May, 2011
Literary Drama
Amazing Vastu
Hey Ram! was Gandhi a Bisixual?
City dwellers under threat of a strange force
Career Caution
Exotic Travel
Beware! your oversees education could end in nightmare
Explore the spectacular Belum caves
Culture Revival
Marriages
pupetry can change your life
Movie Masala
Wrecked online
An exclusive with Daggubati of Dum Maro Dum fame
Most cheating spouses take the net root for a quick sex fix
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 1
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 2
Editorial Volume 1
I
n the last edition, we discussed the harsh realities of a booming economy that is spawning a culture of sex and consumerism where young middle-class, educated girls are hooking up for money. This edition delves on how online virtual world is wrecking the time-honored institution called marriage. The increasing usage of internet is causing the breakup of countless marriages with couples as young as 30 from the IT industry knocking the doors of the family courts in the city for legal separation or hiring detective agencies to spy on spouses by breaking into personal computers and laptops of their partners as they suspect them of having an affair. With the Internet and social media lubricating relationships between people, a growing number of people in the city are seeking help from clinical psychologists to save their marriages from the lure of the world wide web. Use of internet pornography or sexually explicit chat rooms is causing grief to many families. One lawyer who specialises in divorce claimed almost one in five petitions he processed cited social networking sites as reason for marriage break-ups. Marriage counselors in the city are inundated with growing cases of online infidelity. It could be the husband’s old flame or the wife’s long lost beloved or sheer urban loneliness, the reasons could be many. As our cover story reveals innocent, harmless and friendly exchanges shared online are soon developing into strong emotional bonds and eventually striking a discordant note in the marital life. A once loving husband suddenly turns evasive, spends hours on the Internet, neglects family obligations or a compassionate wife and mother, turns towards computer instead of caring for her children. Some argue that infidelity is as old as marriage and entirely wrong to pin the blame on the Internet, while others say Internet is providing a technological form of temptation. In other stories, we feature the puppet woman of Hyderabad, a woman who has revived the dying art form. In the movies section, Daggubati Rana rubbishes his link-ups as fertile imagination of gossip columnists and that Bipasha Basu, his co-star in the forthcoming film ‘Dum Maro Dum’, as his ‘Godmother’ who helped him a “lot”. A new book on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi authored by Joesph Lelyveld claims that the ‘Father Of The Nation’ was a bisexual and a racist. Check our literary section for more. Our health and education sections have some interesting reads. And finally bon voyage for exploring a spectacular view of the Belum Caves in our Travel section. Hope you enjoy the packages and do write to us. Your feedback will help us improve.
Issue: 8 May, 2011
Publisher & Editor Bhavani pramod kumar Executive Editor Jydip Mukherji Associate Editor V S Venkatesan our feature writers kailash srinivasan Pranati Nandamuri Papa Rao AK Verma Director (Marketing) Veman Kumar Kasha Marketing Manager Mansoor Ali Baig Marketing & sales Rabert Franklin Laximikanth Goddavula Prabhakar Bheema Naik Sales Officers Sanjeev rao Nagaraju muneer pasha Muni Babu Zaheer Abbas layout & Designing Mokkarala Raviteja Nirmala Manager K Sreedhar rao Administration Sada Lakshmi Yadav Circulation K Kishore kumar Web Designer Thirupati Botla
Administrative Office CITY TIMES MEDIA PVT LTD. # 46,47 Moghul’s Court Building, Basheerbagh, Hyderabad - 500001 Phone - 040-23322258, 30432017-21 email: info@metrocitytimes.in www.metrocitytimes.in
Media Partner to
AP Hotels Assocation www.apha.co.in
Printed, published and Owned by B Pramod Kumar, B-258, Phase 1, Vanastalipuram, Hyderabad-070. Printed at Sri Balaji Graphics, 1-1-8/26, House Fed Bhavan, Baghlingampalli, Hyderabad. Published at B-258, Phase-1, Vanasthalipuram,Hyderabad-070.
Bhavani Pramod Kumar
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 3
i
nside
t
10
imes
Cover Story Marriages are wrecked online, city couples heading for divorces .............................6 to 9 Art & Culture times A diamond in the puppet string, Ratnamala Nori revives puppetry....................10 to 12 Career Times Flight of fantasy: Your overseas education dream should not end in nightmare........................................................14 to 17 People in news Corporate India has Buffett .....................................18
20
Food times The heat is on. Drop the degrees with ice-creams and mango souffle........................19 to 21 eat out times Give yourself a lavish treat.......................................22 Literary times Hey Ram! American author stirs up hornet’s nest calling Mahatma a bisexual, while British author’s 200-page blank book becomes best seller................................23 to 24
14 24
Health TImes knee replacement can help reduce pain says, Dr Neelam V. Ramana Reddy.........................25 to 26 Music & Movie TIMES Indian Idol winner Sreeram dreams to croon with Rehman, Daggubati Rana says, Bips is his Godmother.....................................27 to 32 chat pata times What’s wrong with Sonam?.............................33 to 34 Listings Check Out your nearest hotel, jewellery, tour operators etc............................................35 to 37
22 30
Vaastu times City dwellers under threat of a strange force...................................................38 to 39 travel times Explore the Belum Beau, important places of tourist interest in Hyderabad......................................40 to 43
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 4
40
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 5
c
over
s
tory
Marriages are
wrecked ONLINE Internet is wrecking marriages in the city with extra-marital affairs going online. Most cheating spouses are taking the Net route for a quick sex fix or establishing emotional connect by sharing their personal problems. The result: Increasingly, couples are seeking divorce and knocking the doors of detective agencies to spy on their cheating spouses, finds
Kailash Srinivasan metro
D
ivorce is on the rise in Hyderabad and elsewhere in the country. So what the heck? Didn’t we already know about it? Well, it is not the rattling sound of a spoon dropped in the kitchen unknowingly by a wife or snoring of a boring husband in the bedroom, not the bad breath or body odour, not the dreaded dandruff. But it is the click of a mouse and a few keystrokes that is ruining marriages in the city. According to marriage counselors and private detective agencies in the twin cities, chat rooms are emerging as the growing cause of marriage breakdowns. With the the Internet and social media lubricating relationships between people, a growing number of people in the city, mostly young couples, are seeking help to save their marriages from the lure of the world wide web. Increasingly, private detective agencies (who do their business on the sly) are receiving a lot of requests from people who want to break into personal computers and laptops of their partners as they suspect them of having an affair. Online dating has gone from creating embarrassment to becoming a part of mainstream. Inputs from marriage counselors and lawyers indicate that online infidelity cases involve one or both partners working with IT industry
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 6
Over the last few years, psychologists in the city are seeing an increasing number of clients whose obsession with online porn and having virtual sex with strangers has ruined their marriages. Inputs from marriage counselors and lawyers indicate that online infidelity cases involve one or both partners working with IT industry aged around 25 to 40. The three family courts in the city are flooded with divorce cases aged around 25 to 40. In Hyderabad and Secunderabad, lawyers are a busy lot with the three family court rooms inundated with divorce cases. On an average, at least 70-100 divorce cases come up for hearing and 8 per cent of these cases involve online infidelity. Lawyers and counselors in the city attribute the growing trend of divorces to extra-marital affairs as the most common cause of break-ups. For every eight divorce cases pending before
metro
the family courts, at least two cite adultery as the crucial issue. In nearly eight such cases, the couples have been married for less than a year and are in their 30s. Reports from marriage counsellors indicate that over 30 per cent of such cases involve one or both partners working with IT industry. Deepti (not her real name), 33, a mother of two in Hyderabad, approached a private detective agency after her husband started neglecting family obligations by spending “too much time” on a host of social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Bebo, Fling etc. Through the agency, she spied on her husband’s Facebook page and found that he was electronically cheating her, allegedly hooked up with several women, exchanging flattery with him on the wall-to-wall pages. “He was quick to accept friendship invitations from women, and put his ‘Relationship Status’ as single,” she notes in her legal affidavit seeking divorce. The case of Deepti is not isolated, but a common refrain where online dating has gone from a prevailing discomfiture to common practice. Vijayanti, 31, married with no children, in her divorce petition claimed that she was married to Gautam, a HR professional who spends up to 8 hours a day online with her virtual lover. Their exchanges were intense, erotic and incredibly addictive. Vijayanti found out about his secret life when she caught him chatting to women online in the middle of the night. “I caught him off-guard when he left his computer unattended after completing one of his projects. He explained that it was due to his trying to meet deadlines for some ongoing projects. I checked the history of his web
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 7
Women often justify their online relationships because they see them as virtual, non adulterous, especially if the relationship is only emotional. Married women share their intimate thoughts behind their husband’s backs with the other man in their live.
browsing and soon realised that my husband was cheating me. His mails and chats were sexually explicit. I read every detail. My husband, as I knew him, was mild mannered and well-behaved. When I confronted him on his online escapades, he turned pale and feigned ignorance.” Vijayanti, initially, took her husband’s online liaisons in her stride. But a few months later, when she caught him the second time, she threatened to leave unless he abstained from his adventures, but his online flings continued and Vijayanti decided to walk out of the 4-year marriage. Well, it is not just married men; married women too are striking online relationships at an alarming frequency. A lawyer who didn’t want to be named says recently a chemical engineer approached him seeking divorce against his wife on the grounds of extra-martial relationship. The petitioner Vishal, in his divorce filing, stated that his life was devastated when he found email exchanges running into hundreds of pages -- some of them sexually explicit -- between his wife Sridevi and another man soon after he returned from the US. His 10-year-old marriage went kaput. His wife Sridevi, the petitioner alleged, regularly engaged in online dating perhaps as a way to escape her mundane life. In the one year, she dated 5 men, secretly meeting them a few times a week and enjoying the time they spent together, the
metro
petitioner rued. “When he confronted her, she openly declared her love to a man and wanted to lead her life with him. The petitioner has log sheets of all the emails exchanged between his wife and the other man in his life,” the lawyer revealed. Says clinical psychologist Sujata Raman, “Women often justify their online relationships because they see them as virtual, non adulterous, especially if the relationship is only emotional. Women cross the line, however, as soon they begin to sneak around behind their husband’s backs to share intimate thoughts with another man in most cases it turns physical. On-line infidelity must be confronted with a course of action like marital counselling. A willingness to admit to the problem and do something about it is critical for the marriage to work.” Abhijit Sen, head of a detective agency, said several suspecting couples approach him to hack the passwords of their respective spouses. “We normally do not encourage hacking passwords. We have special softwares that will log and record the online activity --- what websites they visit, emails they send and receive. It is unlawful as it amounts to violation of an individual’s privacy. Spouse’s whose privacy was violated can then file a suit on the grounds of the in-
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 8
Online liasions can threaten marriages, even if there is no sex involved. But it is wrong to think that Internet is creating problems. Rather, it is bringing out problems between couples that already existed.
