FWDlife November 2011

issue 01 vOl 01 | nOv’11 |

lifestyle travel leisure entertainment lOunGe

60

Life

are we too conservative?

Kochi International Fashion Week v1.0 Oommen Chandy Man in A Hurry Prasanth Parameswaran Life on the Fast Lane Das Sreedharan Make Food, Not War Follow us on

Life

NOVEMBER 2011 • VOL 01 • ISSUE 01

MANAGING EDITOR

Arun Balachandran* ISSUE EDITOR

Abraham Tharakan ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Nanditha Nair FEATURES WRITER

Gisen George Varghese CREATIVE HEAD

Srinivas Eegalapati ASSOCIATE DESIGNER

Subin Beats LAYOUT ASSISTANT

Sreekanth.S.Nath PHOTOGRAPHER

Jamesh Kottakkal ILLUSTRATIONS

Santhosh K M MARKETING

Rakesh Babu Sreenath S Nath Thanvi Abisha Lobo Kushboo Saji EDITORIAL OFFICE

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Welcome to FWD, Welcome forward This magazine has been conceived with you, the reader in mind.

Our mission is simple: Redefine the existing patterns in lifestyle reporting. Our wish to bring about a magazine that will be the destination for dreamers and pioneers alike resulted in the birth of FWD Life.

Lifestyle journalism is considered as trivial writing in India, but for FWD LIFE it’s the stories of our times, much like the “Devil wears Prada” quote on how a local department store’s cloth rack is actually influenced by scores of lives. We are looking for the stories behind the stories, the “whys” and “hows” of events that happen around us. We hope to showcase it through a mix of reportage, commentaries, criticism, satire and comics.

Our contributing writers and artists are people, who in their own ways, are attempting to bring change in their respective fields. Thus address a community that is discerning in their taste and judgement.

Our efforts are to serve our biggest stakeholders , the readers, with the best. Our thoughts and spirits are high. Read on.

Editorial Team

*Responsible for selection of news under the PRB Act.

Cover Model Dr. Mini Vettical Cover Photo Jamesh Kottakkal

www.fwdlife.in 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 03

Contents storyboard

street talk

05 Incredible India!

40 Advertising: Emerging trends

young initiatives

persona

07 Mind Helix twisted but straight

08 Home Bound space frame

42 Dr. Mini Vettical maison couture

46 The art of designing dreams

plat(e)onic

48 A heaven for Hell’s Angels made in heaven

49 Chandam Charthal no-mads

50 Venice to Venice diaspora diaries

09 Architecture and Identity

52 Kochi Pattanam

spotlight - prasanth parameswaran

health desk

10 Life on the fast lane main story

54 It’s in your hands, master

14 Are we too conservative?

on the road

18 Man in a hurry

56 Power Play - Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

reverse brain drain

troubled cleft

in focus

22 Home calling

58 Music’s Kiss of Death

spotlight - das sreedharan

viewfinder

24 Make Food, Not War

60 Mea Culpa

balance sheet

cover to cover

27 Hope, Fear, Greed

61 Of Smoke and Wars

photofeature

family matters

28 “Tiger Tiger” cried the Boy

62 The curious case of Chinese Toys

cameralia-kifw

33 They came, we saw, they conquered indulgence

38 Haute Horlogerie

10

One ball was all it took for Prasanth Parameswaran to be propelled from the obscure world of a journeyman cricketer to the limelight reserved for the next big things of Indian cricket.

04 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

63 Gadgets

18

“There is a group of people who cannot wait until the fruits of this development reaches all the levels of the community. “

persona Dr. Mini Vettical 42

64 Potpourri 65 Star Gaze 66 The Urban Yogi

“ I learnt so much from my parents and grandparents.

I learned how food is grown and how much pain goes into nurturing the land. This helped me to develop the Rasa philosophy.”

24

Street Talk

Incredible India!

By Vinod Karimatt

A scene from Hampi, Karnataka

If your camera captures any intersesting moments, send to content@fwdmedia.in

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 05

buy more spend less

Young Initiatives

Mind Helix

By Kochitty

Their companionship was not formulated for a company, but a company evolved from their companionship. Through their underlined bonding with each other, the extremely talented,

trust. We don’t think that we could ever repay the kind of effort they are taking. One will never get this level of dedication just by paying money. The truth is they are risking a lot.

Challenges faced in the journey The major challenge any entrepreneur faces is financial challenge. At a time, when you have lots of ideas and human resource but don’t have money, entrepreneuship ends up in failure. We started with the money we got from freelancing.

Luckily, our product became nationally as well as

highly confident, ambitious friends, Kallidil Kalidasan, Nandakumar

internationally famous. It was a moment of pride

K.S, Thomas Antony and Christin George, in six months, successfully

for our families. They realised that ours is not a

became entrepreneurs and nurtured a company.

futile effort.

