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A social role call
When a whole lot of youngsters were busy networking on the social networking sites, a few were still stuck on the word ‘social’. It might as well be interpreted as a platform for coming together of human beings than keeping in touch with individuals. That was the birth of many ideas. A few translated into initiatives that have been innovative enough to merit a moment of reflection, and a round of applause. We bring forth, a few such inspiring stories from the young, who stand apart.
Religious touch
The idea: A facebook page making online darshan a reality
Lost & found The idea: An online memorial portal
Touching lives: Vishal Verma, 22, Founder, Humans of Chd
The inspiration: 14, 500 ‘likes’ and counting on a Facebook page can be brushed aside as neither a joke nor a hobby. It ought to be taken seriously. Pretty much like independent writer and photographer Vishal did with his page Humans of Chandigarh. Taking cue from Humans of New York, Vishal wanted to capture the city, anybody, a beggar begging on the streets, an old man walking down the road. It could be anybody, as long as the subject has potential and human interest. “I want to capture more cities.” As for which would be the immediate next city he would like to start with? He shares, “I don’t want to divulge that as of now for several reasons.” But plans galore.
Picture perfect
The idea: To raise awareness, generate funds and support projects through photography. |
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Strokes of nature
With the dexterity of his artistic calibre that he employs carefully to enhance the character of his paintings, one is often acquainted with the traces of mystic that breathe through the soulful strokes of his perceptions. As Prem Singh exhibits his latest paintings at the Punjab Kala
Bhawan, Sector 16, after a hiatus of fourteen long years, he manoeuvres a dialogue between nature and his interpretation of it in lyrical expressions, while disposing their understanding to your perception of it. “Perhaps that is what has always intrigued me about abstract, contemporary art,” begins Singh, who extends a careful note of gratitude to the Punjab Lalit Kala Akademi and Punjab Arts Council for inviting him to exhibit his works at a solo exhibition titled Lyrical Voices.
As we take a walk along Singh’s paintings, which seem to dismiss the relevance of walls almost invisible by the sheer beauty of his paintings to captivate and overpower your senses, the only constant patterns in his works remain the strokes. Often these strokes appear as dancing letters, sometimes as waves, while at other times, they take forms and shapes that often dance attendance to your imagination. “I painted this one during my visit to Canada and at that time, the fog was only beginning to fall,” says Singh, while pointing towards one of his paintings, the contents of which were green leaves made with his signature pattern of strokes, turning yellow on one edge. Since Singh draws most of his inspiration from nature and changing seasons, it reflects in his paintings, especially the ones where he uses raspberry pulp and beetroot juice to paint his love for nature. “I am a compulsive painter and painting to me is like breathing. So, as I travel and meet new people, the diversity of topography inspires me to a very great extent. This perhaps is more evident in my work, where you can see raindrops on the paper, as I was painting while sitting in the woods while it drizzled,” he says. Also, the paintings have been painted on canvas textured paper and preserved with UV Coating spray, to let the raspberries and beetroots from decaying. Not only does Singh let the uncertainty and unpredictability of nature interfere effortlessly with his paintings, which often adds more volume and drama to the textures of his paintings, but he also manipulates nature’s phenomena with the colour of his artistic perception. “When I was in Hungry and the winters had just set in, I painted the contents of my canvas in white because all I could see was snow. You see, sometimes nature has a way of showing you what it wants you to see, while at other times, it has its way of concealing it, like with snow,” he smiles. Singh touches upon several subjects of mystic and nature as he paints the series titled Universe Delights and autumn leaves. “I love it when people look at my paintings, which are my personal expressions, then communicate with my paintings and respond to their own interpretation of it. That is the beauty of abstract,” says Singh. However, he does accuse market forces to interfere with the creativity of an artist. “One is often attacked by the market, but it rests solely in the power of an artist to resist or succumb to the market forces,” he opines. Having been painting for more than four decades, Singh appals us with the answer he tenders to our last question to him, “I am still scared when I sit in front of a blank canvas as it stares right back at me,” he says, when asked about the most challenging part of being an artist. With that sentence, he leaves us with a thought of humility lingering heavily on our understanding of his disposition. The exhibition is on till November 22 at Sobha Singh Art Gallery, Punjab Kala
Bhawan, Sector 16. amarjot@tribunemail.com
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A new chapter
Barring the sound of the spoon hitting the circumference of the cup, he sits absolutely still; sifting through the pages of an old book, Paash, past present and Punjabi poetry. Writer, modern critic, poet, story teller, philosopher, Tejwant Singh Gill holds the draft of his upcoming book Walter Benjamin: Life and Writings, which hits the shelf in a day or two, runs his hands on the cover, and says, "I have managed to finish it on time," he smiles in a childlike manner lending red colour to his face.