vasion of privacy. Unauthorised use of a private email address is illegal and may leave any gathered evidence inadmissible, not to mention make you guilty of committing a serious crime.” Over the past three years, psychologists in the city have seen an increasing number of clients, both men and women, whose obsession with online porn and having virtual sex with strangers has ruined their marriages. “Online relationships can threaten marriages, even if there is no sex involved,” says Dr Anurag Shrivastav, MD in psychiatry and a consultant doctor at Vijaya Clinics in Baseerbagh. “Such online liaisons involve the three elements of an emotional affair: secrecy, intimacy, and sexual chemistry. What begins with innocent, friendly exchanges in chat rooms soon end up within bedrooms. Urban loneliness being on an all time high, is one of the main reasons why people resort to the net,” he adds. In this game of online love, which extends far beyond exchanging e-cards, expressing love via emoticons or getting the visual delight on web cams. Many of these online affairs extend to offline space and the lovers do meet up. The increasing number of dating and friendship websites is a proof of it. Most online lovers don’t shy away from indulging in ‘cyber-sex’ within minutes of making an online acquaintance. And it may not be surprising to discover that many such online-lovers attract sexual attention not just from one, but from an unlimited number of individuals. Most cheating spouses go online for a quick sex fix, while others establish meaningful connections, and share their personal problems and marital issues. In some cases, the virtual liaisons turn real-life affairs. One lawyer, Roopender, who specialises in divorce, claimed almost one in five petitions he processed cited social networking sites as reason for marriage break-ups. When it comes to the reasons behind cheating, much of the feel-
metro
”
ings and issues are the same as they ever were: boredom, frustration, loneliness, escapism. But with the advent of the internet, it’s the opportunity to cheat that’s expanded exponentially. According to a report by Internet & Mobile Association of India and IMRB, India is the fourth biggest internet consuming nation with 81 million users. Some industry analysts forecast that India could have 500 million internet users, 100 million broadband connections and 100 million connected devices by 2012. “The widespread usage of e-mail, instant messaging and web surfing in our lives has opened a new corridor for infidelity to strike relationships. As individuals take advantage of the easy discreetness the Internet offers, cyber chating has developed into a frequency that is both alarming and surreal and in the end the pain and damage left in its wake is all too real. It is wrong to think that Internet is creating new problems. Rather, it is bringing out problems between couples that already existed under the surface,” says Dr Anurag Srivastava. The doctor has a word of advise for unhappy couples. “Keep yourself occupied. If you are having an online affair and want to stop, then you have to stop going online all the time. Communication professionals like Nagamallika, Dean of Mass Communication and Journalism department at the English and Foreign Languages University, say if it isn’t Internet, it would probably be something else. “Infidelity has always been there, not that I approve of it. You get the idea and there are many ways to get led astray. Internet may be the most common form of infidelity.” Relationship problems are the root cause of infidelity and the Internet is providing a technological form of temptation. The unfaithful don’t have to scour bars or cultivate relationships; they can simply visit a site dedicated to helping married people find other partners and get connected.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 9
a
rt
&
c
ulture
t
imes
A diamond in the
puppet string For more than 15 years, Ratnamala Nori has dedicated her life to puppets through Nori Art and Puppetry Centre in Vidyanagar. Through puppets, she not only entertains and educates children but also uses them as instruments to spread social and cultural awareness, writes Kailash Srinivasan metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 10
“I
t’s 9.30. I thought you would come at 10 ‘o’ clock. Please step in; the room is a little dusty. This is my world,” invites Nori Ratnamala into a room full of inanimate companions. “This is Krantisree. This is Lucha Ram and this one is Mendak Singh,” she introduces her sutradhars and sutradharis (protagonists) holding them aloft in her hands at her workshop Nori Art and Puppet Theatre at Durgabhai Deshmukh colony. Nestled among mango, papaya and guava trees, the theatre is a room full of distinct faces, some smiling, some tormented with impossible buns. In the ‘kutir’, there are puppets everywhere - puppets on the shelves, puppets on the floor and puppets on the cane chairs talking to each other, staring at us while we were immersed in our conversation. The effect of the omnipresent puppets was rather strange. “Krantisree, Lucha Ram and Mendak Singh are not mere puppets, but characters close to my heart,” she thunders. Krantisree is to take on dowry system, while Lucharam is the adaptation from Panchatantra’s ‘Frog and the Serpent’ which was played on March 26th. Dressed in a simple saree, Ratnamala sits down to have a chat on her pup‘pet’ subject and is all charged up. “Puppetry is not about making puppets. It is a performing art. It is about giving life to an inanimate object and narrate a story through it. There is a lot of creativity in puppetry and it is not just meant for children. A puppet is a metaphor, with the power to unite across cultural, language and social divides. Unfortunately, many don’t see it that way,” says Ratnamala.
Armed with a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and masters in Ancient Indian History, Culture and Archeology, the founderdirector of The Nori Art and Puppetry Centre, has dedicated much of her life to the promotion of puppetry, to the task of pulling it out of obscurity and showcasing it not merely as an art that has been neglected and hence must be revered in a static form, but rather as a living, breathing form of expression. “I took part in a puppet show on Alluri Seetharamaraju. I also was part of puppet show called The Radiant Child which was an adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s story. Dadi Pudumjee of the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust and Meher Contractor of Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad had all come to the show. Those days were something. These luminaries inspired me,” Ratnamala recalls.
”
Having started her career as a teacher in Aurobindo School in Vidyanagar, Ratnamala’s interest in puppetry grew when someone asked her to take part in a puppet show since she has the fine arts background. The art of puppetry beckoned this graduate of Fine Arts and the National Puppet Festival held at Bal Bhavan in 1986, fuelled her interest and thus was born Nori Art and Puppet Theatre. “That project changed my life and drew me to puppetry.” The art scene in the city, she continues, was appalling. “Nobody was giving importance to art. An art teacher was called as a craft hand. I don’t want to name any school in particular but the whole idea of art was to give the kids a few colour pencils and the art ended there. That way public schools like Hyderabad Public School had more awareness about the importance of teaching performing arts to children. Delhi is the place for art, puppetry. Sometimes I had to feign illness to pursue my passion. Hey, don’t write this,” she laughs.
Those days the art scene in the city was appalling. An art teacher was called as a craft hand. I don’t want to name any school in particular but the whole idea of art was to give the kids a few colour pencils and the art ended there. Sometimes I had to feign illness to pursue my passion.
For more than 15 years, Ratnamala through Nori Art and Puppetry Centre has been igniting the young minds through
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 11
”
”
her puppets that are not just used to entertain or educate children but also used as instruments to spread social and cultural awareness tackling problems such as dowry system, illiteracy, nutrition, hygiene and other issues.
Children don’t want to work with their hands anymore. Now they work only on computers. Who will remember World Puppetry Day? It is not Valentine’s Day, no.
”
What makes Ratnamala’s puppets special and unique is the fact that the inanimate objects are simple figures made of foam, thermacol, cloth, leather or papier mache that come alive with sound and light. They tend to convey the message more effectively than any other medium. “I meticulously design every puppet. I like sharing my ideas with the puppets because they don’t tell us whether we are right or wrong. Puppets are more direct, and they can get away with things that real actors cannot pull off. It was tough you know to excite and inspire parents to encourage their children to take part in puppet shows,” says Ratnamala” But thanks to the support of her husband who was a masters in catering management from a university in London. “He was in London for 16 years. I was with him for six years after marriage and then moved to Hyderabad. After that I fell in love with puppets,” she laughs. Ever since her journey into the world of puppetry, Ratnamala Nori has conducted many programmes, training workshops, made productions in English, Hindi and Telugu and given performances both for children, teachers and community workers at the under privileged and privileged levels. “Maya – Oka Japan Katha made in 1992 for Hyderabad Doordarshan won me a Nandi award,” she says. Any more awards? “Who gives awards for puppet
metro
shows? Unfortunately, puppetry is not recognised like the other art forms say Carnatic music or paintings for that matter,” Ratnamala rues. In 1998, this performing artist received an Ugadi Puraskar award from the Madras Telugu Academy for Innovative use of Puppetry, an NCERT award for State Level Educational Toy Competition – Puppet. Ratnamala staunchly believes that puppets can engage and motivate children in conversations which help in their education. “Puppets get children to explain more clearly what they are trying to do. There are fascinating tales to tell our children through puppets. We can talk about turtle conservation like my characters Subbamma and Kuppamama do or we can talk about protecting animals from poachers through puppet characters like Bhallu who explores the city while visiting Charminar with its two human friends ’Chittaka’ and ’Chinna’ and an autorickshaw driver. The story is about how Bhallu attracts the attention of an animal catcher and how his intentions are thwarted. This way, they develop their creative ability through story telling and also learn about wild life.” But hasn’t the advent of television, video games and Internet robbed the charm of traditional performing art forms like puppet shows? “Oh yes, children don’t want to work with their hands anymore. Now they work only on computers. Also it is difficult to change the mindsets. It is fine to be an engineer or IITian, but it is also important to learn arts,” she says. March 21 was celebrated as the World Puppetry Day. “Who will remember World Puppetry Day? It is not Valentine’s Day, no,” Ratnamala laughs.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 12
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 13
c
areer
t
imes
FLight Of
Fantasy The dream of lakhs of Indian students is to pursue overseas education, but this dream should not end in a nightmare, writes Papa Rao
T
he number of fraudsters, forgers and cheats is booming in an increasingly lucrative global higher education market. Unprincipled academics, university administrators and students are implicated in scams that include fake visas and entry qualifications, dubious admissions practices, bogus institutions and counterfeit qualifications.
All in the name of Study Visas A case in point is the Tri-Valley University in California which was in news for immigration fraud. Hundreds of Indian students who took admission in the singleroom shack with just 13 laptops and five desktops for over 1,500 engineering students on its rolls. All because the university offered them “flexibility” in terms of attendance and gave them “work permits” in the name of “study visas” that they used to work all over the country. They simply ignored the fact that a student must attend the institution and can work only on the campus for 20 hours a week. For scores of students every year, the decision to study abroad is an important decision as foreign education involves huge investment of time, money and effort. For some, it could involve spending the lifetime savings of their parents. While a right decision can take student’s career to great heights on the other hand a wrong move can set him behind resulting in huge monetary losses, a few wasted years, and most importantly, a career setback. The threat poised by fly by night foreign institutions For decades, foreign universities have been an integral part of India’s higher education. Currently, 104,522 are studying in the US followed by over 97,000 in Australia, 25,905 in the UK and over 6,040 in New Zealand. The Global Education Digest 2009 compiled by United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization has thrown up a noteworthy finding: after China, India is the No. 2 country in the world to send the highest number of students pursuing higher education away from home. However, of late there have been instances of institutions shutting shops overnight and jeopardising the future of thousands of students. Thousands of Indian students studying in Australia, for instance, have been left stranded, with the sudden collapse of the Global Campus Management Group closing down four colleges in Sydney and Melbourne. In another instance, hundreds of Indian students were left in the lurch when Sydney’s Sterling College shut suddenly. Education experts are calling on Australia to overhaul the A$13billion ($11-billion) international student sector as reports emerge of private colleges allegedly taking under-the-counter payments for certificates, bogus work references and residency
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 14
visas. About 30 percent of foreign students attend mainstream Australian universities, while the rest are enrolled in smaller institutions such as private language and vocational colleges, mainly to get Permanent Residency. In the UK, the Commons Home Affairs Select Committee estimated that there could be 2,400 privately funded ‘fake’ colleges. Most of these ‘fake colleges’ are fly-by-night operators which offer courses that are in sync with PR.
bear in mind that permanent residency will yield only temporary gains. Only those students who consider education as an investment stand to gain in the long-term, while the rest will be left behind with a weak bank balance and sour memories. Thus it is important to be sure that the university/ college/institution one is applying has a certain standing and is recognised within the home country. Since, it is not just about the few years you would be spending at a foreign locale but also your entire career and life thereafter, finding the ‘right’ institution is of utmost importance. Choosing a course with a focus on PR could prove detrimental. Before flying, students should ensure that they do not fall prey to educational institutions of higher education operating without supervision of a state or professional agency and granting diplomas which are fraudulent or lack standards.
