November 2014 by Bandra Buzz newspaper

BandraBuzz creating community connect since 2010

Will MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar Resolve Bandra's Burning Issues? As our new elected representative, MLA Ashish Shelar met up to create new relationships with people from various ALMs, accompanied by Deputy Mayor Alka Kelkar – who thanked people for their support during the elections. She said that there will deﬁnitely be a ‘change’, speciﬁcally saying that the BJP is totally against encroachments, which is a major issue in Bandra, Khar and SantaCruz. Ashish thanked residents for their solid support, which eventually elected him as their MLA. He told them that this issue of ensuring ‘CHANGE’ has put a burden of over 200

kilos on his shoulders. He said that those who trusted him voted for him – and for those who did not vote for him, he would try to gain their trust. Then, Ashish spoke his mind out, saying, “I am in the process of thinking about what issues need to be prioritized – which things need to be addressed ﬁrst; as multiple issues cannot be resolved simultaneously. Change is an evolving process. One issue at a time - is the way to resolve it eﬀectively.”

TURN TO PAGE 3 >>

Demolition started at Bandra Reclamation, opp. MTNL

02 NOVEMBER 2014

BANDRABUZZ.COM

NEWS

AGNI’s ‘Meet You MPs’ A Huge Success

AGNI (Action for Good Governance & Networking In India) organized a ‘Meet Your Members Of Parliament’ meeting on Sunday, 16th November 2014 at the Apostolic Carmel High School, attracting a crowd of around 500 people. Mumbai has six MPs, all of whom were invited – but three responded and came for this meeting: - Poonam Mahajan (Mumbai North Central) - Rahul Shewale (Mumbai South Central) - Arvind Sawant (Mumbai South) Mr. Sukhtankar, Chairman of AGNI, presided over the meeting and AGNI Trustee Shyama Kulkarni conducted the meeting. At first, the three MPs addressed the audience on ‘Their Vision for Mumbai – and their plan of action to make Mumbai a World Class City’. While Poonam Mahajan was a first time elected representative, the other two shared their experiences of several years. However, she was open to suggestions and promised that our concerns would be conveyed to the Parliamentary Affairs Minister; to be placed on the floor of the House. After these speeches, there was an excellent interactive question-answer session. Subjects that fall under the Central Government’s jurisdiction, like railways, environment, women’s reservation bill, infrastructure, women safety, etc.; had

questions based on them – and all three MPs replied in a positive manner. After being asked about accidents happening on our railway lines and lack of emergency facilities at stations, they assured us that more Foot Over Bridges (FOBs) would be built and ambulances would be placed at most stations. Finance for this would come from the MPLAD Funds, which is Rs 5 Crore per year. We also requested them to speak to the Railway Minister, Mr. Suresh Prabhu, a Mumbaikar and ensure that pending projects get ﬁnished in a time-bound manner. A Senior Citizen and Ex-Freedom Fighter aged 89 years, read about this meeting in the TOI and came all the way from Boisar to meet the MPs. He wanted to interact with them on the Railway issue. We felicitated his enthusiasm. Hats oﬀ to you, Mr Desai ! Regarding infrastructure, we asked them to push for the Trans-Harbour Sea Link. The Port Land consisting of 1600 acres could be released for Mumbai’s development. The suggestion given was that a 5th Rail Line should be built on this land. The women reservation bill has been pending for years. With a 2/3rd majority, can the new BJP Government assure us that at the next session, this bill which provides for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and Assembly, will be passed? For the safety of women, we

need fast track courts. The Verma Commission recommends the death sentence for gang rape, then why not the same punishment for child rape? (A group of women activists from Bandra have put together a letter for our MPs on this issue) Environment laws should not be diluted. Incorporate policies that save the environment. 1. Combat climate change 2. Use contour mapping 3. Protect forest land, open spaces, salt pans and waterfronts to prevent ﬂooding. Our main demand, unanimously passed by all 500 people present, was that if Mumbaikars send to the national exchequer almost 50%, why should we get

only 5% in return? This has to increase. We cannot be treated as step-children and taken for granted. Commenting on the PM’s Swach Bharat Abhiyan, which is gathering steam, the audience commented that many leaders and politicians were taking this as a photo-opportunity. In many cases, there was no dirt below their brooms! Then, an important decision was taken. A group of 20 – 25 AGNI volunteers will work as a team with their respective MPs pre and post Parliamentary Sessions. This meeting ended with a sense of satisfaction by all who attended. Shyama Kulkarni Pic Courtesy: Glen D'Costa

CIVIC

>> PG 1: BANDRA’S TOP TEN BURNING ISSUES: 1. SLUMS: Bandra Reclamation (Nargis Dutt Nagar, etc.), Kadeshwari (illegal shops built over drains), Ambedkar Road, Danda, etc. - source of crime & health issues, why free water & electricity at tax payers cost? Eye sore to visitors – very bad welcome scenes as you enter the “Queen Of The Suburbs”… 2. SRK’s RAMP: BMC inaction, inspite of compelling proof of illegality. Why was the original steps converted to ‘Cement ROAD’? Was it to camouflage the ramp and gain road access to SRK Side Gate and annexe building? Also, the issue of illegal encroachments (houses & toilets) on the top part of Cement Road is to be resolved. Corrupt officials stop protesters…Can we allow INFLUENCE & MONEY POWER to overrule the law of the land? 3. HAWKERS: Political Patronage, Haftas, Legal Shop frontages blocked, Road width blocked for traffic flow… Where are the ‘NO HAWKING ZONE’ sign boards gone? Who is responsible for this state of affairs? Who needs to take action? (The corner of Prof. Almeida Road & Hill Road (opp. Amrut Sagar), has a hawker on the footpath, just next to the Police Van !!!) 4. CRIME: Molestations, rapes, robbery, party perverts (name change for seducing the innocent), drug peddling…(Many

BANDRABUZZ.COM reports are coming in, of police trying to dissuade people from filing FIRs. Why?) Are CCTVs effective enough? 5. TRAFFIC: Reckless rickshaws, vehicles parked continuously for months / years, one-way rules flouted, no co-ordination, traffic cops more interested in collecting fines / bribes... Many one-way roads are causing bottle-necks because of inefficient traffic cops – and have cars parked on both sides by ‘influential people’. Cops are ‘afraid’ to take action. 6. ENCROACHMENTS: ‘BMC-Approved Shops’ blatantly occupying full footpath width on main arterial roads…Hill Road, opp. Balaji on the full footpath in front of St. Joseph Convent - is one example. 7. GARBAGE: Collection vans, narrow lanes blocked at peak hours, for smooth flow of traffic… Can we not have smaller garbage vans for narrow roads, like Chapel Road, etc.? Also, enforcement of dry & wet waste segregation should be made stricter… 8. BMC-BUILDER- POLICE- POLITICIAN NEXUS: Towers built in gaothan areas…(a glaring example at Sherly Rajan village), elderly people pushed out of their ancestral homes, with little or no compensation, permission to certain communities delayed endlessly for redevelopment... 9. BANDRA FAIR: Attempts to subtly

stop this 300 years old event, on various grounds, by groups with vested interests, candle stalls harassed by BMC, devotees denied access to Mount via Cement Road, on flimsy reasons... 10. CHIMBAI CHANGING: Money and Muscle Power being used to forcibly dislodge the original inhabitants (Kolis) from their ancestral land. Coastal rules are blatantly flouted. This is for other similar gaothans too… There are many other issues too, but let us FOCUS on these top ten, FIRST. Please add your inputs to these issues on Facebook Group: BANDRA's BURNING ISSUES, so that our new MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar can have insights updated to his knowledge of Bandra’s Burning issues. PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS to help resolve these issues will be welcome – so that at brain-storming sessions, we can get more ANSWERS, to take these issues forward. Then the RIGHT ACTION can be taken. Citizens were watching and listening intently, as MLA Ashish Shelar interacted with them. He told them that working together was important for change to happen. To start with, many BMC officers and staff who have not performed have been transferred (not by him), so now we have a fresh BMC mindset in H-Ward. However, transfers are not the solution – as issues need to be addressed into.