The writer has loads of projects to finish, some like The History of Punjabi Literature, its poetry section is finished and work on novel, prose and drama is on. He says softly, almost whispering, "This is the project assigned by Punjabi University, Patiala and I am working on it as well." The literature is being written in English, a first of its kind work. For a writer who has a syllabus named after him at the University in Santa Barbara, writing in English comes as a boon for the generation now and beyond. "I don't agree with the fact that youngsters are not interested in literature or Punjabi literature for that matter. When I go abroad to various Universities that invite me to discuss and read papers, I see so many students listening to me keenly, and following up with me later. English as a language only bridges a gap for them," adds Dr Tejwant Singh Gill. He doesn't believe in language barrier, he has interpreted Amrita Shergill's paintings in his book Amrita Shergill Jeevan Tey Kala, he has written about one of his favourite poet Paash in English, he has written research paper on Punjabi cinema. "Language should not be a barrier; this is where translations come to play. Translation works are a mean wherein a reader can access a work, which otherwise would not be easy to go through." Translation works are generally viewed differently, looked at with two view points, and Dr Tejwant Singh Gill knows it well. "I wouldn't say that a translation takes away the meaning or changes it, if the writer understands the soul of the writing and connects to it, translation can be equally enjoyed," adds the writer who spends most of his time writing, reading, watching films and talking to Dr Jitender Singh, an associate professor at GCM Chandigarh. Dr Jitender has edited his essays on Bhagat Singh and more in a book titled, Bhagat Singh Filman Tey Natakaan Vich. Dr Gill doesn't shut himself in a room, he writes when his mind and heart align, and his words flow like a river. He by the way uses his stylish iPad to write on. "And what is so surprising in it. Aren't writers suppose to go by technology, inherently it is about words, about ideas and technology doesn't corrupt that," adds Dr Gill who often visits his kids settled in America. "Every place has a history, literature, the point is how many of us want to preserve it and pass the baton." jasmine@tribunemail.com
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From Madison Square to Moga
The entire world watched the ‘big show’ at Madison Square, New York as Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the people. But little would you know that this to-be-remembered show was choreographed by the much-acclaimed choreographer, Rajeev Khinchi.
