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FM
EXPLOSION One of the major high six-year-old Armaan Luthra had experienced in his life was when he tuned into Radio Mirchi in his tiny black and white football-shaped radio, a gift from his Germany-returned aunt at the Delhi airport. His joy, however, did not last long. Soon after crossing Panipat, the peppy songs were replaced by some Punjabi host talking non-stop on agricultural problems in Punjab, courtesy the All India Radio. That was the last time Armaan ever tuned into his radio. Now, his proud possession has found its place in the junkyard. Changing times Well, the situation is changing. In fact, the boom in FM channels have already happened in our city with two mega players— My FM and Big FM — (the former backed by Dainik Bhaskar and the latter by Reliance) storming the market with big promises, and we too are waiting with baited breath to sample the latest revolution in the world of music after the satellite radio. But how long is it going to take? We throw the question at Richa Sharma, the station head of ‘My FM’ channel and the reply is, “Soon, just wait for a little while and you will be flooded with pure entertainment that comes from ‘Dil Se’,” she promises. Knowing Richa, we know she means it. For this young lady, perhaps the youngest to head a station at 29 , already has a long experience of running her own air slot called Rhythmz Infotainment. Richa saw the boom coming way back in early 2003 and she started learning all about radio and FM by making frequent trips to Delhi stations. “When I started Rhythmz in late 2003, it was a one-man show. There were no trained people but we all learnt whatever needed to be learnt on the job and made a success of it.” Her Rhythmz had run on the private slot allotted by the All India Radio. “There are still not too many trained professionals when it comes to run a radio channel and what we are doing is finding people from TV and print media,” says Ritu Ghai, who has joined Big FM as Cluster Programming Head. Ritu, too once assisted Richa in running Rhythmz Infotainment. Many jobs This situation is likely to change too. Hardeep S. Chandpuri, a renowned radio personality has opened up a training school called ‘Radio Buzz’ to churn out Radio Jockeys and Programme Executives. “The boom is not sudden, in fact it has been steered by the new government policy which is friendly to private channels,” says Chandpuri. What we come to know from him is that when FM industry came into being, the government charged a hefty fee from the channels making them incurring heavy loss. But the new policy, which is based on the revenue sharing model, came as a moral booster, and Chandigarh with its metro culture proved lucrative for the big players in this field. According to Chandpuri the boom is going to grow even bigger with 26 more stations coming to this region.But with satellite radio already invading our life, what is the hope for the FM’s survival here, we ask. “FM is a different ball game altogether. It is localised to the extent that one can actually form a bond with the radio jockey,” he explains. People’s pulse That’s exactly what the players of the two biggies are promising us. “We know the pulse of the people here, so the programmes will be tailor-made to suit the taste buds of our listeners,” says Richa. According to her one has to know one’s area, the people and the mood of the day to run a programme successfully. “For example one should not play rock and pop in the evenings as youngsters do not tune into radio during that time. On the other hand, mornings should be a mix of news and peppy music to give the listeners a heady start,” is Richa’s secret formula. “Even the language of the RJs should be kind of a khichdhi of Punjabi, Hindi and Punjabi, for this is what the trend demands,” chips in Chandpuri. And to believe Richa, Ritu and Chandpuri, Chandigarh is ready for FM. “The element of mystery, that no knowing what is going to play next is the biggest advantage radio has, and when it combines with the bubbling energy of youth, the combination is irresistible,” they say. So it’s time to take out your soon-to-be-antique radio set and get it re-serviced or you may be left behind from catching the first day first show…. AIR vs FM There is no competition between the All-India Radio and FM channels, says Chandpuri. The biggest advantage of AIR is its range, which FM channels cannot compete with. “Just regard it as the father and FMs as offsprings AIR is the official medium, which has to carry out its social responsibilities,” says Richa, “whereas our aim is to provide pure entertainment to the youth,” she adds.
