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Camping among the Kikkars
Camping in luxury tents among the kikkars on a cold winter night and waking up to a bright sunny day can be quite an experience, says
Nirupama Dutt We have come a long way off from the Shakespearian era and the circle of ‘buying and spending’ a la Wordsworth does not seem to end. So this is where our luxury resorts and retreats enter. A forest haven for a getaway from toil to spend of course has become the necessity for the urban retreat to buy some moments of peace in communion with nature.
Now a mascot
Since Punjab no longer has hills or dense forests to call its own, a getaway among the kikkars (Acacia nilotica) is a treat too and after all kikkar or babool are our very own indigenous trees. Not only are they known for their medicinal qualities but they make a pretty picture and stir the soul. Our Punjabi poet Bhai Vir Singh had sung thus of the kikkar: I rise and rise and turn my eyes/ Thirstily to the Lord of the Skies. In this upmarket era the tree has become a tourist mascot being utilised effectively in the greens of The Kikkar Lodge beyond the forest path near Noorpur Bedi. The past year and more the beautiful cottages sans television or telephone lines and a night safari in the jungle had earned it the title of Welcome Group Nature Resort. But now the added attraction is that of the luxury tents.
NRI visitors
Meet young NRI Gurpreet with his comely partner and he says: “We learnt about this resort from a travel magazine. I belong to
Nawanshahr. So this is an ideal place to lodge in. It is so nice to be in the mountains.” When in love even mounds and hillocks seem to be mountains! But credit goes to young Amarinder Singh, a hotel management graduate from Switzerland, for developing his father’s estate so well. Amarinder tells us: “Besides the corporate groups, we are having a lot NRI visitors. Let’s face it but Punjabis who have lived abroad many years have changed in their outlook and lifestyles. Women who come here for holidays do not want to go back to the kitchen and cattle grind. So we have many couples from Jalandhar and surrounding areas who come and stay here and make short trips to their villages.”
The cluster of tents is a little way up from the main area of the resort, which has two swimming pools besides the restaurant and the conference rooms. Cross the enchanting path with a little bridge and one finds the lovely camping ground with tents neatly in place side by side and lanterns lighting the way reminding one of Amitojs’ poetry that spoke of Laltainan di katar. There are hammocks to relax in and the tents with their flower-patterned insides offer one all that the cottages have to give along with lovely titled bathrooms. Zip up the tents, switch on the hot-air blowers and there is neither winter nor rough weather. And this great getaway along with a night safari costs some Rs 4,500 a day. Well, it’s not much for those who come here and a day off here is most recommended. Little wonder that Gurpreet, after a couple of days in the cottage, decides to move to the tent. It is the experience that matters. |
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Divya aushidhi
nirmata
All of 23 years, international tennis player, Akash Sharma, is already the Managing Director of his own company, Rudra Remedies, manufacturing Ayurvedic medicines. The topping on the cake, so far for this city lad, has been getting the Bharat Udyog Ratan award, conferred by the Indian Economic Development and Research Association, on December 20 in Delhi. From an international level tennis player to Ayurveda, we probe into the connecting link, and Akash is ready for the volley. The optimum fitness levels required in tennis came from Ayurveda practiced by his father. “The affinity with the Ayurvedic remedies was always there in me as it helped me in harnessing more power for my game and I never fell sick because of the Ayurvedic potions given by my father,” he says. His guru Shri Ravishankar simplified the choice, between becoming a tennis coach and earning money in some foreign shores or making Ayurvedic medicines, for him. “In my heart I decided to follow the path shown by my Guru to do seva by way of helping people get treated through the ancient Indian system of Ayurveda,” says Akash. Rudra the name for the company, which came up only in May 2003, “is the name of Shiva as he is the perfect Healer”, says Akash. Pressure was to adopt the trodden path of making allopathic medicines, as that had a larger market. “It was not the skepticism but their acceptance in foreign countries like Europe and Australia, wherever I traveled for tennis, was the decisive factor for me,” says Akash. “Look at our elder generations. They are going strong even though they have not any read book on medicines. It’s only the simple ways of Ayurveda that keeps them fit.” No contesting the fact! “I thought if only my people would know more about the science of Ayurveda, which is a way of life is my moto,” says Akash. He follows the tradition to the full when it comes to making these Ayurvedic medicines, says Akash. “I studied Ayurveda, learnt about the market, and searched into Ayurveda as so much is in it that you only have to search and not research,” he emphasises. His toil worked as the company has also proposes a project for research and development to the Government of India. Akash has not only adopted the ancient way but also the same method of producing medicines as written about in the Bhagwat Gita. His company’s moto is Divya Aushidhi Nirman and to make these herbs divine, the same are even treated in the sun, moon and under the stars just as described in the scriptures, says Akash. “My method involves not just reproducing the medicine but verifying and researching the method again before making,” he says. No doubt the products by his company have made it all over North India. Akash defines his work as his journey to rediscover a lost science, one that is still surviving on its merit.