An introvert by nature, Rajeev is acknowledged in the international circuit as well Bollywood. The good looking man from Mumbai has made many actors and actresses dance to his tunes. Having worked with all the big names from Bollywood, starting from Amitabh Bachchan, Salman Khan, Hrithik Roshan, Aishwarya Rai, Khinchi is known for his jazz and Bollywood style of dancing. Nevertheless, when it comes to his preference, this choreographer prefers Bollywood dancing to anything else, and above all. Rajeev who shuttles between New York, where he has been living for a while now, and Mumbai, has recently been awarded by the mayor of New Jersey for the exemplary work that he has done as a second generation Indian American kid! Well, this is not the only laurel that he has won, Rajeev also various other awards to his credit. He has been the recipient of Lions Gold Award and Dada Saheb Acknowledged Artist`s Award in India. Apart from this, Rajeev’s work has also been acknowledged outside India. He has got the Best Entertainer Award in Las Vegas. This dynamic choreographer has been bestowed an Honours from Macy`s and America`s biggest universities like Harvard, Yale and Choate School. If this isn’t it now, Rajeev Khinchi is working for a Hollywood movie, The Golden Sparrow with Kate Winslet being directed by Joel Smith. The choreographer is expected to rustle up some surprises and astonishing moves as well! The Golden Sparrow is an Indo-Western movie that will star many Bollywood and Hollywood actors. As per the reports, the movie will have a ‘total Bollywood’ track for which Khinchi has been roped in. Khinchi, was recently in Los Angeles to discuss and finalise the project. The movie also features a Bollywood actress; however this will only be unveiled later. Khinchi recently toured Punjab and was seen at the premier of Punjabi film, Yoddha, which also stars his friend, Hektor Sandhu. He later went around Punjab, going to Moga, shopping in Ludhiana. This choreographer would like to be a part of Punjabi films too. Apart from choreographing dance sequences, Khinchi shows keen interest in acting in Punjabi films as an actor. — TNS
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Don’t worry, be happy
Renee Singh
“What for,” I ask. “I really don’t know but that’s the general way I feel.” Mood fluctuations are normal, however if you are experiencing a depressed mood it is very important to identify it and take steps to make sure that it doesn’t continue for a long period, get worse or overstay itself. We are all creatures who thrive in a certain manner on mood swings but the more we indulge in them the more susceptible we become towards stress. The balanced ones amongst us do not allow moods to affect their lives. They live on a more positive platform. Yet, once in a while a depressed moment could get to you. Live in the present
Most of the time the moment a sad thought hits you; you start worrying that a major depressing phase is going to take over. More likely if you have been experiencing some kind of depression in your life. But worry can ruin your mood further as it brings with it helplessness which is a dangerous emotion. You need to learn healthy coping strategies to manage such negative emotions. Maintain mindfulness
Mindfulness helps you stay in the present and counters the future focused thinking associated with it. Stick to schedule
Normally if people are experiencing a depressed mood they are inclined to change their schedule. They will try to stay in bed, do things they normally don’t do. However such choices could worsen your mood or lead to isolation. Stay active
Staying in action could change your mood. This would prevent depression from taking over. If you are the social type see to it that you keep meeting people to uplift your mood. Pursue hobbies
When you are in a depressed mood this does seem a bit difficult but you have to put your heart into indulging in an activity that gives you joy. Initially you might feel listless but slowly the positive emotions will follow. Fake it until you make it. Imaginary good moods lead to creating an actual good mood. Take charge
Sometimes a quick depressed mood may occur because you haven’t taken care of yourself. If you are not eating or sleeping well or have been going through a generally high stress phase then you are likely to experience a depressive low mood. Take time for physical exercise and keep good eating habits. Since the physical being is very attached to emotional well being taking care of one’s body leads to good emotional health thereby creating good moods and less depressive states. Avoid alcohol
Reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol. Alcohol may bring you immediate positive de-stressing effects but will ultimately worsen your mood. People self medicate through drinking but it is not a healthy way. Healthy coping strategies
You must identify healthy ways of coping with your thoughts and emotions. It’s very important to be able to identify what are your personal ways of coping with stress in order that a depressed mood doesn’t take over. Keep a few strategies that suit your temperament. Identify these and use them as and when required. Plan well
If you are aware that you are susceptible to depressive moods then plan for yourself on how to handle them. The moment you know you are heading for a depression, use one of the tools you have whichever you are comfortable with and which you know will work very well for you. You are your own guide. Take responsibility for your emotions and create your own happiness. (Singh is a Chandigarh based psychotherapist)
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Deft touches
Gurmukhi calligraphy is going places, thanks to Kamaljeet Kaur. Be it a session at Callifest 2014 in Maharashtra or an exhibition in Delhi in the past two months, she surely is doing her bit to find a space for Punjabi in people's hearts.