Permanent residency, temporary gains Overseas education and permanent residency (PR) are two very different things and it is dangerous for students to mix them for short-term gains. Many Indian students chose education as a pathway for migration or permanent residency thereby putting money and their careers at stake. Some students are being misguided by fly-by-night immigration consultants who suggest admissions in vocational or private colleges. This is merely to secure Permanent Residency. Some students pay around 20,000 Australian dollars for courses like hair• Choose the right dressing in private institutes after beinstitution lieving some unscrupulous agents who • Treat education as a tell them that they would get permanent residency in Australia as that particulong-term investment lar course is regarded as a high -skilled • PR should be subject. The reality will only dawn on the secondary students when they land in the country only to find that the course is not in the • Examine carefully the required list for the Permanent Residenstudy programs cy. It is estimated that more than 40,000 • Placement international students with vocational skills had applied for permanent residenopportunities should cy in Australia; however, their visa status be uppermost is currently in limbo. The ones who fall • Choose a good prey to fake educational institutions are almost always those students who have consultant not done their homework well. Students aspiring to go abroad should
Key pointers
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 15
Choosing the right course There are several criteria to choose an institution. For some it could be the American dream, Australian adventure or London lure. For others, reputation of the university, study programs, size of the institution, cost effectiveness, placement opportunities and so on. There are a lot of complexities involved in the whole process of studying abroad. Before paying any money or registering for your chosen course, make sure that you know which university or awarding body will award the degree at the end of the course. Before enrolling in a foreign institution, it is essential for the Indian students to find out as much as you can about the accrediting agency and the institutions it accredits, as well as the recognition process of the foreign education ministry. (The author is principal and founder Rani Rudramma Degree & PG college)
c
areer
t
imes
Mission
Admission It’s once again admission time. While the educational institutions are busy preparing for another academic session to begin, the students are vying to grab their share of the pie. Career Times gives you an update on some notable developments. University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations : The University’s department of English for Speakers of Other languages (ESOL) has introduced in India a special Certificate in Advanced English (CAE), which is recognised by the UK Border Agency and more than 2500 institutions. The certificate in advanced English, also termed as Cambridge English Advance not only allows students to demonstrate their English Language proficiency for specific visa and academic purposes, but also provides them UCAS tariff points, which helps Indian students to secure admission in UK Universities. It’ll be beneficial for those applying under Tier-2 of the UK’s point based visa system which covers sponsored skilled workers with a job offer.
Now Free Online MBA Classes from LSBF, London: The London School of Business and Finance (LSBF) has recently started a new course which will make accessing high quality MBA course material just a mouse click away. Students with computer anywhere in the world can sign up to the lessons for free. Accredited by the University of Wales, they only pay once they decide to go forward for formal accreditation (examination). With the LSBF Global MBA, people will be able to access lectures online from its faculty and panel discussion groups. This revolutionary “try before you buy” approach offers two unique advantages: Firstly it means that those interested in learning business skills can now do so from some of the best business lecturers, through an innovative and familiar delivery channel at no cost; and secondly those considering going for formal MBA qualification can test both the quality of the programme and their aptitude and interest before any financial commitment. Even if people do not decide to go for formal accreditation, the LSBF Global MBA will, at no cost, better equip business students to deal with the global job market.
IIT, Kanpur:
Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur will introduce a new concept of awarding two graduation degrees in a time span of five years to its students. This concept will be introduced in the academic session 2011-12. The new program will end the five-year MSc integrated programme currently being run at the IIT. The changed approach will give rise to a much-integrated four-year degree course called Bachelor of Science (BS). Any student interested in taking an extra graduation programme will have to indicate his/ her wish anywhere between second to sixth semester of his/ her current graduation course. Based on one’s performance in the present engineering course, IIT-Kanpur will give individual students a chance to pursue an extra engineering course. Thus, in a period of five years, the individual student will have two graduation degrees in his/ her kitty.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 16
IIT, Hyderabad: Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad will be offering a new four year B-tech course in Chemical Engineering from the ensuing academic year 20112012. The admission to this course will be through JEE. NCTE: The National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) has now made it mandatory for those applying for teaching jobs to appear for the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET). All candidates applying for teaching posts in Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), government, aided and unaided schools will now have to clear TET. This is besides completing BEd or DEd course for teaching job. TET will be introduced from this academic year. AICTE’s new regulations for PGDM : All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has introduced a new system of e-governance in its approval process for PGDM courses. Now onwards all Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programmes shall be of duration not less than 24 months. Admission to all PGDM courses shall be done through a common entrance test such as CAT/MAT or examinations conducted by the respective state governments for all institutions other than minority institutions. The Admission to PGDM, PGDM (Executive) and PGCM shall not commence before 31st March of the academic year. Model curriculum/syllabus for PGDM, PGDM( Executive) and PGCM will be issued by the Council. Admission to PGDM programmes shall be conducted by the respective state governments through their competent authority designated for such purpose. The fees to be charged for PGDM, PGDM (Executive) and PGCM programmes shall be approved by the fee fixation committee of respective state governments. Conduct of examination/arbitration on matters of examination shall be decided by the All India Board of Management, (AICTE). The academic session shall normally run from June 1st to May 31st of the succeeding year. The Council has approved these new regulations to ensure utmost transparency and swiftness in decision making.
metro
deadline alert
EFL University, Hyderabad: The English and Foreign Languages (EFL) University of Hyderabad will be holding an English Proficiency Test (EPT) on May 29 to be conducted by All India English Language Testing Authority (AIELTA). Admissions are in progress for B.A (honors), English , Arabic, French, Japanese, Russian, B.Ed, (English) , M.Ed, two years, MA English, Hindi, Linguistics, TESL, Media and communication, English Literature, Cultural Studies, MCJ, two years, M A Arabic , French, Spanish, PGDTE/A and M.Phil, PHD programmes. Applications are invited from the eligible candidates for these courses. For application form and other details log on to the university website www.efluniversity.ac.in Application forms can also be had directly from University publication Unit or by post. The last date for submission of applications is May 9. For details of English Proficiency Test (EPT) conducted by AIELTA which is scheduled to be held on May 29 logon to website aielta@efluniversity.ac.in NALSAR P G Courses, Hyderabad: National Academy of Legal Studies and Research (NALSAR) University of Law has announced its admission to Post Graduate Diploma Courses for the current year 2011-12. The courses for which admissions are open include PG Diploma in Patents Law (One year), PG Diploma in Cyber Laws (one year), PG diploma in Media Laws (One year) and PG Diploma in International Humanitarian Laws (one year). The deadline for submission of application is May 31. Any Graduate is eligible to apply for these courses. Candidates intending to enroll for admission can download the application form and other details from the website: www.nalsarpro.org or can receive it on request to “The Coordinator, Nalsar Proximate Education by sending a demand draft for Rs. 300 in favour of “Registrar , Nalsar Proximate Education, payable at Hyderabad . The relevant contact nos. are 040-23227956/55, to be contacted between 9.30 am and 5 pm.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 17
p
eople
i n n
ews
Elizabeth Rosemond Taylor Born: 1932, February 27 English-born American actress Birthplace: Hampstead Garden Suburb, London, England
Warren Buffett Born: 1930, August 30 Chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Birthplace: Omaha, Nebraska
The American investor, industrialist and philanthropist, popularly called, the ‘Oracle of Omaha’, was on his maiden visit to India to urge wealthy Indians to sign up for the ‘Giving Pledge’ campaign, a cause he is supporting with the world’s second richest man Bill Gates. As part of his philanthropy mission, the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathway met business tycoons Mukesh Ambani, Wipro boss Azim Premji, Infosys founder Narayana Murthy, Jindal Group’s Savitri Jindal and her sons Navin and Sajjan, brothers Shashi and Ravi Ruia, to consider sharing a large part of their wealth to Giving Pledge. The American billionaire investor turned to India after his unsuccessful philanthropy tourism in China. The number of billionaries in India has been swelling over the years with Forbes recently pegging the figure at Forbes 65 billionaires. However, Buffett and Gates do not expect India’s billionaires to part with their wealth immediately. Perhaps, their visit will only serve the purpose of a classroom lecture on philanthropy as of now.
Elizabeth Taylor, fondly called as Liz Taylor, died of congestive heart disease recently. A two-time winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress, she is one of the great screen actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age. The violeteyed beauty made her debut in 1942 with the movie ‘There’s One Born Every Minute’. By 1944 she became a child star at the age of 12 with the movie ‘National Velvet.’ She was nominated for five Oscars. A long-time friend of pop star Michael Jackson, she won two Academy Awards for best actress, including in the 1966 classic ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolff?’, one of the many films where she played opposite her two-times husband Richard Burton. She also won the best actress award for ‘Butterfield 8’ (1960). Known for stormy romances and embittered personal life, Liz Taylor was married eight times to seven husbands. -- first when she was 18 to playboy hotel chain heir Nicky Hilton. As she grew older, the actress began drinking heavily and grew addicted to prescription drugs. In the last few years, the once legendary beauty took to using a wheelchair in public to cope with crippling back pain.
Rohinton Mistry
Born: 1952, July 3 Indian-Canadian author
Rohinton Mistry, the Indian-Canadian author of three acclaimed books, has been short listed for the £60,000 Man Booker International Prize 2011. Mistry, whose 1991 book ‘Such a Long Journey’ was withdrawn from the Mumbai University syllabus last year amidst a heated debate between the Shiv Sena and the writer. He is also the author of ‘A Fine Balance’ (1996) and ‘Family Matters’ (2002). All the three books had earlier been short listed for the Booker Prize, according to a statement issued by the Man Group, which sponsors the prize, and the Man Booker International Prize Committee. The biennial Man Booker International Prize is awarded for an author’s body of works while the Booker Prize is given every year for a single book. Mistry, a Commonwealth Writers’ Prize winner, has been honoured with Canada-based Governor General’s Award, the Giller Prize, the Los Angeles Times Book Prize and the Winifred Holtby Memorial Prize.