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Naresh Pandit enthuses present truths onto his canvases that have elements of Pahari art, says Parbina Rashid
This is what Narersh Pandit’s latest endeavour is—to popularise Pahari paintings and he is doing this by mixing the traits of Pahari miniatures with modern art. “Pahari paintings are beautiful but they are no longer relevant to society. And they have been produced and reproduced so many times on the same line that one feels you have seen it all. So to make it make this art form interesting we have to keep on re-inventing,” says Naresh, who was in town recently for his exhibition at Punjab Kala Bhavan in Sector 16. The stagnation in Pahari paintings, according to this Mandi-based artist, came from the fact that half of today’s artistic community is either going modern way, deviating from their roots or while the other half is simply sticking to the age-old theme and techniques. “How many new themes can be spanned from Radha-Krishna ‘Raas-Leela’ and for that matter how a middle class man or woman relate to art works based on themes which are not remotely connected with reality,” he asks.
In his attempt to bring the middle-class into art fold, Naresh has robbed some of the delicacies of Pahari paintings off and instead, infused a little harshness into the faces, just to remind you that there is another side to the delicate beauty of a Himachali woman. Along with his modern Pahari art, Naresh continues with his ‘Sun’ series capturing the source of energy in its gigantic form and mountains in its true form and texture. Once again, Naresh has simplified the three dimensional landscapes into two-dimensional view, in true Pahari style way. Executed in mixed media (acrylic and water colour), his paintings exude an aura of change in nature. A writer too (with three publications to his credit), Naresh’s lashes out at today’s exhibitionistic mentally of the younger generation. “Today art is more of pradarshan than anything else,” he says. But does not a little bit of pradarshan pays rich dividend in today’s world? “Well, for us artists the most beautiful experience comes during gestation period of a painting, the pleasure that an artists derives from the canvas, his hands and his eyes,” says Naresh and money, according to him, does not measure up to that. Well, maybe you need to have an artist’s sensitivity to understand that.
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Auld Lang Syne Having designed our surroundings all year, let’s chill out with a New Year’s party design this week. Welcome the New Year with these ideas for party favors, napkin folds, centerpieces, and pretty table settings to wow your guests. Create dramatic tall displays of food adding a Victorian flavour to your buffet table in the garden or your sideboard if the party is inside. These stacked cake pedestals lined with flat cedar sprigs and piled with fruit and cookies will tempt all age groups without the hassle of serving the guests individually. Though you can always choose to have a vertically proportioned flower arrangement placed right at the entrance to the party itself, you may dot single blooms in small vases too. A handful of berry branches add festive cheer and a bit of texture without breaking the bank. New Year’s is the time when everyone has stars in their eyes and the passion to hold the moon. Create a Starry Mantel Décor with silver spray paint creating a cohesive look. Even a country-style twig wreath gets a makeover with metallic paint and looks stunning garnished simply with polystyrene star shapes. You may wish to have a formal ‘Bow-Tie’ theme for your party with black and white/silver, whereby everything has a black satin ribbon ‘tying’ it. Theme can run from the invitation cards, chair tie backs to menu card, table placement card holders and even the napkin holders. Show off your silver containers filled with white blooms and set out white candles and ornaments. You may base your New Year’s theme around a colour too. Pile purple napkins in silver rings on a table with silver, white and black decorations for the evening. You may also place purple church candles around your patio or paint your terracotta pots purple or simply use purple coloured glasses in the table to further coordinate your theme. Get a show stopping multi-tier sumptuous