NOVEMBER 2014

Ashish stated that certain ALMs had not interacted with him in the past, so now it was his job to see that together burning issues are resolved through the BMC, the state government, the federal government and other agencies. He was fully aware that many parts of Bandra Constituencies are represented by Congress Corporators. His mind is very clear about this, that wherever there are civic issues that need to be addressed jointly without political lines; his co-operation is assured. Just because the Corporator is from another party, it does not mean that things cannot get done. He is hopeful that all Congress Corporators will also reciprocate by being positive and work together in the public interest. Since the MP Poonam Mahajan is from his party (BJP), her support is also there - to get many more burning issues of Bandra, Khar & Santacruz resolved in a speedier manner. Adv. Ashish Shelar has planned to have a meeting with all concerned BMC and Police oﬃcers - and then act on all burning issues. He then assured everyone present three things: 1. Accessability 2. Accountability 3. Action These are the three A’s that sum up Ashish Shelar. The Time Is RIPE – Now ! Lets help him turn his PROMISES To PERFORMANCES. Jitendra Kamath

04 NOVEMBER 2014

BANDRABUZZ.COM

BAKING & COOKING CLASSES

LOCAL TUITIONS

Learn cakes, brownies, cupcakes, desserts, chocolate making & different cuisines like Mughlai, Chinese, Italian, Ramzan special, Biryanis, Sandwiches, Lebanese, Starters, Pizzas, Christmas sweets. We also undertake orders for cakes, chocolates & brownies. Contact 9821310728 / 26422689

Highly qualified Mrs Chatterjee's Class. More than 20 years of experience with personal care given. Tuition from KG to 6th standard (All subjects & boards) Specially given Maths tuition. From 1st to 6th standard from 2 - 7 pm (MonFri) Contact 9920846416

CAKES Homemade Teacakes! Ranging from healthy options like Carrot Cake, to more indulgent choices like Chocolate Fudge Cake and Cheesecakes!! For more details and to place an order, call 9820446969

CATERERS VALENTINE CATERERS. We undertake party orders, social gatherings, house parties, corporate functions, snack boxes, paani & roce, etc. Call 9819395005, 8108296542. 71, Pali Village, Ground floor, Bandra (W)

COMPUTER SERVICES We repair all brands of Laptops like HP, Sony, Dell etc. All Software and Hardware problems solved. Cheap and fast. Call 98679 62772.

COOKWARE AMC is a German based company, they make multi cooking vessels made of surgical steel, you can cook, bake & steam. In veg. we cook sheera, ukpma without oil and in non-veg we cook chicken without oil & without water we steam vegetables. For free health awarness programmes contact Sonali 7715053662

DRESSMAKER LADIES Knitting, Crochet, Embroidery, Dressmaking courses. Rs 1500/- each. D'silva 9820451695. Website: handson.makes.it.com Order Crochet Christmas sets before 1st November. BOOKINGS OPEN - OCT 20TH, 2014 for Bridal Wear, Christening, First Holy Communion, Women's : Western Formal & Casual and Children's Wear. Call Suzie @ +919769491115 in Bandra to make your appointments!

EXTRA INCOME Are You Ambitious, Determined, Honest and Hardworking? If you are serious about creating a sound financial future for your family; you can now earn an extra income, without leaving your present job or business. No large investments. Free trainings and excellent support. Attend a free seminar. One call, can change your life. Call +91 9930022669

GRAPHIC DESIGN For designing and printing of visiting & wedding cards, mortuary cards, Brochures, Banners, Call 9664544215 ccprintmedia@gmail.com

GUITAR CLASSES Learn guitar the easy way at your leisure. Be tutored at your residence, flexible timings at your schedule, all age groups are welcome. Call 8097694660.

A home tuition initiative 3yr and 2yr integrated course at home. Class X, XI, XII JEE (Main and advanced), ISEET, Complete comprehensive coaching at home. Call us on 93221 59108 English Tutions in Bandra. Conversational English for Housewives. For students of Class 7 and above. Call: 98209 47130 or 99202 19038 For K.G., 1st and 2nd standard tuitions, contact Blaise Almeida - 3rd floor, Casa Almeida, corner of St. Joseph & St. Paul Road, Bandra (West). 9167283935. 7pm to 9pm only

LOCAL CONNECT

EXCITING 4th ANNIVERSARY OFFERS Call: 9820783686 , 9920299787 Amit Lalwani's Kickboxing, Muaythai & Self Defence Sessions

PAINTING JOBS Paint your Home, Offices, Shops, Buildings. Colour of your choice. We give you the finest finishing! Hi-Quality Job. Call: Sam: 9833058917 / 9892376522

REAL ESTATE Buying and Selling of flats, plots, offices, company lease, paying guest, leave and license for expats, etc. Call 98336 07270, 98690 44706. Bernval Buying & Selling of flats, shops, plots, leave license, P.G., etc. in Mumbai & Goa. Call 98203 91586 or bernval_est@yahoo.com

Call: 9869036872

KR Kreations Customised invites for W e d d i ng , Holy Communion Table Pieces & Giveaways Mobile nos.

9821999689 / 9892551449

REPAIRS & SERVICES Shree Dattguru Enterprise. We undertake all types of electrical, civil, plumbing and painting work. Contact Yogesh Nakti on 9273093363 or 8976032547. Jaffarbaba Kadeshwari Rah Sangh, Kadeshwari Mandir Marg, Bandra (W) 24 hrs Home, Sales & Service (Bandra only) Gas Stoves, Hobs, Table Tops & Chimneys. Contact: Mahendra Sales Shiv Asthan, Shop No. 7, Plot No. 31, 16th road, near Shiv Sagar, Bandra (w). Contact: Amrut 93234 31633 / 2648 6525 Refrigerators / Air Conditioners / Splits / Frost Free Refrigerators / Indian / Imported. Guaranteed Repairs / Installations / AMC - FRIZARE, 30th Road, Bansari Apartments, opp. H2O, Pali Naka, Bandra (W) 98201 97439 / 654 4903 Repairs: Washing Machine, Gas Stove, Microwave, Fridge, & A.C. Contact: Ramesh 98923 87330. Bharat Service Centre, Pali Naka.

WEBSITE DESIGNER Create your dream website that works across mobiles, tablets & PC's at a very attractive rate. Call 9930806874

YOGA - AEROBICS- KICKBOXING Combo package of Yoga, Power Yoga, Aerobics, Kickboxing, Weight training, legs & abs shaping & toning. (All in one session). Loose weight & inches faster. Guaranteed 100% results. (Group Classes & Personal Training). Call Raajaani for more details on 93224 36447 / 92205 71395

Email: krkreation @gmail.com Website: krkreation@weebly.com

Real Estate Solutions

SALE 2+2 or 4 BHK Bandra @ 10 crores (Wadhwa Builders Project) Santacruz 4 BHK Gr + 1 Duplex @ 15 crores suits Residential / Commercial LEASE 1 BHK @ 42,000 / 2 BHK @ 65,000 We specialise in Buying / Selling / Leasing of Plots / Flats / Shops / Offices in Bandra, Khar, SantaCruz upto Goregaon