In her latest endeavour, Kamaljeet has lent her craft to merchandise related to Chaar Sahibzaade, a Harman-Baweja-directed animated film on the lives of four sons of Guru Gobind Singh. The Ludhiana-based artist has calligraphed verses from Guru Granth Sahib on calendars for 2015 and mool mantra on a gold-plated sword. Her last two ventures outside Punjab should be seen against this backdrop. "The experience at Callifest, a demonstration-cum-lecture festival held in August, was one of its kind. The audience, comprising mostly art students, was already familiar with the language, courtesy films and songs. So they asked me to write popular Punjabi expressions such as Bole so nihaal, Sat Sri Akal in calligraphy. Besides, students got their names inked in Gurmukhi," says she. The fest in Mumbai and the exhibition in Delhi provided her with a chance to meet calligraphers from other states, and see the similarities and differences between scripts. So what next? She will be displaying her work The Treasure (Painti Akhri) in the Delhi International Film Festival to be held in December. Besides, she will be participating in the international exhibition of calligraphy scheduled for March in Moscow. Certainly, 13 years of her labour is bearing fruit.
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Chicken call
Ranjan Dibya The versatile poultry chicken is tasty in any form and can be cooked in myriad ways. With mutton one cannot do so much. Chicken kebabs are surely welcome, with added spices the natural flavour of the chicken comes to the fore.
Stuffed chicken kebab (Bharwan tandoori chicken kebab)
150 gms, 1 pcs Chicken Breast For Marinade
Stuffing
Method
(Dibya is a senior executive chef) — As told to Poonam Bindra
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Meet & greet with Adnan Sami
Adnan Sami has made waves again with the song Sweeta from Kill/Dil. He talks about the song, the video and the music scene now. Sweeta from Kill/Dill
The entire credit goes to the Kill Dil team. Earlier, I have worked with Shaad Ali in Saathiya. My song Udi Udi from the same film was a big hit. Besides, I've been working with Shankar-Ehsan-Loy since 1990, so my rapport is very good with everyone, including YRF and Gulzar saab. Shaad is a very musically inclined person. The song has got a retro feel to it and is both romantic and playful. Also, I am a die-hard fan of Gulzar saab. Sweeta has amazing lyrics. Ranveer Singh in the video
He is perfect for the song because he's so energetic. He's really performed it very well. I remember, when we were recording this song in the studio, just before ending, I added the word Hi for the sake of fun. I thought Shaad would edit it out. But when I saw the song, after it was picturised on Ranveer, I realised that the word wasn't edited. In fact, Ranveer has given a wonderful expression that makes the song more interesting. Over the years
I think nowadays the techniques are very advanced. Earlier, there were very limited tracks. Now there are no limitations. For example, my song has several tracks. So, technology has both its pros and cons. While it makes your life easier, it makes you lazier too. Today, there are so many new singers who have limited knowledge about sur and taal. Yet, they are considered very good singers. However, if they were to give live performances, the truth will definitely come out. Techniques can influence your singing but it is the talent that stays forever. The meaning of music
Music is the breath of my life. Without music, I don't exist; it's as simple as that. In fact, I don't remember one such moment where music hasn't played a role in my life Some favourites
I love Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy the most. In my case, first I am a pianist, then a composer and then a singer. That's why we understand each other very well. The same goes with music director AR Rahman. He is a keyboard player and very unique too. I have also enjoyed working with Anu Malik. He's funny and I enjoy his company. He records his songs effortlessly and with a lot of fun. Among the new lot, I like Mithun. He has done a good job in Aashiqui 2.
The oops moment!