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For the love of radio Sunita Bhatti’s fascination with radio goes back to her childhood days when she used to sit before the small family radio set and wondered how somebody could somebody hide in the set and sing those melodious songs. The memory still brings colour to her face when she goes for recordings at the studios of All-India Radio or Doordarshan Jallandher. “The Punjabi folk and pop music had made waves the world over but only a few female singers had emerged as the icons in this male dominated realm,” says, Sunita Bhatti while sharing her struggles and achievements with the Lifetstyle. With no family legacy Sunita, as a student at Arya Girls School, Patiala, nurtured the passion of singing and her mentor and Ustad Hira Lal sharpened her musical and theatrical traits. Her obsession for being a stage performer grew so strong that even she started performing in plays and functions of Punjab Public Relations Department even when she was a class X student. After just two years she teamed up with the noted folksinger Faqir Chand Patanga for duet songs and proved herself as an upcoming female singer. Realising a career in musical arts, she learnt the intricate nuances of classical music while doing her Post-graduation in music from Punjabi University. “The little knowledge of classical stream and experience of an actor and playback singing, always stood in good stead during my performances at foreign venues,” Claims Sunita. With three Punjabi films in her kitty—Truck Driver, Pardesi, Peer Nighahe Wala, TV serial Eho Hamara Jeevana and five Punjabi albums, she still considers herself a learner. Sunita finds inspiration from melody queen Surinder Kaur, Jagmohan Kaur and Gurdas Mann as her role models.
“After my first international debut in England way back in 1990, I have never looked back and have performed in number of concerts at all known venues in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Gulf countries,” says Bhatti. Overwhelmed with the love for pristine Punjabi culture maintained by the Punjabis and Pakistanis living abroad, she lamented the way we here are distracting ourselves from our rich cultural traditions.
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Just JUTE That was way back in the early eighties when jute used to be used mostly as industrial yarn, net and sacks for packaging, construction and agricultural sectors. The golden fibre has gone through a sea change since and like Khadi, it has gone chic and fashionable enough to make a style statement, be it on one’s body or home decor. Not that we need to tell you that, with so many exhibitions on handicraft items educating you about such products almost everyday. The latest one is called ‘Jute’ organised by the Ministry of Textile at Hotel Aroma. The banner at the entrance tells you all you need to know about the raw material—a natural fibre, bio-degradable and found in abundance. This one is particularly well organised, giving you an insight how jute is being made commercial success by different states like Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Kolkata and Warangal. Well, one round at the venue makes you wiser about the latest trends in jute products – well-ornate bags, shoes, macramé swings and wall hangings and durries. But the new thing you learn from this one is about the artisans working in pit looms of Warangal who are all set give the Kashmiri carpet weavers a run for their money. “We are experimenting with Kalamkari work and block prints in jute durries which have the look of a delicate Kashmiri carpet but comes for a song,” says D. Nagender, whose family owns Reliance Handloom Crafts. Despite having a master degree and an LLB, Nagender joined the family business just for his sheer love for the craft. “We have pit looms, which is a round dug up place with a set loom that weaves these durries,” says Nagender, who does not mind sitting five hours underground to weave one durrie. The pit loom, we learnt, helps in bringing stiffness to the durry. “We are basically exporting abroad, besides supplying to Bhadohi, the nerve centre of Indian carpet industry,” says Nagender. This piece of news came as a welcome relief to the geographer in me, after having learnt that the jute industry in India had suffered a major set back after the creation of Bangladesh (then East Bengal) as the major jute producing areas went to Bangladesh and with West Bengal inheriting only the major jute manufacturing units, there were not enough raw material to feed them. Looking at the happy faces at ‘Jute’, we can say for sure, this is one Partition trauma we have now successfully overcome.
