another student Bhavya Kapoor has an different opinion, “I feel we are not guinea pigs on whom you can try and test your whims and fancies. If eventually you know you are not bound to that person it just gives you a reason to not to adjust and just move on. I would still like to believe in the prince on a white horse concept!” It is a matter of choice. The divide is evident even in today’s youth too. But, we need to increase our appetite to digest new phenomenon like this in our society. |
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City’s little star Pragati Trikha, a student of class five in DAV Model School, Sector 15, is already rubbing shoulders with the leading lights in Bollywood at an age when her friends are cramming their answers, grumbling for a copy of the latest video game or cajoling their parents for an outing. She has just finished shooting for 'Dosti' featuring Bobby Deol, Akshay Kumar, Kareena Kapoor and Lara Dutta. She has earlier worked in the company of leading stars of Bollywood including Shah Rukh Khan, Priety Zinta and Rani Mukherjee. She played the role of a school girl in Veer Zaara. She has also featured in Nalayak, Pind di kurhi and Shortcut. She has featured in a number of teleserials including 'Nakoosh', 'Sarprast', 'Kaun Banega Star' and 'Apne Praya’ "Acting is my hobby", says Baby Pragati. "And my foray into the cine-world just happened. A few years back, I was asked by a director of a television serial to work in his production. There been no looking back since then. I have, at least, half a dozen projects at hand." Pragati loves Chandigarh and prefers to do roles which do not take her away from the City. Pragati as a child artist has won two solo-singing contests and two dance contests. Pragati's father, Mr Vimal Trikha, says "She showed love for acting from her childhood. As a little girl she would mimic scenes from the films and the television programmes. Right from day one, she has been very comfortable on stage" Pragati was honoured by the Chandigarh Administration for her brilliance in stage shows at the Independence Day celebrations recently. |
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For all you husbands, it is high time that you bought something nice for your wife. Go through our what's-hot guide compiled after shopping around the city.
After you have selected some presents out of this list, do not forget to wrap up the souvenir in cute imposing paper. Also, tie it up with a ribbon.
— SM |
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Swirling, twisting and wearing wheels with ease and climbing up the stairs, is Jagdeep Bains. This Cooperative and services lawyer has been a National skater and has participated in a number of International skating championships. Her movements are graceful as she breezes into the room. With a soft voice, she grins and tells us about her journey of achievements " I was merely 12 years old, a student of the Carmel Convent, when I entered the skating rink for the first time, with a group of friends during a summer vacation.” The pastime sport became a passion and just two months later, she was selected for the National Skating Championship, in Jammu in 1979 where shewalked away with the Gold medal. “I never looked back since then. I was determined and practiced hard in order to see myself on the top rung,” she adds. Six months later, she won the All India Roller Skating Championship and went even represented India at the World Speed Skating Championship in New Zealand. “I was the youngest participant at the age of thirteen and a half, at the competition and competed with other participants who were as old as 32 . There was also a grandmother competing with us. Incidentally, the age limit was waived for me, as the entering age limit was sixteen,” she recalls. “Special arrangements for food were made for us as we did not eat beef. Seeing the physique and diet of the participants, we realized that we had a long way to go,” she adds. At that time, skating was not a recognized sport at the national level, so her father had to foot the expenses. She travelled to Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore, Thailand and various cities in India. She has a collection of wheels from around the world including the makes like