Setback moments in your journey

The Spark

as the sixth top mobile company by ISBI,

We had many setbacks in our journey. One

One day we were having coffee from a restau-

the startup companies association in India.

incident which we can’t forget happened while

rant, discussing the problems in the transport

Microsoft has also shown interest in working

we were in college. We got a project from a

industry; crammed buses, auto rickshaws and

with us to make these applications corporate.

client in Delhi. We did the project very enthu-

their high fare, at that time an idea for an auto

siastically. But he cheated us without giving us

rickshaw meter came up. We went home and

Your attitude

the remuneration which amounted to Rupees

four days later we had our first product and

We are not at all modest. We took a position

2 lakhs. We didn’t lose hope and become

between confidence and arrogance. We

desperate. Instead we learned a lesson from

were and are confident about each other.

the incident. We don’t consider it as a failure;

During discussion stage we fight with each

we believe that there is nothing called failure.

we named it Tuk Tuk meter. This application calculates the exact auto fare using a mobile.

It got a lot of positive response; more than 30000 people downloaded it so far. Our second product, The Sentinel, which is a security application, also got a lot of acclaim. It is a mobile application which helps anyone in distress. With a single press it will send an alert to a relative or friend giving the exact location. It will also send an email marking their position in the map.

We want to be a complete mobile solution provider.

We want to do anything and everything related to mobile phones.

other. The confidence and strong bonding between us is the secret behind our success.

Future plans We want to be a complete mobile solution

Positive developments We got wide recognition. We are recognized

The best thing about your team

provider. We want to do anything and everything

Our employees have great confidence in us.

related to mobile phones. To start a Research

They are investing in us only due to their

and Development wing is our future vision.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 07

Twisted But Straight

Dhanya Varma The author is an experienced media professional and she hosts a popular talk show called Talking Point.

Home bound!

M

any of us who have lived out side

or Bihar even Delhi, we still have a long long

Point. With more than sixteen odd channels

the state return to Kerala, primarily

way to go on the issue of gender parity.

vying for viewer`s attention, how could a talk

due to personal compulsions. My

When not stepping out of the house after

show on a cable channel like Rosebowl, gain so

reasons for return too were personal. Having

8pm becomes advisable for women, when

much popularity. Support for this show came

lived in Mumbai for more than a decade and

women are constantly abused and molested

from unexpected quarters, from the youth. I have

a major part of it as a professional with Star

in public transport, when onlookers and fellow

understood that there is a growing population

TV, I have to say that no place is more liberat-

travellers refuse to react and come to the aid of a

of us malayalees especially youngsters who

ing or safe for a woman than Mumbai.

woman in distress, when girls are raped and then

want to see change, who want to see a fresh

sold by their fathers, when the state drowns itself

take on things, who want the state to grow into

pendently, opened my mind to different ways

The city coerced me to think and live inde-

in alcohol on every festive occasion, we have a

a progressive, inclusive society, rid of the evils

of life; in short I became non- judgemental to a

lot to be ashamed of. I feel that as a responsible

of our times. There is an increased sensitivity to

great extent. I was allowed to be the person that

society we still haven’t moved much ahead in

environmental issues, concern for the under-

I am, minus any pressures from the family or soci-

spite of the literacy, in spite of the rich cultural

privileged. Every time I meet the panel on the

ety .That was the biggest gift Mumbai gave me.

history. We still have to take shape into a progres-

shoot, I am amazed that our tiny state has so many progressive thinkers. So why aren’t we hearing their voices anywhere in the media?

I feel that as a responsible society we still haven’t moved much ahead in spite of the literacy, in spite of the rich cultural history. We still have to take shape into a progressive, gender sensitive, responsible society that cares for its older citizens, women and children.

There are various NGOs and individuals amongst all of us, involved in fight against the system for a long time now. But these voices get drowned in the media thanks to the market forces and the political compulsions that drive them. There is so much happening in our state, in the art, literature, social land-

But would I feel at home, here in Kerala, was the big question? Growing up here, I understood that though on the face of it,

sive, gender sensitive, responsible society that cares for its older citizens, women and children.

On the other hand, there was a lot of relief

scape but few are exposed or aware of it.

I hope our endeavour to infuse a fresh thought into all our minds reaches all those

women in Kerala seem to do remarkably

and hope coming in from unusual areas, thanks

who are thirsty for unadulterated content; be it

better than the other states, like Haryana, UP

to the show I host on Rosebowl called Talking

art, literature or politics! Good luck to all of us.

