THE MILEAGE --- NOVEMBER ISSUE

Volume No.II

Issue No.VI

November, 2015

Guwahati

Total Pages-24

A Tribute to

the Legend

The Mileage November, 2015 ADVISORS Talmizur Rahman, Chandan Kr. Goswami Nurul Islam Laskar

Editorial Growing Intolerance

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CONTENTS

DAY Prakash, a Hindi writer was the first litterateur who returned the Sahitya Academy award on September 4, protesting against the murder, a few days earlier of Kannada Sahitya Academy winner M M Kalburgi. Since then every subsequent day, one or the other Sahitya Academy Awardees are returning their awards thereby registering their dissension against the rising intolerance of the prevailing regime. It is becoming more evident in the recent past that Freedom of Speech and Expression provided in clause (1) (a) under Right to Freedom (Article 19) is getting adversely affected.

It is not a protest demonstrated by any political party or pressure groups but it is the manifestation of the anguish and anger of the intelligentsia of our society on the ongoing state of affairs. Ink attack on Sudheendra Kulkarni by the Shiv Sainiks during the launch of ‘ Neither a Hawk nor a Dove’ by Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri in Mumbai and Dadri lynching on 25th September are other glaring instances where one could decipher the growing intolerance in the society. Excepting a few such instances, it is difficult to establish

CONSULTING EDITOR Aniruddha Laskar

who actually are behind such gruesome acts.

It is always easy to point fingers and blame the existing regime but many a times it could also be the handiwork of the opponent group to tarnish the image of those who are at the helm of affairs.

The cardinal point here is to think above party politics and concentrate on the larger interests of the society. And it is equally important to widen our perspective on things around us and become all accommodating.

Restraining an artist or a writer from giving vent to their views and expressions would be detrimental to the society at large.

On the occasion of death anniversary of Dr. Bhupen Hazarika, the cover story this issue enlightens us on his humanistic aspect and his ability to communicate with the mass.

His entire journey is a relentless effort towards promoting harmony and synergizing people belonging to different communities for the collective good of the society. Let the political leaders inculcate some artistic temperament and work for the well being of all irrespective of caste, creed, and religion.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Bijoy Ghimire bijoy@themileage.org EXECUTIVE EDITOR Deepa Kumari Basfore SUB EDITOR Saibal Krishna Sharma CREATIVE HEAD Bishnu Saikia PRO CUM LEGAL & CULTURAL REPORTER Swapnav (Mausam) Jyoti Baishya Saud GRAPHICS & DESIGNING Himangshu Lahkar Maqsood Ahmed FOR ADVERTISEMENTS Shanker Chetri: +91 8011412178 Prachi Choudhury email: ad@themileage.org Delhi : Anand K Newar +91-7042172146 CIRCULATION Sanjeev Chetri +91 9577571388 Pradeep Chetry PHOTOGRAPHY Milton Alam, Akash Harizan, Sandip Ghimire Letters to the editor can be sent at editor@themileage.org or themileage.tab@ gmail.com Articles and the feature write ups are invited and can be mailed at editor@themileage.org

(Editor-in-Chief)

COVER STORY

A CANDID TALK WITH THE MALESTORM WINNER 15 VIVEK BORAH

OVERVIEW 9 ARUNAVA GUPTA

THE GREAT HUMANIST EVER 5 RUDHIR PRAKASH SARMA

FESTIVITY HIS WORLD OF REVERBERATING COMMUNICATION 6 BHARATI BHARALI AND PARTHA PRAWAL

FEST OF LIGHTS GETS A FACELIFT 10 BANANI DAS CHOWDHURY

PEOPLE AND PLACES EDUCATION

BUSINESS: RETAIL TAILING ONLINE 12 P.K. AGARWALLA

IMPORTANCE OF ENGINEERING EDUCATION 7-8 T.D. SUBASH

STRIKING THE RIGHT STROKES 13-14 PARTHA PRAWAL

ENVIRONMENT ECO DEVELOPMENT IN MANAS – A BRIEF

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LIFESTYLE

OTHER REGULAR FEATURES EDITORIAL PAGE 3 HEALTH & SCIENCE 16 EVENT 17-19 ENTERTAINMENT 20 CHAT ZONE 21 PICTORIAL 22 FACES OF THE MONTH 23

The cover story of the October issue on male prostitution is indeed revealing and I am surprised to know that such things do happen in Guwahati as well.

I will not sermon here what is right or what is wrong but I can definitely say that such trends will degenerate our society as this is something which is foreign to us and has been adopted.

The fashion photography in the pictorial page in the last month issue of your magazine is very fascinating. I stay in Gangtok and have interest in fashion photography and would be delighted if your magazine can publish some tips on fashion photography.

The interview with Blossom Kochar is quite informative. I have been using Aroma Magic products since long. The different aspects of Blossom Kochar Group of Companies discussed in the interview is quite enlightening. I would love to read other benifits of Aroma products in your magazine.

Priya Sharma, Guwahati

Suresh Ghaley, Gangtok, Sikkim

Simpi Saikia Nagaon

© All content of The Mileage, such as text, graphics, logos, button icons, images, data compilations is the property of The Mileage. Copying any portion of the content or reproducing it in any other form is not permissible in any part of the world. # The views or opinions expressed in the magazine are that of the authors and other content providers. The editor of this magazine does not necessarily subscribe to all the viewpoints presented by them.

Published and Printed by D.P. Upadhyaya on behalf of M/S THE MILEAGE from H/N. 39, By lane no.1, Ananda Nagar, Near Hotel Grand Starline, Guwahati -05 Email: info@themileage.org, themileage.tab@gmail.com, Contact no: 03612349928, 8876752400

Janasanyog/1300/15

COVER STORY

The Mileage November, 2015

Rudhir Prakash Sarma

A

S a singer, Bhupen Hazarika with his magical voice had the ability to effortlessly deal with issues ranging from themes as varied as social, political, spiritual or matters relating to the heart. As he was a humanist, his songs had a great appeal among the masses not only in Assam or in India but across the globe. The bard of the red river was a genius who touched the hearts of millions with his superb compositions which were simple, earthy and yet carried a powerful message that could make people sit and ponder. Without a doubt therefore, our beloved Bhupen Mama was someone with whom his countless admirers felt a strong connection even though many of them might not have seen him in person.

One who was always at ease amidst people, Bhupen Mama despite his stature, never longed for any kind of creative isolation. It was perhaps the company of his well-wishers that inspired him to create such astonishingly brilliant masterpieces that will remain relevant for ages to come. As a humanist, he tried his utmost to oppose barriers of caste, creed & ethnicity and also questioned rigid societal norms.

Mindful of the strong undercurrents of Assamese sub-national aspirations, he tried his utmost to show the path to assimilate the revolutionary voices with the national mainstream.