Belair, Lobberu, Webber, Kreptons, Wooden Wheels etc., a number of skating magnum wheels and her favorite being skates with yellow and red which looked like fire under your feet, when the wheels rolled. Her dream came true when she received a parcel of All American Snyder Skates. “I could have jumped ten feet high that day. I had 27 pairs of various types of skates," she says. Jagdeep recalls, "My diet consisted of a daily intake of almonds, eggs, chicken, milk, green vegetables and sprouts and I practiced for nearly two hours in the morning and 3-4 hours in the evening. I also took part in a rally from Chandigarh to Parwanoo, a distance of 32 Km in the open category. I secured second position and it was a tough one here as it was an uphill going on skates and my feet bled at the end of it.” There are no artistic and figure skating instructors in Chandigarh and so, she has taught this art to her children, Guntanya and Tahif who have also won over 13 gold medals already. “Artistic and Figure skating is an art and you have to follow to the hilt, out of line or a wrong hand up can disqualify you. You have to form 69 figures as you skate around. I could manage all of them,” she says. Every weekend, the early morning sun sees these three swans on wheels, practicing rigorously. |
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Soccer on the table Chandigarh and its neighbouring towns of Panchkula and Mohali have been largely receptive to new trends and innovations in sports. The latest addition to the sporting arena is Table football. Although Table Soccer had made its mark in the city only last year, it now seems to be the turn of Table Football, which is catching people’s fancy. Played in more than 40 countries all over the world, it is a force to reckon with in the European continent already. This reporter spotted the young teachers of a school in Sector 20, Panchkula trying to hone in their skills by playing this sport in their recreation hour. When Mr Sanjay Thareja, Secretary of the Darbari Lal Trust, who runs ‘The Gurukul’, was asked about the game, he explained that the basic idea was to keep their staff mentally alert. It also helps to keep the teachers occupied in their spare time. Thareja maintains that although the school has facilities for outdoor sports, it is to keep the teachers mentally involved that that the table for this game (which is unique to the region) was procured. The Chairman and President of the of the Table Soccer Federation of India (TSFI) Mr Ravinder Talwar and Mr BS Johal respectively confirmed that there were indeed two games under the ambit of the TSFI; one being Table Soccer and the other Table Football. Both these have their respective world sport bodies. The History of Table Football dates back to 1947: Subbuteo, the world’s most popular Table Soccer game was launched in 1947. Why this name? For, it is hardly easy on the tongue and nor is it related to football? Originally, the intention was to call the game ‘The Hobby’ but this could not get registered. However, in today’s context ‘Subbuteo’ is the Latin name for the bird, Falco Subbuteo from which it is derived. Basic Table Football Rules and playing methods: What is required? Two teams, two nets, a ball, and a playing surface. How is it played? (The Flicking Technique) The players need to swerve, spin, and kick the ball according to their skill sets. To play the game one has to master the Subbuteo “flick to kick” method. Set up the player with a ball directly in front of him. Place the first and second finger of the playing hand pressing down gently on the playing surface with the “flicking finger” and flick the finger at the player so that the player hits or “kicks” the ball. The finger should never touch the ball. The harder one presses the finger down while flicking, the harder one will hit the ball. And the thumb cannot be used to flick at all, but it can be used to brace the hand on the table for it is a finger flick only. Playing Tips: Whenever possible it is best to have the base of the hand firmly on the playing table. This gives a good foundation for accurate flicking. It is recommended that the thumb and second finger be firmly placed on the table whenever possible. |
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Buildings should be adaptable like birds A good architectural design can adjust to the chaos of contemporary life, says Sangeet Sharma Architecture is more than a matter of configuring space and form, and while studying sustainable architecture from my masters, I realised that buildings should be made like birds which ruffle their feathers, change their shape and metabolism in sync with the changing environment. Like all fine arts, it is an art of practice and the more one dwells on it, the more it becomes clear that the subject is more vast than one could comprehend in a lifetime. Any architecture is like a mime artiste, communicating and affecting us by gesture, an evocation, by dramatic movement and charm, surprise and seduction. Nature provides inspiration, information and analogy. Architecture is constantly changing, at a rate that is perhaps now faster than it has ever been. But it is also, in a sense, staying the same. The architect is given a chance to try and create a sense of order as a perfectly proportioned, perfectly executed room can exist in the chaos of contemporary life. An opportunity