08 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Space Frame

Architecture & Identity L

Ar. Tony Joseph The author is an internationally renowned architect

ike art, architecture too holds up a mirror to

ence of globalisation. For me, Kerala has always

and powerful it might be elsewhere in the world,

a communities’ social character. A traveler

been globalised, not only in terms of its trade

would only lead to a second class citizenship in

traversing the length of our coast, until the

history but also in terms of its migration history.

the global community. Why should we lose our

recent past, would have recognised an architec-

This architectural shift could be in some ways a

originality and become mere copies and in turn

tural legacy that reflected not only the micro

result of the rise of identity politics all over the

become inferior? Institutions and ideologies em-

climate of the area but also reaffirmed a unifying

world, and that transmuting into vested interests

bodied in the built environment and architecture,

cultural identity. Such a spectacle was possible

and power plays, rather than spiritual interests in

structure the images and observations of people,

through a coherent sense of identity which was

Kerala. From an architect’s point of view it is in-

and give hints of a certain way of life. This kind

shaped through the assimilation of influences,

teresting for me to see this juxtaposition getting

of social production of the built environment or

which the region of Kerala was exposed to, be-

reflected in architecture. The mosque or church

a kind of architectural determinism is creating

ing the part of the greater Indian Ocean trade

now has to shout out its respective Central Asian

route. Recently I was approached to renovate

or European, medieval or post-renaissance char-

a mosque. The existing structure had a distinct

acter. Luckily the temples in Kerala has retained

period style and the client was more interested

its personality and not tried to stylistically copy

in actualising a spiritual space .He wanted it to

the North Indian temples but then, of course,

reflect the vernacular characteristics within the

bad architectural practices has crept into newly

spatial organization of a mosque. I found this

made temples too. A Malayalee has always been

perspective very refreshing as even some of the

part of an ancient culture and in their interaction

churches which I was asked to design, but later

with members of other cultures; the distinction

gave up, were started on the assumption that

of this tradition is what which gains respect. Co

a marked polarization in society, which in turn

a frontal elevation similar to Italian and French

opting alien practices, no matter how numerous

leads to a tension and rupture in the secular fab-

Thazhathangadi mosque

Cathedrals were more important than the local,

ric of the state. This is not to say that these global

vernacular attributes that contributes to the

cultural interactions should be totally avoided,

building’s spiritual atmosphere.

rather we should make it a point to retain what

This trend of blindly copying foreign structures is often dismissed as an influ-

is good and natural within our traditions. Let architecture be contextual in nature, relating to the place and time we are living in. They can be modern interpretations of styles with which we are familiar and comfortable.

St. Mary’s Orthodox Syrian Church Kottayam Cheriyapalli Photo Credits: Bejoy Thomas

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 09

Spotlight

Prasanth Parameswaran

Life on the fast lane

By Gisen George Varghese

One ball was all it took for Prasanth Parameswaran to be propelled from the obscure world of a journeyman cricketer to the limelight reserved for the next big things of Indian cricket. Hailing from the backwaters of Kerala, Prasanth became an overnight sensation and one of the brightest hopes of Indian cricket after he dismissed Virender Sehwag in the very first over he bowled in the IPL. A hammer thrower in his school days, his has been an eventful journey to the most glitzy stage of modern day Cricket. Tall, fast and accurate, he was described by no less a player than Sehwag as potential India material. He is also a poster boy for the changing face of Kerala Cricket.

In this exclusive interview with FWD Life , he speaks about his remarkable journey and his dreams for the future.

10 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Hi Prasanth, Let’s start with your life before IPL

Even though I was a debutant, I had performed

Delhi I had no hopes that I would get into the

One of my cousins directed me to CMS College

well in the Duleep Trophy and Deodhar Trophy

final squad. Until the very first game everyone

Kottayam as he thought it would provide more

last year. I had high hopes of getting into the

will be very relaxed, the real tension starts when

opportunities for my cricket career. Until then I

team. The fact that I had a contract with the

the debutant game is up. Until we reach Delhi

had made no decision to make cricket a career,

Kolkata Knight Riders in the previous season was

the team wasn’t announced. General practice is

but things began to change after I was selected

also an advantage. During the selection trials the

to announce the squad a day before the game.

to Cochin Refineries Cricket Academy based on

coach also mentioned that they are interested

But this particular day they announced the team

my performances in the intercollegiate matches.

in taking me. But during the last minute shuffle I

only before the warm up. I was super surprised

My three years in Cochin Refineries Cricket

was excluded from the team. In fact it prompted

when I found my name in the final squad. Then

Academy is the foundation on which I’m trying to

me to bowl in the nets and to mingle with the

everything happened so fast. I had no time

build a cricket career now.

How helpful are Kerala pitches for pace bowling?

Well, I think we can convert our resources into our strength and reach the standard we aim to achieve. We have, in the last IPL, already seen a sterling five wicket haul by Ishanth Sharma at Cochin International Stadium. It was a good sign that we could develop more pace pitches

to figure out what was happening and to get

I was super surprised when I found my name in the final squad. Then everything happened so fast. I had no time to figure out what was happening and to get tensed about my debut, and that helped me to perform well.

tensed about my debut, and that helped me to perform well.

Your memories of the first over against Virender Sehwag?

It was a surprise call. There were no decisions made on who was going to open the game.

