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Peak beneath his feet
Static! There was no sound. Not even of the wind. There was no vegetation—only vast barren fields of snow. No movement around me. Nothing. It was breathtaking, literally, but worth it. Gimme another chance and I will do it again.
But this time, I will go prepared with my basics right, along with UV protectors, sunscreen lotions and a complete medical kit. Not just with a Leomann maps, global positioning system and mountain-climbing gear I have never used before. Ask
city-based gemologist-cum-mountaineer Soli Sethi about his adventures while scaling new heights of glory by successfully climbing the Umasi peak in Jammu and Kashmir, and this is what his lofty reaction is to the entire episode lasting over 11 days, and 100 km. Well guys, the height is not much. In fact, it’s 17, 500 feet. Nothing compared to the stature some others have achieved by mastering the Everest again and again. But then, the peak is practically unexplored, the terrain deceitful. Rather, the landscape and the weather changes without warning constantly keeping afresh the apprehensions of safety. “With this kind of height, Umasi may not look that intimidating, but technically it is one of the treacherous-most peaks of the region. About 350 km from Jammu, Umasi has remained unconquered for the past 16 years, despite numerous attempts by several climbers,” he says. And how does he know all this? “Well, the records with the tourism department tell me that the peak has practically remained out of bounds. And it’s not just because of the rough terrain, but also due to the lack of initiative on the government’s behalf,” he asserts. But how did it all start? “Well, the love for gems took me to Zanskar Valley. Just in case you do not know, it is known for precious gems like sapphires. It was there after talking to locals that I decided to try my hand at climbing the Umasi peak,” he says. The journey started with a porter and a cook. With no prior knowledge of mountain climbing whatsoever, he did not know what to expect. “They say road is the greatest teacher. I now realised how true this is. Panting up the hills, cutting through the snow and living with the fear of being waylaid by a wild animal, you realise life cannot be taken for granted.” Well, he has achieved another feat. The youngster has prepared a trekking map of the area with the help of global positioning system. An adventurer at heart and quite regular at rally circuit, he has now set his eyes on Kashmirpeak Nankun at 23,000 feet. All the best. saurabh@tribunemail.com |
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Fun intended
THE performance of the Indian cricket team in the World Cup was shameful. The melodrama surrounding the ‘wedding of the year’, that of Abhi and Ash, was hyped. The saas-bahu soaps should be banned. Complaints to the Municipal Corporation often fall on deaf ears. These were some of the issues bothering Akhil Verma, the 28-year-old MD of SJ Edutech, an Internet service-providing group.
“I needed a platform to make my voice heard or merely to vent out my annoyance against the system and people.” And, that’s when the idea of a portal that will allow anybody and everybody to make a mockery of issues clicked him. After a month’s legwork the concept of www.legpullers.com was ready. CEO Akhil says, “The site will let users make fun of any celeb, baba, politician, businessman or government department by starting a leg puller, which could be a picture or description.” To begin with, register yourself on the site. Next, browse through the list of people, events or episodes you can mock, choose one and get started. You can even add a new entry to the list. “The user can then pull the leg of the celeb on a scale of 1-10 and the leg of that person will actually grow as per the score put-in by the users,” tells Poonam S. Kumar, the portal’s creative director and editor. Arvind Sharma and Ravinder Rayat have coded the website. Vinod Rawat is handling marketing and online promotions. The portal will be launched in the first week of August and this bunch of youngsters is sure that it will create a fear in the mind of all those who exploit the masses sitting at high positions. “It will be a report card for all these people,” they sign off. purva@tribunemail.com |
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Here’s a lil’ treat for the aesthetic minds as well as the pocket Anandita Gupta
It seemed a world in its own right. Buddhas, Ganeshas, Punjabi women, vases in varied sizes, paintings depicting scenes from various cultures—Sohni crossing the river, Radha Krishna dancing, an Assamese woman plucking tea leaves, Lord Shiva meditating, leaves bustling on a chess board…the list can go on. For, splashed here, in Panchayat Bhavan, Sector 18, is the work of 27 local artisans. An initiative of the Department of Industries, UT, the venture is the government’s effort to showcase the work of these young artisans, and also sell them off on no-profit basis. That of course, explains this venture’s name—Kala Darpan. Those of you, who love to redo their homes after a while without blowing a fortune, can now rejoice. Kala Darpan, though just a couple of months old (having come into operation since February 7, 2007), is brimming with artifacts. And that too, almost at a throwaway price. While most figurines are in terracotta and PoP (Rs 100-500), there are those in fiber as well (Rs 500- 14,000). Embossed paintings on velvet are available for a mere Rs 130, while silken bed sheets come just for Rs 800. “It’s an excellent venture to showcase our efforts. We don’t have the money, resources or creativity to retail from big outlets. Though at Kala Darpan, our products are reasonably priced, we get the entire amount for which our products are sold off and lots of orders too!” avers 44-year-old Kamlesh Rani, an artisan who’s always loved embroidery, and is dealing in custom-made quilted bed sheets, pillow covers, napkins and tableware. “We add 10 per cent of the cost we incur on making a product to its total cost incurred and that gives us our price,” informs Sitawati of Sahil knitwear, exhibiting her garments here. The place may not appeal to those with a penchant for high profile auctions and prized artifacts, but it surely bustles with an eclectic treasure trove— vases, paintings, figurines, furnishings et all. And among it all, there would be a little something, sure to find a place in your home and heart!