of this nature presented itself when I was asked to design a boys’ hostel for a premier institute in Mohali. The budget was a constraint, the requirements were fluid and expectations from the architect high. Each detail to save cost and create an aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective building was looked into. Provision was made for providing ample natural light. The dining block and games area were placed in the centre and the blocks of rooms on either side of it. The courtyard was not only a functional requirement but was a necessity considering that the rooms would not be air-conditioned. The central courtyard would provide natural draft to the rooms and all balconies which are overlooking the courtyard. Interlinked courtyard minimizes heat loss by natural ventilation as the central court acts as a generator for a micro-climatic zone providing cool air in the summer. The materials used were locally available and natural brick cladding has been used for the exterior finish. This two-storey building has rooms placed around a corridor. The corridors were lit by sunlight filtering in at regular intervals. A dash of colour in the form of external bands in green and yellow gave a distinct feel to the campus. The Indian Building Congress awarded this building with a commendation certificate for its people centric and eco-friendly design. But the best reward for an architect is when a word of appreciation comes from the user actually occupying the space. I am lucky to have been blessed with both. |
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Light up your homes and bring a glow to young lives. With pink lotuses, yellow teddy bears, crimson bunnies, lime green, lemon yellow , aqua blue candles and wax filled diyas to choose from, the collection at the Institute for the Blind in Sector 26 makes for a wonderful buy to brighten your Diwali. What makes these candles and diyas special is that the children of the Institute have been involved in creating, polishing them up and packaging them. With over 25,000 candles including 10,000 diyas ready, this is an achievement that the young ones are justifiably proud of. Monu Ram, in class nine helps with the packing of the candles and diyas, similarly Karanjeet Kaur and Pooja Lakhanpal in class ten also help with making these candles. “It is a break from our studies and is something different,” they chorus. The candles are made in their spare time and there are five helpers to assist them along and the process that will continue right up to Diwali. “We do not let the children touch the hot wax, but oiling the moulds, polishing the finished product and packaging them, involves them all,” explains Mr. Sood. And, for our peace of mind, the wax is pure for it is sourced directly from the Indian Oil Corporation in Jullandhar! So, for 24 small candles to light up your homes, dish out just Rs. 25 a packet. For a pack of 13 bigger candles, the price is Rs. 30. The fancy ones in the shape of animals, coloured mixed wax, spiral, large and free standing ones come for Rs. 20 a piece. The diyas are for Rs. 4 a piece. The proceeds of the sale go in part to the students themselves, for each of whom a separate bank account has been opened. According to the Honorary Secretary of the Institute, Mr. K R Sood, “Every need right down to the toothpaste is met by the funds and donations that the Institute gets, what the children can spend on is either a harmonium, a sitar or tabla for themselves.” While Monu Ram is a budding tabalchi, both the girls play the sitar. All three children want to go to college after their 12th standard. So pick up your candles from the Institute this year, for the sheer pleasure of seeing smiles brighten up the faces of these youngsters for whom these candles are a day’s labour well spent. |
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All that you may want from down South is here for the asking, reports
Gayatri Rajwade
The only thing missing are the lilting strains of Carnatic music or the latest Tamil movie hit song belting out its strident notes! For this is where the South Indian fraternity congregates to buy specialities from their native soil. Swanking off as 'A Complete South Indian Store' is Singla General and Provision Store in Sector 47. Started in 1969 by Suraj Prakash, the store is that inimitable place where South Indian people flock to feel at home! From filter coffee to small sambhar onions and from chidwa to typical Kerala prawn pickles and even magazines in South Indian languages, it is all here! "Flair is the key to discerning what the customer wants," says Vivek Singla, Suraj Prakash's son. Originally from Ambala, Punjabi by birth and origin, the Singlas are now a veritable 'institution' in Sector 47, having mastered Tamil, Telegu, Kannada and Malayalam—at least the