Jayawardane gave me the ball and asked me to bowl. I had no time to tell my family and friends about my debut match. This in fact was good

international players. I guess,I made the right

as I was relaxed and was under no pressure to

impression.

prove myself in front of them. The first ball was a sixer. Everyone seems impassive. The thought

Did Kochi Tuskers management invite you to

that Sehwag, though a great cricketer, is still a

bowl in the nets?

batsman who I can get out gave me confidence.

No, they didn’t invite me. KCA took initiative and

He is a batsman and I’m a bowler. If he can hit me

send me to bowl in the nets. Other players dis-

for a six I sure can take his wicket. And that was

cussed about my bowling. There was a practice

what exactly happened. The sixer in fact gave me

session afterwards and within two weeks I was

strength to come back.

selected to the team.

Was that a planned delivery? even in Palakkad, Perunthalmanna and in dif-

Who influenced you in the team? Your favorite

No, not at all. My normal delivery is the out

ferent parts of Kerala. I feel Kerala wickets are

team mate?

swinger. I got an uneven bounce and swing on

impartial. It doesn’t mean that they favour pace

The coach, senior players, and overseas players

that delivery. It was sheer luck. I don’t think any

bowling, but the overcast skies favored me and I

were of great help. I had a very good relationship

bowler can plan his delivery. Maybe that happens

could utilize it to my advantage.

with VVS Laxman even before IPL. He was a great

in rare cases.

guide in my voyage. Brendon McCullum and Describe your path to IPL?

Muralidharan are very friendly. I’m very close to

Virender Sehwag spoke about you as an Indian

The time when news about the launch of Kochi

S.Sreesanth, Raiphi Gomez, P.Prasanth as well.

material, what do his words mean to you?

IPL team had splashed in the media, it triggered

I am really happy that he said those words. It

many discussions on the possible players from

Can you recollect your feelings before the IPL

gave me a lot of confidence. Those words of en-

Kerala. Raiphi Gomez, P.Prasanth, I and other

debut match?

couragement lift me up. Even when you mention

three or four were on the top of the list. Many

I was selected to the Kochi squad only for the

it now it elates me and encourages me to work

people predicted that I would get the selection.

last 10 matches. When Kochi played against

hard and go to the next level.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 11

How was the experience of getting smashed by

to behave in the right way. He advised that I

Chris Gayle?

should speak to the batsman and the coach

He hit me for 37 runs in an over, and it proved

and get feedback. He also helped me during

to be a better learning experience than what I

the match and supported me throughout.

would have gained, getting him out the first ball.

The important thing is that I didn’t get depressed.

How is life after IPL, the money factor?

I took it on chin and promised myself that I would

I believe that when money comes to you, ways

return as a stronger player. Sometimes the best

to spend it will also follow. My mode of living has

lessons are learnt from unpleasant experiences.

improved; but I think money is secondary for me.

He hit me for 37 runs in an over, and it proved to be a better learning experience than what I would have gained, getting him out the first ball. The important thing is that I didn’t get depressed.

Money cannot buy you respect.

How much of an influence has Sreesanth been in your fledging career?

As a bowler who is your inspiration?

He was very helpful. He has always given me the

Wasim Akram. The time I spent with Kolkata

right advice as to how I should be going about

Knight Riders while he was the coach proved

What are your interests other than Cricket?

my career. He said, “We both are bowlers.

productive. His advice based on his vast

Apart from cricket I love fishing and driving.

The only difference is that I have already played

experience was extremely helpful.

I am very passionate about driving heavy

international cricket; but your time will come

see my potential I am really happy.

vehicles. I never miss a chance to drive

soon. You are bowling really well. You have to

Future dreams, India dreams.

heavy vehicles. (A sheepish Prasanth

maintain the composure and keep pounding

Yes, from the very first moment in my cricket

continues) I recently became lucky enough

away.” He is a superb bowler. His words gave

career I aspired to play for India. When

to buy a Mercedes Benz. I have a Bolero also.

me a lot of energy. He also said that I have

people are positive towards me and

I just love driving.

12 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Learn how to light up your tech ideas

TePP invites proposals The Technopreneur promotion programee (TePP), an initiative by DSIR, Govt.of india, towards promotioning the spirit of entrepreneurship, invites proposals from innovators and entrepreneurs for funding assistance.

Depending on the project specifics,the extended financial support shall range from Rs 75,000 to Rs. 45 lakh.