A ‘jajabor’ (nomad) as per his own

admission, he had total disregard for any kind of geo-political limitations. In fact, he was considered to be a global citizen who could captivate people with his immense musical dexterity. Notwithstanding his achievements in the field of music, he also dabbled in film direction, writing scores for films, painting and even journalism with considerable success. It was his great desire to see the people of his beloved Assam in particular and the Northeast in general living in perfect unison. However, the deeply ingrained sub-nationalists traits prevented the people from achieving that bonding cherished by Bhupen Mama during his lifetime. But at his funeral, the huge multitude of grief-stricken mourners who mingled effortlessly forgetting the narrow barriers erected by the foolishness of man proved that with a conscious effort, it is possible to realise the vision of the bard of the red river. But for that, everyone will have to assume the role of that “duronto torun” who will work ceaselessly till the banks of the Brahmaputra reverberate with the sounds of fellow-feeling cherished by the genius.

A TRIBUTE TO (LATE) DR. BHUPEN HAZARIKA O bard of the mighty red river, Your departure has left a void that would never be filled.

Your voice became known globally for its mission to promote the rich culture and social heritage of the North East, You were never found wanting whenever the need of holding aloft the cause of the Assamese sub-nationality arose; Your ability to assimilate India’s North East with the national mainstream, Highlighted your extra-ordinary zeal to promote togetherness and nationalism, Yet, you still managed to showcase the uniqueness of the rich music and dance forms of this unexplored paradise with such awe-inspiring ease, To some, you were magical, expressive, emotional, creative and bold And a beacon of love, of passion and hope, The red river still flows, totally oblivious of your absence, Or may be, it grieves silently, undetected, having lost its most worthy balladeer But the chingaari (Lit) by the lifelong jajabor in the hearts of the young and old alike Will continue to inspire the humanity of man, as long as the river flows.

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COVER STORY

The Mileage November, 2015

A

VERY few in the human history has been able to engrave their names as ‘mass communicator’, crossing the limitations of time and geography and late Dr Bhupen Hazarika belonged to this elite list of a very few. His songs and music are a legend in themselves, which not only made him evergreen but they also made him immortal for generations. His songs not only voiced for the deprived ones, but they also spoke about love, social equality and justice for which he could have been placed as a social reformer like Rabindra Nath Tagore, Nazrul Islam, Jyoti Prasad Agarwalla and Bishu Prasad Rabha.

His melodies became the reflection of a gradually emerging society, in which rich became richer every day and totally forget to think of the poor. If we closely listen to the song Puhor bilasi pahori najaba, endharotu ase bohujon, Mohol Nibasi, ketia suniba, Bhoga jupurir Krondon, we will get a glimpse as how strong his words were when it came to connect and communicate. The said song’s rough translation is ‘those who are living in light, do not forget that some even reside in the darkness, those living in the bungalows, when they will listen to the wail of the homeless’.

There is a universal appeal in Bhupen Hazarika’s charm and his choice of words that set him apart from his contemporaries.

For him, sorrows and grief of a living soul was just the same; irrespective of the land to which one belonged. His songs crossed the Assamese periphery and these can very well be regarded as world songs.

Otitor buronji Likhoke likhise Roja Moharojar Kotha, Ajir burionji likhoke likhise Manuhor Mukutir Kotha, Misor desore Nile noir parore fallahine binale koi krisokor bukure betha, Mississippir parote kopahor khetite Nigo jone binale koi manuhor boronor kotha, Luitor

"Bhupen was a giant among dwarfs, rooted in real India. He articulated his concerns about the North East and bridged the differences with mainstream India" ~ Mahesh Bhatt, Filmmaker parore gaonere morisalit Rongmone nitou sinyonre, Koi buoti monore kotha, whose rough English translation is - Past historians wrote stories of kings and emperors, but today they talk about the freedom of man, The stories of farmers in the bank of Nile or the stories of racism on the banks of Mississippi are of no difference with stories of sufferings of people living along the Brahmaputra. Here we can see as how beautifully Bhupen Hazarika connected the East with the West and the contemporariness is relevant even today.

Humanism resided in his songs. The message and theme of his songs varied from social to religious. Through his songs, late Hazarika preached for transparency and appealed all to end corruption. On corruption and the growing embezzlement, he says, ‘Anore dhon lukuaboloi pitaiye siksha nidile, raijor don saan karhiboloi aaiye siksha nidile, (father did not teach me to embezzle others’ money, nor did mother taught to grab public’s money).

Dr Hazarika’s songs not only does voice ferociously about the then destabilized political scenarios of Assam, but at the same time these songs act as an epitaph of an era which witnessed the birth of a resurgent community. Through his songs, not only did he salute the sacrifices of the soldiers at NEFA (North East Frontier Area), but at the same time cry for the widows of the martyrs of the 80s.

“Bhupen Hazarika’s words were magical.

His baritone had a mystical attraction and he was able to draw the attention of the public on any issue. I vibrantly remember him boarding the top of a truck and singing aah aah olai aah during the Chinese aggression.

People in lakhs hit the streets of Guwahati and donated whatever they could for the soldiers fighting the Chinese army,” recalls septuagenarian Anjali Devi of Guwahati.

“Then there is this song about the marriage of a Brahmin girl and a nonBrahmin boy and the kind of problems they go through. The song carries a bold and a strong message and it questions a serious issue of caste division. Since inter-caste marriage is seldom accepted in the society even till date, the song was an important one at that time. The song carries a message of love and harmony,” she quickly adds.

Dr Hazarika was careful about the heterogeneity of his target audience and probably this is why each and every community of the multi cultured, multi lingual tribes of the Northeast region felt him as a part of them and the ‘mass communicator’ became a ‘personal communicator’ for each of them. His songs turned into their voice. If he introduced us to Marley and Robeson, on the other, he introduced preaching of Sankardeva to the world. His poetry and the lyrical rendition continue to live on even after his death.

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EDUCATION

The Mileage November, 2015

E

DUCATION is an essential need of every human being. It was born with the birth of the human race and shall continue to function as long as the human race lives. It is what provides us wisdom. Education is an essential human virtue. Man becomes ‘man’ through education. It has been rightly said that without education, man is a splendid slave, reasoning savage. Education brings into focus the social aspect of man.

Education signifies man’s supreme position in society. Technology is essentially the need of the hour. With the advancement of technology in today’s world, it is very important to keep a pace with it. It has already been witnessed previously, with every invention, a new technological pioneer appearing the human race has taken a gradual leap towards evolution. The revolutionary movement is the movement of technology, which has encompassed all the possible fields of our lives and has literary made the “impossible” well within our grabs, therefore making it “possible”.

The sole reason for our luxury and comfort, something we very much brag about is practically due to the technological reason.

Engineering is a science involving designing, building and usage of machines, engines and structures. Pursuing an engineering degree is a popular career option in India. With the economy opening up over the last two decades, the steady growth of industries in the last few years, as well as the addition of streams within Engineering, students may have a variety of career choices. Engineering education is the practical solution to almost any kind of problem which holds the capacity to settle, prevent and preview any practical anomaly in an object. Therefore engineering is the

answer to any predicament regarding scientific and technical working of tools.

Engineers are the builders and designers of the world. It is said that Engineering is not just a degree, but a way of thinking.

Even though the number of Engineers in India has proliferated over recent years, the demand for good engineers has remained constant. The beauty of engineering is that it could not only open up avenues in diverse domains, but the remuneration could also be good. A degree in Engineering can open up multiple career avenues for students.

The creation right from an invisible micro-organism up to the limitless space/ universe, covering all animate/ inanimate objects in-between can all be termed to be the result of Engineering science.