G M Rao
Born: 1930, August 30 GMR Group Chairman GMR’s group chairman GM Rao has pledged to create an endowment worth $340 million in favour of the ‘GMR Varalakshmi Foundation’ for charitable activities to serve the needs of the under-privileged sections of society. This endowment is equivalent to the entire portion of GM Rao’s personal share of the entire business. The foundation is an integral part of the GMR Group and is present in 22 locations in India and abroad. The foundation focuses on providing education and vocational training to the deprived sections of society.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 18
f t ood
Come summer and once again the lure of our favorite mango is driving many to look for ways to relish its delight. Join the Food Times grand party with your family and friends to savour on some delicious mango desserts.
imes
MANGO
MANIA Mango souffle
Mango Payas
Ingredients Mangoes (medium sized): 3-4, Condensed milk: 1 tin, Fresh cream: 400 gms, Milk: 2 cups, Mango puree (fresh): 2 cups, Gelatin: 3 tbsp, Sugar to taste, Method Cut the mangoes into small pieces. Keep it aside. Mix the condensed milk, milk, mango puree and mango pieces. Dissolve the gelatin in half cup water and heat it over a low flame until the granules dissolve. Add it to the above mixture.
Ingredients Milk: 2 l,Fresh paneer: 250 gms, Powdered sugar: 8 tbsp (for the paneer), Sugar: 8 tbsp, Mango puree: 1 cup, Mango pieces: 2 cups, Cardamom powder: 2 tsp, Method Put the milk to boil on a medium flame and let it reduce to half the quantity. Add sugar and give it one more boil. Keep it aside. To the fresh paneer add the powdered sugar and knead well until light and fluffy. Add it to the above mixture. Allow it to cool. Add the mango pieces and mango puree to the above mixture. Add the cardamom powder. Mix well. Serve chilled.
Fresh mango ice cream
Mango Kulfi
Ingredients Milk: 2 l, Sugar: 1 cup, Mangoes (medium sized): 2 (finely chopped), Mango puree (fresh): 1 cup, Fresh cream: 200 gms, Cardamom powder: 1 tsp, Method Put the milk to boil in a pan till it reduces to half the quantity. Add sugar and boil for another 5 minutes. Allow it to cool. Mix the mango puree and fresh cream. Add the chopped mangoes. Mix well. Fill this mixture in Kulfi moulds. Leave it to set in a freezer. At the time of serving cut into pieces and serve.
Note
Ingredients Milk: 1 l, Fresh cream: 200 gms, Sugar: 1- 1 1/2 cup, Gelatine: 3 tbsp, Mangoes (medium sized): 4, Mango puree: 1 cup, Method Boil the milk till it is reduced to half the quantity. Add sugar and give it one more boil. Allow it to cool. Cut the mangoes into small pieces. Dissolve the gelatin in 1/2cup water and heat it over a low flame so that it dissolves completely. Mix the milk and the mango puree. Blend in a mixer. Add the gelatin and mix well. Chill the cream. Add it to the above mixture. Also add the mango pieces. Mix well. Pour this mixture in an ice cream box and set in the refrigerator. Set until firm. Serve in tall glasses topped with mango pieces.
Mango delicacies taste best if you use Alphansoes. However, we can also use Himmaytis. The mangoes should be sweet. The quantity of sugar used in the above recipes may vary depending on the sweetness of the mangoes.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 19
f t ood
Amoré Gelato
imes
Super thick and delightfully creamy, Gelato is Italy’s gift to us. Try their ‘Passion Fruit’ ‘Yoghurt’ or ‘Blueberry Cheesecake gelato’. With no preservatives and added sugar, this is probably the only thing on an Italian menu that won’t force you onto a treadmill instantly. Their main outlets are located opposite Satyam building at Madhapur, GVK One Food Court and Eat Street on Necklace Road.
Movenpick
All things Swiss are fine, from Federer to chocolates so why leave out their ice cream? Movenpick has rich flavors for the rich from Pralines to Pecans. Drop a scoop on their ‘Belgian waffles’ and be the only one wishing summers in Hyderabad were longer. Located at Rhapsody, road number 1, Jubilee Hills.
Ice, Ice Baby
Cream Stone
This franchise brought back the much loved ‘sorbetto’ or ‘slushy’. So order up your brain freeze and top it with blue berry. Also try their ‘Fruit Exotica’ and the ultra chocolaty ‘Willy Wonkie’ that are all time favorites here. Their main outlet is at road number 2, Jubilee Hills and opposite SVM, road number 36, Jubilee Hills.
Beat out the soaring mercury with a refreshing scoop of Ice Cream. Food Times reviews the top places in the city where you can get this season’s chill pill.
Other worthy mentions
Exotica Sinspot - GVK One, Naturals - Sri Nagar Colony, Melting Moments - Banjara Hills ( Try their ‘Fruit Melba’ ) Ohri’s Havmor - Basheer Bagh & Banjara Hills ( Try their ‘Bullseye’ or ‘Awful Awful’ ),
Ice & Jelly A lush lawn, a choice of fruity flavors to sink your teeth into and good summer discounts, Ice & Jelly is a treat to both the eyes and tongue. Try their ‘Hazelnut Quest’ or ‘Plain Raspberry’ and stay tuned for their seasonal Alfonso flavor. Their outlets are located at road number 21, Jubilee Hills and road number 12, Banjara Hills.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 20
Relive every moment with Indian Market is replete with many ice cream brands. Each one striving to grab it’s share. Govind Das Shah, Managing Director, Scoops Ice Cream speaks to Food Times about their strategy to woo customers. Q. What’s the concept behind three different brands under Scoops umbrella? A. Well, Scoops is a customer-centric company and the three different products cater to different customers. The parent brand Scoops is marketed to major clubs, hotels, restaurants, ice cream parlours, malls, multiplexes , railways, airports, government supplies, tourist spots, outdoor catering and so on. Temptations the second brand of the company focuses on different range of flavours and ice creams, targeting the upper class families and elite segment. It has a combination of snacks and ice creams. Cream Stone the third brand targets customers between the age group of 15 and 35. It has an interactive and international class of ice cream stores in Hyderabad and Mumbai. Q. What is your USP? A. Scoops is recognised for its 100 per cent vegetarian ice creams. We do not use eggs in making ice creams even while we produce more than 200 ice cream flavours. From manufacturing unique traditional flavours, natural range and dry fruits to chocolates, fresh fruits, sugar free, low calorie ice creams, vegetable ice creams, mithai flavours and so on. Q: Scoops has a unique philosophy of ‘name it and we will develop it in 48 hours’. A. Scoops has developed many flavours as per the changing lifestyles and we have also customised many flavours for different customers. For example: one of our clients, a star hotel doesn’t allow Pan and Mukvas counter in banquets. So for star hotels, we have developed Pan Ice Creams which serve that purpose. Scoops never compromises on quality. Our products pricing may
metro
scoops be 5- 10 percent higher than market but Scoops believes in always buying quality raw materials so it reflects in the superior quality of our products. Q: With the presence in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra, do you plan to spread your footprints in other states? A. Yes Scoops is planning to expand to other parts of India apart from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka and Maharashtra while currently looking for distributors in these sates. Q: Define the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience offered by Scoops? A. Our dedication to quality and commitment to service has earned us the Ultimate Ice Cream Experience Company for corporate events and social celebrations, especially weddings. We have a dedicated team that works specifically on wedding concepts and ice cream station. We bring in the ultimate ice cream experience with the aim of making the guests take special notice of our ice cream station. However, we are very selective in order to continue our tradition of excellence. For further details : www.scoopsindia.com
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 21
e o t eat
ut
imes
city of Nizams. Three live kitchens clubbed with multi cuisine food with special stress on live Barbeque on the table. A special attraction here that the buffet package here offers is live barbeque embedded on each table along with exquisite range of crunchy salads and mouth watering desserts. The ambience is electrifying right from the start when the steward serves the welcome drink followed by the well-insulated grill in the middle and comes with the skewers loaded with selected Kebabs, semi cooked. Then the customer is asked to add sauces and marinades following that, they have to roast the kebabs till ready to consume. The sizzlers are another unique speciality of Sizzling Grillz, which are served only in the dinner, made to order from the al a’ carte menu, along with the buffet. So indulge yourself with the Live Barbeque and participate in the buffet spread laid out tastefully.
Give yourself a lavish treat
S
izzling Grillz, is a unique fine dine concept restaurant, with a live barbeque on the table, where you can prepare veg and nonveg Kebabs on your personal grills embedded in each table, that will surely make you feel the authentic taste of Kebabs getting grilled right in front of you. The restaurant located at Kothaguda X roads in Kondapur makes you, re-discover the magic of plate presentations with multiple options of main course, being served pre-plated with choice of sizzlers, pastas & Flambés.
Enjoy the taste and feel of a live Barbeque with a grand buffet package at Sizzling Grillz. Food Times takes you over to a mouth watering feast.
The Concept is clubbed in a buffet package, which also includes an exquisite range of crunchy Salads and mouth watering desserts to complete your perfect dining experience. Apart from the non-alcoholic welcome drinks and desserts on the buffet, Sizzling Grillz also offers a choice of ordering from a wide range of exclusive Mocktails and exotic desserts. Two mates at a Catering College, both masters in their own professional trades, decided to put their expertise together and the result, ‘Sizzling Grillz’. The friends Anwar Ali and Imtiyaz Khan, studied at the National Institute of Hotel Management, the former mastered the art of world cuisine while the latter has an expertise in bakery and Confectionery. After mastering their skills at various places around the world, they decided its time to join hands to bring something unique to the
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 22
l
iterary
t
imes
hey ram! Was Gandhi a bisexual? A new book on Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi authored by Joesph Lelyveld claims that the Father Of The Nation was a bisexual and a racist. Literary Times brings you some glimpses from the book.