relevant gamut of words—and offer "kappa" (tapioca) or "murungakakai" (drumsticks) with the practiced ease of linguists! What is more, even their old retainer of 32 years, Mela Ram, now speaks and understands the languages fluently. So what makes them so appreciated? Rajavelu living in Sector 71, Mohali and working with Quark Media House believes it is the authenticity of each and every item from the rice upwards! "From mirchi powder typical to our taste to deepams (brass lamps) and even idli and idiappam makers, we get everything here and at reasonable prices comparable to those at home." Narayanan who lives in Sector 36 picked up idli chawal, banana chips (the very best here he proclaims!), til oil (which comes especially from Chennai) and "777 products, a classic brand from home." That is not all if you believe that the Stores only stock food—there are typical dhotis to choose from ranging from Rs 70 to 140 and saris from Rs 300 to 800. Coconuts come straight from the trees at the coast of Tamil Nadu and idols are available for Ugadi and Onam. With over 30 different titles to choose from there are a plethora of magazines “though you have to book your magazine because they are in huge demand," says Rajavelu smiling—Swati, Andhra Bhoomi, Tiranga, Sudha, Malayalam Manorama, Mahila Ratnam, Ananda Vikatan, these are just the choice few on offer! While most of the products come from Chennai or Kerala like the typical banana and tapioca which comes in by train every Saturday, perishables like banana chips, salty mixtures and idols of gods and goddesses are sent from Delhi. "Yes, there are breakages during cartage but then the satisfaction on our customers' faces is compensation enough," says Vivek. "Not everything can be done for money," he asserts. The South Indian story does not end here—in front of the shop, a tiny stall caters to a large faithful clientele and serves freshly prepared masala dosas and onion uthapams for Rs 15, vadas and idlis for Rs 10 with sambhar and coconut chutney to boot! With flavours to savour and papadams to fry, with masalas to mingle and deepams to light, Sector 47 is your store-way to South Indian attractions. |
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Forget starving with dizzy heads and waiting for a desperate glimpse of the elusive moon. Party big-time to celebrate your fast, says Anandita Gupta Imagine this. Lots of sindoor splashed in her maang, a huge bindi adorning her forehead, a chunky saree draping her from head to toe and a lavish gold set and the all-important mangalsutra resting on her. With patient hope in her eyes, she awaits the moon to appear, drained out from the day’s long wait. And until the moon decides to smile on her poor self, she just prays and prays…haven’t we all grown up seeing this or something similar, year after year? Yes, whether it was the Nutan of Bandini, Kajol of Dilwale Dulhania le Jayenge, or our very own moms and grand moms, we’ve all seen them totally drained by the time of offering ‘argh’ to the moon. But, not any more. While more and more women today are joining the Karva bandwagon, they needn’t slog and starve the whole day. Karva today is more about PARTYING, thanks to the ultra hep credentials of City-women. And mind you, the fun-quotient at these Karva-Parties is feverishly high. Wanna join the fun. Lets jump right in- Just fasting the whole day was getting too much for these city-women’s sanity. So they decided to loosen up and spice up the festival by rolling down the trend of Karva-blasts. Smiles Priyanka Khosla, Centre Head, NIFD, Chandigarh, who loves to host parties, “To add that instant zest to the Karva fast, my friends and me decided to have a Karva blast last year.” A party without food? I wonder. Explains Khosla, “At such parties, we stress on the décor, games, lots of gifts and of course dancing. Like last time, I used lots of flowers, Rangolis and bangles to splash style into my party .”she remembers. Giggles a young Poonam, “The whole idea behind such parties is fun, if not feasting. Everybody decks up for the occasion, sings, dances and goes dreamy!” Hostlers from Chandigarh, Manpreet and Harpreet can’t help laughing, “We have lots of parties at the hostel, but karva parties have something very Indian about them.” The rangolis, flower strewn pathways and girls attired in colourful outfits with lots of bangles add spice to these parties.” chirps in Kanika, an aspiring designer from Dehradun. Then, there are enthu Event Managers gearing up for such bashes. Opines Anmol, “We Indians love gaiety and celebrations If Dandiya and Ganpati celebrations can get hep, why not Karva?” Chirps housewife Vasudha, “ There are stalls of mehendi walas and churiwalas, and women spend time chatting, playing funny games, dancing and exchanging gifts. These parties indeed are fun all the way.”