Actress Kristen Stewart suffered a wardrobe malfunction while presenting an award at the Hollywood Film Awards. Stewart's strapless dress slipped down a bit, exposing more than she wanted at the ceremony held at the Palladium in Los Angeles recently, reported a publication. The 24-year-old was wearing a strapless white Chanel dress with a flared skirt, teamed with an elaborate grey turtle-neck top. The incident occurred when the Twilight actress took the stage to present Julianne Moore with
the Hollywood Actress Award for her role in Still Alice. — IANS
Caught on the wrong foot
Actor Johnny Depp's awkward slurring speech at Hollywood Film Awards (HFA) has created a buzz on the social media. The 51-year-old, who took the stage to present a documentary award, was accused for his slurring speech over social media. "Johnny depp drunk at the Hollywood film awards that was the funniest thing I have ever saw, he was like captain jack sparrow," one of the users posted, reports a tabloid. Another added: "The price of watching a self indulgent Hollywood awards show: Johnny Depp blonde(ish) and drunk. And yet... still hot". Depp first raised suspicion that something wasn't right when he said, "That's the weirdest microphone I've ever seen in my life." — IANS
Million dollar mansion
Hollywood star Tom Cruise has put his luxury American ranch on sale for 37 million pounds. The detached house boasts of seven bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a library, direct access to thousands of acres of National Forest, reported a publication. The 52-year-old, who owns properties across the States, had designed the ranch himself. Cruise and his former wife Katie Holmes famously hosted a photo shoot at the luxurious property in 2006 to introduce their daughter Suri to the world. — PTI
The lady of the script
The Wolf of Wall Street star Leonardo DiCaprio may join Jennifer Lawrence in David O Russell's upcoming film Joy. The director is reportedly revising the script for DiCaprio, who has express fleeting interest in the true-story inspired drama, according to a publication. Russell is also expanding the small role of a QVC executive for his frequent collaborator Bradley Cooper. On top of that, Russell wants to bring in Robert De Niro after working with the actor in Silver Linings Playbook. De Niro has reportedly entered negotiations to play the father to Lawrence's character. Lawrence won the best actress Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and earned a nomination for American Hustle, also directed by Russell. —
PTI Face studded affair!
Actress Lindsay Lohan has got her face emblazoned in sequins on a sweater by British fashion label Ashish. The 28-year-old actress shared a picture of her wearing the new creation on a photo-sharing website Instagram recently. Ashish's Instagram page followed up by also sharing the star's photo featuring the new top, writing "Regram from @lindsaylohan wearing her #lindsaylohan #sequin #portrait by #ashish". The Mean Girls star now joins the ranks of the other famous faces such as Kim Kardashian, Kanye West and Miley Cyrus, whose heads were adorned on similar sweaters. Lohan completed her look with heavy eyeliner, red lips and a funky orange cap. In the picture, The Parent Trap star was surrounded by black bags, a purse and a bowl of fruit in the cluttered room. — IANS Maddox joins the crew
Hollywood star couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's eldest son Maddox has reportedly landed the job of an assistant on the sets of their new movie, By The Sea. The 13-year-old boy will help out on the sets as the production assistant, reported a publication. The Maleficent actress, who is the director of the film, has reportedly given Maddox his first job after he joined her on the sets of her movie Unbroken in Australia earlier this year. Maddox was apparently seen around the sets quite a bit, watching the goings-on and also talking to the movie actors as they shot in Sydney. — PTI Kim Kardashian to visit India
American reality TV star Kim Kardashian will be on her maiden trip to India next week as a part of her perfume world tour. The 34-year-old Keeping Up with the Kardashians star has begun the tour in Australia to promote her fragrance Fleur Fatale. Her next stop will be India, followed by Dubai. She took to Twitter to share the news. "Just touched down in Australia!!! My perfume world tour begins for my new fragrance Fleur Fatale! Next stop India then Dubai! All in 1 week!" she tweeted. She is travelling alone leaving husband Kanye West, 37, and one-year-old daughter North at home. "Missing my baby girl so bad already! Was going to bring her but 3 countries in a week is too much travelling. Daddy time will be much better." — PTI
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The host with the most
Here's a sneak peek into the wedding of superstar Salman Khan's sister Arpita to be held on Tuesday.