fruit cake as a decoration piece which won’t last for long though. You may make edible place cards by piping names on marie or glucose biscuits. Your guests will be anxious to sit down and gobble up their tasty place cards. You may also choose to pipe inspiring quotes or fun messages on your dining plates. Top these plates with Herbed Bread baked in a shape of a star, wreath or a snow flake. Serve potato chips made using cookie cutter shapes such as a star. Mulit-colored sugars and cute stencils turn plain sugar cookies into fun treats. If you can’t find some fancy flutes, twist some beaded florist wire around the bases for an unforgettable toast. Whilst folded napkin is an art in itself, you may simply scrunch and roll a napkin like a rose bud and then tie with a pretty sheer ribbon. Don’t forget to hand out pop-crackers that are full of surprises. Pull them with your friends and family post dinner to see if you are in some luck. Chocolate-covered fortune cookies foretelling what the New Year holds will also keep everyone busy. When serving holiday drinks, don’t forget to dress them up by using a silver tray and a variety of fruity garnishes. Cherries, lemon slices, grapefruit wedges, raspberries, cranberries, and lime twists all add color and sparkle to your party. At midnight, hold hands with family and friends to welcome the New Year with a berry vodka or cherry champagne, merrily singing Auld Lang Syne. Courtsey: A.P. Singh Besten & Co |
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Film & Fashion Australia’s most famous couple, Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban, have been reunited in the Oscar-winning actress’ hometown of Sydney, just days after a woman claimed she’d had an affair with the country music star. New Zealand-born Urban flew into Sydney after spending two months rehabilitating in the United States for alcohol abuse. The couple were spotted holding hands as they left the United International Pictures office in the inner city on Wednesday. Cliff’s all time hit While rocker Sir Cliff Richard has delivered several hits in six decades, his song Miss You Nights is still the favourite of almost all Cliff fans. In a new poll of the 66-year-old star’s most devoted fans - Radio 2 listeners, the 70s hit Miss You Nights has been voted Sir Cliff’s best ever beating out Bachelor Boy, The Young Ones and Living Doll. Although it reached only No15 in the charts in 1976, the record received twice as many votes as any other Cliff song in a Top 20 that includes nine No1s. More than 20,000 listeners took part in the BBC poll. Sir Cliff was not surprised Miss You Nights was the favourite, as he said: “It has been a joy for me to sing over the years,” of the song that revived his career after seven years without a solid hit. His first hit was Move It in 1958. He has released an astonishing 146 singles and 77 albums and sold 250 million records worldwide. Renee’s beauty regime Renee Zellweger may play an over-sized spinster in the Bridget Jones movies, who does not care much about her appearance, but in real life the actress undergoes a tedious beauty regimen to keep her skin healthy and glowing. She reportedly endures a 60 minute’s ‘microdermabuffing’ session, described as ‘sand-blasting for the face’ Before every glamorous premiere, the American star undergoes a bizarre biochemical facial routine, designed to rid her skin of any blemishes and keep her looking young. As well as a #145 ‘triple oxygen treatment’, Zellweger endures a 60 minute ‘microdermabuffing’ session, described by practitioners as ‘sand-blasting for the face’. ‘Renee may have perfect skin now but it hasn’t always been that way,’ said a source close to the star was quoted by the Daily Mail, as saying. Kylie Minogue has been voted the most inspirational celebrity of the year 2006 by Britain’s teenage girls. The Australian Grammy award winner and Pop princess topped the poll in Sugar magazine, followed by singer Christina Aguilera in the second spot. Actress Hillary Duff came third in the ranking, while Britain’s Lily Aliet and American idol winner Charlotte Church took fourth and fifth positions respectively. “Kylie couldn’t be any more inspirational. She’s friendly, gorgeous, talented - and this year she’s shown just how strong she is too,” Sugar magazine editor Annabel Brog told Hollyscoop.