Call: 9821270809 / 9664956342 bandora.realty@gmail.com

EDITORIAL

BANDRABUZZ.COM

NOVEMBER 2014

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

NEW BEGINNINGS

60 YEARS SELFLESS SERVICE Congratulations, Vivian Pereira - on completing 60 years of voluntary service at Mt. Mary's Basilica, Bandra. His father took him to help, when he was 14 years old. After his father Dick Pereira died in 1978, his cousin Melville Mendes took over. In 1998, when Melville passed away, Vivian was asked to take charge. He has been active in the Parish, at the annual Talent Contest, and the Andrean Fairs and continues being selflessly involved in other organisations too. God Bless Vivian & his family. Myra Pereira FAKE COPS Beware of crooks and con men, spoiling the image of Bandra. Last month at 8.30 am, my mum had gone to Holy Family Hospital for a blood test. On her way back through Langarana lane, (between Hill road & Waroda Road) a young decent looking boy approached her, wished her good morning and asked my mum if she remembered him - and his name was Raul. My mum, being a teacher thought he was one of her pupils - and spoke to him kindly. He told her to come to the side, as his ‘boss’ wanted to speak to her. She found it strange. Nevertheless, she walked few step back & met the so-called ‘boss’, who said he was a cop - and flashed his Police ID. They said they are only safe-guarding her interest - and that the new ruling was that people should not wear gold and walk around as they will be fined. He told her to take off her bangles and keep it in her bag, which she did - and if she continues to wear it next time, she will be fined INR 2000/Just then a man walked by wearing a thick gold chain, he told him the same. He took it off and the ‘make belief cop’, asked for the chain to log it in his register. He pretended to weigh the chain in his hand, wrote something and gave the man one copy and returned the chain. My mum was walking off, but he told her, he needed to document her bangles as well. She even told him to just write 2 bangles, but he said he had to write a description, as it was his duty. Seeing the previous scenario, she gave him the bangles and instantly the two of them ran off towards Hill Road. She ran behind them - and the guy with the gold chain was waiting in a rickshaw. These two guys jumped in and took off with the loot. A young boy was drinking tea at the stall at the end of this lane, and my mum told him these guys robbed her bangles. He immediately took his bike & followed them. They went into the NO ENTRY from Holy Family hospital on to St. Andrews Road. He chased them and at Peace Haven and stopped the rickshaw. The guy with the gold chain got off the rickshaw and ran towards Peace Haven, and this boy not knowing who was the culprit, chased him - while the rickshaw with the other 2 guys went off. They caught him - and along with the public beat him up. Just then, a cop van passed and the cops took control of him. They came back to Hill Road to ask my mum what had happened. The cops are confident they will get the other 2 as this is a group targeting our people in Bandra (especially the old). Not yet heard from the police, but hopefully

they catch this gang. Well done to the young boy from Waroda Road who had the courage to chase the Rickshaw. Very few would take this risk. Please pass this info around to your friends and families living in Bandra, just to make them aware of such incidents. SRK RAMP Most interestingly, 99% of people who took up this cause don’t even live on Cement Road or on the adjoining Mt Mary Road / H.K. Bhabha Road - nor on any other road used for the Bandra Fair. They are not the affected local residents / stakeholders. They are just vested interests who have travelled from all parts of Mumbai to raise a stink. Is this the only relevant encroachment in Mumbai city - and that too on a road least used all year round. More hilarious is the fact that Sharukh Khan is never in Mumbai for the Bandra Fair and no one in their right mind would keep such an expensive vehicle on public road when the riff raff of Mumbai come to seek blessings. While the demolition of ramp may be an issue... who in Bandra pays for parking on the road ? Do check parking IS freely available at all iconic spots in Bandra. This issue is a great publicity gimmick ! Lillian Pais Adv. Ashish Shelar, since you are now our MLA – please follow up on the notice you had sent to actor Sharukh Khan regarding his illegal ramp. Get the BMC to act in an un-biased manner, now that their corrupt officials have been transferred. Do not be blinded with hi-profile personalities. We, law-abiding citizens cannot allow money power to rule over democratic laws. We hope that our vote for you has not gone in vain – and that real CHANGE will happen, where truth and justice prevails. People of Bandra, Khar and SantaCruz have placed their hope in you (and got you elected), so that among other burning issues, this glaring RAMP issue comes to a logical solution. J. Mukadam MP POONAM INTERACTION I would like if our Bandra residents comment on Facebook Group: Bandra’s BURNING ISSUES, with their suggestions which they would like to convey for our MP Poonam Mahajan. She would like to hear several suggestions from her active citizens, on how we can collaboratively make this constituency & nation, a better place to live in. She would discuss all your suggestions and concerns in parliament eloquently and ensure that every citizen's voice is heard. Ashutosh Patankar and myself also assure you that all concerns would be resolved at the earliest and every suggestion would be welcomed. Hope to see many suggestions from our Bandra Khar SantaCruz residents. Let's start a collective initiative to develop our constituency. Let's interact with our MP Poonam Mahajan – for the common good. Haider Khan Letters to the Editor should be exclusive to Bandra Buzz. Include name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. E-mail your letters to editors on: news.bandrabuzz@gmail.com

Dear Reader, November in Bandra is full of ‘CHANGE’. The moment of truth has come – when, for the second time this year, citizens have discarded the past; in the hope of a brighter future. Suddenly, time seems to stand still at various local spots – where injustice is very evident. This is the time to tackle tough issues – while the ‘new broom’ is sweeping super clean. Yes, Post Elections, we are riding on a wave of new beginnings. Hectic activities are seen by various civic groups to reach our new MLA and MP. Everyone is eager to see change – and want to see results that will justify the new mandate. ALM Meetings with our new MLA are helping people put their views across. Bandra’s Burning Issues – a FB Group is going viral; with locals using it as a perfect platform to vent their views in several issues. BandraBuzz is always there at the forefront – with insights of current aﬀairs. We thank our readers and advertisers for patronising our newspaper – the next issue will be our fourth anniversary. We are looking ahead towards our ﬁfth anniversary in DEC 2015, as we evolve from strength to strength. Bandra’s TOP TEN Burning Issues have been highlighted here – and this is meant to help our MP, MLA and MCs prioritize their plans of resolving local issues; as it has the interactive involvement of concerned citizens. This is vital for true CHANGE, if our elected representatives have the courage to act decisively. As we approach ‘Celebrate Bandra’, followed by Christmas and then New Year, let us look forward to a Bandra that’s changing for the better. Let’s be part of this change.

Merck N. D’Silva Editor-in-Chief 9820783616 DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this paper, are of the authors - and do not reflect the opinion of the publishers and editors, unless otherwise stated. Readers should act on the information provided, only after consulting with their own independent advisors. The publishers and editors of this paper shall be in no way be held responsible for any such action, or consequences thereof. Vol. V Issue 11 > R.N.I. No. : MAHENG/8-102010/12646 Editor: Merck D’Silva > Printed & Published by Creative Concepts, 401 Anica, 28 St. Paul Road, Near Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra (W), Mumbai - 400 050. Printed at Marwah Estate, Saki Vihar Road, Mumbai - 400 072

06 NOVEMBER 2014

BANDRABUZZ.COM

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

Godfrey Pereira, Author of Bloodline Bandra Godfrey Joseph Pereira, was born in Pali Village, Bandra on December 22, 1955 where he attended Saint Andrews High School. Graduating from National College, Godfrey received his undergraduate degree in English Literature and Philosophy, from Bombay University. Godfrey joined ‘Onlooker’ magazine as trainee journalist. He worked for a number of publications in India. He was the assistant Editor, of ‘Society’ magazine, ‘Sunday’ magazine and’ India Today.’ He also covered the ﬁrst Gulf War from Israel. Several years later, Godfrey migrated to the United States. He worked as a reporter/writer in ‘News India,’ ‘India Abroad’ and ‘India Monitor’ in New York City. Godfrey currently works as Events Director at The Monroe Center for the Arts in Hoboken, New Jersey. Bloodline Bandra by Godfrey Joseph Pereira will be published by Harper Collins at the end of November 2014. Is the novel Bloodline Bandra a fictional story based on true events? Yes, that is true. Bloodline Bandra is sectioned oﬀ into two parts and an epilogue. Part I, describes the salt and spice of the Catholic East Indian way of life in Pali village, Bandra. As a child I had experienced this life & it has always intrigued me. Part II describes the life of David Cabral in New York City as a “Legal Slave.” I had been taping the way the East Indians spoke for many years. I am a student of English Literature and I instinctively knew, that there was something linguistically brilliant here. Five years ago, I sent the tapes to a linguistics Professor I knew who had once taught linguistics at Cornell University in Ithaca, Up-State New York. She was astounded by what she was listening to. What people in India call "The Mack" way of speaking has a lyrical magic and is now dying, dying, almost gone. Here is an example: Expressing obscenity or talking about sex without sounding “dirty” was classic Pali Village doublespeak. Tommy-Eat-Shit-A-Lot speaking to Thelma Two Teeth. Tommy-Eat-Shit-A-Lot: “Ah-RayThelma!” Thelma Two Teeth: “What men, what you want bugger. I can see your leg is shaking.” Tommy-Eat-Shit-A-Lot: “My hands are scratching men. If your hands are scratching like mine are scratching, we