Luxury heritage hotel Taj Falaknuma, located in old city, has been booked by Salman for two days and is all set to wear a special look for the gala ceremony for which, invitees list includes some top Bollywood and Tollywood personalities. "The entire hotel has been booked for November 18 and 19 with a view to keep gatecrashers at bay," a source said. The Khan family is keen to have some of the Hyderabadi delicacies to be included in the menu and preparations for the star-studded affair are already in full swing. "Brunches, lunches and dinners throughout the event will have all the dishes, including some oriental. But for the main dinner (on November 18), it is going to be Hyderabadi cuisine like Biryani and Pathar Ka Gosht," a source said. Perched atop a hill, Falaknuma (mirror of the sky in Urdu) has 60 beautifully refurbished and restored rooms. The palace of the seventh Nizam, Mehboob Ali Khan, (Nizams are rulers of erstwhile Hyderabad State) was restored into a luxury hotel in 2010 and is run by Taj Group of Hotels. "The Khans have specifically asked to add Kachche Gosht Ki Biryani (raw meat Biryani) and Haleem because they had it in the hotel earlier," the source said. Around 200 guests are expected to attend the marriage and police will ensure that there is no inconvenience caused to them,
he said. — PTI
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Delving into human relationships
A relationship between a man and wife grows stronger when they become parents. Exploring the intricacies of human relationships, Sony Entertainment Television presents yet another modern and mature take on love and marriage with the launch of Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar. Featuring Ronit Roy and Pallavi Kulkarni Nerurkar in lead roles, the show aims at reinstilling faith in the institution of marriage. A unique love story, produced by Balaji Telefilms, Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar premieres on Tuesday, 18 November at 10:30 pm on Sony Entertainment Television. Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar is the story of a couple, Nachiket Khanna (Neil) and Ragini Patel, who are driven apart, ironically because of the intense love they shared. Neil, a doctor, and Ragini, a nurse, have four kids together but their marriage breaks due to a misunderstanding. Post the divorce, Neil moves to America with two of their kids and Ragini stays back in India with two kids. Over a period of time, staying away from each other has made Neil an indifferent man, whereas Ragini is still trying to run away from the ghosts of her past relationship. They are constantly reminded of their broken marriage because of the children who are a sign of their past love for each other. However, fate has different plans sketched out for them and their children become the pivotal reason for them to start a new chapter in life. The story is now taken forward by the children, who attempt to bring together their separated parents and rediscover love after 15 years. Ekta Kapoor, Producer, Balaji Telefilms, said, “We at Balaji are really excited about our latest offering, Itna Karo Na Mujhe Pyar, which explores the intricacies of human relationships. Through this show we are attempting to bring alive a unique love story between an estranged husband and wife. I am extremely delighted to extend our relationship with Sony Entertainment Television and I am sure Itna Karo Na Muhje Pyar will create magic on Indian television.” The show not only marks Ronit Roy’s return to fiction after three years, but also Pallavi Kulkarni’s comeback to television after seven years. The other cast members include Darshan Pandya, Avinash Mukherjee, Induben Mehta, Kirti Sualy, Jyoti Joshi, Falguni Desai, Aarav Patel, Rhea Sharma, Rohan Shah and Shilpa among others.
Gauhar-Kushal back in love
Last week, tinsel town went abuzz with reports of celebrity couple Gauhar Khan and Kushal Tandon parting ways. However, it seems they aren’t over yet. According to the latest buzz, Gauhar Khan and Kushal Tandon are back to being normal as a couple. Love blossomed when the two actors were confined for weeks in the Bigg Boss house last year. But, guess their attention-seeking gimmicks will never end!
No Monday blues
The lead actress of Everest, Shamata Anchan is on seventh heaven, as her debut is being much appreciated and acknowledged by the audience. After the show is on air, she is just nervous and superstitious! For some people it is a particular colour and for some a particular number, but Shamata aka Anjali Singh Rawat from Everest has a special affinity towards a particular day of the week—Monday. Shamata Anchan says, “I believe Monday is lucky for me as I got a call to audition for Everest on a Monday, I went for the audition on a Monday. The day I was chosen for the show was a Monday and I also started shooting for the show on my lucky day. I also fast on Mondays so I guess it is special.”