Technopark, the outreach centre of TePP in Kerala, will evaluate the proposals for their innovativeness InvitingTechnologies for transfer -Technology Com-

of the innovation is already developed and the in-

Technopark-TBI allots space – the project proposal

mercialisation and Facilitation Agency(T-TCFA)

novators themselves are not interested in under-

approved by DSIR.Govt of India will be admitted

Working under TREMAP (Technology Refinement

taking its refinement or taking commercialisation.

into India’s Best Technology Business incuba-

and Marketing Programme) of TIFAC, DST.Govt of

MEME Business Incubator@Tecnopark TBI- in-

tor for commercialisation.

india undertakes early assessment of a technol-

vites until having innovative technology/business

undergo evaluation by Angles & the TBI

ogy’s marketability and find out suitable buyers to

idea for early stage finding and incubation support

Expert committee before being admitted. T-TBI

link it to the market. T-TCFA invites technologies

by Technopark TBI. Funding ranges from Rs. 4-8

shall provide seed capital assistance to genuine

(innovations) where at least the prototype model

Lakh per idea/unit.

entrepreneurs.

Contact K. C. C. Nair, Park Centre, Technopark, Trivandrum Phone: +91 471 2700222 Mobile: +91 9447111244 Email: kccnair@technopark.org www.technoparktbi.org www.dsir.gov.in

The innovator shall

Main Story

Are we too conservative?

Monumental IT parks , gargantuan structures of development, an unbridled exhibits of the various autographs of glitz. Grisly murders, inconceivable rapes, out of the world scams, a thriving militia of moral-protectors.

W

hen the floodgates of Indian economy

From a facilitator of attainable realities, money in

more money in the first few months of their first

opened in the last decade of the millen-

itself became the dream to be chased; a pursuit

job than what their parents retired with. Kerala

nium gone by, few would have imagined the so-

that would eventually rewrite India. A new class

always had an educated middle class, a product

ciety that would be brought forth 20 years later.

emerged whose brand ambassadors made

of various social and political reforms, groomed

14 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

by a long tradition of quality primary education

founded in 1995 and is still the largest IT

and aligned lifestyle changes, was

system facilitated by various minority institu-

sector job provider in the state. Its long term

introduced into the society. Yet the oldest IT

tions and pragmatic higher educational options

implications, though, go far beyond its mere

Park in India remains the lowest income

and decisions. Like their parents who reaped

job generating potential. A new culture,

earner among all the IT Parks that came

the benefits of the Nehuruvian economic model

facilitated by infrastructural developments

up later in India.

by working outside the state namely, Bombay and the Gulf. Or so one was made to believe by the countless narratives, which made-in-Madras Malayalam cinemas of that period offered. The buzz word for the post liberalisation professional became American on-site jobs or migrations to the Silicon Valley. The restless 70’s saw their progeny become part of the global community created by the demand for cheap white collar workers and the supply of skilled and eager work force. The disparity of pay structured by the proverbial carrot of future prosperity created a naive society taking its first tottering steps towards global adulthood.

The most prominent signature of economic

Women alone or men alone cannot have total insight of how to spend their life in society successfully until and unless men and women live together study together and interact together. Women are safe in same sex college is a wrong notion in the society. When we go deeper into the crime statistics of Goa which is notorious for high criminal rate the men studied in the boys only colleges are the majority. The girls who studied in the women’s only colleges can only see the society with fear. When we are putting a girl or boy in a same sex college we are denying their opportunity to mingle with society. According to the survey of IMRB the women or men educated in a same sex college has highest divorce rate of 15% while students from co-education is 2%.

Dr. George Thomas Dean, Albertian Institute of Management

liberalisation policies in Kerala is Technopark,

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 15

Main Story

Instant Money Magic

Our college was started at a time when women enjoyed no freedom. But I wouldn’t dare say that women are safe in women colleges only. It seems that women are facing greater threats within their homes. They

According to Kodiyeri Balakrishnan, the former

terms with the rules of the game controlling the

Home Minister of Kerala, more than Rs 10,000

newly liberalised market system, these scams

are free here and they get lots of

crore of hawala money is transacted in the state.

shattered the bedrock of Nehruvian middle class

opportunities to express

The assets of various Mafia groups in Kerala

economic system piled carefully on the dictum of

themselves here.

were estimated at, by DGP Jacob Punnoose, to

“lot of hard work, and a little bit of corruption.”-

be around Rs 50,000 crore. Kochi hosts capital

By the dawn of the new millennium, gone were

to two of the major mafias among them— the

the days when people set the limits of the money

land mafia and the money mafia. The mafia

they could amass in terms of the work they did.

seeks to exploit greed. That there is no limit to

In this new world order, it was not a difficult

the money you can accumulate, provided you

task for the mafia groups to establish a parallel

have your money-thinking brain cells oriented

government, run it with the money power they

in the proper direction was firmly established as

possessed and the might they gained by acting

because people have easy access

a possibility by the mid 90s—though yet to be a

as a pressure group on the government of the

to police stations, and there almost

rampant practice in the real world, its theoretical

‘real’ world, and protect its subjects. Two of the

never a hesitancy to file a complaint.

prospects, beyond doubt, were well entrenched.

major networks through which the money mafia

There is still a lot of faith in comple-

That was also the period when scams of hitherto

operates are small scale financing and direct

tion of investigation and

unheard magnitude (though the figures now

marketing. Several money chain groups are active

look like molehills compared to the mountainous

in Kochi. Its running theme is very simple and

amounts of graft money in the modern world)

strikingly sinister: to turn an individual’s network

AjithKumar

had rocked the nation—Hawala and the Harshad

of relations with other individuals of the society

Mehta stock exchange scams being the show

into currency; a remarkably powerful exhibition

D.I.G and Commissioner of Police, Cochin City

stealers. For a nation, which had yet to come to

of modern day ways of alchemy.