G
What did the author say in the book? The author claimed that Gandhi was bisexual and left his wife to live with a German man by name Hermann Kallenbach with extracts of the conversations purported to have been exchanged between the two. According to the author, In India, the man is revered as God, a ‘Mahatma’ who Gandhi met Kallenbach who was a body-builder and a freed the country from the shackles of the British. wealthy architect in South Africa and both eventually Extracts from the For many Indians, Gandhi was no less a Jesus fell in love. Joseph Lelyveld claims that Gandhi Book featuring Christ or a Lord Krishna. One of the most inand Kallenbach lived for two years in a house Gandhi’s conversations with triguing figures of the 20th century, numerbuilt by the latter. After Gandhi moved to InHermann Kallenbach ous books have been written to explore dia, he exchanged letters with his beloved “Your portrait (the only one) stands on my the multi facets of Gandhi’s public and and in one of the letters the ‘Father of the mantelpiece in my bedroom. The mantelpiece private life. Some extolled his virtues Nation’ addressed his wife Kasturiba is opposite to the bed.” calling him a revivalist, a revolutionGandhi as “the most venomous woman ary, a social reformer, others defamed I have met.” the legend he was. For some he was a “How completely you have taken possession of my body. This is slavery with a vengeance.” wily politician, an advocate of celibaThis is not the first time that cy. But a bisexual and a racist? Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi’s Gandhi nicknamed himself ‘Upper House’ and private life was a subject of disKallenbach ‘Lower House’ A new biography by former New York cussion by authors. In 2010, auTimes executive editor and Pulitzer Prize thor Jad Adams in the book ‘Naked He made Lower House promise not to “look winner Joseph Lelyveld titled ‘Great Soul: Ambition’ revealed that there were lustfully upon any woman.” The two vowed Mahatma Gandhi And His Struggle With other women in Gandhi’s life, includ“more love, and yet more love ... such India’ demystifies the ‘great soul’ claiming that ing the Danish missionary Esther Faelove as they hope the world has the revered leader was after all racist and bisexuring to whom he wrote many affectionate not yet seen.” al. The book, if released in India, is bound to create letters and the English admiral’s daughter a storm. Already, the book created quite a stir on the Madeleine Slade (Mirabehn) and Rabidranath cyberspace after it was reviewed in the US and British dailies, Tagore’s niece Sarala devi Choudhurani whom he ran headlines ‘Gandhi left his wife to live with a male lover’. There was a called his “spiritual wife” and his attraction to her was such barrage of protests. Gandhians termed it as “blasphemy”. The author him- that he even confessed that he was toying with breaking his self denied writing anything that is defaming in nature. own celibacy rules.
Reactions on the Issue
andhians slammed the author for defaming the national icon. Soon enough, the writer defended his book saying portions of his work were distorted by reviewers. What is the book all about?
“These western writers have a morbid fascination for Gandhi’s sexuality. It only helps them sell their books. It is always open season with Gandhi.” — Gandhi’s greatgrandson Tushar Gandhi
“Gandhi was a human after all and to continually highlight his sexual preferences is just a prurient fascination. This is just a sales tactic.” A sales tactic that is violating the sanctity of writing in general, adds the Mahatma’s granddaughter, —Tara Gandhi Bhattacharjee, vice chair person, Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 23
It is perfectly alright for an author to be influenced, motivated by real life characters and take liberty to dramatise certain incidents. But this liberty should be restricted to an extent, where the image of national iconic leaders is not tarnished and sentiments of their followers not hurt. — Editor, Metro City Times
l
iterary
t
imes
Sheridan Simove’s blank book ‘What Men Think About Apart From Sex’ is laughing all the way to the hilt. City youngsters are lapping up the book. Some ‘played the fool’ on April All Fool’s Day. Others want to gift the book to their bosses. Some agree with the author that men don’t think anything beyond sex, others disagree. Literary Times reports on the funiest prank of the year. In Hyderabad, for instance, Landmark in Banjara Hills sold all the books on arrival. The staff at Landmark stores said most of the buyers were in the age group of 20s and 30s, some even young girls. The scene is no different in other bookstores like Walden. Some youngsters are buying more than one book to “play the fool” with their friends. Literary Times spoke to a few people who bought the book. Says Kalyani, a student of Villa Marie, “The title is definitely tempting and teasing. When my friend opened the book, he found blank pages. It was a fantastic prank. He kept curiously shuffling through pages only to find them blank. On April Fool’s Day I could not find a better way to fool him. I could laugh my way the whole day?”
200 Pages of
Blank sex
H
ow often do men think about sex and what are their sexual fantasies? Some researchers’ think men fantasise at least once a day, it could be every few minutes or every seven seconds. According to a report, 54 percent of men think about sex every day or several times a day, 43 percent a few times a week or a few times a month, and 4 percent less than once a month. But 39-year- old British author, comedian and entrepreneur Sheridan Howard Simove in his recent book ‘What Every Man Thinks About Apart From Sex’ concludes that men don’t think anything beyond sex. Interestingly, the book doesn’t offer a single word on the subject. Barring the cover page with the title ‘What Every Man Thinks About Apart From Sex’, the book has 200 empty pages. Yes, you read it right ----- 200 blank pages.
While students like Kalyani who picked up the book to fool her friend, Srinivas Ikkurthi, a 30-year-old marketing manger with a marine company, bought the book to gift his boss. “The book serves as a perfect and unique gift particularly when I don’t know the reading habits of my boss. At least, I don’t have to sit and worry that it was a thoughtless choice.” Although the book doesn’t offer any insight into the man’s sexual behavior, Ananth Ram Yadav, a student of mass communication and journalism, disagrees that men think only about sex. “If someone says sex is least important in life, he would only be lying. Men and women both have sex on their minds but it can’t be a constant thing. I think it’s a myth that all men think about sex and nothing else. Men have a lot to think about in their lives such as career, family so on and so forth. I have intellect, spirituality. I am preoccupied with a host of things other than sex like fear, joy and ambition. The author reduces men to be emotionally bankrupt sex addicts with his title. At best, the book has a titillating value.” Fellow classmate Pranay Kumar disagrees with Ananth Ram. He feels that men can be sexually motivated at the slightest pretext from the very sight of a young girl putting on lipstick to the sheer smell of feminine perfume. While the debate continues, for now, the author is laughing all the way to the bank and without writing a single word at that. Brilliant idea, isn’t it?
According to the author, it took 39 years of painstaking research and practical study to write the book. Well, actually not writing anything. While one may think the author fooled around by not giving any insight into the subject, the book emerged as the bestseller on Amazon. com surpassing even Dan Brown’s Da Vinci Code and JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Being a comedian, the joke which was turned into book is being well-received. Priced at £4.69, the book is being lapped up by students across the world. One wonders why. Students in Britain are buying the book by the dozen to jot down notes. Others are buying it as a novelty gift.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 24
h
ealth
t
A
rthritis is an inflammation of a joint, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, instability and often deformity. Severe arthritis interferes with a person’s activities and limits lifestyle. The primary reason for a total knee replacement is to reduce pain and to improve your quality of life. It also helps to restore motion, straighten the leg; improve stability and the function of the joint. In total knee replacement, the surface of the joint is replaced with metal and plastic surfaces which can function similar to a normal joint.
imes
This is accomplished by surgically trimming the arthritic ends of the bones and replacing them with new metal and plastic surfaces. In reality, a total knee replacement is “resurfacing” of the joint. Most of the supporting ligaments, tendons and muscles around the knee joint are retained. The new joint’s surfaces mimic the natural knee it replaces. Although the idea of getting an artificial knee joint may be intimidating, it is one of the safest and most effective medical procedures. What kind of patients should go for total knee replacement? Total knee replacement is recommended for patients with arthritis who have severe pain and limited function which significantly affects quality of life. The most common reason to have a total knee replacement is to relieve arthritic pain. The pain may not be excruciating at any particular time, but it is often chronic and disabling. Everyone’s pain is different, and the degree of pain sufficient to justify surgery should be decided by the patient and the doctor together. Painful and arthritic knees can become unstable, causing falls and other injuries. Climbing stairs, getting up from chairs and extended walking can also be difficult. While most arthritic knees are the result of degenerative arthritis or osteoarthritis, other conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, trauma, prior surgeries, instability and tumors can also be relieved by total knee replacement.
knee replacement can helpreduce pain Arthritis interferes with a person’s activities and limits lifestyle. The primary reason for a total knee replacement is to reduce pain and to improve one’s quality of life. Health Times speaks to Dr Neelam V. Ramana Reddy on exercising the option. metro
What is the long-term prognosis for Total Knee Replacement? On an individual basis it is impossible to predict how long a knee replacement will last. With newer materials and techniques, the lifespan of knee replacements continue to increase. The studies of modern knee replacement report clinical survivorship says up to 97% of total knee implants lasts 12 to 15 years. For further details:info @ metrocitytimes.in (Dr Neelam V. Ramana Reddy , MS Ortho; MCh Ortho (UK) Consultant Joint Replacement Surgeonat Kamineni Bone & Joint Hospital King Koti, Ph:9849169596)
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 25
h
ealth
t
imes
The diet formula
You may have tried all types of weight-loss diets recommended by celebrities, dieticians, friends, colleagues or the Internet.Health Times gets you the fitness mantra. Eating after a long time post exercising It is important to eat before exercising/work out to give you energy to perform. However, it is also important that you don’t starve yourself for a long period after your workout. Remember, after a workout you need to replenish your body for the wear and tear it has been through during the workout. Eat a healthy meal after sufficient time.
Not drinking enough water
You huff and puff in the gym, religiously weigh yourself daily on the weighing scale and still don’t manage to knock out those extra pounds. So where exactly are you going wrong? The answer is simple, there’s something wrong with your diet. Are you making any of the following diet mistakes?
Skipping breakfast The idea that skipping breakfast induces weight-loss is enticing but harmful. Skipping breakfast leads to over-eating during lunch because you’ve been starving yourself. You need to have a healthy breakfast to give you energy to begin your day with vigour and vitality.
Going on a crash-diet Crash diets never last long and eventually crash big-time! There is no magic formula or potion that will make you lose weight in a jiffy. Crash diets do not constitute a proper balanced diet, which keep you low on energy and also irritable.
Substituting meals with energy bars Substituting energy bars for meals is a no-no. These bars are sometimes loaded with artificial sweetners that can be harmful to your body in the long run. Not eating before a workout .This is another favourite mistake that people practice. They think that they will end losing even more weight after their workout. In reality, what happens is that you lack energy for your workout and thus, don’t indulge in a proper workout.
Not consuming enough water is a common diet mistake, which will make you dehydrated. Also, dehydration leads to your metabolism slowing down. Studies have shown that people who consume enough water tend to burn more calories. It is recommended that you drink at least eight to 10 glasses everyday.
Eliminating dairy products Cheese, ice-creams and chocolate milkshakes are not signs of a healthy diet. However, eliminating dairy products altogether is not a wise decision. Your body needs calcium to strengthen your bones, especially if you workout religiously. Calcium is largely derived from dairy products. Opt for low-fat milk, curds and paneer instead.
If you exercise, you can eat anything Just because you exercise regularly doesn’t mean you can feast on junk food all the time, without worrying. Exercise won’t benefit you much if you stuff your body with garbage. Exercise alone is not sufficient, you need to maintain a healthy, balanced diet comprising whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
Unhealthy snacking You feel good about yourself that you workout religiously. But when you’re at work, you constantly eat at your desk. Whether its a bag of chips, chivda, chocolate-chip cookies, a generous piece of a colleague’s birthday cake or guzzling cups of coffee. This kind of unchecked snacking is unhealthy.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 26
Skipping carbs Skipping carbs completely from your diet is again unhealthy. Your body needs some amount of carbohydrates for a good workout. Include whole grain based foods like whole wheat bread orchapaatis to maintain that carbquotient.
m
usic
t
imes
Worshipping
ideal singer
Pranati Nandamuri caught up with the new kid on the singing block at Shilpakala Vedika auditorium right after his charity concert.
