Holiday season is round the corner and if you love to wander, it is just the right time to travel solo! Yes, you read it right, instead of a group of travellers or the trend of two, we now have travellers who prefer to go alone. And to encourage the trend, the travel industry too is wooing them with deals that tickle their wanderlust without ravaging their wallets!

"The tourism industry is making way for the single traveller," says Krishan Kant Bhagra, owner Whispering Willows, Baldehan, Shimla. "This is a new trend that is slowly catching up with Indians as well. Although we usually had foreign travellers as single guests, but lately we've got booking from Indians who are travelling single."

A traveller himself, he has been alone to Leh. "A solo traveller has many opportunities and I guess it saves you some money too (read inexpensive boarding and lodging, less expenditure on eating, shopping et al). For years, most travel deals were for a group or two people, but now we have discounted rates for a single person and packages especially designed for them. Being a hotelier myself, I was amazed to find the offers I got during my travel to Leh and Ladakh."

Well, we're not the only ones who are saying 'travel single', people like Puneetinder Kaur, traveller and author of the book — Adrift (a Junket Junkie in Europe) — also propped up the idea.

"A lot of people do travel alone, but I don't see it as a trend here," says Puneetinder. A solo traveller, ask her what are the plus points of travelling alone and she says, "I am a selfish traveller; I don't want to waste time shopping or eating, being alone gives me the time to do whatever I want." Well, that's one point.

For Abhinav Kumar, an employee of a telecom company in Mohali, travelling solo is the ultimate experience, where 'I am the boss' attitude rules. Having travelled to Singapore all by himself, he says, "If you want to enjoy a place, travel solo because you can never do it with a group." Ask him why and he says everyone cannot share the same passion. "I am a foodie, I like to taste different cuisines…someone might not like it at all, so when I am the boss I don't have to bother about anyone else's preference."

He lists the things one can do when travelling alone. "There are short-term courses available that can be completed before you travel single. They include learning some foreign language, cooking, dancing, photography etc. These courses provide an excellent opportunity for singles to meet like-minded people and you also get to learn new skills."

Himanshu Singh, Managing Director, Travelocity India, confirms the same. "Independent travelling, as a trend, is catching up pretty fast. Besides enabling the travellers to customise their own packages, one can plan according to their respective budgets."

And the offers are lucrative enough. "We are offering our customers state-of-the-art, dynamic packaging solutions, which allows them to build their own package right from the choice of flights to the hotels. They can also add their choice of special interest activities, across 800 cities in the world, including adventure, cooking, cycling, dining, hop on/off tours, museums, zoos, nature trails, rail tours, shopping, sports events, theme parks, walking, hiking, water sports etc. Thus, people who log onto our portal are not compelled to be a part of any specific package, they have the flexibility to make their own choice."

Travelocity India provides competitive pricing with the right kind of packages that cater to various budgets, the widest range of choices with over 500 airline options, several thousand hotels and a variety of activities.

"We are promoting drive-away and fly-away weekends. We also provide tips for solo travellers with details of where to go and what to do," sums up Himanshu. Well, that's enough to tickle the itchy feet of a wanderer!

jigyasachimra@tribunemail.com

Jiske paas mooch nahi hai, uske paas mann hi nahi hai', says Bhavani Shankar (Utpal Dutt) in the iconic flick Golmaal. In league with this, our superstars have, for time to time, donned the moustache onscreen. We had Aamir Khan in Mangal Pandey, Shahrukh Khan in Paheli and more recently in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi; Hrithik Roshan in Jodhaa Akbar, Sanjay Dutt in Shootout at Lokhadwala and Saif Ali Khan in Tashan. And now it's the turn of our own, fearless, Chulbul Pandey (Salman Khan) in Dabangg. We check out if Salman's new look has gone down well with city fans.

An ardent follower of Salman Khan, Chander Singhal is all pepped up about Dabangg. "Salman's real life image of being 'a spoilt star who helps the poor' goes down well with his character Chulbul Pandey, the desi Robinhood. What's more, he has finally turned a man after donning a moustache," says Chander. Quite happy with his look, Chander adds, "Salman is able to carry the look well and his fans, like me, are very positive of the success of the flick."

Although not really a mooch fan in real life, Kanchan, another Salman fan, thinks that moustache has only added to the hero's personality. "Having a great body, Salman looked incomplete without a moustache. In Dabangg, he looks really handsome," she says. Ayush Sharma, a class 10 student at Shri Guri Harkrishan Model School-30, couldn't agree more. "He looks awesome in a moustache. It's almost time that he gives up his 'boy' image and goes for the manly look," says this Salman follower.