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Love you Piya
Piya Sharma was just nine when she passed away but the love she shared with her family led her family pour it onto hundreds of slum women and children, touching their lives and helping them change for the better through the Piya Sharma Charitable Trust and Foundation. Now when her sister Pooja Sharma Passi running the NGO sees nine-year old girls giggling and smiling confidently in Rajiv and Indira colonies in Panchkula, in their new lives, her heart thanks Piya to keep her going. Established in 1989, Pooja took charge in 1997. On Piya’s birthday on January 31 of this month the NGO is going to set foot in Zirakpur, Punjab. Having worked on United Nations and the World Health Organisation projects and now on Ministry of Health and Family Welfare projects, Pooja says only a holistic approach can bring about change. And from vocational training, adolescent health, immunisation, and family planning, sanitation facilities in these slums to having 135 school goers dabble in theatre, the list of the programmes run by the NGO goes on and on and behind all this is the core group of 15 persons who run solely on the infectious spirit of the organisation. The choice for an urban slum was obvious for it was ‘the seen but unseen’ area, which the government did not really know what to do with, says Pooja. “Fighting blocks like some Muslim families not sending their girls to school to helping drug addicts and convincing for family planning all have come about because the people there reacted very positively to all our programmes,” says Pooja. Change they have been able to bring, says Pooja. “Ten years back it was a bit scary to enter the area, which was proper slum-slum, but now it is neater with look of an urbanised area,” says Pooja. “Health was nowhere on the list of priorities of these people at first and when we got into the reasons and found that there were more pressing reasons that made health take a back seat our work kept expanding in trying to find solutions, like water connections, since the slum was unauthorised,” says Pooja. “There is a will to change among these people as with more awareness they question the system and seek solutions. The dreams of a better life are most in the eyes of the children belonging to these areas,” says Pooja. “Tough part is that money minting organisations have brought a bad name to genuine effort and only transparency could save the name of NGOs,” says Pooja. “It is tough to sustain an organisation because the grants soon dry up and we have to pump in our own money as the next grants are few and far between, which makes things difficult for us as NGOs cannot be self-sustaining as the governments feel,” says Pooja. Personally, “It has been Piya all along who kept me going or I could have given up but my work keeps us connected and immensely satisfying,” says Pooja.
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The Village Story The story of the Indian village is one of change, development or migration to the cities; home and abroad. If the purvia is ever ready to move to Punjab, the Punjabi village youth has his eyes on Vancouver, London or Sydney. The village as of old that could hold and sustain its old and young is something that we can just turn to in our minds or go and look for it art and literature. When change is quick in a society and people are left grappling with it, the writer or the artist is required to fill the gap not just for nostalgia sake but also as a link in the chain of continuity. One can recall many verses that speak of the change in various Indian languages. Urdu poet Nida Fazli has woven the difference of the old and new by the changing significance of the Peepul or Neem tree. There was a Hindi verse in which the poet speaking of the lost chaupal, panghat and alav, lamented: Kho gaye shehar ke hangamon mein dehaat mere. A popular Punjabi couplet puts forward the case more explicitly: Khooyon tibbeon ton milno reh gaye/ Chandre lavaa laye nalke ni jinde meriye (There is no longer the excuse of meeting at the well or the pond, for every village home has a tap.) Celebrated Urdu poet Bashir Badr had described the change interwoven with nostalgia and this perhaps is the most quotable couplet to feel the loss and gain: Imaraton ki bulandi pe koi mausam thha Kahan se aa gayi kache makan ki khushboo (The season of skyscrapers is at its peak, How come then the fragrance of a mud hut?) Then & now Recently when a student came to Ludhiana-based poet Surjit Patar asking him to suggest him a literary project; Patar’s advice was: “Go and read Giani Gurdit Singh’s Mera Pind (My Village) and then write Mera Pind Hun. The village then and now has gone a sea change and only time will tell if it was for the better or the worse. “This is one book that never fails to inspire,” says Patar, “I had read it in my college days but recently I bought it and read it again.” He added that this book is the most sensitive, humorous and true to the way we were. We now need to take stock of the way we are.” Such was the magic cast without too much of pre-meditation in the late writer’s classic that the village of Mitthewal and its life in the first half of the past century have