16 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Dr. Sr. Teresa CSST Principal, St. Teresas College

The so called rise of crime rates is also because of the rise in reporting of crime. This is possible in Kerala

catching the criminal.

THE KERALA PSYCHE The nature of moral policing in Kerala is also different from rest of India. Moral impositions

menace in the society.

There is constant segregation of gender

When we were trying to leave the auto driver verbally abused me. I too reacted strongly. He slapped me hard on my face. He then twisted my right arm backwards. By then, people had started gathering and the driver presented us before them as some sort of ‘wrong-doers’.

Thasni Banu, I.T Professional and Moral Police victim

arise in most cases not from right wing organisa-

in our educational institutes. New profession-

tions rather it cut across party lines. The psyche of

al colleges are coming up, which advertise

these impositions resides in gender relation crisis

their single gender system as desirable. Even

In the initial days my employees were

that Kerala is undergoing. There seems to a sexual

colleges that have co-education are promot-

hesitant to say that it was my sister

repression among the Malayalee males. What else

ing segregation within their campuses.

and I who owns the business. Instead

can account for the rising crime against women

Most colleges in the state have banned tight

and children in the state? Rape and murder of

T-shirts and jeans, stopped film dance from

they would say our father; Mr. Babu

commuters or moral policing of women travelling

schools and unofficially monitor students of

at night, under age prostitution, and rampant

the opposite gender who talk to each other

child abuse are becoming regular breaking news.

for uncommonly long time. These unim-

place I was detained for travelling alone

The new helpline for child abuse victims run by

aginative changes in the educational sector

was in Thiruvananthapuram airport

Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan were literally flooded with

become contradictory when these students

and that too in the name of

calls when they started in August. There is a short

both professional and non-professional, start

ensuring security of women.

age of counselors to hand the cases. The Mahila

careers in a 24/7 work culture. A systemic

Shikshan Kendras meant to house the abuse

change rather than such cosmetic restrictions

Rekha.C.Babu,

victims is over crowed. All this shows the how

is necessary to mould the coming genera-

CEO BCG Group

the authorities under estimated this particular

tions in a positive manner.

C. George owns the business. I have travelled across the world and the only

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 17

In Focus

Oommen Chandy

MAN IN A HURRY The Kerala Chief Minister defying conventions launched the 100 day program for better governance, within a few days of forming the government, cognate to his earlier Chief Minister tenure’s motto. This time around the difference is that the developmental policies of the state have a social welfare perspective. This program is rooted in the ideas of transparency and delivery of governance. A web-cam in the office and 24X7 call centers are steps towards transparent governance. The Government has announced, on 12 September 2011, the successful implementation of 101 programmes out of the 107 enlisted he 100 days programme.

18 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

W

hile critics point out that most of the prestigious projects announced are the ones conceptualised by the earlier government, the continuation and completion of the older programmes is a welcome break from the older negative cycle of trying to undo the achievements of the previous political bloc in power. While it’s still too early to judge this government’s

performance, and the waffle thin parliamentary majority is a concern for long term stability, there seems to be a sufficiently strong political will to bring about meaningful changes. The scene at the Secretariat was that of pleasant clam, on the day of the interview unlike the normal controlled chaos and utter disarray associated with government offices. Thanks to a very professional briefing form the press secretary, the FWD team did not have any trouble getting through security cordon with our lights and cameras. In a room now familiar to the public, thanks to the web cam, the man from Puthupally, with his Khadar cloths and charming smile, talked about his vision for Kerala. Excerpts from the interview.

Development and Care The fast forward motto came about when I was the C.M last time; even

§

Hundred day programme We were closely monitoring it, Chief Secretaries and concerned ministers

though I was C.M only for 21 months I was able to do a lot many things.

were pursuing their goals in their department. I had declared 107 points

Then for five years I was in the opposition and was able to understand

for solution, of which 101 have been completed. One of the biggest

many realities. There is still poverty in our land; there is a large group

obstacles that we faced in these were the government jobs for physically

that undergoes many hardships. The common man faces much kind of

disabled. We were unable to fill up the reservation for the same. It has been

hardships this is the realities of our times. One of the biggest anxieties that

pending from 2005. There is a backlog of 1158 posts … we have agreed

many people face is their medical expenses. We get the best of medical

that all the personal to these post should be advised.

care in our state but the expense for that is very high, this is not feasible for poor and common people, therefore in this scenario I think with conviction that while Kerala should become an investment friendly state, there should be more opportunities created here. At the same time while this development happens there is a group of people who cannot wait until the fruits of this development has reached all the levels of the community. There should be particular precaution for this kind of people today itself. For a family facing poverty today there is no point in telling them that Kerala will become prosperous ten years later.