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youth speak
Sixty years of independence and probably the murkiest of all presidential polls is what has taken India to get its first women President. Even so, we must congratulate the women fraternity for this feat, as now, it is us who are heading the predominantly male dominated field— the Indian Army.
Even as Indian women and the UPA celebrate this ‘victory of principles’ there’s one question that needs to be answered — What is the status of women outside the corridors of power? In a developing and democratic country where we have articles running on successful women and how they are scaling new heights, the women in our cities are still not safe. I’m sure we all can cite numerous examples of eve teasing and harassment ourselves. Leave alone the streets; the girl child is not even safe in its mother’s womb. With foetuses being recovered from wells in Orissa to a ten-year-old girl being a victim of eve teasing and battling for her life in a hospital to a wife who was beaten to death by her own husband and many more. Can we still bask in this newfound glory? And do the women we are so proud of, actually think about formulating a law that can get us justice for the crimes inflicted on us without our being harassed? We know the journey is hard and long but it is time to get out of the confines of personal motives and address this rampant problem. Only then can we take pride in creating history. |
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The song of life
City-born Riya Madan’s word wizardry has brought home international acclaim Parbina Rashid
SHE may have seen only 12 springs in her life, but Riya Madan has lived each moment to the fullest, exploring the joys and the sorrows that life has to offer. And the countless pleasures and sorrows she’s experienced during her journey, find an expression in her poem — Life Is A Journey, which has won her the Grand Prize at the international contest— ‘New Voices 2007’— organised by EPIC (Electronically Published Internet Connection).
There were numerous entries from all over the world and 40 were short-listed for the award. Two contestants shared the Grand Prize and Riya is one of them. She happens to be the first Indian to bag the award. Having completed her seventh grade from Kellogg Middle School in Minnesota, the young poet is in town to visit her grandparents. “I was born here and I visit almost every year during my summer vacations,” says Riya, who is happy to get her prize-winning poem published not just in a web magazine but also in an anthology that is going to hit the market soon. Riya has been writing poetry and short stories since she was in her fourth grade. “My sister, who is a special child, is my inspiration. She made me take a closer look at life and evoked feelings which may be not otherwise felt by a 12-year-old,” says Riya, sounding philosophical. Poetry, essays, short stories—which is the medium that expresses her best? “Poetry comes easy to me.” Now that she is in the city, is she looking for inspiration for her next one? “I do look for inspirations wherever I go, but not from the place. I observe people and their behaviour and that is what I express in words.” Way to go, Riya! parbina@tribunemail.com |
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AS an unlucky crewmember recently found out, you don’t pass a remark about Madonna’s kids and get away with it.
Madonna had taken youngest son David on the set of her husband Guy Ritchie’s new film, RocknRolla at the 3 Mills Studios, in Bow, East London, recently. However, the happy outing soon turned sour when Madge overheard a conversation between two crew members making sneering remarks about her son. “Madonna looked astonished by what was said and words were exchanged between them. Madge seemed very protective of her son and didn’t want anyone talking of him in such a manner,” a source said. “At the end of the day, she’s just a mum and doesn’t want anyone speaking ill of her family. She looked really hurt and shocked by the comment and let her feelings be made known,” the source added.