However, it has not gone down well with some Sallu fans. Upasna Nandwani, a mother of two and a homemaker, likes Salman sans moustache. "From the trailers Salman's look goes well with his character of a policewallah, but I personally did not like him in a moustache," she says.

Agrees Meenakshi Rana, an HR executive with Modern Pesticides, "Salman's Dabangg look suits his character. He does look like a corrupt cop but personally I like him better in Jab Pyar Kisise Hota Hai," she says. "So Dabangg's Salman is not really my favourite," she adds.

Manu Sharma, an MBA, has problems with our hero's weight gain and mooch as well. "He looks so funny with a moustache," laughs Manu. "He looks a fat, mucchar, crooked but good-hearted cop. Maybe we'll change our mind after the movie if Chulbul Pandey is able to win our hearts," she adds.

Meanwhile, an online poll tilts the verdict in favour of Salman's mooch, second only to Anil Kapoor amongst the Bollywood hunks that fans have loved in a moustache. "Salmam looked incomplete without a moustache. In Dabangg he gets a macho look," says Kanchan. "The only hero who is adorable with a moustache is Anil Kapoor," says Upasna. "Only he can carry it well," she adds.

There is also this little superstition that 'mooch makeover' tilts public verdict in the movie's favour. Experts cite examples of Hrithik Roshan in Jodhaa Akbar that helped his career after the not-so-successful Krrish. The famous SRK in Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi made the public forget the debacle of Billu on box office. Aamir Khan's Mangal Pandey proved a hit after a difficult period that Aamir went through in his personal life. "Usually a hero dons a moustache once he is already forty plus, matured as an actor and ready for a change," says Chander. "A combination of better acting and a different look probably showers money on box office," he opines.

Whatever the reason, nothing is stopping Dabangg and our Chulbul Pandey's look is sure to find favours among the Salman Khan fan brigade!

mona@tribunemail.com

Rahul (13) has his goal set. He wants to be a cricketer, and no less than master blaster Sachin Tendulkar. Pushwati (12) wants to be a doctor wearing a white coat and stethoscope around her neck, Jakil (11) a police officer, Avinash (12) a lawyer and Gudiya (8) like her ‘mam’. Just because their parents are construction workers or a mali or a domestic help has not deterred these bright kids a bit.

In order to fulfil the dreams of these ambitious but underprivileged kids stands a selfless breed of teachers who under the aegis of Alternative Innovative Education Centres (AI centres) have come together and are working incessantly. Major challenge, they face is to convince the children and their parents (largely construction workers, gardeners or domestic helps in the city) to come and study. While the administration doles out midday lunches, books, stationary, uniforms and hygiene kits, AI centres have tied up with various NGOs to make sure that children make use of available opportunities.

"While our very capable teachers Manjeet Kaur, Daljit and Nisha impart education and values to these children, my work involves conducting workshops, events and most importantly making rounds of the huts to track down children who can make the most of AI facilities before we prepare them to join mainstream education," says Dr Dipti who with others members of her NGO Sai Tara Ummat Foundation works with the centre at the construction site near the High Court. "We are expecting more labourers at this site and are ready with provisions to facilitate them," says a Sarv Shiksha Abhiyan official.

In a similar centre run at the Government Primary School, Burail-45, this spirited social worker is trying to merge the students not only in mainstream education but also society. "We have to teach everyday basic stuff like personal hygiene, manners along with studies," says Manjeet Kaur, who has been teaching here for last eight years. "To begin with, it was difficult to teach these children who come mainly from slum areas but we get regular training in innovative teaching methods that make learning fun and not a burden," she adds. Manjeet along with other teachers Shakuntala and Kanwal, have also to pay attention to kids' personal hygiene. "We get all what we possibly need. Soaps, shampoos, a different meal every day to keep kids clean and their tummies full to motivate them to learn," says Manjeet.

And one can see the difference they make when smartly dressed kids come and wish one confidently, eager to make a small conversation. They are aware, know a thing or two about latest happenings. Last Earthhour, they went around the Burail market urging traders to switch off the lights for one hour and also 'why'. "My endeavour is to change their mindset," says Dolly Dhillon who volunteers her time and resources to make up for what these kids lack back home.

Once through with their basic education, these kids join mainstream schools but need continuous support to sustain because they don't have that atmosphere at home. This is where Hamari Kaksha, a brainchild of Anuradha Sharma and Sarita Tewari, steps in. At their two centres, one at Primary School-7 and another at Mansa Devi Complex, like-minded people come together to help kids with their homework and projects. In the evening, they spread in different corners according to their classes. The enthusiasm of these students is infectious. Surrounded by class six students is Sangeeta Choubey who has been associated with Hamari Kaksha at sector 7 for two years. A question asked from her and all the hands go up to explain what a caterpillar is with eyes beaming with joy.