been forever etched forever in Punjabi literature. Letterbox tale The book Mera Pind has these very interesting vignettes of life as it was in the rural area of Malwa but perhaps the most amusing one is when the village was made Dakkhana Khas or the village post office with a letterbox all its own. Villagers contribute money for the setting up of this facility. However, the end to the red colonial letterbox comes when an angry peasant, Mehju Jat uproots the contraption with his plough calling it a big wastage of the village resources for mail seldom reached it. A few mastanas (mendicants) visiting the village turn it into a drum and make their way out of the village dancing to its beat. Keharhe pind da tu? The other day on Lohri one heard a rather popular Punjabi song with the line Keharhe pind di tu ve majajne? The name of the village was the identity of the people and no wonder we have so many in Punjab who instead of suffixing their first name with their caste, choose to put the name of their village. For a villager breaking ice with an unknown person on the road or the bus stop the first question would be “Which village do you come from?” This line was long ago used beautifully in a love song by Punjabi poet Amitoj which is so ‘villagey’ that one cannot but share it. The boy in the duet says: Maulsiri de gal lag sutiye/ Resham vargi tu and the girl wakes up as though with a start and asks: Ji tain sanu fateh bulai hai/ Keharhe pind da tu? — Nirupama Dutt
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Role Models There are people who take the usual path to their destination, but then there are those who dare to be different and set standards for others to follow. They tread along the same path juggling different activities, and realising their social responsibility at the same time. They walk ahead not for their selfish purpose but with the motive to serve the society.
Three such city students have been awarded for their unusual gait by the Vivekananda Study Circle. Nosheen Kapoor, Varun Jindal and Shivani Kapoor were conferred with the Role Model Award, 2007 on January 12 in Ludhiana. This title is conferred every year to the students who outshine others with their academic brilliance, participate vigorously in extra- curricular activities and also contribute towards the uplift of the society. Nosheen, a student of Government College for Girls, is a supporter of Vivekanand’s policy of universal religion and is highly impressed by his distinct personality. “He was a humble person and a man with great intellect. He is one of those few people who possess a magnetic personality,” she chips in. She secured this title on the basis of her academic brilliance in English and psychology and awards she won in the youth fest. A blood donor, she is also a member of the Special Olympics, Chandigarh chapter. Another student, Varun Jindal, CCET, has an academic record of topping the university for three years. He is an active member of Rotaract and the NSS in his college and has also been doing voluntary service in old-age home Sector 15, Chandigarh. An advocate of liberal economic policies and self-entrepreneurship, he derives his inspiration from Lakshmi Mittal. “I would like to build a strong infrastructure for the lower levels in my country,” he tells us about his plans for the future. Shivani, MCM student, was also conferred with the award. She is the Rotaract president of her college and has been associated with the AIDS and Pulse Polio campaigns. “In my opinion corruption can only be rooted out if the youngsters together hold a stand against the problem,” she says. She is a regular visitor to the orphanages and leprosy patients and has also been helping students of the school Sikhiya by helping them make their books. In this age of materialism it is very rare to find bright people with selfless thoughts. Now, when able individuals leave for foreign shores in search of greener pastures, it is relieving to know such people who have a keen sense of social service to their nation and humanity.