The Engineer is a professional, trained to create engineered systems for the benefit

of mankind. He designs these systems, produces goods & services which help in socio-economic & human development in many ways. Try to think of it for a while.

You cannot go through a day’s life without making use of things the engineer helps to create; namely starting from a needle you sew with to the sewing machine, from bicycle to the spaceship, the house you live in, the road & bridges you use, the car in which you travel, the fan or AC in your work place, the refrigerator in your kitchen, the watch on your wrist, the telephone & now cell-phone in your pocket, the radio or TV set in your living room & much more. The list is unending.

All these systems are connected with the people’s lives, their economic prosperity, social well-being, recreation & over all happiness in a peaceful condition without

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COVER STORY

strife & without damage to the natural environment. Thus engineer has a role not only to benefit the society but also in the designing of the society itself.

Engineers, by the very nature of their work, have a responsibility to society. In this role, they have extensive professional responsibilities & they have to address ethical dimensions of Engineering problems, designs & interactions. Students of Engineering should graduate with experience in working in teams, have strong written & oral communications skills & be well versed in the economic, social, environmental & international context of Engineering professional activities.

Engineering is one of the few professions where creativity meets originality, innovation and this explains its popularity. Engineering geologists can expect job growth of 21 per cent between 2010 and 2020, according to the Bureau of Labour Statistics (bls.gov/ooh). Engineers have been responsible for the tremendous innovations and discoveries since time immemorial. Since Engineering involves concepts and reasoning, it can be a great choice for anyone who wants to leave a mark.

An Engineer should have curiosity and a bent of mind to discover something new. If you merely study science with the objective to score, do not find much interest in the experiments. The numerous applications possible through the formulas and concepts, it is unlikely that you would want to make a career in the same.

Engineers must develop a fundamental understanding of their professional responsibilities.

The most effective mechanism is the personal involvement of each Engineer in integrating the topics of safety, welfare of the public, professional ethics, legal considerations, environmental responsibilities, quality and communications into the methodologies

The Mileage November, 2015

which all engineers use to approach and solve problems in the ordinary course of practice. This could be considered a natural extension of “Concurrent Engineering” in which the elements of design, manufacturing, and other issues are considered concurrently in engineering methodology. The concurrent methodology would include design for manufacturing, design for reliability, design for maintainability, design for assembly, design for environment, design for safety, design for economics, etc.

Engineers must weigh different design choices on their merits and choose the solution that best matches the requirements.

Their crucial and unique task is to identify, understand, and interpret the constraints on a design in order to produce a successful result. It may not be a new message but it is one of ever-growing importance Engineers are vital to our economy and society. Their knowledge and skills are in high demand across a range of sectors, from manufacturing to financial services and everything in between.

We think of Engineers as people who take discoveries from the sciences and use them to solve problems that change the world. Holy Grace aims to educate engineers who are also leaders, who understand the science of their solutions, of course, but who also understand the people, issues and systems they hope to affect.

Thus there is unlimited scope for innovation in engineering to help new unique enterprises. Proper manufacture of timber products, extraction of pharmaceutical products & perfumes manufacture of materials for handicrafts, horticulture industry, housing development. Institution building for education, mini, micro & macro hydel power plants, computer software & hardware, manufacture of electronic goods & daily food products, developing

quicker transport facilities, drainage, sewerage facilities, solid waste disposal schemes of towns & cities, sanitation projects, protection of water bodies disaster mitigation & management are a few in the long list of some Engineering tasks that will require professional engineering services.

During the past several centuries, the successive development of the printing press, wired and wireless communication, the internet have enabled the ubiquitous creation, shaping, and sharing of knowledge. One could argue that as a result of these developments, the capacity for universal participation in decision making in politics and other spheres has risen to an unprecedented level, as has the potential for enhancing the quality of life for a broader segment of humankind. Today, a new world of robust communication lies before us, and it has all been made possible by the talents, skills, and dedicated work of Engineers. How we develop and use this capacity will determine our destiny.

We are entering an age of “distributed intelligence”--an era in which knowledge is available to anyone, anywhere, at anytime; in which power, information, and responsibility are moving away from centralized control to the individual.

Over the span of just a few years, the size of computers has shrunk dramatically, from something that would fill a large airconditioned room to something that fits on our desktop, in our laps or in our pockets.

To be successful and to promote prosperity, Engineers must exhibit more than first-rate technical and scientific skills.

In an increasingly competitive world, they must help us make good decisions about investing enormous amounts of time, money, and human resources toward common ends. An Engineer not only knows how to do things right, but also knows the right thing to do. This requires that he or she have a broad, holistic background. Since engineering itself is an integrative process, engineering education must likewise be integrative.

Engineers know that scientific and mathematical skills are necessary for professional success. An engineering student nevertheless must also experience the “functional core of engineering”-the excitement of facing an open-ended challenge and creating something that has never been. Participating in the process of realizing a new product through the integration of seemingly disparate skills is an educational imperative.

T.D. Subash, M.E., (Ph.D), MIEEE, MIPS, MEDS HOD- Electronics & Communication Engineering Holy Grace Academy of Engineering Thrissur, Kerala

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ENVIRONMENT

The Mileage November, 2015

T

HE mid 70s through the 80s and 90s of the last century saw the emergence of new thoughts and practices in the realm of forest and wildlife management in the country. Driven primarily by the realization that the needs and aspirations of forest dependent communities had to go hand in hand with the demands of nature conservation, practices like the Joint Forest Management were adopted. This, in turn, led to innovative experiments by a few resource managers in different parts of the country. In the case of the management of protected areas (PA), a government of India document (1983) titled ‘Eliciting public support for wildlife conservation’ sowed the seed of a philosophy and practice which finally came to be called ‘Eco development’. This had clearly arisen out of a felt need.

However Eco development programs were initiated in different protected areas in the country during the late nineties and the initial years of the 21st century, protected areas in Assam were left behind in welcoming these new initiatives.

Though limited eco development activities were started in Kaziranga National Park mainly on the initiative of NGO’s and innovative park managers, the Eco development activities remained dormant and registered some activities only by the end of the first decade of the 21st century.

In the case of Manas, the situation was even worse though a PA with multiple tags, including the world heritage site. The social-political turmoil during the late 80s and 90s had paralyzed park administration and it was only after the return of normalcy after the formation of Bodoland Territorial Council in 2003 that normal functioning of the Park administration could ensure.

Though the park administration had initiated eco development activities from 2010 itself, however it was after the beginning of the Project,’ “Integrated Approaches to enhance livelihoods sustainability of communities in the fringe areas of Manas Tiger Reserve (MTR), 2014-2017”, implemented by

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology & the Environment (ATREE) that concrete steps were taken to materialise eco development activities in the fringe villages of Manas National Park.

The Project started with a series of meetings in the fringe villages for spreading awareness on the importance of Eco-development activities and soliciting the support of the local community. These inception meetings saw the wholesome participation of villagers, local NGOs, forest officials and social workers. During these inception meetings, searchlights and crackers were also distributed to mitigate human-wildlife conflict.