NELVIN JOHN PHOTOGRAPHY

9867842017 nelvin9@gmail.com www.nelvinjohnphotography.in

Godfrey Joseph Pereira alongside his novel Bloodline Bandra can scratch together, no ……. Maybe we can bleddy, you know….” Thelma Two Teeth: “You know wot men, I feel same.” Tommy-Eat-Shit-A-Lot: “Let us go to Bandstand, sit behind the rocks and bleddy make Happy Diwali men.” What the couple wanted to do was fornicate, hidden from public view, behind the black rocks at the sea side at Bandra’s, Land’s End, Bandstand; and Diwali, is a festival of hot ﬁre works, lighting lubricated erect wicks of lamps, and passionate sweet celebration. I am an East Indian & I knew as a writer, I had to try and preserve this on paper. My roots run deep in the gutters of Pali village. My great grandfather built one of the very ﬁrst houses in the village. It still stands there today. Going back, I wanted to capture how Pali village was really like. The tapestry of life in the village was a story that had to be told. That is how it all started. Back then, everyone had a pet name. In Bloodline Bandra, you will meet Tommy-EatShit-A-Lot, Lorna Leg Spread, Salt Peter, Catgut Willie and a host of colorful amazing characters. These characters, in Bloodline Bandra were all built by taking miniscule characteristics of many people and cementing that into one whole. Yes,

that's all real. But what is fascinating is the way the East Indians intermingled... their mores, their Kabuki reactions to simple actions; their rustic lives were fascinating, and of course they way they talked, absolutely brilliant, when observed from the perspective of English Literature. Could you tell us something about the story in brief? The salient features, without revealing the ending, of course? Well, David Cabral, a journalist lives in Pali Village. Part I of Bloodline Bandra describes how the East Indians lived; in Pali village as it used to be once upon a time; a picturesque rusty world, where common sense was often over ridden by superstitions and old wives’ tales. Their way of everyday life was fascinating. Eventually David Cabral, with his rustic philosophy, and rural expectations, leaves for the Promised Land;

America, to work for an Indian publication in New York City where he is trapped in what I call "Legal Slavery." What is "Legal Slavery?" When you come to The States and many other countries, you are issued a work visa. Now this work visa, states that you can only work for the company that "sponsors" you. And that's when the teeth of the trap start closing. Many of these sponsors, treat you like an animal, hand you a minimum wage, and sometimes physically torture you. The facts are published on www.bloodlinebandra.com. The research shook my soul. I discovered that Indians do this to other Indians, not only in New York City but all over the world. And here is the truth. I was a victim of "Legal Slavery' myself. It is a horrible mind breaking experience that led me down a torturous, dark road where I eventually tried to commit suicide. David Cabral goes through the hell of a "Legal Slave" in New York City. Part II is his sad, shocking, unbelievable story that has bits and pieces of my own experiences. The review on your site mentions something about 'Modern Day Slavery'? What exactly is that and how does it feature in this Novel? Yes, that is correct. David Cabral, the central character falls into the black hole of modern day slavery in New York City. He speaks for all the powerless people all over the world who are brutally exploited & savaged by their employers. What he goes through has to be read, it happened, & unfortunately it is still happening. This is real. David Cabral's story is an amalgamation of millions of Indian workers abroad who are treated like cattle. This Modern Day Slavery is taking place all over the world. From sea to shining sea in America to the heart land of India, England, Australia, New Zealand & Hong Kong & many places in the so called "Gulf" region.

TURN TO PAGE 7 >>

AUTHOR INTERVIEW >> PAGE 6 Take the thousands of South Indians, who are shipped to places like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, etc. They are conned by slimy Indian agents, and when they land there, their Arab bosses treat them like sub human beings. They are legal workers, but this is Slavery. The world knows how they are treated. They are underpaid, but not so badly so it is illegal. And that helps the company they work for. The human rights of the workers are ground to dirt, their dignity raped. They are herded into corrugated shacks and sleep like animals stacked in a slaughter house awaiting execution. Their passports are conﬁscated; their beneﬁts are nonexistent, this is a humiliating ball and chain life. This is ugly slavery, my friend, any way you look at it. This is "Legal Slavery." The same happens to many Indian worker, who works with an H-1B work visa in New York City. I have met hundreds of Indian restaurant workers, motel workers, gas station attendants in New York State, and the stories are all the same. "Legal Slavery." It is heartbreaking that some Indians do this to other Indians and this is happening all over the world. www.bloodlinebandra.com documents this. As someone born in India it made me feel ashamed and sad. I had to document this. I have to add here that obviously not all Indians are like that, but there is a dark side to many Indians living abroad. Have you had the chance to visit Pali village recently? What are the changes that you observed? Yes, I have. I was there a couple of years ago; I am still attached by a psychological umbilical cord to Pali village; I was born there. And, of course there have been colossal changes. It’s been almost thirty years since I left. God, it’s been a long time. I now hear the Bandra locals refer to Pali village as “Ali village” because the Muslims have moved in and the East Indians have moved out. Now, the tag “Ali village” has an ugly religion racist undertone. What did the East Indians expect? They all moved out to Canada and The Gulf and America… and then they complain that other people have taken their place! I personally, have forfeited the moral right to complain or moan, because I did run away to America. But then, in retrospect, India has always been racist. The Bombay wallaha calling someone a Madrasi because of his or her dark skin. Calling a Gujrati a bleddy pucca Marwari, a Parsi a Kekeda Khao and ha! A Christian a Mack Ah Pao…. Or a Maharashtraian a dutty bleddy Ghati. We all need to look at our fault lines under the microscope of a black light; oh and one more thing, the fat man with a really dark skin, looking for a bride, insisting on a “Slim” “Fair” complexioned Brahmin virgin who has a University degree. Is this guy looking to marry a woman or is he just looking to hire a pedigree pet that will add to his social status & satisfy his religious guilt? I know that this has nothing to do with slavery, I just had to mention this. I mean, look at the matrimonial ads. It is still happening, this vile hypocrisy. Amazing. This is the year

BANDRABUZZ.COM 2014. This is the real “Make In India,” the new Indian slogan. These are the old dirty ways the new Indian broom has to start sweeping out. Have you seen shades of slavery in Bandra, the place you were born in? Thank you; that is a loaded question, I was hoping that you would ask. When most people think about slavery, big human bondage trafficking events come forth. Now here is something that people should think about. All these fat cat rich and upper middle class people, ‘The Pali Hill Sultans,’ I call them, who are so used to the “Servant Culture” that exists in most big cities in India, aid and abet slavery, everyday of their bloody opulent lives. Many of them have live-in “servants’’ who slave from 6am to 10pm every day. Many of these servants are young girls from the surrounding rural villages off Bombay. These kids should be with their families, not slaving over some rich fat business man’s, or film star’s family’s needs and the wants of their obnoxious designer clad children. Not only are you robbing this young person of her childhood, it is against the law, and morally repugnant. This is domestic servitude, any which way you cut it. Where I come from, this is SLAVERY. This is moral bankruptcy on the part of all these bloated Bada Sahibs and Memsahib’s. And what is pathetic, is no one gives this a thought. As long as their rich needs and wants are taken care of, and their back sides pampered, all is right in their world. They compensate by saying that they are treating the girls well, and put forth vile arguments and stupid ignorant deductions, that if this young girl did not have this job she would be starving, miserable and unhappy in her rural impoverishment. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. You are imprisoning a young life here. This kid should be in school, preparing for a future, not making your bloody chai and dal and swabbing your floors and dusting that expensive Persian carpet a contact smuggled for you out of Isfahan, Iran, and massaging the feet of the Sahib after he comes back from his office. Oh! Come on man! Come on! This is stomach churning. This is so wrong. I have talked about this in Bandra to people I know who had a sixteen-yearold girl servant that had brought in from Raigad district. The crass retort I was instantly slapped with was, “Ha! Suddenly you have become bloody American, talking with an accent and speaking rubbish. This is not America, alright! Go look at your own country; they are creating problems all over the world; go look at slavery in your own damn country.” Not only was that insulting on so many levels, it also was an uneducated and stupid rebuttal to something that I think is pretty indefensible. Any advice you could give to youngsters from India planning to emigrate to Western lands? I really can't give any advice except that please, please look at the grass on the other side really hard. The grass tips sometimes are sharp and vicious, and things are not always what they seem.