— ANI |
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Song of the valley
The folk music of Kashmir and serenity of Sufiana kalam, even when its philosophy was not fully within his grasp, urged Masoom Thakur to take to singing, that too in the lap of nature. “Out of sheer innocence, I used to presume that the hillocks are listening to my songs with rapt attention,” shares Jammu-bred and now Delhi-based maestro Masoom Thakur, reminiscing the good-old childhood days in the Kashmir valley. In city for a concert along with singer wife Sadaa, he shares his moments of struggle and achievements with the Life Style. Rooted to folk traditions, Sufiana and classical music, he did not succumb to the charms of pop music, he says, expressing hope for ghazal that will eventually leave behind the trends of ‘remixes’ and ‘fusion’ music. His inspiration for vocal music came from his maternal grandfather, a performer at the royal court of Maharja Hari Singh in Srinagar. In a bid to emulate his folk compositions, Masoom practiced hard to establish his identity as an amateur artiste in the valley. After graduation, Masoom saw a career in music and started learning classical music and sarangi under the tutelage of Ustad Sabri Khan. “I chose this instrument for its technical virtuosity, for its ability to produce harkats and voice so close to human. But my passion for vocal music rebelled in 1982 and resulted in the production of six music albums during my formative years,” he shares. Be it the Sham-e-Ghazal, Pooja ke Phool, Dil Deevana, Silsila Yaadon Ka and the latest Diwani Kar Dini, all give out diverse flavours, ranging from serenity of Sufiana, spirituality, vigour of folklore to the romantic grandeur of ghazal. His partner in life and music, Sadaa joined him later and inspired by a few husband wife duo’s, especially Chitra and Jagjit Singh, and ventured to present ghazal concerts in Indonesia, Dubai, Thailand and other Asian countries with encouraging response. Holding the duo in reverence as their role model, Masoom likes Chitra Singh among the female ghazal singers after the indomitable Begum Akhtar. “The happiest moments in my life was when music wizards like Mahendra Kapoor, Shabbir Kumar and Jagjit Singh not only recorded for TV serials like Awaaz Nai Andaz Vohi, Ga Mere Man Ga and Chetna which I directed and blessed me.”
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Seeing is believing
The year 2006 ends with the release of I See You and the stage is all set for more surprising entertainers from young filmmakers. The film brings together many a new comers right from Arjun Rampal debuting as a producer, Vipasha as lead actress and director Vivek Aggarwal. Arjun Rampal the supermodel turned actor makes his debut as a producer with an English titled film I See You, which will be released today at Fun Republic, Manimajra. The year 2006 may well go down as the year that produced many films with their titles in English. Arjun Rampal also plays the lead role with debutant beauty Vipasha from Delhi. Sonali Kulkarni, Boman Irani and Chunkey Pandey are the supporting star cast. I See You has created its share of interest among multiplex audiences with its promos. The film is expected to be a romantic comedy directed by another debutant Vivek Aggarwal. After Golmaal music composer duo Vishal-Shekhar promises catchy score. — D.P.
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Health tip of the day
Brisk walking is also a form of aerobic activity as then the body has
oxygen, which is required to burn fat. It is one of the safest ways to lose weight, reduce stress and increase energy.
— Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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TAROT TALK
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Shakespeare in a song called for a return to nature, away from the toil and trouble of earning one’s bread, called for a soul mate, who would love to be with him under the greenwood tree. The bard wished to turn his merry note unto the sweet bird’s throat and eating the food he got: The only enemies envisioned were winter and rough weather.
The Kikkar Lodge has special plans for its guests on the New Year Eve. It is going to be a forest party with music but not the kind that will disturb the birds in the sleep. A large bonfire and strumming of guitars is going to herald in 2007 at a patch in the forest. And there is some great food that is being cooked.
Naresh’s paintings seem familiar, yet not. Since they come under the title ‘An Exhibition of Pahari Art’, we try to relate his works to the usual Pahari paintings we had seen earlier. The two-dimensional forms, trademarks of a Pahari painting, are there, but the expressions are not what one would expect. The earthy beauty of Himachali women is not lost, but the usual soft and dreamy expression is being replaced by harsh reality, what one can safely describe as the face of a workingwoman. That, in a nutshell, is the changing face of Pahari art.
Kylie most inspirational celeb
ARIES: You draw the ‘Emperor’. Even the smallest life change makes you feel like the sky is falling. This year tests your faith in a friendly universe by lobbing some really big change at you. Most likely shifts will be endings in work, career or love life. The truth of these endings is that they are actually graduations. So if you are tempted to mope about demise and closure, reframe it: You have just gotten an advanced degree in letting go. Avoid settling pending litigation and matters relating to property. A Trip to the sea- shore will help.