—ANI |
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Wrapped in style
Each gift here seems to have taken on a character of its own — swinging cradles done up in powder-pink laces and delicate frills, jazzy kites stocking candies, butter-soft satins splashed over wrought iron baskets, bangle pillows in sinuous silks, pankhi-shaped shagun envelopes et al. Enter Wraps’rus-26, and your eyes are sure to get drenched in dollops of delight. Cosily tucked alongside Copper Chimney, the li’l store is virtually a treasure trove of designer gift-wrappings. Brainchild of Chandigarh-based Japneet Kaur Bawa, the store stocks everything from designer thals (platters), shagun potlis, envelopes, kalashas, bangle and engagement pillows, ring trays, trousseau cases and themed wrappings. Though the lady’s USP remains designer wrought iron baskets (embellished with swarovskies, butterflies, tissue flowers and glitter dust), her eclectic range includes gift-wrapping for every occasion. The range remains quite within reach too, starting from Rs 150 to 1500. Another haven for feeding that fetish for gift-wrapping is Ferns ‘n’ Petals-10. Catering to the city’s long-felt need for a branded wrapping service, the outlet offers to wrap your gifts in myriad shapes and expensive draperies with some unique embellishments. Beams owner Gurpreet Singh, “A person who is unwrapping a gift is in an emotional state. So, show that you care enough and wrap some style around the gift.” And style indeed shouts out loud (if you spend anything between Rs 25 to 1000), be it through the choice of material (jute mats, nylon jaalis, ornate organdy, nets and tissue) or adornments (coloured wires, ribbons, shells, sequins, glitter dust, sprays, dray flowers and even crystals). Says Jyoti Sahni from Card Studio-8, “All my clients want gift-wrappings to be coordinated with invites. While wrappers and bags used for weddings flaunt paisleys, flowers, carpet prints and mirrors, the ones used for parties flaunt polkas, tiger prints, checks and geometrical prints. The kids wrappings sports cartoon characters, booties, bows and frills.” Sahni will be coming up with hand-block-printed wrapping sheets by the first week of August. So friends, gift-wrappings are getting grander. Nobody seems to care even if the gift inside is worth a king’s ransom. All that matters is a fancy wrapping that oozes unlimited style. anandita@tribunemail.com |
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Bebo, Maddy cutest vegetarians It’s official now. They are the celebs with passion and compassion. Film stars Kareena Kapoor and R. Madhavan have been crowned winners in the first-ever Cutest Vegetarian online poll. Conducted by petaDishoom, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) India’s youth division, it was a close race with stiff challenges mounted by a bevy of hottie runners-up, including Mallika Sherawat, Mahima Chaudhary, Shahid Kapur and Rajneesh Duggal. But one look into Bollywood beauty Kareena Kapoor’s radiant hazel eyes and there’s no doubt that cute and vegetarian are one and the same. In the male category, it’s no surprise that heartthrob Madhavan has triumphed. A veteran of TV serials and films, he has always encouraged young people to go vegetarian for their health, the animals and the environment. Explains Madhavan, “Chickens may not be cute and cuddly like some animals, but they still feel pain just like you and me. It’s simple – I love animals, so I don’t eat them.” Why are so many celebrities shunning meat faster than you can say veggie burger? Celebrities cite many reasons for forgoing flesh, from avoiding the cruelty inherent in all meat production to improving their health and energy levels and helping the environment by not contributing to factory-farm pollution. — TNS
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Packed with Punjabiat
Channa Ve’s director tugs at the Punjabi heartstrings, yet again This music director’s Channa Ve was among the league of the super hit albums released by Universal Music. As Kunal Ganjawala crooned Channa ve ghar aaja ve, the song’s melody almost wove a spell over the listeners. And this was how this song’s Ganganagar-born music director, Santokh Singh, embarked on his successful musical journey. His albums Sanwaria and Nanna created ripples in the musical circuit as well. Now, Singh is back with his new album Nakhra Punjaban Da, for which he’s composed eight beautiful tracks for debutant singer Nikki Mehndi, wife of famous Punjabi singer Daler Mehndi. Santokh Singh has also penned the lyrics for this album. We chat up the young director, in town for the promotion of Nakhra Punjaban Da. Excerpts.