I am waiting for my chance to sing for Rahman. I like when people come for autographs. Who doesn’t like the attention. At times, I get very little time to take care of myself. For instance, I badly need a shave. Do I look good in the stubble?
H
e moved Sanjay Dutt to tears with the rendition of A R Rehman’s soulful composition Khwaja Mere khwaja from Jodha Akbar and earned a jadu ki jhappi from the Munnabhai. Hema Malini spoke in broken Telugu and asked him to sing one of her favorite Telugu songs. Bollywood divas Bips and Kat were floored by his latent singing talent. Mynampati Sreeram Chandra achieved what other Andhra (oops Andhra Pradesh) boys Karunya and Hema Chandra couldn’t -- the coveted Indian Idol 5 crown.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 27
”
Dressed in a white shirt and a faded denim jeans with slightly jelled hair, the 23-something was all smiles under the glare of the flash bulbs with fellow journalists hounding him for a quick byte. “I am super excited and thrilled. Man, it was like a dream to be on stage with Shankar Mahadevan, Subha Mudgal, Sunidhi Chauhan and Shaan. They represent India on the world stage. I was half nervous to share the stage with such pro singers. But staying with them in the same hotel erased half of my jitters. They are cool.”
The stubbly chin was a sure indication of Sreeram’s busy schedules. For someone who has been tirelessly touring Bangkok, Dubai, Kuwait, even Germany, the stubble is but natural. And why not, the Indian Idol 5 propelled him to instant stardom. “I like when people people come for autographs. Who doesn’t like the attention. At times, I get very little time to take care of myself. For instance, I badly need a shave. I need to freshen up. Do I look good in the stubble? he asks with a peevish smile. A resident of Bowenpally and a student of St. Andrews High School in the same neighbourhood, Sreeram is mama’s boy and sister Aswhini’s darling bro. “We fight a lot. But then she is my darling. She used to pack lunches and breakfast for me whenever I had to visit outstation.” An engineering graduate from Royal Institute of Technology and Science, this not-so-shy lad had his share of struggling days like most others who entered the industry before him. From waiting outside studios for audition to playback singing in small budget films to lending his voice in radio ads and chorus, Sreeram has been there and done that. “I wouldn’t say I struggled like most other successful musicians and singers of my previous generation. Fortunately, for singers like me reality shows are giving a fantastic platform to realise our dream and passion. The reality shows give a direct entry into the tinsel world without having to struggle much. Once entered, I think it depends on the individual ’s calibre, the songs that come our way etc,” he says with a serious tone. As a child he sung Lata Mangeshkar’s ‘Vande Mataram’ patriotic song at the school assembly which was his first performance. “My first live show performance was at an orchestra event organised by my uncle when I was studying in sixth standard. I have also sung 35 songs in Telugu films so far,” he said. Under the tutelage of his uncle C Venkatachalam, Sreeram learnt the finer naunces of singing when he was a six-year-old boy. “Venkatachalam uncle wanted me to accompany his daughter in an event of his. Me and my cousin did a duet performance and was well appreciated by the audience,” recollects Sreeram. Son of High Court lawyer M V S N Prasad and home maker Jaya Lakshmi, Sreeram is dicplined, obedient kid and shares everthing with his parents. Before making it to Indian Idol, besides Telugu movieshe has been a regular with corporate shows and stage performances but all this didn’t stop Sreeram from standing in queque for his chance at the audition. “It was my mom who encouraged me to take part in the Indian Idol show. She saw an advertisement for auditions, jotted down the numbers and asked me to call up. I was hesitant, but my mom prodded me to participate. I flew to Ahmedabad for the auditions. I stood in the queue from 4 am and auditioned at around 11 am,” he smiles. Does star status affect his ties with his old buddies? “I won’t let celebrity status go to my mind. Instead, I would like to keep working hard and be a better singer even though people now know me as a celebrity. Whenever I am in town I make sure to meet my friends. They have been very supportive of me. In my college days, I used to hang out with my friends at a Chinese bandi near the Secunderabad club.” After winning the Indian Idol 5 winner, Sreeram’s career graph seems to be touching new heights with offers flooding. He recenlty finished recording the special song for The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. The song called Rehnuma, composed by Harpreet, will feature with the end credits of the respective language version of the film and will also have a special music video featuring Sreeram and clips from the film. Offers have been pouring in ever since he won the Indian idol. Sreeram recently recorded for three Telugu movies, Katti, Broker and Appal Raju KSD Appalaraju, Kalyanram Kathi, Kothimuka, Andari Bandhuvayya among many others. “I am waiting for my chance to sing for Rahman,” he says hopefully. Metro City Times wishes that this dream of his will come true.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 28
m t ovie
imes
Dum Maro Dum
I
f you were born in the 70s, Dum Maro Dum signified two things --- the psychedelic hippie culture and Zeenat Aman swaying under the drug-induced haze hypnotically encouraging the longhaired and the kurta-clads to ‘take another toke’. In Dev Anand’s magical Hare Rama Hare Krishna, mini-skirt clad Zeenat surrounded by a cloud of thick pot smoke in her stupor sings Dum maaro dum mit jaaye gam. Bolo subah shaam Hare Rama, Hare Krishna. That was the 70s in Kathmandu trappings. Deepika Padukone does Zeenat crooning the Dum Maro Dum in a rave party setting in Goa. In Hare Rama, Hare Krishna, Asha Bhosle lent her voice to Zeenat, while Anushka Manchanda crooned it for Deepika Padukone in Dum Maro Dum.
Deepika on
Zeenat’s trip
s
ie v o M g n i Upcom
Bollywood metro
Said to be on the lines of the Oscar winning Traffic of Steven Soderbergh, Dum Maaro Dum directed by Rohan Sippy delves into dark underbelly of Goa’s narcotics mafia and sex trade. Dum Maro Dum was released in last month. The film is about three people whose lives change forever after an incident. The junior Bachchan dons the role of a cop Vishnu Kamath to bust the narcotic ring in the land of beaches. The film made headlines for the revival of the cult song Dum Maaro Dum, which the legendary actor has objected to. Leader fame Rana Daggubati marks his debut in Bollywood. In the movie, he plays the role of a disillusioned DJ who drifts aimlessly after an encounter with mafia that costs him everything dear in his life. In a first press interaction in Hyderabad, Rana said, “I did it because I won’t get this kind of experience in regional cinema. “I had little experience as compared to Bipasha and I had not even met her but she made me comfortable and we became friends. The Dum Maro Dum experience will stay with me forever. “It’s a great product and it was wonderful to have worked in it,” Bipasha said. “I made great friends too.” Sultry beauty Bipasha Basu plays the role of an aspiring airhostess as Zoe while Aditya Pancholi dons the role of a ruthless businessman Lorsa Biscuta aka the Biscuit. In the film, the Dhoobi Ghat-fame Prateek Babbar plays the character Lorry, a dejected student in love with a girl who leaves to the US. He dreams to join his girlfriend, but his scholarship gets rejected and his life goes for a toss after he meets hustler. The movie promises to be close to reality in the Goan settings amidst the Konkani beats with several twists and turns. Two months before the release of the film, Dum Maro Dum raised the hackles of the Goa government with the police officials demanding the movie maker to show the promos and the publicity material before it goes out into the market.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 29
ovie
imes
‘Bips is my god mother’
”
m t
Now, link ups are an integral part of filmdom, aren’t they? Next time, my co-star will be X, Y, Z and the gossip columns will be talking about either the X, Y or the Z. Should you take them seriously? Besides, controversies and link ups are a price you have to pay as an actor.
”
Pranati Nandamuri spoke to the handsome hunk Rana Daggubati in the run up to the release of Dum Maro Dum recently in the city.
“T
he hand that rules the newspaper thinks it rules cinema!! Less do they know that they need to rule their own brains before writing!” A bold and defiant Tweet of a dashing actor, a debutant whose name was dragged into the dirty “REAL” world of drugs. But the man in question himself was not shaken by the news reports. Unfazed by the adverse publicity, Rana Daggubati stood rock solid and remained cool microblogging his views on the media. Incidentally, the actor is now enacting the “REEL” role of a disillusioned DJ caught in the mire of drug mafia. Pranati Nandamuri spoke to the 6- foot, 3-inch handsome hunk after a press meet on Dum Maro Dum held in the city. Dressed in a navy-blue denim shirt and two ear studs matching the color of his shirt, the scion of the Daggubati family looked his cool self, someone who was still caught in ‘Dum Maro Dum’ stupor.
metro
Excerpts from the interview. Tollywood debut with Leader. Bollywood debut with Dum Maro Dum. Are you still a debutante? In a way, yes. For that matter, every new film is a debut. It’s like a new innings for a cricketer. Sachin was a quiet guy at 16, he still is the same quiet resolute man, plays every match with the same commitment like it’s his debut match. See, when your debut film rings at the box office, the expectations will be astronomical from everyone right from directors, producers to audience. You have to raise the bar each time. After the success of Leader, I was waiting for some good script in either Telugu or Tamil. Luckily, for me, Dum Maro Dum happened, a debut into the world of Bollywood which gave me exposure and of course some very good friends.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 30
You made a reference to Sachin, are you inspired by him in any way?
Good friends, like? Like Bipasha Basu? You also tweeted about her, didn’t you? Now don’t try to read between the lines. Yes, of course, Bips is a great friend. You read the tweet, right? It is embarrassing to link me up with her. She is a fantastic costar. She has been my god mother who took care of me on the sets, helped me when I was fumbling in some areas of my work. Abhi is a cool guy and both of them really helped me, made me feel at home. Now, link ups are an integral part of filmdom, aren’t they? Next time, my co-star will be X, Y, Z and the gossip columns will be talking about either the X, Y or the Z. Should you take them seriously? Besides, controversies and link ups are a price you have to pay as an actor. I completely forgot to mention Prateik is a great friend too, in fact more like my brother. Since we both are new comers to Bollywood, we jelled quite well. Actually, he is more than a friend, more like my younger bro.
metro
I would be killed if I said no. Seriously, who wouldn’t be? He is almost god-like, one man in billion people. You were born in Chennai, did your film course in Mumbai, now in Hyderabad. Wasn’t language a hindrance in doing. Dum Maro Dum, I mean diction, picking up local flavor and mannerisms. Hindi in the north belt differs from that of say Hyderabad or Mumbai. How was it with you? Language is and never will be an issue in films. We have actors from other parts of the country doing films in Telugu and our actors right from the days of Sridevi moved to Bollywood. And remember, she has done exceptionally well. Initially, I had problems with the diction part but then a fulltime Hindi tutor was on board who taught the language akin to Goan nativity. The co-stars too helped me in fine-tuning where ever it was required. Besides, Hindi, am also learning guitar. You have to tell me how I played in the movie.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 31
Your tweets are bold and upfront. Don’t you think they would land you in trouble? Remember Shashi Tharoor landed himself in controversies with his tweets. Are my tweets bold? Thanks for the compliment. (he laughs). Well, social networking sites are meant to be that way. But then, I realised that I need to tone down a bit and have been careful in trying to be “politically correct”. If you have observed, I haven’t been too active, in the sense that now there are only fewer posts. At times, my posts were distorted in the media. Lately, I have been using the cyberspace for good use like choosing the lead female actor for my film “Nenu Na Rakshasi”. It’s easy that way. You don’t need to painstakingly interview each and every aspiring actress. Internet helps us interact with a large number of people at the same real time. Dum Maro Dum stirred up hornet’s nest in Goa with the state government alleging that the movie portrayed Goa in a poor light. Your take.