After the first set of meetings, the process of formation of EDCs was started. A total of eight Eco development Committees were formed in eight villages and all the stakeholders resolved to carry forward the initiative. Thereafter socio-economic surveys were conducted to collect Baseline data of various aspects of community life in the villages.

The eco development committees have given a platform to the villagers to plan and execute development interventions for themselves. Various project activities like community plantations, cultivation of vegetables, fruits, spices and cash crops have been undertaken in the villages by the EDCs. The EDCs have also collaborated in holding awareness programs and

training programs related to farming, mushroom cultivation, institutional development, conservation awareness programs, etc. Members from EDCs have participated in exposure trips and training programs at renowned centers like the Horticultural Research Station, Kahikuchi and Veterinary College, Khanapara.

Organic farming is also being promoted through support for training and inputs for preparation of organic manure, biofertilizers and bio-pesticides.

The Forest Department is also coordinating with Eco development committees in promoting sustainable development in the villages and sustaining conservation efforts. The EDCs are being accepted as nodal agencies at the village level for implementing development schemes supported by the Department and other non government organizations.

The impact of these interventions has been enthusiasm and interest in livelihood initiatives and positive orientation towards conservation. However the rising expectations of the community members have created a lot of responsibility on the staff and incidents of Human-Wildlife Conflict continue to vitiate the atmosphere from time to time. There are also questions on sustainability of the interventions and how far the newly created grass root institutions can sustain by themselves.

Though there are hurdles in the path, eco development has arrived at Manas at least for the present. The future holds many promises and challenges. It depends how far the local community is acquainted with the idea of eco development such that they make a determined effort to sustain these initiatives as well as conserve the rich biodiversity of Manas for their sustainable development.

The writer is the Coordinator, ATREE Project Office, Barpeta, Assam

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FESTIVITY

The Mileage November, 2015

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Banani Das Chowdhury

W

ITH the festive season on, another reason to celebrate is round the corner. Festival of Lights, signifying the triumph of good over evil, with its roots to the diverse cultures in Hinduism; also holding importance to Sikhism, Buddhism and Jainism; is a vividly celebrated festival across the globe.

With time, every festival go through the process of modernisation, and Diwali is not left untouched with its repercussions.

To add to it, living in a nuclear family and e-way of communication modified our way of celebrating. But as long as the message of the festival that it carries remain with us and passed on to the next generation bridging gaps between people belonging to different faiths, cultures and countries; modernisation with a limited blend of commercialisation in this era of globalisation, is a new dimension of celebration.

From lamps to rangolis (tradional form of art of floor painting); from God, Goddess’ idols to firecrackers, food to greetings, gifts etc. everything needed in celebrating Diwali got modernised, offering us varied and better options to choose from, to gratify our festive mood.

From traditional simple clay lamps made mainly by potters to “modern designed lamps”, now we have a wide variety to illuminate our home in Diwali.

Many amongst them are handled by creative designers and skilled craftsman.

Many modern lamps available in different shapes and sizes are wax filled; aromatic lamps with different flavours; brass, aluminium diyas etc. Keeping in pace with decorative lamps, candles also modernized from white and coloured to trendy, floating, gel candles coming in different colours, scented candles, star-shaped to cylindrical candle shapes and the list can go on.

Adding to make long the stay of illumination, electric light got adorned to Diwali which originally was about lighting “oil or ghee lamps”. Today, when we are concerned about saving electricity and sustainability, many are welcoming the use of LED lights for decoration which saves much of electricity consumption.

Lakshmi Puja is an integral part of Diwali celebration; Rangolis are made to welcome the Goddess of wealth and prosperity.

Traditionally, rangolis are usually made from rice flour or coloured powder and flower petals. But in these busy days with people living in compact flats, to relive traditions, rangoli stickers are available in markets, in various eye-catching designs. Unlike handmade rangolis, these are permanent plastic coated stickers, designed with computer generated graphics or handmade rhinestones, available in different patterns from floating to floor décor items.

Lakshmi, Ganesh idols are mainly worshipped during Diwali in most part of India; many adopting to welcome home eco-friendly idols owing to the modern age of environmental awareness.

The tradition of burning fireworks in Diwali, signify keeping away all evil spirits from entering home and bringing in prosperity. But excessive use of fireworks, many containing harmful chemical are still in vogue to celebrate Diwali, causing noise, air and soil pollution besides causing various health hazards to many. This is also a major concern for one of the reasons of

child labourers in fireworks industry in the country. With increasing awareness of protecting environment, a modern positve step adopted by growing number of people are resorting to eco-friendly crackers with hardly any use of chemicals as - 3D fireworks coming with 3D glass available in many varieties, all emit no sound and are pollution free; electric fireworks which are pollution free and can be reused.

No festival is complete without feast, exchange of gifts and greeting near and dear ones. Diwali is also about traditional sweets and delicious recipes. In this busy schedule, some try to follow traditional way of making sweets and other recipes and some buy homemade sweets and other food items. Markets provide a wide range of options with a blend of tradition and modernity served in plate. Now Diwali cakes as Christmas cakes are all part of a modern Diwali razzmatazz.

Celebrating with relatives might not be convenient but world is a global village and we all are one big family so we can make our friends, neighbours from same as well as from different faiths and cultures a part of our celebration, which can not only fill the gaps in our diversity, but also, teach generation next great lessons of oneness.

Let’s renovate this Diwali to dispel completely the darkness of pollution and other hazards to our well being, and illuminate the lights of communal harmony, peace and sustainability of good over evil on our planet.

OPINION

The Mileage November, 2015

name of audition.

The selection committee panel will not have faces that are well known in the industry.  Humiliation and remarks would be made about one’s figure/physique in such a way that he/she will be in teary eyes.  These shows will never have renowned grooming experts, who have excelled either on ramp, posing, or have been a part of any national or international shows or one who have worked for the same.  These kinds of show will never provide outfits to even the final or top contestants, but they would demand something which makes a big hole in the pocket of the contestant.

Now in this industry people are again being tranquilized in the name of audition, be it for a fashion show or for print/electronic media casting. Casting couch still prevails but now I would rather call it as casting cash. Now what is casting cash? Auditions are held and there the aspiring models or actors become a part of it. Here, they have to pay a minimum amount which again is known as registration amount. One pays it, shortlisted ones are happy and rejected ones cry all over again.

In the ensuing milieu, one person or an organization or a company becomes rich. Nothing else! There are big names like FEMINA, GLADGRAGS, ELITE, TIMES which never charge any registration amount and those who have been a part of these shows are doing well in their career.

This is where the genuineness is being screened.

So beware and don’t get hypnotised by these people in the name of shows and casting where they make you shatter your dreams and fulfil their own wishes with your hard earned cash.



Urvashi Barua FAME Model Management

I

N this competitive market of today, everybody wants to make money in a lesser span of time and the same goes for a budding entrepreneur too. So, to achieve that dream, everyone, irrespective of having knowledge about one industry of ‘Fashion’, is stepping forward to be a part of it.

Now let me bring to the fore a true picture in front of our readers. An event management company, or for that matter an individual more often than not organises a contest and names it as per his acumen goes. I am not against any Fashion Contest but, I am letting my readers know how the aspiring models get exploited in the name of these contests.