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Tell us about the experience of composing for debutant Nikki Mehndi?
Nikki is a melodious singer and a great person to work with. She has a bright future ahead.
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What is the theme of your music for this album and what is the mood that you have tried to create?
The album has a strong Punjabi flavour, blended with a lot of hip-hop and UK style bhangra.
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You’ve played with hip-hop and Punjabi notes. How did you decide on what sounds to include in various tracks?
I experiment a lot in the studio and bring my influences to the music. I have varied influences and I listen to many different kinds of music.
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What are your upcoming projects?
One album with NRI singer Amit Tandon and films like Palak and Red Carpet are my forthcoming ventures.
— Dharam Pal |
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Diamonds find some glittering company
Saurabh Malik
Stand-alone diamonds are no more dazzling the crowd! The glam brigade is adding a touch of brightness to their immaculate existence by picking up jewellery with shine of both diamonds and coloured stones.
That’s right! The combination, that’s hit the market in a big way during the recent months, is leaving the residents bedazzled with the reflection of sheer opulence. If you are having any doubts about the gleaming reality, ask Manmeet Singh, the young president of Showbizz India, the organisation that holds exhibitions across the region. Coming up with Gahan Kala, a unique four-day jewellery expo at Hotel Shivalikview from July 27 onwards, he says, “The glittery mishmash only results in bringing to the foreground the sheer richness of the products. The coloured stones only help in highlighting the glam and the gleam of the diamonds. There are not just wine-red rubies, but also bright green emeralds and even indigo sapphires.” You can buy one for Rs 1.5lakh. Or else, you can reduce your bank balance by Rs 15lakh for taking home the stuff. But why this sudden craze for diamond studded jewellery? “Earlier people preferred gold. However, with the rising awareness levels and easy availability of certified diamond jewellery, fashion conscious residents are now vouching for diamond ornaments,” informs Singh. Well, you can pick up the items at the expo itself. In fact, the organisers claim you’ll get a 20 per cent discount on the showroom price. What are you waiting for, gals? Just hop on. It’s stone rush! |
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SIDELANES I was a handful at the tender age of eight. I climbed trees, played professional pithoo, jung palang and marbles, stole fruit from others’ gardens, climbed the gurdwara wall, fell into the hands of irate sevadars, and fed an aunt and uncle cotton wool pakoras. They barely survived choking to death. Norma Dutt, my Dadi, decided it was time to pack me off to a good Christian school that would give the kiss of discipline and transform a toad into a lady. I hated Alexandra High School, Amritsar. It clipped my restless wings and the hostel was the stomping ground of the warden, Miss Beaver — the Meat Cleaver — who ruled with Prussian precision and the look which made us all quail. I nurtured Jerusalem ponies in my hair and wrote home about them. Beaver withered me with a look and wrote an explanatory note to say, “The lice and nits have been removed.” I wished I’d been removed too and spent the summer pressing sliced onions into my armpit. An old wives’ tale says this induces fever. As I was always febrile at the time of returning to school, probably the remedy is authentic. Beaver’s malevolent, unsmiling look pygmied us all. During Bible class, I had my mouth gagged with a dupatta to stop me from talking. The teacher, Miss Issacharan, promised death and damnation for all our sins. When a pimple appeared on my smooth forehead, I knew Judgment Day had arrived. I watched the pimple grow into a miniature volcano that signaled other painful pustules to appear all over the body accompanied by high fever. I looked like a warty toad. Beaver put me into revengeful quarantine and I swore to her and God I’d never use onions again. The day I could not recite my tables, Miss Roy made me sit the period out on my haunches. Thereafter I walked for an hour, bent and partially disabled. When I fell a prey to measles, I was convinced the unlearnt tables were to blame. To this day, math makes me whimper with fear. On the other hand, my family was pleased as Patricia Fletcher had said it was better to get both diseases before puberty. No one tendered any explanation and Beaver seemed to be riding her broom with vitriolic pleasure. Fifty-six years later, I met a naturopath, Lalita Prakash, the principal of Ashiana School. She enlightened me on the dangers of vaccines against chickenpox and measles. Nascent research shows that the mercury content often causes autism, hyperactivity and other learning disabilities. Homeopathy appears to have an antidote but the allopathic lobby plays this down. Today, the norm is more medicine for better living. I wonder if we have lost the plot. Definitely, pharmaceutical companies are earning better each time we visit our doctors and chemists. For the sake of future generations, we could arm ourselves with better knowledge and questions before such visits.