There is a group of people who cannot wait until the fruits of this development reaches all the levels of the community. There should be particular precaution for this kind of people today itself. For a family facing poverty today there is no point in telling them that Kerala will become prosperous ten years later.

Environment Vs Development We need development but at the same time we have to be careful about many other things. It should be a total holistic development that help all sections of people. Many people who undergo hardships and sacrifices for the common good. They lose their home and livelihood, instead of making them martyrs they should be made beneficiaries of these projects.

The compensation and rehabilitation package should be created in such a manner in the same way there should be no project that destroy environment and take away the livelihoods of people who depend on them.

§ 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 19

We should focus on what can be done today and it should be done today. The priority is for an investment friendly state, the projects that will bring jobs, also those people who need special care, circumstances for these should be created today.

§

Image of Kerala Delay is Kerala’s Curse. To execute something that was to done today, a few days later, Kerala does not need a democratically elected government, it will happen in due course. Instead we should focus on what can be done today and it should be done today. The priority is for an investment friendly state, the projects that will bring jobs, also those people who need special care, circumstances for these should be created today. So the priority for development should be something that should

Corporate governance

be compatible for the state’s socio-economic conditions. Tourism, I.T,ITES,

We are trying the best to make corporate government possible. We have

Higher education, projects related to agriculture, especially organic farm-

come up the new ‘ideas’ scheme for file tracking. Under this new system

ing and value added projects.

a petitioner need not physically meet me to give me petition. Even for

As the first step in making available medical facilities to common

updates he/she need not go around government departments. The com-

man we have introduced a cochlear implanting program, five lakhs will

plainant can track it through personal computer or can avail the service of

be given to children who have this problem. We have seen the depres-

the closest Akshaya centre. We are trying to execute this system in every departmental office.

20 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

§

sion the parents undergo when the child cannot communicate with anybody.

Reverse Brain Drain

Krishna Kumar CEO, GreenPepper Consulting India Private Limited .

Home calling W

ikipedia says: Reverse brain drain , which refers to the migration issue, whereby human capital moves in

reverse from a more developed country to a less developed country that is developing rapidly, which is commonly defined as ‘brain drain’. It is also termed as a logical outcome of a calculated strategy, where migrants accumulate savings, also known as remittances, and develop skills overseas that can be used in their home country.

Years ago, the Silicon Valley attracted the best IT talent from India. But the exchange of ideas and innovations after nearly two decades has reversed the trend. The charm of the US is fading off. India’s own Silicon Valley’s are now at the forefront of innovation and they are at-

tracting its super stars back home from the US. There was a time when nearly 90% of graduates passing out of the prestigious Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) headed to America.

But not any more in large numbers. IT industry experts say that there are both personal and professional reasons for the reverse exodus.

Most of the returnees say the gap in salaries in the two countries has been steadily decreasing. Money is indeed an important factor but it’s not the main reason for the reverse traffic.

Interestingly the large majority of the 22 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

returnees are in the middle to senior management categories in the 30-40 age groups. Many of them would like their children to grow up in their own culture.

As India asserts its position as a global economic powerhouse it has begun to attract Westerners in almost every field.

And while they make less money in absolute terms at home, most said their salaries brought a “better quality of life” than what they had in the U.S. (There was also some reverse culture shock—com-

ily and friends was also a crucial element.

Business research and consulting firm

dian professionals returning to India from

Frost & Sullivan said that the world will witness

the US. As one can imagine, reverse brain

reverse brain drain, wherein the vast vacancies

drain is important for India, given that it

for CXOs in countries like India will be filled not

faces a talent crunch in most sectors.

only by returning Indians, but also by Ameriplaints about congestion in India, say, and pollution in China.) When it came to social

In 2010, we saw as many as 60,000 In-

cans and Europeans seeking better prospects.

The low cost and quality services offered by

Apart from IT sector, India has seen steady growth in the Healthcare, Pharma and Biotech, Finance, Retail, and Real Estate

factors, 80% of the Indians cited better

India’s IT companies have encouraged giant or-

in the last few years. This economic boom

“family values” at home. Ability to care for

ganizations like Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo to

created lot of new jobs in India; a substan-

aging parents was also cited, and this may

outsource in India. This has created a large num-

tial portion of them in the IT segment.

be a hidden visa factor: it’s much harder to

ber of jobs in India’s IT sector. Consequently, In-

bring parents and other family members

dian professionals with work experience in devel-

attraction to America and many of the Indians

over to the U.S. than in the past. For the vast

oped countries are in great demand–and many of

working in the US are now increasingly eager

majority of returnees, a longing for fam-

them are more than happy to fulfill this demand.

to be a part of India’s technological revolution.