Well, fasting can drop down your spirits and parties, thankfully soar them high. So isn’t it wonderful how these women are experiencing a wonderful high as they fast for someone fondest to their hearts! |
Hunger pangs are unbearable, right? Not quite, say these fasting city women Savita, married five years ago, keeps fast on Karva Chauth every year. She wakes up at 4 am to eat the ‘Sargi’. “I keep a fast because it is our tradition and a part of our culture.” Kavita says, “In the morning, I eat what I like — parathas, vegetables, seviyaan... I believe in the ritual for it is to ensure that my husband lives long.” Abha Sukheja recently got married and this is her first Karva Chauth. "It is a very important day for me and I am very excited. I love my husband and it is a very nice feeling to do this for him." Rosy Kapila, married for five years, keeps the fast every year. "This is one day for my husband and if prayers and a day of fasting can ensure his welfare and health, then, of course, I am going to keep it." Meena Bakshi, has been married for ten years. "There is shakti in Karva Chauth, a power that is essential otherwise why would women keep it? It has been going on for hundreds of years; there is a great significance to this fast."
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Tuning the body with asanas After learning the tenets of yama (restraints) and niyama (observances), the first two limbs of Yoga from his elders, the child is ready to attend to the body and the mind. Patanjali puts forth very clearly the circumstances conducive to practising yoga — a small room in a solitary place protected from disturbances of all kinds, a country in which justice is properly administered, where good people live and food can be obtained easily and plentifully. He also gives the grounds that interfere in the practise of yoga — over-eating, exertion, talkativeness, adhering to strict rules such as bathing in cold water in the morning and practising strict diets. While, enthusiasm, courage, perseverance, correct understanding of the gurus instructions and determination are the qualities that encourage speedy learning. Hatha yoga is called the science of purification — the body through asanas and the mind through pranayama. The body is perceived as a temple and the practice the process of cleansing this house of God. By the practice of asanas, the yogi makes the body a fit vehicle for the soul. Asanas correct the posture and makes it steady. Accurate constant practice brings ease and comfort in the physical body. All the systems of the body such as the circulatory, digestive, respiratory, excretory and lymphatic start to function more efficiently. As the toxins are flushed out the body feels rejuvenated and old stubborn symptoms amend as the very nature of the body is transformed. Asanas follow the three basic natural human postures of sitting, standing and lying down. Due to habits learnt in childhood, lack of guidance as teenagers or perhaps constraints of workplace, one often develops a weak or incorrect posture leading to symptoms, such as hunchback, back ache, spinal injuries, and deformities to the limbs, feeble legs or chest. Idiosyncrasy in lifestyle leading to indigestion, heartburn, obesity, constipation or piles- the list is endless. Asanas attempt to correct these debilitating ailments and bring relief to the practitioner by first identifying the problem, removing the pain if any, then strengthening the body part. The postures relieve unnatural tensions held in the body and bring balance and ease. Every part of the body is worked, the muscles, the organs even the bones. Standing postures strengthen the legs, thigh, knees and spine; sitting postures expand the diaphragm freeing the lungs to breathe, brings suppleness to the back and spine, and works on the hip, knee, ankle and pelvic joints bringing elasticity to them. The spinal twists not only make the spine supple but also massage and squeeze the internal organs to improve circulation leading to efficiency in their functioning. The lying down asanas include forward and back bends, the inverted postures and the most favoured asana of students the 'savasana', the corpse pose. The benefits are many, the lengthening of the spine regulates the nervous system, shoulder stands and headstands circulate the blood more freely to the upper organs by reversing the flow. The practice of asanas leaves one invigorated, rejuvenated and free of stress. Balance and steadiness in the body then leads balance and steadiness in the mind. Hamsacharya Jyotii Subramanian teaches the new life awakening techniques of Hamsa Yog and Babaji Kriya Yog in Chandigarh. |
Health and Fitness Get examined regularly: Based on your age, health, history and lifestyle, consult your doctor to determine how often you need to be examined for certain diseases. When problems are detected early, the chances of treatment are better. — Dr. Rashmi Garg is senior consultant, Fortis, Mohali. |
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