Sure, there are opportunities abroad and many Indians make it, but remember there is that dark side to that far away bright moon. Read what thousands of Indians are going through in South Hall in West London, as they are exploited by other Indians. The BBC has done in depth reports on this. I may live in America, but my Bloodline is Indian, I hang my head in shame when I see this. I have been to London, many times, I have seen this slavery. It is astounding. I am not making this up to sound dramatic. It has all been documented. Having lived in Bandra as well as in a Western country, what similarities do you see between the two? You can't really compare; it’s apples and oranges. New York City or New Jersey has its own characteristics and so does Mumbai. One thing about New York City; it has a bounce and vibe that no other city in the world has. Take Bandra. It is a great place that is like a chameleon, it changes all the time; you or me may not agree with the transformation, but that’s another discussion. Like any place in this world, if you have the money it is alright. Mumbai, and especially Mumbai seems to have taken on the English pub, American rock n’ roll and designer culture. Bandra is a Pub center central destination; am I right? Again, like here, in New York City, these things have two sides. It all depends on what side of the bar counter

NOVEMBER 2014

you are standing at. I am not qualified to do a review. Would I come back to live in Bandra? Yes, of course. Can I afford to live in Bandra, buy a house, etc.? No, of course. Where exactly do you feel people can best find their ultimate dream? Is it possible to find it in Bandra itself? Of course you can find it in Bandra. I did, before I left for The United States. This is a place that is a famous suburb of a city that is the financial capital of India. This must go abroad mantra is an advertising line that has still not died out. India has progressed so much. If you have a dream, with talent and chutzpa that is needed in a place like Mumbai, you can make it. There is no doubt about it. I have heard people say; Mumbai has got so crowded, the traffic is terrible, there is garbage all over the place, and corruption is getting worse. Well, New York City has its own problems that are too detailed to get into here. So what are we talking about? Remember, that well manicured green grass on the other side can be an optical illusion sometimes. Cyrus Gonda

Bloodline Bandra by Godfrey Pereira will be published by Harper Collins at the end of November 2014.

08 NOVEMBER 2014

BANDRABUZZ.COM

CELEBRITY

Journey of a star: Naseer Abdullah Nassar Abdulla is an actor and production manager, known for Om Shanti Om (2007), Main Hoon Na (2004) and Taxi No. 9211: Nau Do Gyarah (2006).

Have you always been a resident of Bandra? What do you love about this suburb? I was in Bandra for 8 years from 1987 to 1995, near Almeida Park, in a lovely bungalow. Now I’m back since a year. I love the many bungalows here and the smaller alleys in Pali village & behind Hill road, they have a Goan feel about them the Sea side, the Promenades, the Cafes, Pali hill area and Lands End. You wear various hats - as actor, writer and director. Which of these do you feel gives maximum scope for creative output? All 3 have ample scope for unleashing maximum creativity. But yes now I would like to direct a movie. But working on Directing Public Service Films on various issues. The main one now being to discourage our men from harassing, molesting and raping our women!!! How would you compare the Bollywood movies of today with the ones of the early 1990s, which is when you commenced your career? Has the focus shifted in any way? There has been a significant change since then as in the Depiction of Life is shown as more affluent and racy. The music has gone a bit haywire. I accept that. I did my first film in 1993 Dil Aashna Hai with Shahrukh Khan. It was his first too. I didn’t do much after that as I was a bit unsure of myself as an actor. Mostly I did commercials lasting from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. It was convenient and I am into short cuts as I stayed in that part of the business. Ha-Ha!!! You mention that you would like to do comedy. Is comedy more difficult to portray than other emotions on screen? What are the special challenges associated with it? Comedy is as difficult or easy to play out as any other part. Unless its slapstick and overdone by the regulars. Yes it is about timing and being understated that has the audience genuinely amused. A funny looking face is not essential. I would love to do a part. I am pretty funny and can evoke a laugh pretty easily without working hard on it! Waiting for the right director to spot that & cast me!!! Not away !!! It is observed in India that most humour on the large screen as well as the small screen is mostly slapstick, not subtle. Is it that Indian audiences do not appreciate subtle humour, such as British humour, for example? The audience can be moved either way, if genuine comedy is portrayed then I don’t see why it wont be a hit with them.

Above: Naseer with his pet Joy at his Bandra home Below: Naseer featured in his first print ad smaller houses and bungalows have become multi-storied buildings. Fortunately many of the old faithfuls have refused to sell off their beautiful quaint bungalows to builders. Many streets remain the same Pali village and colony behind Hill road. The traffic can be a nightmare as it was not as heavy before. Would love the honking to cease or at least be muffled. By Law!!! The garbage and encroachments an irritant!!! Too many gold jewellery shops on Turner road. Ha-ha, I am jealous as I can’t afford them.

Do you feel the shifting focus being given to special eﬀects as a result of enhanced technology is making the directors shift focus from a content-driven storyline? Yes the special eﬀect has given a huge opportunity to enthrall the audience with a near life like images to heighten their enjoyment in the theaters. It’s good and fun, for the new generation especially. Do you feel Bandra has changed radically over the years? If so, is it for the worse or for the better? What improvements would you like to see done? Yes a change was imminent. So it has. The many

NAMASTE YOGA for women » ASANAS » STRETCHES » POWER YOGA » FITNESS EXERCISES

BENEFITS OF YOGA - Weight loss, body toning - Reduces lower back & other body pain - Controls diabetes, asthma - Controls blood pressure, etc.

Conducted in groups upto 7 ladies in our studio at Khar West.

If you were to write a script for a movie based on Bandra, what would the focus be on? What story would Bandra have to tell? A movie with the backdrop of Bandra would mean a setting of a villa/bungalow & its many other beautific areas like the Promenades, the Seaside. Style ones would all figure. The Lands End with characters from the Christian & Parsi community playing a vital role in it. They have played a huge role in opening up many vistas for our many communities in Mumbai. So a love story plus other stories going parallel in it. Spirit of Bandra is unique & multifaceted. Racy yet laid back. The Police Station would also figure as it looks unique to me!!! Cyrus Gonda Pic Courtesy: Nelvin John

Govt. of India launches Guranteed Pension @ 9.38% for Life Time payable Annually. We also have excellent plan for Education and Health Plan. For further details contact:- Mr. JOHN FERNANDES (Member of MDRT – The Premier Association of Financial Professionals) (Award in Financial Planning – India thru CII – U.K) (Member of the Chairman Club for agents-LIC)

Contact: Amisha Shah m: 9821544234 e: shahamisha73@gmail.com

Call: 9820253459 / 9820608034 / 25773458/59 Email: johnzeena@gmail.com

302-A wing, Jeevan Bharat, 487/17th Road, near Neelam Foodland, Khar (W)

You can contact for FREE POLICY SERVICING / DEATH CLAIMS / HEALTH INSURANCE POLICY

BANDRABUZZ.COM

WOMEN ENTREPRENEUR

NOVEMBER 2014

Usha, A Devoted Homemaker And A Passionate Paper Jeweller Papier is the brain child of Usha Pithawala. It all started when she was ill at home in bed, and bored so she decided to play with the “paper bead” set someone had given her daughter as a gift. Its from there that this paper bead making became a passion and she started selling the jewellery she made at exhibitions that became a hit. Since her passion has now become a flourishing business she has decided to introduce her home staff to its benefits, she pays them to help her make the jewellery and other stuff she makes out of paper, magazines and other recyclable plastics, glass bottles, waste cloth materials. The business started off as a paper jewellery business and has gone down the recycling alley to use waste to make useable products. Usha thinks its necessary to provide a source of secondary income to underpriviliged who can work from home doing beading, threading, making lights, head wear, necklaces, earings, lamps, rugs and many more unimaginable things from this creative genius. She gets most of her raw materials for free from friends, restaurants, gymkhanas, clubs, factories. She makes decorations from these recycled materials for festivals such as ganesh chathurthi, diwali and christmas. Once she made an entire ganesh mandal for her housing soceity with recycled material and ran LED lights through them. The price range for her paper jewellery is Rs.100 to Rs. 1000. She hopes that people will buy her jewellery and festival decorations, but she cannot compete with the prices of “made in China”. So this festival season encourage local made even if it costs more, encourage the local economy. Usha is not only creative but environmentally friendly, she believes in swadeshi (i.e. buy indian made instead of made in china) and has already included coporate social responsibility in her business plans. That is called the perfect bussiness woman. You can reach her on 9821173688 Taherreh Jalali-Dashti Pic Courtesy: Nelvin John