LIBRA: Your card ‘The Prince of Wands’ promises solution to a difficult situation in 2007. The year shows hard work with progress in your career and business. No sudden gains. Do not get lured by quick profit schemes. The months you need to watch out for such temptations are May, June and October. Try to work independently even though the progress appear slow. The employed will benefit by sticking to their current jobs and not seek a change. Most of you may have tendency to put on weight, and it seems you will certainly add a couple of extra kilos.
TAURUS: ‘Five of Pentacles’ give a shaky start to year 2007, but you can count on latter part of the year. Your motivation and enthusiasm will overcome all obstacles. You may have to work twice as hard to reap the benefits of your efforts, but by the end of the year you will enjoy a strange stroke of luck working in your favour. Marriage is on the cards for most bachelors, including Manglik boys and girls, who will find their match conveniently. Students will excel in your fields in competitive situations.
SCORPIO: “The Wheel of fortune” infuses exalted influence on love and romantic relationship. You start the year mixing business with pleasure and despite important development on the relationship front; you really can’t take your eyes off the ball career wise. You will find the demands of kids difficult at times. September could bring some confusion and uncertainty in terms of finance and career. Take short journeys during in May or October. Multi-furious activities can be tiring so try to focus on priorities.
GEMINI: you draw the ‘Hierophant’. Lady luck and karmic dividends factor strongly in this year’s good fortune and even fame. You wizards can be boosted to new levels of recognition in work or career. Accolades and kudos arrive on your doorstep special delivery. All kinds of changes are possible, including a change of residence, or job. Projects, relationships or studies that begin now hold potent financial promise. Think ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’ and you get the idea of just how fantastically big these new seeds can grow.
SAGITTARIUS: ‘The Hermit’ blesses you with divine inspiration and uncanny insight. The beginning of the year sees you signing fresh contracts, or starting a new job. The married will travel frequently in the company of their mate and beloved. The months March April sees a slight health problem for your mate. Some of you may continue to stay overseas and take up lucrative jobs. Those of you who are keen on losing weight will achieve remarkable results by light exercise and dietary control.
CANCER: You draw the “Hermit’. The touchy and sensitive nature will get enhanced in year 2007, more so in the matters of love. Try and be practical. In the early part, Saturn would cause some additional expenses. But in the latter part, the combination of Mars and Venus will provide great confidence in your destiny and fulfillment of a cherished desire lurking within you. Those in business will feel the impact of intense competition, compelling you to set up additional sources of income.
CAPRICORN: ‘The Hanged Man’ gives you eternal wisdom and many opportunities for personal growth. You can’t tolerate being confined – mentally, emotionally or physically. Freedom becomes important to you. Those of you in a long-term relationship may begin a positive new phase, while others may decide on a complete break in the relationship. Long distance travel, legal matters and educational pursuits are all positively accented during June to November. Career-wise June onwards there will be an overall improvement.
LEO: You draw the ‘Lovers’. So express yourself. Be open and creative. You get what you deserve this year as the cosmic Justice scales balance. Money can come as windfall or leave as unexpectedly. Legal issues can lead to financial boon or a bust. Contract signings are likely. Sign contracts which appeal to both your head and your heart. A partner of destiny can show up as a new romance or a new business partner. Check cholesterol and exercise routine. Expect change in September and October. 
AQUARIUS: Your own card ‘The Moon’ brings a Karmic situation to the fore as you face emotional strength in January & February. Fortune smiles on you in 2007. Gains from partners or associates benefit you in early February. Changes suggested in late April can bear fruit in November. September October brings good financial or career related news and this will make a big difference to you by December. Avoid investments in new businesses in the months of June, September and December. Loans and new debts should be avoided after October 15.
VIRGO: You shine like ‘The Star’ this year as you display self-esteem in personal relationships and true confidence in professional aspects. Travel and change bring balance, gain and stability in business. The middle of May would see your financial graph moving further up. Work pressure would increase so take time off. Areas of primary attention are focused around personal relationships and family life. The Sun sextile Venus seems to be in your favour in the last quarter in this the efforts in right direction will reap healthy benefits.
PISCES: ‘The Temperance’ card implies balance between heart an mind. You learn self-control and patience. The year 2007 is certainty of positive changes in life. Romances takes a back seat in February, June, July. September is a bonus month for personal matters. December brings ideas and a resurrection of an old project of plan. The year end restores balance in your life enabling you to have the kind of life you want now.