These new-born contests are organised by layman or entrepreneurs who will not

be known to any of the big companies who generally sponsor for the proposed budget for the contest. This is where the real venomous game starts - the proposed budget now gets accumulated in the name of registration fees, where the aspiring models are asked to pay a certain amount when they come for audition. Aspirants go there and are a part of this planned HighHeel Game. Those who get selected are ‘in’ and those who do not make it comes out with a teary eye. Why is this teary eye? Not because they didn’t get selected but because he/she has been humiliated by the selection committee. Major drawbacks of these kinds of Fashion contests: There’s a registration amount, let’s assume it to be `500 to `2000.

Now multiply with 500 - 1000 walk -in aspiring models, I think the reader could get the idea of logistics, a huge amount of fund is generated in the

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PEOPLE & PLACES

Mr. Pawan Kr Agarwalla, CEO, Datamation Services, takes us through the inherent challenges faced by Retail Business with the big boom of E-commerce

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ETAILERS in 2015 have witnessed a big test for survival with multilayer competition from e-commerce.

Large Format Retail and demanding customers. Today there is the biggest challenge of dropping traffic in the store as customers are spending more time in online shopping as they can buy at home 24x7 through mobile apps. Today customers are highly informed about products, they are enabled through new technologies which provide them unprecedented access to information of products, pricing, reviews and sourcing sites. Now it is the retailers challenge as to how to drive in more traffic to the stores and make it a profitable organization to compete with e-commerce and Large Format Retail.

My first suggestion for survival, a small retail store, should deploy a real-time retail module to enhance the customer

experience. Inventory visibility and for availability to customers the store has to ensure that it is easily accessible for each one of us.

Technology & Innovation - The small shops have to update new technology to data management of customers. Today there is an increased customer base, so there has to be a better Customer Relation Management, which should be the priority.

Maintaining employee efficiency – We should hire effective manpower who can convert walk–in into a buyer, so finding, keeping and training skilled motivated employee, is most challenging. Front-line sales staff must be able to convert more customers and increase average sales. It is also important to use trade fairs, expos, events to increase customer visit to stores.

They can do a better job than the competitor.

They also should know who their regular, profitable customers are and how to increase sales and their visits. For this, the retailer has to study and understand their existing customer. We should create seamless customer experience across all customer engage points–sales, service, delivery, etc. The customer’s behavior is changing so fast that the retailer must always challenge the status quo and ask themselves that are we delivering a compelling value to the customer; this will differentiate us from our competitors.

Retailer should improve their supply chain, inventory management and sourcing like some people sourcing directly from China. Today’s retail industry’s success depends entirely on the range of products, how retailer reach to its customer, product delivery time period and after–sales services. It should be fully customer centric and all activities should be from pre-sales to post-sales.

With the use of Information Technology, we can solve various issues like-customer data base management, inventory management and different MIS reports including inventory, supply chain, revenue management, store operations and e–retailing solution. In retailing, one has to be aware of the ‘value’ one provides

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to the Customer. This is what brings the customer back for more. Supply chain probably helps in managing the logistics part of marketing. It is the value chain that is more important. Unless the value chain is not precisely created, consumers won’t fall in to buy your products.

Creating value involves lot of things, like proper display, roomy enough for them to stand and buy, environmental control pricing, the right products one is looking for, customer concepts well taken care off like their aspirations, needs and dreams, easy check out, good mannered sales people, return and replacement windows, credit purchase facility, well illuminated spaces, easy passage ways, multiple products and multiple brands etc. When we are buying anything online, we can only see its picture, read the specification and know its price. The advantage of a retail store is we can offer the customer which e-commerce cannot– like value, trust, service, availability, convenience, experience, support, product differentiation, personal attention and quality assurance. We have to develop the above mentioned skills in order to sustain our retail business.

Finally the 10 Commandments of Retail Sales: 1. Thou shall not believe anyone is just looking.

2. Never ignore the customer.

3. Sell Aggressively.

4. Never let a customer wait.

5. Treat every buyer like they came to spend money.

6. Have a greeter at the door.

7. Management shall engage with every customer.

8. Provide the best solution, not just lowest price.

9. Attempt a second sale.

10. Thou shall help customers spend beyond their budget.

P. K. Agarwalla, CEO Datamation (Guwahati ) Reach him at datamat.services@gmail.com Phone : 9435047633

PEOPLE & PLACES

beautiful nature. They understood the fact very well that it needs the right kind of mood and environment to create a piece of art, and since I was a very stubborn child, I would sometimes demand to go out to such locations at very odd hours, which they would fulfil without complaining.

Partha: Since how long have you been painting and how were you fi rst att racted towards it?

KASTURI: I have been painting since my childhood as I think painting has been a part of me ever since I was born. When I was still a baby, I would crawl making different patterns all over the floor and scribble all over the wall.

It was my mother who discovered something in me and brought me some crayons and a drawing book, and they became an inseparable part of my life. I was three-year-old when I used to accompany my mother to the art school where my brother was admitted. The school did not give admission to three-year-old kids, but I wanted to be in and when I was not allowed to go inside I cried a lot and my mother had to request the principal for getting me admitted.

Thus, I became the youngest student of the art school.

PARTHA: How do you rate the influence of your parents in your works?

KASTURI: I am very fortunate to have such supportive parents. They have supported me through every decision that I have taken. Back then, when I was a child, they would take me to different scenic locations so that I may take inspiration from it and paint in the company of

PARTHA: What is your favourite medium of painting and why?

KASTURI: I enjoy working in every medium - acrylic, oil, water colour, pastels, charcoal & ink and pencil - depending on the subject matter that I choose. However, still if I have to pick any I would say charcoal and ink as in this medium you can create a quick work of art in any place and even while travelling. It is not a difficult medium to carry and you need is the

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pen and a paper. I have done many works like that while travelling in a metro and it is fun.

PARTHA: It is said that in Assam the love for art is not encouraging. Your take.

KASTURI: I totally disagree with this. Assam is a land of beauty and it is culturally very rich. With all its colour and diversity, Assam is a great source of inspiration and there have been many great artists, musicians, writers and poets. So it would be very wrong to say that Assam does not encourage art. If someone says it then it is in the commercial context as an artist in Assam does not have enough recognition and also lacks infrastructure and financial support - both of which are very important to flourish as a professional artist.

But I am confident that in the coming years the future will be bright.

PARTHA: How would you describe female sensuality?

KASTURI: I think female sensuality is the best thing that has ever happened to this universe. A woman who is strong, has a mind of her own and yet has a feminine softness is very sensual. Sensuality is a feeling, it is an art itself. When a woman is in a sensual phase, she is expanding into other dimensions that are more fulfilling for her. It is also very mystic and divine, which transcends the realm of mere physicality and material world, which is very difficult to describe in words. It takes a lot of time and one needs to delve deeper into the recesses of her mind to understand female

PEOPLE & PLACES

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and high level of sensitivity.

PARTHA: What are your future projects?

KASTURI: Currently I am working on a very ambitious project which is related to artistic exchange between Indian and international artists for addressing critical issues of ecology.

I have finished writing the proposal. It is at a preliminary stage, and I would ask you to come back to me after sometime for updates on this.