Kim on Bigg Boss?
According to the latest buzz, American reality TV star Kim Kardashian has been approached for Bigg Boss 8. According to a source, discussions are on and details are being worked upon. The previous seasons have seen Australian batsman Andrew Symonds, adult film actress Sunny Leone (season five), Hollywood actress Pamela Anderson, wrestler The Great Khali (season four) and British celeb Jade Goody (season
two). Good will on Children’s Day
Child actor Faisal Khan of Maharana Pratap fame took out sometime this Children’s Day to spend with kids from the smile foundation. Faisal was seen distributing chocolates, interacting as well as teaching the kids a few dance steps. This ex-DID winner thoroughly enjoyed conversing with children from the NGO. Spreading awareness against crime
Over its journey of two years, Life OK’s flagship crime docu-drama, Savdhaan India, has set a strong foothold in the crime genre with riveting depiction of real-life incidents. The show, which launched in April 2012, went on to complete 1,000 episodes on November 12. Completing the feat in just over two years, it has become the fastest television show to reach the 1,000-episode mark. From alerting viewers to inspiring them and showcasing the 100 best fight-backs in its past season, the show has implemented various innovative initiatives to reach out to the viewers and encourage them to fight against crime. At the completion of 1,000 episodes, the show will undergo an overhaul and return with a new season, Savdhaan India: Fight Back Now. The new season will capture the current mood of the nation where people are agitated with increasing incidents of crime around them and cannot take it lying down anymore. The show aims to empower its viewers through gripping stories of common people of India who have faced crime and emerged victorious. Fight Back Now is all about determination of the victims to overcome situations and defeat criminals.
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The year ahead
If your birthday is November 17...
You will be in good spirits despite a delicate situation, especially since another apparently delicate situation will get solved easily. Someone you know might offer help, which would greatly improve your situation. There may be average results for your educational pursuits. There may be delay and obstructions in the path of your success. Tension and anxiety may spoil your performance in examination. You should be calm in your mind and loud in thinking to succeed in such situations. People engaged in higher education may get favorable results in the second half of the year. Students trying admission abroad may face delays. Positive colours: Dark blue, dark grey, purple, cyan Select days: Saturday, Wednesday and Friday Favourable numbers: 8, 4, 5 and 6 Gems recommended: Sapphire, Chalcedony and Emerald Charity on birthday: Donate white dress to poor students.
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Astro turf
ARIES: Try to reduce the amount of cash you spend on groceries. New attractions are likely to be serious. Do not hold back anything from your boss. Sportsmen: Focus on exercise & diet. TAURUS: Check all figures related to jointly held funds. Women: do not go in for idle gossips. Your friends and support network are all behind you at the moment. A new project can get the go-ahead. Tarot message: Keep your eyes on the future. GEMINI: This is a very hazardous day for speculation. Pace yourself, since your energy levels can be low. Take some time out for meditation to disengage from the thoughts that keep churning over the past. Tarot message: Don't do anything at the cost of health. CANCER: Get all of your affairs in better order. Avoid careless spending. This is not a time for delegating responsibility. Problems can be resolved without any major stress from you. Tarot message: You can make things happen out of the most unlikely circumstances. Lucky colour: Peacock blue. LEO: Good day for negotiating contracts. Seek publicity for business plans. Stars favour import/export. You are unlikely to get much chance to relax this evening. Women: beware of deception. Tarot message: Do not be in a rush to spend extravagantly. Lucky colour: Silver grey. VIRGO: Your card, The Magician, casts smiles on health. Useful day for discussing long-term plans. A telephone call or a friend gives pleasure in the evening. No drinks in the party. LIBRA: The Queen of Swords reveals that new love attractions are likely to be serious. Life at home is much easier to cope with. Businessmen: spend your spare time in the company of loved ones. Tarot message: You can make things happen out of unlikely circumstances. SCORPIO: A day of mixed luck. Students: expect extra pocket money. Your patient stand will begin paying