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When the first alumni association of the Government College of Art was formed in April last year, it created ripples, if not waves; and not always for the right reasons. But within this short span of time the association has proved itself and now it is actually going places – to Rohtak to start with. Rohtak, as one learns, has had its fair share of photographers and media personalities – S. Paul, Yog Joy and Shekhar Gupta, being the most prominent ones. So it’s heartening to know that this tiny town is now ready to embrace art too. “When we had organised Kala Maitri’s first exhibition, the idea to bring it down to the district level was conceived,” says Baljit Singh, the ’81-batch pass out of the Government College of Art who is now heading the Fine Arts Department in Government College for Women in Rohtak. The exhibition was the first big event that the association had organised in the first week of September last year, in which as many as 160 new and old students had taken part. The original paintings and graphic prints have gone back to the owners, so it is their prints, which will travel to Rohtak. “This will give us an opportunity to interact, both amongst students and teachers,” says an excited Baljit who has plans to take it the Kala Maitri exhibition to places like Ambala and Karnal afterwards. A delegation of about 23 members of the association along with its founder president D.S. Kapoor will visit the Rohtak college to interact with the students and visitors. “We are planning to honour 13 senior artists of the college and 15 executive members for their contribution towards making Kala Maitri happeining,” Baljit informs. So it’s time to reap the fruit of labour for our Kala Maitri members. And all we say here is —all well that ends well. —
P.R.
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Ghar Ek Sapna is the talk of the town today. Everyone is curious about who is playing the lead character Samman. This popular serial is directed by Astitva-Ek Prem Kahani fame Ajai Sinha. Viewers of recently launched Sahara One Television new soap Ghar Ek Sapna will identify him as Ujjawal Rana, the young handsome actor from Delhi. Few would know that before this actor found fame, he got recognition in Ravi Rai’s popular serial Aaj Bhi Ateet in 2001. It was Ujjawal Rana’s debut serial. Born in Tehri Garhwal (Uttaranchal) Ujjawal Rana has been a regular face on Television. Currently this young actor is enjoying his stint on small screen with a bang. If he has been seen in Aaj Bhi Ateet, Kahin To Milenge and Kabhi Sautan Kabhi Saheli, he has also been seen as Samman in Ghar Ek Sapna. About Samman, Ujjawal said, “It is a very interesting role which offers a lot of scope for performance and on television you see a lot of these characters. I had love to play one someday”. Ujjawal Rana says he is glad that his character in Ghar Ek Sapna is being appreciated. “For an actor there is nothing more than appreciation. I am happy that the show Ghar Ek Sapna is being watched and most importantly my character is being noticed”, said Ujjawal. Talking about Ghar Ek Sapna, Ujjawaj said, “this serial is very close to me. I can easily say this is not like the usual soaps of today. It is for the modern generation with glossy look. One can explore each character to the hilt.” Ujjawal further told that, “Today television is so big that as an actor you are satisfied. I have always enjoyed working on television simply because it makes you a household name. A lot of people are watching your show and they shower you with all the love”. Commenting upon his journey Ujjawal said, “An actor is raw material mouldable in other’s hand. I have continued to grow as an actor and Ghar Ek Sapna is a good start in a way. I am very excited about shouldering the entire responsibility as a lead star. So, it is a challenging responsibility.” At the end of the day an actor is only a cog in the wheel. But experience helps. I have done three soaps. This is meager output. Now I have learnt a lot.” On his co-stars, Ujjawal said, “Everyone else in the team is so committed to ‘Ghar Ek Sapna”. This is the only way to make a good serial. “I am happy concentrating on ‘Ghar Ek Sapna” now I am on five days a week. I will proceed to doing something even more good, Ujjawal
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It was party time at Sri Krishna Institute of IT and Management in Sector 35. And guess who added the zing to it? None other than Frainy Ahuja, Miss India first runner up-2006. If the students raveled in her company, then so did she, gyrating to the latest Bollywood and Punjabi songs. In her won words, “I had a good time dancing with the students.” However, it was not just about dance and masti. Shaloo Chopra, the Managing Director motivated the youngsters to strive hard in their respective subjects to pursue their goals and wished them a bright future. She also promised to carry on the good work by organizing more and more talks and seminars to keep the students updated. The party ended with the grand feeling as Shaloo distributed party gifts to her guests.