Other than that I am focused on my academics and continuing with my paintings.

sensuality. And it should not be dismissed as silly or too time-consuming, because it is very important to understand female sensuality in all its essence.

Female sensuality is not only about her body, which many generations of civilizations have tended to portray. The way popular cinema and advertisement industry has projected female sensuality is very derogatory.

This has also been a cause for female

subjugation and exploitation. Her inner core is very delicate, very soft and very beautiful which needs to be tended with care and if hurt can wound her soul forever. Unlike men who are mind creatures, she is totally a heart creature. She needs love, attention and also the freedom to explore. One cannot attempt to describe female sensuality in a few limited words as understanding female sensuality should be approached with extreme seriousness

PARTHA: What else do you enjoy other than art?

KASTURI: Spirituality. I am a very spiritual person and it is because of my spirituality that I am able to create. I wake up very early in the morning, oer my prayers and meditate. This gives me the energy to carry myself through the entire day. It is my spirituality that has sustained and protected me during tough times and has carried me through the mad rush of the world.

PARTHA: Few words for the aspiring artists.

KASTURI: Be true to your feelings, introspect and constantly engage in an inner dialogue with your inner self. Because, this is what will help you to find out about your creative ingenuity and you will be able to produce truly wonderful pieces of art.

LIFESTYLE

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During Bengal Fashion Week, I met those personalities whom I admire a lot. Those persons whom I used to see on television, news papers, or in fashion magazines. I shared the ramp with them.

Vivek- As you are going to represent Assam in a National platform, how you can help to change the fashion scenario of National India?

Arindam- Hmmm…..to be very frank, it is very difficult. I am a son of Assam and Northeast India and if I do well in National platform, people would definitely recognize the fashion trend of my region.

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ITH a positive attitude towards fashion, he also maintains his sports career simultaneously.

With a height of 6'3”, he is a National Volleyball Player but destiny wrote something else for him. Let’s take a look…

Vivek – How’s life after Malestorm?

Arindam- It has completely changed. It was like dream come true over night.

Vivek- From being a sportsperson to a fashion model, how did this actually happen?

Arindam- (Smiles) Actually my attraction towards fashion industry was from a long time back but sports was always my passion since my childhood days and may be having a spirit of sportsmanship helped me a lot to achieve success in this field.

Vivek- After Malestrom, life has defi nitely changed…big projects,

luxurious lifestyle, dates with renowned personalities and a chance to showcase your talent in ‘Bengal Fashion Week’.

How it feels?

Arindam- Feels amazing but it still feels like a dream, the reality is unbelievably beautiful.

Vivek- Before we conclude kindly tell our readers about your preparation for Mr. India Global 2016 and a message to those who want to join this industry.

Arindam- Preparation is like up in the sky.

From my fitness to my diet along with that I am working on my speech, body language, reading current affairs and general knowledge, top to bottom, I am preparing for it.

Also I would like to say that no one is born perfect, it totally depends on how we can identify our weakness and work on it and also want to wish a very Happy and auspisicious Diwali to all the readers of THE MILEAGE.

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HEALTH & SCIENCE

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SG Eye Hospital, one of the leading nationwide chain of ophthalmology hospitals, extended its presence in Northeast India, by launching its 25th hospital – ASG EYE CARE – in the rapidly growing city of Guwahati. This Eye Care hospital in Down Town, Guwahati will have a team highly qualified senior doctors from reputed AIIMS, New Delhi who would be practicing and providing the best possible eye treatments to the community.

The hospital was formally launched in the presence of Mr. Siddhartha Bhattacharya, State President, BJP Assam; Mr. Suresh Gupta, General Secretary, AIOCD; Mr. T.R. Panthari, President UCA; Mr. Pramod Mour and Bikram N Choudhury from Assam Drug Dealer Association with Dr. Arun Singhvi, Dr. Shashank Gang and Dr. Vikas Jain, Directors ASG Group of Hospitals along.

“Our focus is on quality and ensuring that every person who steps through our doors is given the best possible attention and treatment from highly experienced doctors. ASG Eye Hospitals incorporate state of art technologies and machine, and is known for the treatment of complex eye disorders”, said Dr. Vikas Jain while speaking at the formal launch of the hospital.

As informed by Dr. Shashank Gang, this hospital will offer consultation for medical and surgical management of the full range

of routine, complex and varied ophthalmic conditions pertaining to cataract, vitro-retina, cornea, glaucoma, squint, diabetic retinopathy, eye-transplantation, oculoplasty diseases and also the latest technique of quick and safe specs removal “Q-Lasik”; that will make it a preferred eye care hospital in Guwahati.

While talking about the latest technology of surgeries, Dr. Arun Singhvi told media that ASG Eye hospitals are equipped with ultra modern techniques to cure

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cataract, and no injection is involved in the procedure which is virtually painless. After the procedure patient does not require any bandage and can go home in sunglasses.

ASG Eye Hospital has all the latest laser therapies and injections for retina patients.

It does fornix based squint surgeries for eye-ball alignment.

The hospital also has an OCT technique which is counted as biggest invention in the field of ophthalmology in the last decade.

It is an established medical imaging technique that uses light to capture micrometer-resolution, three dimensional images from within optical scattering media (e.g., biological tissue). The modality gives detailed information of structure of eye at a cellular level; hence biopsy and angiography is not required for most of the disorders.

Established in the year 2005, ASG Eye Hospitals is now a chain of Super Specialty Eye Hospitals. With around a 700,000 lives touched, and over 100,000 procedures performed, ASG today has spread in 17 cities with 25 super-specialty hospitals across the country and intend to have 2 super specialty eye hospitals overseas.

ASG has been awarded with “International Achievers Award for Health Excellence – 2009”, “Rajiv Gandhi Gold Medal Award, 2013” and also with “Times wellness Health Award, 2013” for their contribution to the society. TMN

EVENT

The Mileage November, 2015

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NDIA’S leading passenger vehicle company, Maruti Suzuki India Limited announced the global launch of its premium hatchback, Baleno, on October 26, 2015 in Guwahati.

The car comes with two engine options, both offering best-in-class fuel efficiency: the acclaimed DDiS 190 diesel engine (1.3 litre) with a fuel efficiency of 27.39 km/litre and the proven VVT Petrol (1.2 litre) with a fuel efficiency of

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21.4 km/litre. Baleno also comes with a CVT option (Continuously Variable Transmission) in the petrol variant.

Dynamic, energetic and premium, Baleno is packed with features, many of them being offered for the first time in the premium hatchback segment. Baleno will be sold in over 100 countries and to be manufactured exclusively in India.

Baleno is a real global model, to satisfy Maruti Suzuki’s customers not only in India but also across global markets. It is a proud moment for the company that this model will be exported to Japan from India and is opening a new chapter in the long history of Maruti Suzuki.

Baleno is the first car to offer Apple Car Play in India. Apple Car Play offers the best in car experience for iPhone users and lets the driver control all the multimedia functions via voice commands. It help users to get directions, make calls, send and receive messages, listen to music and audio books through this remarkable user interface. The Government of India has been always supporting to bring up India as a production hub of small cars. Now it’s time to meet the “Make in India” expectations of the Government and Baleno is the first answer. TMN

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REATER Guwahati Gorkhali Students’ family recently organized Gorkha Students Get Together, 2015 at Gauhati University premises. Gorkha students get together is being organized every year with an objective to bring closer all the Gorkha students studying in different educational institutions in Guwahati.