The subject was bound to be a little controversial since it deals with narcotics and stuff. The movie comes with a message though. Goa is a fantabulous place to live, people are warm, the beaches, the churches, every thing about Goa is amazing. By the way, it’s not about Goa. It’s about why and who murkies our cities. Will your next debut could be an English movie? There is this news that you have already signed an English movie, haven’t you? Is your plate full? Umpteeth time I was asked about this. It is an English movie yes, but not a Hollywood movie. I wish I get my hands on Hollywood film some time in the near future. As regards the movie, Rakh director Aditya Bhattacharya approached me. The movie will take off by either the end of this year or the beginning of 2012. Besides that, I am doing Tamil-Telugu bilingual film directed by Selva Raghavan. It is a love story. We are currently on the look out for the lead female actor. We have done several round of auditions with new crop of aspiring actresses, but yet to chance upon the chosen one. Where is that girl!!!!
The subject was bound to be a little controversial since it deals with narcotics and stuff. The movie comes with a message though. Goa is a fantabulous place to live, people are warm, the beaches, the churches, every thing about Goa is amazing. By the way, it’s not about Goa. It’s about why and who murkies our cities.
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 32
c
hat pata
t
imes
Munni in Guinness
ShaHkrukh Khan joins Facebook
“Munni badnaam hui” has entered the Guinness Book of World Records. Over 1,200 people danced for three minutes on the song, led by Malaika Arora Khan in Melbourne, Australia. The event was organised by Indian Film Festival 2011 director Mitu Bhowmick Lange. Malaika also received a certificate for setting the record. The earlier record was set in Singapore when over 1008 people danced on a song.
After his bitter tryst with Twitter, the King Khan who vowed never to use social networking sites, has decided to join Facebook to reach out to a wider audience. The ‘Badshah of Bollywood’ officially broke the wall on the premiere of his 22-minute documentary Mughal-E-Azam to mark the 51st anniversary of the timeless classic. And knowing how Shahrukh shared snippets from his personal life on Twitter, his Facebook wall too would have its shares of peeks into the private world of King Khan. Catch the Khan here : http://www.facebook.com/IAmSRK
Rakhi SAWANT rejects Russel Crowe offer
Sex siren Rakhi Sawant knows how to hit the headlines. The ‘rani of nautanki’ claims that Gladatior fame Russel Crowe approached her to act in his film, but Rakhi declined the offer. And why? The role demanded intimate lovemaking scenes and she was not comfortable enacting them. “Mujhe do offers aaye thay (I had received two offers). Ek Rusell Crow ke saath thi. They wanted me to wear a two-piece. As per the offer, I was asked to do some bed and smooch scenes. Na baba, mujshe nahi hoga. Pole dance is ok, but sex scenes and me? No, way.”
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 33
c
hat pata
t
imes
What’s Wrong With Sonam?
I
s there something seriously wrong with Sonam Kapoor’s health, more than what meets the eye? The ‘Masakali girl’, who stormed her way into millions of hearts with Delhi 6, was recently hospitalised at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital in Mumbai apparently due to exhaustion while shooting for her upcoming movie Mausam at Karjat. Her illness cost the producer Sheetal Talwar close to Rs 3 crore as the shooting was cancelled and the elaborate settings had to be dismantled. This is the second time that a sequence has been cancelled due to Kapoor’s ill health. The previous time, she had fallen ill with typhoid in Canada while shooting for Anees Bazmee’s ‘Thank You’. During the shoot, Sonam profusely puked and an unnerved Anees had to cancel the shooting. Sonam’s frequent illness is taking a toll on her career with almost every project of hers coming to a standstill, leaving a hole in producers’ pockets. Understandably, her illustrious papa Anil Kapoor and mom Su-
nita are a worried lot and why not. Sonam was subject to a battery of investigations including sonogrpahy, blood tests etc. The director of the film Pankaj Kapur was apparently miffed at the ‘Delhi 6’ girl for being perennially late for the shoots. In one occasion, Sonam reportedly stormed out of the sets complaining that she was shabbily treated by the filmmakers by not providing her with facilities like hotel room etc. Notwithstanding the several hiccups of Mausam shooting, producer Sheetal Talwar, however, played down her health condition saying they are not counting the pennies lost but are concerned about her career and health. In Mausam, Sonam Kapoor is paired along side Shahid Kapoor and in the film Sonam’s role will be immortalised the way Mughal-e-Azam and Pakeezah immortalised Mudhubala and Meena Kumari.
T
Who Anna,
whose Anna?
says RGV he never heard
OF Hazare metro
here he goes again. Maverick director Ram Gopal Varma knows how to be in news. The man, known for his outlandish statements, doesn’t know who Anna Hazare is even as the entire nation is rallying around the hardcore Gandhian in support for his anti-corruption movement. But no, RGV says ‘who Anna and whose Anna.?” While the entire Bollywood was seen with Anna Hazare (perhaps part of their PR exercise), RGV in his inimitable style Tweeted, “I have no idea who Anna Hazare is as I don’t keep track of anyone except for film people and gangsters. I don’t know what he is fasting for because I don’t know what he or anybody else in the whole world is up to as I am too busy in my film work.” Further in his post, RGV Tweeted, “I will never ever fast for anything except for my own personal diet. Been hearing bout corruption since childhood..hope all the
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 34
twitter and Facebook noise will also convert to physical power.” Anna, Ram Gopal Varma, you are more than maverick!! Meanwhile, RGV is on movie-making spree. After Tollywood’s Rayalaseema-faction story Raktacharitra, KSD Appalaraju and zero budget Dongala Mutha, the ‘Godfather’ of crime thrillers and horror movies, RGV is back again with his obsession for gory stories. Away from mafia stories, RGV this time has picked up the murder of Karnataka-born model and actor Maria Susairaj and her fiancé naval officer Emile Jerome Mathew in 2008 by Maria’s ex-lover-TV producer Neeraj Grover. The movie can be expected to have all the typical trappings of RGV brand of movie-making. Titled “A Love Story,” RGV reportedly signed Dev D-fame Mahie Gill who essays the role of Susairaj. Well, don’t expect belly songs and body gyrations in the movie.
l
istings
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 35
l
istings
Restaurants & Caterers
GUEST HOUSE
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 36
l
istings
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 37
v
aastu
t
imes
CityDwellers UnderThreatOf a Strange Force Are you wondering why things are going hey wire in your lives in spite of utmost efforts? You may be staying in a Vastu perfect house, but there are forces acting beyond it that could be devastating your lives, says A.K. Verma metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 38
A
large number of people of Hyderabad are looming under a constant threat of a strange force beyond their control. They are under a threat of something they had never imagined in their wildest of dreams. You might not be aware of why things are going wrong in your life? In spite of your house being Vastu perfect or almost near to it. You may be wondering why things are going hey wire even after your utmost efforts? The prevalence of cracks, faults and underground water streams passing under the topography of your house might be causing Geopathic Stress (GS), a phenomenon devastating your lives. The city dwellings have a higher probability of being exposed to this menace by virtue of the rocky topography of the region.. During the course of my practicing Vastu for several years I came across many residential and commercial premises which appeared correct as per Vastu but still the inmates were in a disturbed state. Forces that were acting beyond one’s horoscope. Research has revealed about the prevalence of Geopathic Stress in their houses that was wrecking the peace and prosperity of their lives.
‘Geo’ means earth while ‘Pathic’ emanates from Pathos, which means sufferings. So literally ‘sufferings of the earth’ is used to describe harmful earth rays which originate from the earth and cause discomfort and ill health for those living above it. The earth energies can be good, bad and natural. GS is a natural radiation of harmful rays which rise up to the surface of the earth from the cracks and crevices down below. These are distorted by weak electromagnetic fields created by subterranean streams, certain mineral concentrations and underground cavities. Wavelength of natural radiation that is disturbed in this way is extremely harmful to human, animal and plant life. The effect of radiations caused by GS is the same as that of electromagnetic frequencies but can be much verse.
Key Indicators Of Geopathic Stress Does your baby cry continuously or infant keeps wetting the bed? Do you ever feel run down and exhausted? Are you suffering from any of these symptoms: headaches, feeling cold, especially hands and feet getting numb, frequent muscle cramps, tingling in arms and legs, frequently grinding teeth, feeling anxious or nervy, depressed, no zest for life, irritability, often get angry, breathlessness, behavioural problems in children or even effected by Cancer. Or are you suffering from insomnia, muzzy headedness, irritable bowl syndrome, poor memory, rashes, get vivid dreams, sexual difficulty, allergies, it could be all due to Geopathic Stress. In 1929 one German scientist Von Pohl conducted an experiment in a small town of Vilbisburg. He dowsed the entire town for harmful earth energies caused by underground water forces and compared the map with the list of all residences of Cancer patients. Over the past ten years he came across 42 Cancer cases in the town and arrived at a hundred percent correlation with this phenomenon. This experiment was repeated in several towns next year and the results were same. A clear connection was established between Cancer and GS. Often we do not realise its presence in our homes or workplace. The overhead power lines are visible and we can choose not to live under them. But we cannot see GS which is present underground. It is common to hear from people that they feel uncomfortable in their homes but are unable to figure out why? Or that health and family relationship has deteriorated since they moved in. Geopathic Stress affects the very foundation of your lives. It can cause resistance to treatment of both Allopathic and alternate therapies.
line. In one startling case I came across three patients of Cancer in one house at Gwalior. It aroused my curosity to research in the area. On investigations I found the GS line was very active under their house. And the inmates have been suffering silently without their fault. In Hyderabad many such cases are available. There was a family living in Rain Tree apartments in Kukatpally, where their eight month old daughter was suffering from ‘ Lymphatic Syndrome’. The child would cry all the time in great pain. On conducting my tes and analysis I found the GS line passing directly under the bed of that child. Moment she was shifted from their she started responding to the treatment and her health improved. Later on realising the adverse impact of staying in a house effected by GS the couple moved out to another apartment. In another case there was this child at Keshavbale Apartments in Anand Nagar, who would fall sick almost every third or fourth day and the parents were unable to understand the cause. However, when their flat was put under analysis it was found that a GS line is crossing the entire flat crossing both the bedrooms and dining space. Little modification in placement of bed and other objects along with the placement of certain pyramid yantra and crystal ball (energising devices) helped them to get relief from the situation. Another such case that comes to my mind is that of a flat in Royal Pavellian Shilli Estate, located in Ameerpet, opposite to Big Bazar that I examined recently. The lady of the house used to sleep on a bed which had a GS line passing diagonally through the lower portion. It had affected in such a way that she would have severe leg pain and was feeling difficulty in walking. Once again certain remedies undertaken by them including replacement of objects and the installation of energising devices in their house helped to counter the harmful radiations caused by Geopathic stress. Gradually the state of affairs in their life has improved. So the menace is manegable in certain cases where the remedies can be implemented while in others where place is effected all over with a higher intensity of harmful radiations the only solution i s to relocate to a safer place. For further details contact: Ph: +918121806885, +919425028600 or email: info@ metrocitytimes.in (The author is city’s leading Vastu consultant.)