— TNS
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Alternatively, opt for two black leather Corbusier chaise in steel frame with steel and glass top side table for an icy cool look. Remember to keep the line and shape neat, uncluttered, and slightly sculptural in most contemporary rooms. You can create a charming focal point at the end of a dull corridor, by hanging printed black/white sheers. Ming dynasty print will marry well with terracotta warriors on each side of the window. Modern figurine in bush hammered black stone would look terrific in front of plain black sheers embedded with crystals if you don’t know that create a feature out of a uninspiring archway. Small powder room painted white would look as exciting as the dishwater. Hang black and white striped balloon curtain atop the white sheers. Now just ensure that all accessories are either in solid black or a crazy pattern of dots and crosses in either black and white. Create a sophisticated makeup counter with a black box and silver vase for example. Checks and stripes make perfect companion for plain sheers. Plain black and white fabrics can also be punctuated by a few small patterned pillows. The crystal chandelier and china service will sparkle over a tailored table skirt in black of your dining table. If your bathroom is not generously proportioned, then put full width mirror from ceiling till the sink counter. Now hang a round or oval mirror set in a thick white chrome frame. The mirror-on-mirror effect not only makes the space seem larger, but provides a focal point for your bathroom. Sleek black sink cabinets will look fabulous with brushed nickel hardware in this contemporary heaven. Make a profound style statement by having one single large chair upholstered in black amongst your ‘safe’ earthy colours in the room. Drape a bright coloured silk or wool shawl over one arm. However, put earthy coloured cushions if you are afraid to experiment. Harlequin wallpaper has equally stunning effect even in restricted spaces as it shifts the focus from size to style. Similarly, chess board style flooring never fails to impress. If you have a longish living space without distinctive demarcation which becomes rather tedious to decorate, then perhaps you could think of breaking down floor in various platform heights. A cosy looking raised height family lounge can be easily created towards the fag end of the room. If that does not sound appealing or is impractical, then simply get wooden flooring done just underneath the dining table area whilst the rest of the flooring is same. Black crown molding will help to underscore a large linear artwork, picture rail at eye level is extremely convenient to display your art collection, whilst the dado rail towards the bottom half helps break a large boring wall whereby you could paint the top half and texture or panel the bottom half. Think black-and-white photos when you want to make an artistic, graphic statement. Thin black frames let the images stand on their own. Courtsey: A.P. Singh
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Lost childhood
Children are a nation’s wealth. They are tomorrow’s institutions. The reins of the nation would be in their hands tomorrow. We have the power to fulfill all our needs as children today go to good schools. The nation has become efficient in tackling all sorts of problems. We compete world class in all spheres. Yet while thinking of the sight on roadsides and streets a picture of starved, begging children comes before ones eyes. They can be seen everywhere. Outside malls, supermarkets, railway stations and bus stands, tourist places, where not? These children mostly orphans may be a nuisance to one and all. They encircle you in groups and don’t let you budge until and unless you give them some coins each. Once you have done so, there is a tornado of such children turning you crazy! We don’t care much and generally ignore their pleas. But aren’t these children entitled to the same love and care like the others? There is no one to guide them or take care of them. Do they have a future? Would they survive the deadly game that life has in store for them? What kinds of adults are they prone to become (thieves, dacoits)? They become drug addicts at an early age; often resort to unscrupulous means of such frequencies that shock even the adults. Girls often end up as prostitutes. Why do they suffer such devastating fate? We in India have a common saying bachchay bhagwan ka roop hain. How can we let our God rot on the streets? All of us need to think anew about these children. They are our own children. It is for us to secure their future and make this country a better and safer place to live in. We must build and most importantly maintain institutions for their welfare.