T S E B S Y U B Starting this issue Bandra Buzz will bring readers the best buys around the streets of Bandra

PARTY DRESS for Rs. 350/COLORS: White, Black, Maroon SIZE: S, M, L LOCATION: Opp. Reliance Trends, Hill Road

T-SHIRT for Rs. 150/COLORS: grey & maroon SIZE: M, XL LOCATION: Choice Center, Hill Road

DRESS WITH HOODIE for Rs. 150/COLORS: Black & white, blue & red stripes. SIZE: M LOCATION: Choice Center, Hill Road

10 NOVEMBER 2014

BANDRABUZZ.COM

SPORTS

NextGen hockey players took centre stage at Wenden Sports Club Tournament 2014 Wenden Sports Club hosted the 3rd Annual Field Hockey Tournament final at St. Stanislaus School ground Bandra on 9th November where Marcellus Gomes - better known as “Marky” was the chief guest for the event. The Women’s league was introduced this year which saw teams like Sea View, Freunds Sports Club, Friends United and M. United participate in it. The first day saw women in action with M United & Friends United topping the Table for the finals. Friends United got the better of M United in the dying moments of the game, winning 3-2. Mamta Pasi 12th min, Sasha Gonsalves in 20th min & Sharmin Bassha in the 27th min whereas Ruqqaiya Shaikh scored a brace in 16th min & 24th min for for M United. The Woman of the Final was Tanaz Mohammed. 10 teams that participated in the men’s tournament which was played on a knockout basis were Companeroes, SAISA , Bandra United, Somlands Sports Club, Sea View, H.F. Academy, Rebels Sports Club, Chimbai Sports Club and New Mahima Sports Club who had two teams. In this keenly fought knockout Bandra United met H.F. Academy in the finals in which Bandra United beat H.F. Academy 2-1, all goals coming vide penalty corners. Salman Khan of H.F. Academy put one in the 8th minute to put them in the lead. Bandra United‘s Kartik Sharma thumped a brace in the 17th & 25th minute and sealed the fate for

H.F. Academy. The Man of the Final was Kartik Sharma. Wenden Sports Club gave Kiara Nazareth a token as a gesture to giving back to the community to pursue her dreams in swimming. She won a Silver medal in the Free Style in the Para Olympic Games China (2007) & a Silver medal in Australia for Backstroke (2013). Wenden Sports Club thanked Mrs. Jacquline Athaide, Mr. Ignatius Pinto, Mr. Sylas Chaves, Bank of India, Citizen Bank, Fountainhead Entertainment, Mr. Johnathon D’Souza, SAISA, Imbiss Meating Point, Valencia Caterers, Hotel Ocean Crest, Calvin Group of Companies, Mahindra & Mahindra, Mr. John D’Souza, Mr. Clestine Saldanha, Mr. Johnson John, Mr. Vijay Misquitta, Fr. Errol Fernandes and his entire team at St. Peter’s along with Hyacinth Cardoz and his team for the marking of the ground. Mumbai Hockey Association for aﬃliation and on providing their referees. BEST GOALKEEPER: Amanda Keiro - Friends United Lincoln Taites - H.F. Academy MOST PROMISING PLAYER: Tanaz Mohammed - Friends United Johnathon D’Gama - Rebels Sports Club PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT: Ruqqaiya Shaikh - M United Tahir Khan - Bandra United Denita Gomes

Winners of WCSC: Bandra United (Mens) & Friends United (Womens)

Make More Money To Create Wealth “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist. Investing is not a game where the guy with the 160 IQ beats a guy with a 130 IQ. Rationality is essential.” - Warren Buffet Two prominent sponsors opened the ‘Creating Wealth, Through Equity’ session on a sunny Sunday morning of October 19th at Hotel Sukh, Juhu, Mumbai. Sharing his views on the benefits of entrepreneurship, Mr. Evencio Quadros narrated one of his accomplishments as Mahindra, Suzuki & Vespa scooters and Renault Cars, notching the number one slot in Goa – under the Quadros Group. Trading a history of diversified commercial activity, Mr. Alfred Michael gave an insight of the Company’s tremendous success in the Catering and Dredging Industries. Challenging the mind concept of people attending his “Workshop on Creating Wealth through Equity investments”, Mr. Clifton DeSilva, Indian Financial Guru delved deep into the subject on ‘Essence of Investment’. Simplifying the business, he explained that: • Financial Planning, stemming from

• A four step retirement strategy could be followed to live a comfortable retired life

purpose of investing, is the process of channelizing financial resources towards financial goals. • Asset Allocation is an investment portfolio technique that aims to balance risk and create diversification by dividing assets among major categories such as Cash or Cash equivalents, Fixed income securities, Equities, etc.

• Constructing a Portfolio is a four step process. Mr. Clifton held the audience attention with anecdotes, humor & personal experiences. Most importantly, he had a strong message for retirees. • Build a retirement corpus to ﬁght inﬂation.

Time creates money, when invested wisely. Hence, take advantage of e-commerce & trade information available on fundamental analysis, economic and industry analysis. Compartmentalize companies into emerging, growth, stable, cyclical, speculative, declining industries - coupled with quantitative & qualitative aspects. Especially qualitative analysis, which attempts to assess intangible factors such as quality of management which can either make or break a company. Armed with the solid rock performance on superior stocks of Coalgate Palmolive, Infosys, Wipro, etc. the attendees were empowered to take calculated risks in equity investments. Closing on a revitalizing note, we were reminded of the famous quote: “It is not important to hold all the good cards in life. But ,it is important how well you play with the cards you hold”. Ditto with the Stock Market and Equity Investment. Lancy J. D’Souza

SPORTS

BANDRABUZZ.COM

NOVEMBER 2014

BWFA 2014: And the Winners Are ... Companeroes, Chimbai SC, Sporting Sensation, SP Football Academy & BWFA Tiger

(Left to right): Winners of BWFA 2014 Companeroes Sports Club (Mens Premier League), SP Football Academy (Womens League), Sporting Sensation (Mens Division I League), Companeroes Sports Club (Boys U-14) & BWFA Tigers (Veterans)

Companeroes SC lifted the Mens Premier League & Boys U- 14 League trophy at the 11th Bandra West Football League 2014. In a keenly fought encounter Companeroes got the better of Athletico Bandra via the tie breaker after both teams were locked goalless at the end of regulation time. Companeroes won 4-3 via the tie breaker with Wren D’Abreo pulling of a spectacular save off a power full spot kick from Ben Fernandes. The Hardlines match was won by Chimbai SC who beat Bandra Packers 21. Floyd Dharmai and Tyron Pereira were on the scoresheet for Chimbai with Nathan DeRosario striking for Packers. The Division I finals was a fast paced encounter with Millwall Strikers holding Sporting Sensation 1-1 at the end of regulation time and taking the match into the sudden death tie breaker in which Sporting edged Millwall 6-5. Companeroes also won the Boys under 14 title whipping Theresians S.C. 7-1 Kieth D’Souza who was later judged the outstanding player in the finals notched up a hat trick and was instrumental in his teams other goals. In an evenly contested finals of the Women’s section S.P. Football Academy got the better of Sea View Sports Club by winning 2-1. In the semi finals played early in the morning S.P. Football Academy had beaten Companeroes SC 2-1 and Sea View SC beat Kenkre FC 2-1.