dividends. Today's New Moon is in solar ninth house. You have the ability to overcome obstacles. Tarot message: Don't try to end all the deadlocks in one go. SAGITTARIUS: Businessmen: avoid making any important business moves. A new romance is in the offing. Your expectations could lead you down the garden path. CAPRICORN: A relative may behave in a rather unpredictable way. Set your priorities. Early morning surprises can turn into afternoon achievements. Take a lunch break. AQUARIUS: Put more effort into completing unfinished work. Your health could be worrying you a little, so it would be wise to see a health professional for the best treatment. PISCES: A sudden improvement in your fortune is indicated. Workmates may be rather aggressive. Emotionally, you could be easily disturbed. This could be a time of sweeping changes. |
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The inspiration: The B.Tech graduate and a resident of Patiala created the page four years back but took to it actively only about three years ago. Today, Gurdwara Dukhniwaran Sahib proudly stands at 67,000 likes and counting. The fact that it is a sheer philanthropic act is proven from the fact that Puneet refuses to accept any promotions on his page. “The advertisers of various websites and the like, approach me on a daily basis, but I refuse all of them as it is not a money making entity or platform.” He adds, “It all came from the sheer joy of sharing. Even before I made the page, I used to share pictures of the holy place on wats app. Then everybody suggested me to make a page. There are so many who are not able to visit the Gurudwara despite wanting to.” On the page, he daily updates the Mukhvak of the day, two to three pictures and an evening picture. “I would love to make a similar page for other historical gurudwaras but for that I need manpower, time and infrastructure.” As of now, he’s happy to let millions, staying abroad and within India, help visit the holy place online and everyday.
The inspiration: It was a little while before 2011 when the hardcore sales corporate guy, quit to start an online memorial. “My co-founder and I happened to be having a roadside snack, sold in a newspaper. The newspaper piece was actually an obituary column. We felt a little disturbed at the sight. It was something nobody would want to happen to an obituary of their loved one.” A little research led to the realisation that, “There was actually no such site. We definitely needed a platform to keep alive the memory of our loved ones.” He adds, “We didn’t know anything about sites. We quit our jobs and are happy with the way things have turned out.” Anybody can get unlimited space and share complete biography, pictures and videos of their belated and beloved ones for an annual charge of Rs 5,000. “As a policy decision, we don’t charge a single penny from the families of martyrs.” The duo made it to Limca Book of Records 2014 for novelty factor.
The idea: To share stories of human interest, sensitise urban lives and human beings through a photo blog page. 
The inspiration: It wasn’t until the age of 24 that the Bachelor’s in Sociology and Economics from University of Wisconsin, relocated to India. “I had worked with a few NGO’s before and I wanted to do something in India.” The birth of Fotocause, started six months ago. “I click photos of life, real life situations, raise awareness through them and sell them.” One third of the money made goes towards supporting projects, currently, being the redevelopment of a monastery in Himachal Pradesh near Shimla. “If I sell one photograph for a hundred rupees, then Rs 33 go towards the projects. We don’t just go and donate money but help with the actual infrastructure.” As against taking photographs intended to sensitise human beings, the hard part lies in selling photographs. While on Facebook Fotocause stands at 550 likes and counting, most of the networking is happening by the word of mouth. “It is a very niche item. Selling these images is tough. But people can let us know what pictures they want, they can select a few and we will print them on canvas.” There will be photography and social awareness workshops. The idea is to expose those from favourable sections to harsh realities of life too.” 
My client walks into my office and announces, “I am depressed.”
"This project presented me with an opportunity to associate Gurmukhi calligraphy with an animated film," she says and adds that her aim is to spread the language and facilitate cultural exchange.
Ingredients
You share your birthday with Rachel Mcadams [November 17, 1978 , London]. She made her first onscreen performance in The Famous Jett Jackson in 2001. She starred in movies like State of Play, The Time Traveler's Wife, Sherlock Holmes and Morning Glory.