Such a get together every year has helped Gorkha youths coming from different corners of Northeast India in understanding their rich cultural heritage as this is the occasion where there is an extravagant display of different Nepali dance forms and folk songs being sung by both the leading artists and the newcomers.

Along with the cultural show, the event also facilitates career counseling session to the curious Gorkha students studying in different streams. The get together this year was exceptional because some young students belonging to other communities performed Nepali dance forms so elegantly that the audience present on the occasion were stunned. Lokenath Upadhyaya, Chairman of Gorkha Development Council, Dr. Khagen Sarma, Hemchandra Gautam were present on the occasion amongst host of other dignitaries. TMN

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HE book ‘From the Mountain to the Ocean-Run with Roshni’ was released on 15th October at Gauhati Press Club, Guwahati

by Anshu Jamsenpa, first mother in the world and only Indian woman who scaled the Mount Everest thrice and Ms. Pomi Baruah, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister, Govt. of Assam in a book release and interactive session organized by Gorkha Youth of Guwahati (GYG) and Mantraa Media & Events.

Roshni Rai, Indian Gorkha International Ultra Marathon Runner and founder of Run with Roshni which is very extensive and ambitious venture, spreading awareness about “Indian Gorkhas” and its age old identity crisis said that the book is story of a patriot community who not only laid down lives for the nation but contributed in the nation building process demanding their Indian identity in India and statehood since a century now.

Courtesy: Mantraa Media & Events

EVENT

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S

TROKE has taken the form of an epidemic in recent times. Changing habits and sedentary lifestyles made the incidence of strokes more prevalent among Indians, according to a study released on the occasion of World Stroke Day, in Guwahati on 29th October.

The study, presented to the media by Guwahati-based multi-specialty hospital chain, GNRC Hospitals, was prepared by compiling and analyzing data from records of over 25 year maintained

by GNRC and various other publicly available sources.

According to the study, six people get stroke every hours in Assam and two people become disabled due to stroke every hour. Moreover, it kills two people every hour in the state. The yearly figure of stroke affected people in the state goes up to 54,890.The highest stroke incidence of 4701 every year was reported from Nagaon while the lowest 335 every year was reported from Dima Hasao. On the other hand, 1.5 million people suffer from stroke in India in a year and 20 million suffer worldwide.3000-4000 people suffer from stroke every day in India. Another alarming fact is that stroke kill more people in the country than HIV, tuberculosis and malaria combined. The burden of stroke

Photograph: Akash Harizan

is such that it renders 5 million people disabled every year all over the globe.

On the occasion GNRC hospitals launched a special a stroke screening package which will help people to determine their risk of having a stroke in their lifetime. Later a Stroke Awareness Drive (Car Rally) was organized to create mass awareness. It was accompanied by a mime group which performed in various

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Photograph: Debojit Dey

ANSINI – Northeast’s upcoming and largest designer wear brand has launched its second boutique cum unisex salon on October 14, 2015 at Zoo Road in Guwahati. Popular Assamese actress Prastuti Parashar inaugurated the boutique in presence of other notable guests.

The new outlet of Hansini will have special collections for bridal wear, silk collections, accessories and a full-fledged unisex salon for complete makeover, all at an affordable price. The idea of opening the new store is to give a complete makeover solution for any customer, one can come select the designer outfit, get a makeover and be ready for the party instantly.

Speaking more on the special occasion, Santasree Mallik Bhuyan – Designer & Promoter, Hansini, said, “As we grow, we want to offer more and more affordable, quality designer wear to the people, the advantage of our product is that we customize as per clients body shape and size. We want everyone to wear our products and feel good in it”.

Hansini is entering into men’s clothing in coming months and also will be launching a different label for retail. Hansini’s other store is situated in Christian Basti, G S Road with two big workshops in Guwahati, working continuously in delivering and meeting its customers demand. TMN

parts of the city to generate interest and awareness among masses about the caused, factors and preventive measures to tackle stroke.

The World Stroke Organization’s theme for World Stroke Day 2015 is “I am Woman”. This theme has been chosen because woman are more at risk of having a stroke and more likely to die from a stroke than a man. TMN

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ITH the festive spirit high, people are busy in shopping, enjoying feast and fest. Amidst all the puja rush, Anmol Advertising and Publicity organised Saradiya Utsav for the second time in Guwahati. The Utsav had a potpourri of mouth luscious food, fashionable garments, home furnishings and electronic accessories. Apart from the creative display in the trade fair, the 5 day event had different activities like quiz competition, dance competition and a wonderful fashion show by kids. The kids fashion show had attracted many passerby to the event. TMN

EVENT

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HE individual who sealed the Trithon (walking, cycling and swimming) as the fittest man on the universe, the launching pad for Pinkathon was hosted under the aegis of United Sisters Foundation by none other than Milind Soman on 25th August, 2015 at Alfresco Grand. SBI Pinkathon powered

by Women’s Horlicks, empowering Indian Women, comes to Guwahati for the first time on Sunday, September 27, 2015 at Sonaram Playground. Registrations were in both forms for 3 km, 5 km and 10 km multi category run. Eminent personalities such as renowned mountaineer Anshu Jamsenpa, Assamese actress Zerifa Wahid, Parbati Barua of ‘Queen of the Elephants’, Pannal Das, General Manager (SBI), Dr. Asha Bora , Dr. Anoop Gogoi, Founder (NITS Mirza University), RJ Mandy and HIV/AIDS Activist Jahnabi Goswami who expressed their whole hearted support for the noble cause.

The focus of the India’s biggest women’s only running event is to encourage an active lifestyle and overall fitness amongst women, while creating a much needed awareness about breast cancer and bone health. There was series of events that started on the 3rd September, in a Blind School at Beltola, Guwahati to teach how

The Mileage November, 2015

a blind person can also participate, on 4th September at Gandhi Mandap, an initiative for cancer patients was foreseen and on 12th September, the Ironman Triathlete, as a rickshaw puller drives 1km at Dispur, the capital of Assam to spread awareness about breast cancer. On 13th September a sanitation drive in slum areas at Uzan Bazar and Hafiz Nagar were a part of social responsibility and solidarity. To bring the enthusiasm amongst the masses, Milind runs to Shillong, the capital city of Meghalaya, on 18th of September. On an exclusive conversation he shares, “We are very excited to bring Pinkathon to Guwahati.

We are confident the city and its people will support us and help this run to be a success story”.

Pinkathon is more than a marathon. It is the seed of the change and the beginning of a movement that is carried forward by a growing community of empowered women across India, who share a belief that a healthy family, a healthy nation and a healthy world begins with empowered women. The first step in empowerment is taking control of your own health, respecting yourself and understanding to celebrate the value one brings to the family and society. Empowerment is not a gift of society; it is a gift you gift yourself.