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Neta back as abhineta
This week there is a medium budget film, Risk, belonging to a different genre and subject. The film will be released at Neelam, Chandigarh and Fun Republic, Manimajra today. It is an action thriller. The director of Ram Gopal Verma’s thriller D Vishram Sawant directs his second movie Risk. It is a song-less film, stark and realistic where MP Gurdaspur, Vinod Khanna, stages a comeback as the Bangkok based don. So, the Risk brings the neta back as abhineta. Risk has Randeep Hooda in lead role opposite glamorous Tanushree Dutta. Seema Biswas, Yashpal Sharma, Makrand Deshpande, Zakir Hussain are in supporting roles. Director Vishram Sawant tries to resurrect his career after the debacle of D. Music by Akbar Sami, Bapi-Tutul, screenplay by Vishram Sawant and background score by Sandesh Shandilya are other major credits. K Sera Sera has produced this action drama. Another small budget film Mr Hot Mr Cool produced by Interworld Digital Ltd will see a release today at Nirman, Chandigarh. The buzz is that it is a romantic comedy directed by Partho Gosh. Model turned actor Zulfi Syed, Yash Pandit, Priya Valecha and Samiksha play lead roles. Mr Hot Mr Cool has a baseline “Confusion of love…, Love of confusion…?” Rishi-Ranjit has scored the music.
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Family girl Jollie
Angelina Jolie has been pretty open about the fact that she wants a large family with beau Brad Pitt. However, when she faced a few more questions about the topic on the red carpet at the Golden Globes recently, the actress got quite a bee in her bonnet. The Good Shepherd star was being interviewed by American Idol host Ryan Seacrest on the red carpet, but refused to answer any of the questions that were being directed towards her. And when the topic turned to her three kids, and the couple’s plans to add to their family, well that’s when things got a bit sticky for Seacrest before Pitt came to his rescue and said, “the answer is ‘no comment,” reports the New York Daily News. How Monroe got her name Veteran American actor, Mickey Rooney has revealed that he had given all-time sex symbol Marilyn Monroe her star name by explaining to her that Norma Rae wasn’t a Hollywood type. Babe magnet Veteran actor Danny DeVito has a special name for fellow star Michael Douglas-’babe magnet’.
DeVito, who roomed with the Basic Instinct star in the 1960s in New York, said he had been fortunate that he shared an apartment with Douglas, for he had reaped the fruits of the actor’s ability to attract women.
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Health tip of the day
Extreme cold weather could be life threatening as it causes extreme fatigue, mental confusion, lack of co-ordination etc. During exposures the affected individual should be immediately warmed up with blankets, warm fluids etc.
— Dr Ravinder Chadha |
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TAROT TALK
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The early memory of seeing jute goes back to a childhood trip to an obscure town called Hajo in Assam, with inhabitants that were mostly of Bengal origin. But the jute one got to see there were not on a loom or ultra-chic bags or but the raw materials submerged in the Sesha river, a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra. The floating golden fibres attached to ivory -coloured slim stems remained etched in one’s mind. 
Exploring the theme of ‘Black is Beautiful’ beyond the conventional world of colours, let’s continue to create vibrancy in our interiors with our monochrome colour palette.
Beige and cream may be the most bland ones in the colour wheel; however, they offer numerous exciting opportunities to create interiors as vibrant or as elegant that you may possibly imagine. For example, can you imagine a backdrop of cream walls for a corner seating in your master bedroom? Now place two Louis Majorelle chairs made out of solid blocks of wood painted black with cream upholstery. Add black natural stone table lamp with white beads lamp shade on the matching corner table nestling between the two chairs. 
ARIES: “Three Golden Cups” greet you wonderful feeling. You are moved by whatever is happening in your environment. You could move to a larger home or to a place where you feel happier. If you are trying to keep your weight down, then this astrological influence will bring eating too much of rich foods. A trip is on the cards. Lucky colour: Sky blue. TIP OF THE WEEK:You need to think more about long term interests. 
LIBRA: “ The Ace of Wands” reveals that you make progressive professional and personal commitments. You’ll tend to be more practical than usual. Wednesday you’ll be looking for romance in all the fun places. You have ample time to deal with work on Thursday. Your boss will be helpful to you. Lucky colour: Royal Blue. TIP OF THE WEEK: Try to rid out of negative feelings through love. 