The Veterans section which entertained the crowds was won by BWFA Tigers who beat BWFA Panthers 4-0 after leading 20 at the breather. BWFA felicitated Floyd Dharmai and Rohel Shaikh who represented Maharashtra in the Football Nationals where Maharashtra featured in the semi finals Tournament sponsor Baba Siddique was the chief guest at the finals and assured the BWFA of his continous financial support in the coming years. RESULTS: MENS PREMIER LEAGUE: Companeroes SC 4 (Wren D’Abreo, Rakesh Bhamiya, Rohel Sheikh & Duran D’Souza) beat Athletico Bandra 3 (Jonathan Pereira, Ansel D’Souza & Dhruv Pandey). FT 0-0. Tie Breaker 4-3. HARDLINES: Chimbai SC 2 ( Floyd Dharmai & Tyron Pereira) beat Bandra Packers 1 (Nathan Derosario)

WOMENS LEAGUE: SP Football Academy 2 (Karishma Vazirani & Akansha Kandalkar) beat Sea View Sports Club 1 (Anju Turumbekar). PLAYER OF THE FINALS: Akansha Kandalkar of SP Football Academy BOYS UNDER 14: Companeroes SC 7 (Keith D’Souza 3, Josiah Noronha 2, Nixon Pinto & Brendon Gomandes) beat Theresians SC 1 (Shakib Shaikh). PLAYER OF THE FINALS: Keith D’Souza of Companeroes SC.

Wanted / Available 1,2,3,4 BHK Apartments in Bandra Salsette Society for Sale / Leave & License

MENS DIVISION I LEAGUE: Sporting Sensation 6 ( Nikhil Patel 2, Alan D’Souza, Ryan Gracias, Prakash Bist & Damler Pereira) beat Millwall Strikers 5 (Nathan Fernandes 2, Dermot Gracious, Curt Demello, Sumit Kapse). PLAYER OF THE FINALS: Allan D’Souza of Sporting Sensation.

Contact: HOME SEARCH

9820323068 , 9821080919

VETERANS: BWFA Tigers 4 (Gavin Vandraine 2 and Vincent Barns 2) beat BWFA Panthers 0 Stanford DeSales Fairplay Award: Carmelites SC OUTSTANDING GOALKEEPER: Troy Menezes of Athletico Bandra OUTSTANDING DEFENDER: Hensil D’Souza of Athletico Bandra OUTSTANDING FORWARD: Floyd Dharmai of Chimbai SC PLAYER OF THE FINALS: Rohel Shaikh

REQUIRED Young energetic Male / Female Administrative Assistant required for liaisoning with industry associations for promoting business of trade, culture, film, industrial, finance, investment, real-estate etc. from India to East European country. Persons having relevant experience and residing in western suburbs preferred. Kindly contact: msc@bom3.vsnl.net.in/ssahuja1910@gmail.com

12 NOVEMBER 2014

BANDRABUZZ.COM

ACHIEVER

World’s Best Coach 2014 title bestowed on Gwendolen Noronha Awarded the title of the World’s Best Coach in the field of mental sports, Gwendolen Noronha (26) has been instrumental in orchestrating the victorious tour of team India in the recently concluded Mental Calculation World Cup 2014, which took place from the 1st October to 12th October, in Dresden, Germany. Indian mental calculator Granth Thakkar, was hailed the overall champion and the winner of the Mental Calculation World Cup 2014, making the nation and his coach proud. The Indian team was represented by 13 players who put in all their neuro fluids to good effect to return home champions, a total of 21 countries and 39 mental calculators participated in the World Cup. The sport of Mental Calculation is practiced and followed in more than 150 countries. Gwendolen has been inclined towards mental sports since she was a child, and for the past seven years she has been mentoring and coaching children, who have a drive to go beyond the syllabus assigned to them at school. However tracing her love for the discipline back to her childhood was not very fruitful as to my surprise she disliked the subject in school. She was a bright child, which enabled her to grasp and comprehend the topics thought at school with ease. What drew her towards the unknown space of mental calculation was the curiosity within, that motivated her to go beyond what was the norm of the education system and beyond what was expected of her. Gwendolen says that, “Every brain thinks and perceives differently and that is the phenomenon which attracts me” She considers the human brain, very intriguing and is constantly trying to decipher its functionality and attributes. Speaking more on the subject she shares some facts with us regarding the benefits of mental sports, “Research study states that memory in the left hemisphere of the human brain would not stay long, but an image that is recorded in the right hemisphere would stay in the mind forever. By stimulating the brain with mental calculations and memory sports challenges, the ability to store and recall is developed and that’s exactly what we incorporate while training. In my opinion learning how to compute numbers or solve mathematical tasks mentally is important as it will tap the unexploited parts of the brain. There are numerous research studies which claim that performing mental calculations not only results in the ability to having a great mathematical power but an overall intelligence. Especially the technique used to calculate mentally by us would develop several other skills like concentration, imagination, visualization, observation and memory; mental calculation being just the end result.” Gwnedolen graduated from St. Andrews College, Bandra and completed her Masters in Management. On

busy with preparation work for the challenges that lay ahead, Gwendolen shares an example to illustrate how logic can positively influence the way we perceive maths and calculation. Write down the table of 9 in a manner that the answer is divided into two columns, the first being in black & the second in light black. 9 x 1 = 09 9 x 2 = 18 9 x 3 = 27 9 x 4 = 36 9 x 5 = 45 9 x 6 = 54 9 x 7 = 63 9 x 8 = 72 9 x 9 = 81 9 x 10 = 90 quizzing her about the sport’s future in the country her answer is logical, and highlights the issues that we as a nation take for granted, “Our country needs to encourage and endorse all categories of sports not just mental sports. It’s sad to see that even newspapers dedicate barely a page or two showcasing sporting events and personalities, instead emphasis on crime and politics. I am not disrespecting any profession here. I would definitely consider getting involved in politics someday, but are these the only fields of interest we Indians have? It is disheartening that sometimes, you need a movie star to promote a particular sport. For instance, if I initiate a Mental Calculations League and sell teams to bollywood celebrities and then have the matches, the viewership and fan following will certainly increase.” Accolades is no stranger to Gwendolen, in the year 2006 she was awarded the “Youngest Entrepreneur” title, in the year 2010 she was facilitated by “Leaders in International Education” for her contribution towards education. Miss. Noronha was named one of India’s Most Desirable Woman, and featured amongst the Top Ten Leading Women by Achiever’s Chair in 2014. Justifying the title of the “World’s Best Coach 2014”, that was bestowed upon her by the very best in the field of mental calculations, to name a few, Melik Duyar (Mental Calculations and Memory Sports - Memoriad Olympics Chairperson), Scott Flansburg (The Human Calculator), Yusnier Viera, Nelson Dellis, Naofumi Ogasawari and many more. Gwendolen inspired and guided team India to establish 18 world records and gain global supremacy by winning the 2014 World Cup, all of this in a span of two years since taking over the reigns as coach. With regards to future plans she enthusiastically says, “Even the sky isn’t the limit and mental calculations is a mind sport. There is always room for improvement. The next step is to spread awareness and impart training to the

masses, not just in India but in other nations as well. The goal is to build a greater community of mental calculators globally. We are heading towards the Mental Calculations and Memory Sports Olympics in 2016 at Las Vegas and before that the eliminations have to be conducted in India in 2015.” Before she gets

“The first column has ascending numbers from 0 to 9 and vice versa in the second column, from 9 to 0. This isn’t applicable for all numbers but every number has some pattern or logic, it’s only about taking the effort to find out.” Sidhant Nayangara