She steps aside to share, "I can't live without them." In another corner is Rachna, a student at B Tech student teaching class eight students. These kids' mothers have a different group where Rani is practicing alphabets; Geeta is reading a book and Poonam is trying her hands at numbers. "Madame ne kaha parhne ko," explains Rani who during the day works as a domestic help just like other women sitting with her. "It's very important to educate children's parents if we want their kids to continue school," says Anuradha who drops in to meet, greet and teach kids every so often.

"Our teachers train us not only in studies but also in walks of life. They teach us 'good things'. And learning is so much fun here," sums up Rahul. This admiration is only mutual. "Working with them has made my life worthwhile," says Surjit Grewal, a retired teacher who spends two hours with these kids every evening.

mona@tribunemail.com

With over 50 publications to his name, author Krishan Kumar Rattu is a big name in city literary circles. Holding Masters degrees in Punjabi, Hindi as well as Sanskrit, a doctorate from Netherland, Rattu is awaiting his second D.Litt degree.

Doordarshan, Chandigarh, director, Rattu attributes his success to his father Choudhri DR Rattu. Born in village Ramwal, near Nakodar, Rattu completed his education in Punjab before entering the Indian Broadcasting Services.

Bestowed with home ministry's Indira Gandhi Rajbhasha Award, IBC London's 'Man Of The Year' Award, Bharat Media award and many more, Rattu has travelled extensively and documented his writings. He has excelled in all genres of literature, including short story, novel and poetry.

His first story was published in a magazine in 1968 when he was in class 8. From 1971 till his teens, Rattu was a regular contributor to Dharamyug, a leading Hindi magazine. And today, he claims that eight national publishers are seeking his writings.

"For my doctoral thesis, I preferred to work on 'Various Uses of Functional Hindi' on Doordarshan. The International Open University Of Netherlands awarded me a D.Litt degree for another socially relevant subject 'Jehad and Terrorsim — An International Perspective'. I have submitted the thesis for my second D.Litt on 'Indo-Pak relations'," he informs.

As for the future, he has high hopes' "We must encourage young writers who have a vision," says Rattu. "Writers must live up to the expectation of the society we live in and give it our best," he signs off. 

Hollywood actress Katie Holmes has dismissed rumours that she wants to have a second child now, saying she plans to put off pregnancy for at least "a couple of years".

There were rumours that the Batman Begins star is expecting another child with husband Tom Cruise. The couple, who married in 2006, are parents to a four-year-old daughter, Suri. However, the 31-year-old actress has said that one child is enough for her to handle for now.

"Maybe in a couple of years, but right now I want to make sure I'm really there for Suri," Holmes said. "I'm the youngest in my family - my closest sister is five years older than me, and the next one is nine years ahead of me, so I was a bit of an only child, and I liked it! I liked having all of my mom's attention, and sometimes I think I still do," she added. — PTI 

Ingredients

½ cup Butter 
½ cup chopped walnuts
1 ½ bananas

½ cup cream

1-2 tsp yogurt
1 tsp cinnamon powder

1 tsp soda 
1cup maida

½ cup atta 
1 tsp vanilla 
1 cup grain sugar 
½ tsp salt 
2 eggs 

To prepare sour cream- One day prior to making bread, stir in a teaspoonful of yogurt into the cream and keep covered in a warm place for 5-8 hours. At the end of this time, the cream will have set, quite like our standard homemade dahi. Preheat an oven at 350 degrees F and lightly grease a loaf tin with butter. (You can also make this in small paper cases or a cake tin if you don't possess a loaf tin) In a bowl, whisk together the butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sieve together the atta, maida, cinnamon powder salt and soda. Add to the sugar mixture followed by chopped bananas, nuts and sour cream. Mix lightly and pour into the loaf pan and bake for 50 minutes to an hour. 

Danish Wholewheat Pancakes

Ingredients

8 eggs 
2 cups milk 
2 ½ tsp powdered sugar

1½ tsp salt 
2 cups atta
½ cup butter 
1 cup mixed nuts 
2-3 tbsp honey
1-2 tsp confectioners' sugar (optional) 
whipped cream (for serving)

Method

Combine eggs, milk, white sugar and salt in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture until smooth. Add flour and mix until incorporated. Set the mixture aside for 30 minutes. Ladle out small portions of the batter into an oiled non-stick fry pan and prepare pancakes, flipping them over when one side looks done. Top the pancake with lightly roasted mixed nuts, drizzle with lashings of honey and dust with confectioners’ sugar. Serve with whipped cream or light custard, or enjoy it by itself!