Sleeping on a GS line is particularly stressful, as a large area of our body is exposed to it. Also most people sleep during the night, when GS is stronger. When we sleep our brain is supposed to rest half the time and is busy healing our body during the other half. However, if we are under the effect of GS while sleeping then our brain has to spend all of it’s time working due to the strain of GS and we wake up tired. Moreover, we spend about one third of our life sleeping, hence our sleep must be free from Geopathic Stress. During my practicing Vastu for last several years I have come across many such houses and apartments built over the GS
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 39
t
H
ad Lewis Carroll penned his Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland in India, he may have found inspiration in Belum Caves. Falling through the cavern’s sinkhole, his heroine would have tumbled down a bizarre subterranean realm and found adventures galore. Famous for their stalactite and stalagmite formations. Belum Caves, about 110 km from Kurnool town are one of the longest natural caves in the country next only to Meghalaya caves. First mentioned by British geologist H B Foote in his records in 1884, the caves were explored and mapped in the early 80s by German Deniel Gebauer along with the locals in Belum (originally Bilum meaning caves). It has been opened to public as a tourist spot in February 2002. Currently, a length of 3.5 km has been developed for the enthusiastic tourist to trek.
ravel
t
imes
Explore the Belum Beau
found here. Belum’s cavescapes are historically significant; the relics found suggest that Buddhist monks used to worship here thousands of years ago, an idea strengthened by the giant marble Buddha statue erected outside the cave. The cavern’s wonders await you as you take the stairs down the cave sinkhole with a guide and pass through the Simhadwaram (Lion’s Gate). It is a natural arch of stalactites formed in the shape of a lion’s head. The stalactites and stalagamites at Maya Mandir invite endless interpretation, recalling shapes as varied as skeleton, a hand, a map of India and a Ganesha idol. Kotilingalu
The discovery of a ‘musical chamber’ in the Belum Caves has added a new facet and generated excitement. Measuring 60 ft in length, the new passage is leading to a chamber of `Stalactites’, according to officials of the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development Corporation (APTDC). The chamber has an interesting feature— the Stalactites produce metallic sounds of different tunes. Hence the discoverers have christened it `Saptasvarala Guha’, APTDC said. Currently, the passage is too narrow and one has to crawl to enter it. The excavators also unearthed another huge chamber measuring 25 feet by 15 feet with Stalagmite and Stalactite formations. Full exploration of this chamber is also being taken up by APTDC. The area of cave known as “Meditation hall” was used by Buddhist Monks. The relics of Buddhist period were
Famous for their stalactite and stalagmite formations, Belum Caves, about 110 km from Kurnool are historically significant, reports Travel Times. metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 40
Chamber - This section contains stalactite formations which are akin to Shiva lingams. This section has thousands of such stalactite giving it a surrealistic look. It has one huge pillar formed due to stalactite and stalagmite joining together. Patalaganga - It is a small perennial stream which disappears into the depths of the earth. The Banyan Tree is the result of the union of thousands of stalactites and stalagamites and the roomy mandapam with its border of mango leaf-shaped hangings could host a huge wedding procession. Thousand Hoods is a section in the caves where you can see the formation like that of a cobra with thousand hoods. The Belum caves have been a good tourist draw. Since February, about 61,406 tourists have visited the caves. On Sundays, about 3000 people visit it. The tourists are charged an amount of Rs.30.00 for entrance. Foreign Tourists are charged Rs.300.00 per person for entrance. Acommodation: APTDC runs Punnami Hotel in vicinity of Belum Caves. The only accommodation type offered is a
32-bedded dormitory for Rs 40 per head. Thanks to the lighting, air blowers and stairs and bridges put in place by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Development, a tour takes under two easy hours. You emerge humbled by the craftsmanship of nature. On the drive back towards Hyderabad, more geological marvels await you at the Oravakallu Rock Garden (60 km from Kurnool, 2.5 hours from Belum, entry free). A favoured local spot, Oravakallu has an untouched quality about it. This long stretch of bizarre natural rock formations nestled between water bodies is a must-visit. The earthy palette of brows and slates would give any rainbow a run for its hues. If you are in Kurnool, a visit to Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary is a must. Located 45 km from Kurnool on the Nandikotkur-Nandyal Road, the dry forest is home to rare fauna. Spotting endangered great Indian bustard is the ultimate reward for arriving early in the morning, but you are almost certain to glimpse spiral-horned black buck gracefully through the tall wild grass.
metro
A favoured local spot, Oravakallu has an untouched quality about it. This long stretch of bizarre natural rock formations nestled between water bodies is a must-visit.
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 41
ravel
t
imes
n i H s yde s i m
r abad
Can’t
t
Chowmohalla palace:
Salarjung Museum:
Situated on the banks of Musi River, the museum is a treasure trove of priceless antiques and relics collected from across the world by Mir Yousuf Ali Khan, popularly known as Nawab Salar Jung III. The semi-circular building houses the ‘largest oneman collections of the World, 43,000 paintings, 47,000 books, 9,000 holgraphs, some of them dating back to the first century. The collections include sculptures, paintings, pottery from the Middle East, Far East and the West. There are 36 galleries and the artifacts are housed in three different sections -the Central Block, Eastern Block and Western Block. One must not miss the paintings of legendary Raja Ravi Varma, the statute of “Veiled Rebecca”, Aurangzeb’s sword, a tiffin box made of gold and diamonds, Emperor Jehangir and Shah Jehan’s daggers, wardrobe of Tipu Sultan etc.. Of course, don’t miss the musical clock sharp at 12 noon.
Chow means four and mahal means palace. The palace is the royal seat of Asaf Jah dynasty rulers from 1724 to 1948. A replica of the Shah’s Palace in Teheran, Iran, it provides a glimpse into the lives of Asaf Jahs. It consists of two courtyards with elegant palaces, the grand Khilwat (the Durbar Hall), fountains and gardens. The palace recently won the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Merit Award for Culture Heritage Conservation. Regular Palace Timings for viewing: 10am -5pm (Closed on Fridays and National Holidays) Contact details: Ph: +91 40 24522032
Andhra Pradesh State Museum:
The museum contains a Buddhist gallery, Jain gallery, Ajanta gallery, Arms & Armoury gallery, Numismatics gallery, antiques, art objects, etc. This museum is adjacent to the Contemporary Art Museum, both are located in the Public Gardens. Timings: 10.30 am - 5.00 pm (Closed on Fridays)
No photography is allowed inside. The museum is open 10 am to 5 pm. It is closed on Fridays and certain public holidays. Admission is Rs 15 for Indians and Rs 150 for foreigners. Contact details: Ph: 91 040 24576443, 24523211,
metro
Contact details: Ph: +91 40 23232267
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 42
Falaknuma Palace
Charminar: Char means four and minar means
minarets. A must-see if you are on a visit to Hyderabad. Built in 1591 by Quli Qutub Shah in an Arabic style, Charminar offers a panoramic view of the city. Within the Charminar is a mosque. A temple is at the base of one of its minars. While the structure itself is breathtaking, the bustling markets and shops around it, just make it more worthwhile as a tourist destination. Also check out how many bangles and sequined slippers one person can buy at Hyderabad’s 400-year-old Laad Bazaar. Charminar is open on all days from 9 am to 5.30 pm. Entry fee is Rs 5 for Indians and Rs 100 for foreign nations, an extra Rs 25 for video footage.
Built in 1892 by the Paigah noble Nawab Vicar Ul Umra, it is one of the finest palaces in Hyderabad. Situated atop a hill of 2,000 feet high and located five km south of Charminar, Falaknuma houses a large collection of rare treasures collected by the Nizam including paintings, statues, furniture, manuscripts and books. Set in 32 acres of land and spread over 19,400 square meters, the palace houses the Jade collection which is considered to be unique in the world. The palace boasts of Louis XIV style of decor, stained glass windows, ornate fountains and marble staircases. Falaknuma Palace is also known as the ‘mirror of the sky’. Contact details: Ph: +91 40 6629 8585
Ramoji Film City:
Ramoji Film City is the largest film studio complex in the world as per the Guinness World Records. Spread across 2,000 acre land, the film city is leisure destination for holidays, honeymooners, corporate conferences, events, theme parties, adventure camps, family picnics and grand weddings. For film-makers, it is a one-stop destination for pre-production, production, postproduction. You can walk in with a script and make a complete movie here. There are many sets - London Street, Hollywood sign, Japanese gardens, airport and hospital. Ticket Booking Hours: 0900 hrs to 1400 hrs. Internal Tour Timings: 1000 hrs to 1630 hrs Contact details: Ph: 8415325856,+91 40 246555/ 666
Treasure Island: Mecca Masjid: It is the second largest mosque
in the country. Within its periphery the graves of the families of Asaf Jahi kings. The construction of the masjid was started under the Qutub Shahi kings but was completed by Aurangazeeb in 1694. Mecca Masjid owes its name to the presence of the bricks in the structure, which were brought from the holy city of Mecca. The stately architecture consists of single slab granite columns and five arches each on three sides. Contact details: Ph:+91 40 24524023
metro
As a picturesque holiday spot, Treasure island is an ideal getaway one can dream of. Situated at Gandipet, the island sprawls over 60 acre of landscape and offers a variety of leisure and fun oriented activities - horse riding, billiards, dancing at the disco, go-karting, swimming pool and so on. At Treasure Island, you’ll embark on a journey of discovery and enjoy week long vacations as none other, where a pleasant surprise awaits you at every corner. The landscape is unique - lush green trees, wide open spaces. And humble cottages that speak of the simple joys of holidaying. And allows you to rediscover the beauty of spending time gracefully. Timings:08:00 AM - 10:30 PM Contact details: Ph: +91 40 92333345, 92333346
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 43
R.O.No.0042/APPCB/EEW/Gen./2011-12
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 44
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 45
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 46
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 47
RNI No: APENG/2010/36783
metro
CITY TIMES | May 2011 | 48