TAURUS: “ The Moon” brings light into darkness. Progressive changes are on the cards. Loved ones will be openly critical of new friendships. Allow others time for emotional discussions. Money issues and property matters should now be briefly postponed. Some of you may temporarily divide home expenses between relatives. Lucky colour: Green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Use your own resources to find solution.
SCORPIO: The “ Ace of Wands” strengthens you. Diplomatic skills will help you ease the tensions. Don’t hurry to make thoughtless and emotional decisions. Your intimate relations need your support. Change the style of your relations with foreign partners or people from afar. Keep a lid on your anger, and tone down that tendency to be flamboyant. Lucky Colour: Coffee. TIP OF THE WEEK: Do not give money to strangers.
GEMINI: You draw “ Two of wands” to invoke mental power and intelligence. Don’t harbour unrealistic expectations about career or life or your bubble may burst in the next week. You like to take things easy.Friends may give you a bit of a push in the next little while. Be careful as you are prone to make impulsive decisions regarding your finance. Romance will be smooth sailing. Lucky colour: Jade. TIP OF THE WEEK: Save money for rainy days.
SAGITTARIUS: You draw “The Star” what you have been dreaming and wishing for has come true in part. You may not understand why you feel stuck or discontented. See where you can nudge your ambition. Look around and you will see that this is the best time to count on all your hopes working out according to plans. Close partners will not be entirely calm. You will achieve a good deal together. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. TIP OF THE WEEK: It would be unwise to tip the scales.
CANCER: “ The Wheel of Fortune” spins in some good fortune and emotional abundance. The week is a high energy time for you with emphasis on very practical matters rather than social ones. You concentrate on getting various jobs done. Plans may change. Be willing to be flexible when events don’t turn out as expected. Take one slip at a time to climb the ladder of success . Lucky colour : sea green. TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t read too much into ordinary situations. 
CAPRICORN: Like “ The queen of cups” you are dreamy, poetic, tranquile and imaginative in loving relationships. But you tend to ignore emotional and spiritual aspects, as you are busy and involved with work. Family and children support to you. Health and finances need watching on Thursday. Try to develop a new attitude of ease and inner peace. Lucky colour: Brown. TIP OF THE WEEK : Learn to rely on your mind and hope your intellectual abilities.
LEO: You draw “Ten of Wands” you will review a close partnership. Fulfill your needs without sounding too contradictory. You will not really be patient at home on Sunday. Then rush around, reorganizing to your heart’s content. Sun shines through as you see a clear bright future. Lucky colour : Purpule. TIP OF THE WEEK: Shake hands with former enemies only if you thoroughly vindictive. 
AQUARIUS: “ Two of wands” spins in speculation luck. Your speech may be good and also you may be able to convince people very fast. Artistic and creative pastimes are elevating. Water signs comes closer to you. Health needs watching. Work wise you may have more hurdles and challenges. There is reunion of old friends and associates. Lucky colour silver gray. TIP OF THE WEEK: You need to be creative.
VIRGO: You draw “The World”. This is a good time for relax. Don’t be in a hurry and feeling impatient on Sunday. Think twice before you speak on Wednesday. Travel towards the seas likely. You will be juggling your finances well. Problems on account of opposite sex just on the cards. Beware of strangers on Friday. Focus on health. Lucky colour: Burgundy. TIP OF THE WEEK: Don’t settle all business in one summery meeting.
PISCES: “The Priestess” infuses a gracious influence in your life. Entertainment will be on your mind on Tuesday. Financial gains seem likely. Wait a while everything will get sorted out on its own. Family affairs run smoothly. Women must guard against wrong driving. Health wise you are full of beans. Children will bring happiness. Lucky colour: Yellow. TIP OF THE WEEK: A positive and caring attitude heals old wounds.