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Lohan replaced
Lindsay Lohan has been replaced by actor Rob Schneider in NBC’s long-running late-night talk and variety program, the Tonight Show.
Lohan was scheduled to be a guest on the show with host Jay Leno, but was replaced by the Schneider at the last minute following her drink driving arrest on July 24. “We had Lindsay Lohan booked on the show tonight, but apparently she was already booked. It’s too bad about Lindsay. I thought our competition was Nightline and Letterman. Turns out it’s Cops and America’s Most Wanted,” said Leno. And now, funnyman Rob will attend the show dressed like Lohan, in a blond wig, black dress and a black electronic alcohol-monitoring bracelet strapped around his leg, similar to the gadget that the troubled starlet had worn after leaving rehab.
—ANI |
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Physical relaxation includes sleeping, massage, stretching, walking, Yoga and Sauna Bath. For mental relaxation breathing exercises like (Pranayam), meditation etc. — Dr Ravinder Chadha
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TAROT TALK
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When
ARIES: The Emperor enhances your leadership qualities. You make an important effort to resolve family issues. A business venture is gainful. In love, promising opportunities will come your way. Lucky colour: Golden Yellow. Tip of the week: Listen to your inner voice.
LIBRA: Your card The Hermit provides harmony, friendship and understanding. You may take the lead, set the pace and control the emotional agenda. You are likely to work closely with children or have much to do with pets. Lucky
colour: Lemon green. Tip: Take up one thing at a time.
TAURUS: The Wheel of Fortune blesses you with sensitivity and creativity. You will find yourself isolated. Monday is going to test you mentally and physically. Business and work opportunities are plenty. Lucky
colour: Crimson. Tip: Plan your life to avoid the in build delays that comes your way.
SCORPIO: You draw The World so this is a good time for relaxing and rejuvenate yourself and do the things you most enjoy. Gossip and romantic speculations are entertaining. Colleagues will now offer bold public statements or ask personal questions. Lucky
Colour: Burgundy. Tip: You gain by being practical.
GEMINI: Knight of Wands brings a gracious and aesthetic influences in your life. Stability and inner strength is what you’re looking for. Make amends and stay happy on Tuesday and Wednesday. Lucky colour: Cherry. Tip: Involve yourself in a new project.
SAGITTARIUS: The Three of Coins describes proficiency in craft and profession but you have a tendency to slide into the doldrums. This is an excellent time to adopt new routines or develop unique hobbies. Lucky
colour: White. Tip: New offers must be put on hold as their outcome is uncertain.
CANCER: The Ace of Pentacles leads to the actualisation of personal and professional plans. Meetings and talks will go off very well. Be patient and consider all factors before making a decision. Lucky colour: Pink. Tip: Yet work could pose certain minor difficulties but don’t worry.
CAPRICORN: The Seven of Cups brings fairy dreams. Stop making castles in the air. You may be in two minds about an important decision and may be unable to concentrate on the tasks at hand. Lucky
Colour: Forest Green. Tip: You find within yourself a fountainhead of a will power.
LEO: You draw the Ten of Pentacles so a very depleting and confusing week when you do not know exactly what you want. You will be enthusiastic about some developments in your personal life. Lucky
Colour: Maroon. Tip: Avoid the tendency to criticise or judge others too harshly.
AQUARIUS: Ace of Pentacles reveals the seed of prosperity and material gain. If you have spent time finalising the details of your pet projects, now is the time to implement your plans. Lucky
Colour: Coffee. Tip: Be positive; you can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances.
VIRGO: You draw The Star what you have been dreaming and wishing for has come true in part. On Monday do not to confront people but to go about your own tasks with dedication. You need to watch your diet and fitness routine. Lucky
Colour: Baby pink. Tip: Do what is right and watch your best interests.
PISCES: You draw the Wheel of Fortune good times are just around the corner. Family support and friends add to your feeling of self-confidence. Trust your instinct and intuition as they lead you in the right direction. Lucky
colour: See green. Tip: Common sense will bail you out of a situation.