LIFESTYLE

BANDRABUZZ.COM

Chakra Meditation Chakra meditation is one of the very popular & interesting meditation. Chakras are the points of concentrated energy, situated in the subtle body or ‘pranic body’, not physical body. They are the meeting points or junctions of the energy channels called as ‘nadis’. Two important nadis namely ida and pingla cross each other at these chakra points. Many thousands subtle channels arise from these chakras and reach every part of the body. Vital energy called ‘prana’ flows through these channels. These chakras are sensitive to mental concentration. When one focuses on these chakras, then the nerves around these carry the sensations to mind and several muscles. These chakras are also called plexus due to the formation of network or web of nerves. The word chakra literally means whirlpool, vortex, spinning circle or wheel. In ancient texts of yoga & meditation they are symbolized as ‘lotus’, having a specific number of ‘petals’. Each chakra is associated with a specific beej mantra, which is a sound of certain wave length & frequency. These chakras are situated in spine but their influence is also on front of the body. Every chakra is associated with specific characteristics, specific emotions, specific personality traits, specific level of consciousness & specific level of spiritual evolution. There are 7 major chakras in the body. 1. Muladhar chakra, root chakra, situated at the perineum. Its beej manta is ‘lung’. It is represented by lotus of 4 petals. Its element is ‘earth’. 2. Svadhisthana chakra, sacral chakra, situated at center of pelvic area below the naval. Its beej mantra is ‘vung’. It is represented by lotus of 6 petals. Its element is ‘water’ 3. Manipura chakra, naval chakra, situated at naval. Its beej mantra is ‘rung’. Represented by lotus of 10 petals. Its element is ‘fire’. 4. Anahata chakra, heart chakra, situated at center of chest in line with nipples. Its beej mantra is ‘yung’. Represented by lotus of 12 petals. Its element is ‘air’. 5. Vishuddhi chakra, throat chakra, situated at throat pit. Its beej mantra is ‘hung’. Represented by lotus of 16 petals Its element is ‘aakash’ i.e. ‘space’. 6. Agya chakra, forehead chakra, 3rd eye, situated at center of forehead between eyebrows. Its beej mantra is ‘om’.

Represented by lotus of 2 petals. 7. Sahasraar chakra, crown chakra, situated at top of the head. It has no beej mantra as it is beyond sound. Represented by lotus of 1000 petals. For meditation on chakras one should sit straight in comfortable cross leg position on some asana made from cotton or wool. If one is unable to sit in cross leg position, then he may sit on a sofa or a chair. First thing is to relax the body, specially the shoulders, fingers, neck, face & forehead. Then for few moments one should watch the flow of breath so that the mind settles down. Then one may chant any small prayer or do om chanting 3 times. Now focus your awareness on the root chakra at perineum and feel the incoming breath gently coming to this chakra. Feel the vibrations there and mentally chant the beej mantra ‘lung’ for some time. Feel that you are becoming more confident, courageous and fearless, as you connect with this chakra and as this gets awakened. After some time bring your focus on Svadhisthana chakra at pelvic region, 4 fingers below naval. Feel the incoming breath gently coming to this chakra and let your awareness dwell here. You will feel vibrations and heat building up. Mentally chant the beej mantra ‘vung’ for some time. As you awaken & cleanse this chakra, your sub conscious mind gets healed & you become more balanced person. Now bring your awareness to the naval chakra and feel the vibrations there as you gently inhale the breath. You will also feel the warmth at and around naval. Mentally chant the beej mantra ‘rung’ for some time. As you awaken this chakra, feel your will power becoming stronger and stronger. Now raise your focus on the Anahata i.e. heart chakra, at center of chest. Gently breath into heart chakra and awaken this chakra of love and compassion, chakra of joy and happiness. Deep in your heart feel the warmth of love & feel the inner happiness. Let the love spring out from heart & spread around. Let the happiness spring out from heart and spread around. Mentally chant the beej manta ‘yung’ for some time. As you connect with your heart chakra, you feel contented; absolutely contented. You feel at peace with yourself, connected to your core. Now bring your awareness to the Vishuddhi chakra at throat pit. Mentally chant the beej mantra ‘hung’ for some time & feel the mantra vibrating at throat pit. As you awaken this chakra, your communication power will become more clear and effective. Your thyroid gland will function better. The quality of your sleep will improve. Now bring the awareness to the forehead center, between eyebrows to the Agya chakra; the chakra of wisdom, creativity & intuition; the chakra of spiritual transformation & enlightenment. See the vast cosmic space behind forehead. Let your limited individual self merge with this infinite cosmic space. This will guide your path to enlightenment. Mentally chant the mantra ‘om’ as you look at the forehead center and also visualize the bright sparkling light there. You may gently breath into this chakra to further activate it. You will feel peaceful and extremely pleasant meditative state, transcendental state. The ancient tradition of putting ‘bindi’ or ‘tilak’ was for activating this 3rd eye. Now raise your awareness to the top of head i.e. Crown chakra. Let your consciousness stay there and get stabilized, as you move into a thoughtless state. This Sahasraar is the chakra of highest level of consciousness, beyond time and space. As your awareness dwells here, all illusions are washed out; your spirit gets purified and prepares to get liberated from cycle of birth and death. The beginners may find it little difficult to locate the position of chakra while meditating. So they can touch the fingers on chakra position for a while. That makes it easy for the mind to ascertain the position & focus. These chakras are magnets which naturally attract the concentration of the meditator. Do not suddenly come out of the meditation. Move your fingers, toes and then rub your palms till they feel warm and then place them on your face. Take your time and then gradually open the eyes. Before coming out of meditation you can also pray for the peace and wellbeing of all the beings around you and all over universe. Nitin Jain

NOVEMBER 2014

FENG SHUI CHAT Q&A with MARIA HUSSAIN www.bhcfengshui.com - Personal / Relationship Consultant - Transformational / Motivational Coach - Feng Shui Expert - Available for personal, home & business consultations Children’s day has always been special for me... It brings out the child in us. A friend once told me that there are no bad children, only bad behaviour... It's true. Our environment aﬀects our behaviour. One of the greatest forms of wealth is happy, healthy, and well-adjusted, behaved children. Transform your child’s life by an indepth analysis of him/herself through a Personalised Feng Shui Analysis Report. This will deﬁnitely help your child balance his/her life for greater success: to create a healthy, happy environment that fosters education, good health, happy relationships with parents and siblings, and respect for parents and others.

I have a 14 year old son. I am doing up his room. He wants to have a fish aquarium in his room. Please advice. Mrs. Sumitra Bajaj Avoid water themes in the bedroom. Waterpictures whether it’s a painting on a wall, dark blue ocean themes, a ﬁsh tank or an aquarium creates an unhealthy environment in children’s rooms & may even lead to respiratory ailments, and depression. This is especially important if the child has any health problems, particularly asthma. I must say your column is very interesting. Our son and daughter ages 6 & 3 sleep on a bunk bed. Are bunk beds good as they grow up? Mr. Jerome Vaz Thank you. Bunk beds are not advised. Children must have room to grow and the bed overhead exerts pressure on the child below. Because there is empty space below them, children on the top bunk may feel less secure.

Call on +91 9987794035 or +912226403119 to set an appointment

SPAN CONSTRUCTIONS E | C | B - S 1983

10 YEARS SPAN GUARANTEE on terrace waterproofing & structural repairs RESIDENTIAL * COMMERCIAL * INDUSTRIAL Structural Repairs. Terrace Waterproofing. RCC Repairs. Water Tank Repairs. Chemical Coating. Building Painting. Compound Concreting / Paving Roofing Works.

CALL: 2640 1646, 2655 7078, 9819099502, 9820308722 www.spanconstructions.in | sunder@spanconstructions.in WHEN IT’S SPAN… YOU’RE SURE!!! The Name Stands for Quality, Durability and Workmanship at its Best.

YOGA - AEROBICS LOOSE WEIGHT & INCHES FASTER. 100% RESULTS GROUP CLASSES AND PERSONAL TRAINING

HAIR COURSES 2 WEEKS HAIRSTYLING COURSE. A COMPREHENSIVE COURSE IN VARIOUS BLOW DRIES AND LONG HAIRSTYLING. We also offer courses in Hair Dressing, Beauty & Spa.

Contact: Daisy, Aliya & Kalpana on 9819409230, 9833503635, 9619248880 66680089

• MEDITATION & PRANAYAM • CULTURAL ASANAS OF YOGA • POWER YOGA • EYE EXERCISE 500 • AEROBICS per month • KICKBOXING • WEIGHT TRAINING • LEGS & ABS SHAPING & TONING

(ALL-IN-ONE SESSION)

RAAJAANI 9322436447, 9220571395

To Advertise in Bandra Buzz:

Call: 9820783686 , 9920299787