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About 5500 women participated in the marathon. Mr. Vinod Pandey (GM, Corporate Communication and Change, SBI) said about their association, “We at SBI, are proud to be a partner in this great initiative for women. It is a run for women, of women and by the women. Running helps to balance your weight, prevent disease, enhance your mood and boost your confidence. SBI Pinkathon is one event which will help you achieve all that”.

Tripti Rekha Baishya Saud a senior citizen and a retired government school teacher and also a breast cancer survivor said, “It is an initiative to bring smiles to the faces of cancer survivors and it has really given a humanitarian touch”.

When asked Milind Soman about his experiences to be on the North-eastern part of the Nation, the model turned actor said, “I thank each and every one who in every possible way contributed towards the cause. Especially the District Administration and Assam Police for their support. Not to forget the Media for the cooperation without whom it would not have been as successful as it has come out with. And special thanks to The Mileage and you. Never to forget the ambassadors, volunteers and the crew members of the Maximus Mice and Media Solutions.

Live Life King Size and stay away from illicit consumption and activities”.

ENTERTAINMENT

The Mileage November, 2015

BIRTHDAYS IN NOVEMBER

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N Assamese film Kothanodi, which translates as “The River of Fables”, gets the European premiere at the London Film Festival. It is the first feature film by Delhi-based Director Bhaskar Hazarika and stars Actor Seema Biswas and a string of well known Assamese Actors like Zerifa Wahid, Kopil Bora and Adil Hussain. According to Hazarika, “This film is based on events and characters from Assamese folklore, from folk tales compiled into a book called ‘Grandma’s Tales’ by Assamese literary giant Laxminath Bezbaruah in 1911”.

The film was screened at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) in central London and the British Film Institute (BFI) on the banks of the river Thames.

It had its world premiere at Busan International Film Festival earlier last month, where the audience was overwhelmingly Korean.

1st- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan

2nd- Shah Rukh Khan

4th- Chetana Das

19th- Sushmita Sen

26th- Arjun Rampal

Compiled by : Saibal Krishna Sharma

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CHAT ZONE

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A TÊTE-À-TÊTE WITH PRONEETA SWARGIARY Swapnav (Mausam) Jyoti Baishya Saud catches up with the DID Season 5 winner Proneeta Swargiary and peeps into her victorious journey Mausam: At the first instance, where did you Bug your Bite in dance?

Proneeta: Since childhood, I used to watch different programmes of classical dance forms in our black and white TV. My parents also always encouraged me to learn different dance forms of diversified India.

Mausam: How the journey from participating in the audition and then winning the title of DID5 has improved your lifestyle.

Proneeta: I am overwhelmed that I decided for the audition and through a phase of immense hard work and struggle could attain the Title of DID5, things were not as easy and sometimes had to go through many rough phases during the competition. But yes it had developed and improved my lifestyle since then as people has noticed and identified me and the reception I have received from my people from Assam has made me indebted towards them forever.

Mausam: Your own personal favourite performance in DID5.

Proneeta: All performances were best to my efforts but still Mausam as you have for the first time asked this question so, firstly Saathiya-Maahiya and secondly Dhol Bhaaje Re as Aishwarya Rai Bachchan was personally present and it was her personal request towards the creative team that she wanted this song to be danced by me.

Mausam: How was your repo with other contestants?

Proneeta: The top 16 contestants were the best in the business but everybody had their own skills and variety and as I was lucky and

towards the development for the one who desires to be one as you?

Proneeta: Hmmm, interestingly I am planning to host different workshops on Summer and Winter vacations and if all things go well, will start a dance academy.

destiny was designed to overcome all odds to lift the crown.

Mausam: Dance for you is your passion or profession.

Proneeta: Passion transformed into professional commitments.

Mausam: What was your most difficult act so far?

Proneeta: The aerial shot with properties where I could have been injured too if not performed accurately.

Mausam: Where do you see yourself in next 10 years?

Proneeta: In the hearts of everyone and to make my people proud of me.

Mausam: Recently, Nahid Afrin the singing sensation from Biswanath Chariali has won the title in Indian Idol (Juniors), any message to her.

Proneeta: Obviously, Nahid is a gem and I am also a fan of her singing after her enthralling performance in the song MERI MAA. Her singing is really amazing and melodious and her maturity, hats off. My best wishes are always with her and would love to dance on a track where she sings.

Mausam: How are you planning yourself to share your experiences to contribute

Mausam: Your favourite dancer and anyone you would love to choreograph.

Proneeta: All-time favourite would be Madhuri Dixit and it would be a dream come true to choreograph her and to work together.

Mausam: Any relationship commitments.

Proneeta: Fingers crossed, have answered every question of yours. Let there be something which would lead you to approach me after my interview, just joking.

Mausam: The secret behind your figure and flexibility.

Proneeta: Lots of water, meditation, yoga and aerobics.

Mausam: Your message towards the youth of the nation.

Proneeta: Love life-stay away from illicit substances. Chase your dreams and don’t lose your heart on your failures and always Be Positive.

Mausam: Your fashion statement and diet priorities.

Proneeta: Diet-Water, fruits and vegetables.

Fashion-Dokhona and Mekhela Chador.

Mausam: Your last words for our readers.

Proneeta: I am grateful towards all the people for loving and blessing me. Don’t know to what extent I would be able to live to the expectations but surely my efforts would always be the priorty to shoulder and do justice to my works. Thank you all.

PICTORIAL

The Mileage November, 2015

PHOTOGRAPHIC MARVELS

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Pranjal Pratim Gogoi

Nimati, Assam

Kaziranga-Golf-Resort

Nimati, Assam

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he best tattoo shop in Guwahati Assam, G-ink Tattoo Studio is the Professional, Hygienic and Safe Tattoo Studio in Northeast, not because of tattoo cause of G-ink promotes various art and music, it was started in 2009 at Guwahati city, G-ink Tattoo Studio is one of Guwahati’s leading tattoo studios. With over Seven years of experience, Jon Das is a certified Tattoo artist from Guwahati. His co tattoo artist Parvez Tony Sajeed, Rahul Langstieh and Goutam Chakraborty unique signature style is much sought after by celebrities. We do all styles of tattooing - Custom Artworks, Portrait, Geometrical, Dots work, Line work, and Cover-up & much more. Sterilized equipment & the best of Hygiene standards are strictly maintained for the safety of both our customers & our artistes. Our state-of-the-art studio is conveniently located on the G.S road, Ulubari.

Address: G-ink Tattoo Studio, Opposite Ulubari Masjid, beside U.S polo showroom. Contact number: +91 7578811088 Website: www.ginktattoostudioguwahati.com / www.facebook.com/ginktattoostudio mail: jondas300@gmail.com

The Mileage July, 2015

FACES OF THE MONTH

Name: Sagar Saikia Age: 26 years Height: 5’ 6” Hobbies: Acting (Music Videos & Drama) Photographer :Unique Borah

Name : Miss. Jonali Mali Age : 24 Height : 5’6” Vital Stats : 32-28-35.

Hobbies : Dancing, Travelling & Modeling Photographer: Mallika Patar

Those who are interested to participate in THE MILEAGE face of the month contest , December Issue can contact : +91 8011412178, 9707587766

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RNI REGD NO. ASSENG/2014/57506

ISSN: 2394-3610

POSTAL REGISTRATION NO. GH/150/2015-2017