Active opportunities

Position- Director ,Professional Service, for an online research company based in US which has an off shoring facility in Kochi.

Requirement - Indian IT professionals with team management and project experience in US Position - Indian engineers in Norway with experience in ship building have opportunities to work in Cochin Shipyard under European sub contracting companies.

Position - Associate Technical Manager (for Business Intelligence and Data Warehousing) in a US IT MNC in Kochi Requirement - Indian IT professionals who worked in a global work environment, managing cross cultural teams and projects.

This resulted in the gradual fading of the

Salary

Salary - 25 lakhs per annum

Salary – 8-15 Lakhs per annum

Salary – 8-15 Lakhs per annum

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 23

Contact www.greenpepper.in

Most of the returnees say the gap in salaries in the two countries has been steadily decreasing.

Spotlight

Make Food, Das Sreedharan

Not War

24 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

We walked into BTH looking for the man who changed Londenites Kerala cuisine experience, the award winning chef and maverick entrepreneurs who has chain of overnight success restaurants across London. We ended up meeting a casually dressed, charming, handsome, young at heart visionary who maintains “ his strong relationship with Kerala.

Can you tell us about your childhood, some-

renowned in the village and she deeply

career change from accountancy to cook-

thing which influenced your culinary career

infused in me a true knowledge of food,

ing, what made you realise that cook-

I grew up in the small village of Thrikkayoor

coupled with an instinct for good cooking.

ing would be a lifelong love affair.

near Cochin, enjoying a simple innocent

In this way, I learnt so much from my parents

Looking back at my life, there is no doubt that

childhood like every other village boy - spend-

and grandparents. I learned how food is grown

food was my destiny. I left my village at the age

ing my days playing with friends, enjoying

and how much pain goes into nurturing the land.

of 19 years old, deciding to travel and find my

and taking part in the temple festivals etc.

This helped me to develop the Rasa philosophy

fate. Incidentally, my very first job was for a hotel.

further as I developed a deep respect for the

There I was told by my encouraging boss that I

ily and grew our own vegetables and spices.

We were a self-sufficient farming fam-

ingredients in the food and understood how

belonged to the field of food and hospitality. But

My father being insistent that we should

it came into being. I believe that you can be a

thinking that accountancy might be a more lu-

help our mum with her chores, would get

better cook if you understand the process of

crative career, I came to study in London. My first

us involved in the vegetable garden and

the growth of food; from seed to how it appears

few years in London were a constant struggle

on your plate. Absolute devotion to cooking

- trying to find part-time jobs to sustain myself

can only be developed by understanding the

and missing home especially my mum's cooking.

I learnt so much from my parents and grandparents. I learned how food is grown and how much pain goes into nurturing the land. This helped me to develop the Rasa philosophy.

journey that the ingredients have taken. To have good food, you need to respect the environ-

Your brief story about starting the

ment in which it grows. Being part of this link

first hotel and its growth.

between farming and cooking is to experience

In 1991, I was then managing a restaurant in

something very basic yet very profound.

London but I felt that there was something lacking. Indian restaurants were hardly serv-

Can you tell us the reason for the

ing anything that was close to authentic

kitchen. Although as a child I would rather be out playing with my friends than be involved in these activities, the seeds that he sowed then, helped me to find my connection with nature and food in my latter years.

The family also owned a small teashop, which served typical Kerala meals during lunchtime and would act as a meeting point for villagers throughout the day. I would sit and watch the cooking every day and seemed to unknowingly absorb the art, talent and sensitivity that went into the cooking.

The love and warmth that my mum would put into the cooking made her food 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 25

Spotlight Indian cuisine. Restaurants set by desperate Bangladeshi immigrants looking for low-input high-return jobs, resulted in an unfortunate slump in the quality of food and overall dining experience. I decided that I needed to do something different by introducing the London restaurant business to the fascinating world of regional Kerala cooking.

What is food and its preparation to you At Rasa, we believe that experience of food extends beyond just dining; it is a lifestyle for healthy and happy living. I believe deeply that food is a celebration of life and that it brings together essential positive energies to create harmony in our world. Responsible food production links us more closely to nature and provides for sustainability and a positive outlook on life. Cooking good food brings enormous fulfillment and allows us to demonstrate our love for those important to us. Food is capable of establishing a deep connection with people, bringing them together with love and warmth.

Why does the Rasa Gurukul have courses on culinary weapons making, oil making and tea-shop management?

My mum’s mango moru curry eaten with traditional boiled rice and a simple thoran on the side.

Everytime I have this, I am flooded with sweet memories of my childhood, those idyllic days spent in abandon and above all, my mum’s love and warmth.

preparation. Farming had lost its community

the restaurant wanted to recreate it in their own

involvement - people are disconnected from

homes. I was only more than happy to oblige

the ingredients that constitute their food. I also

so that this magic can spread to their everyday

found that there was no teaching or learn-

living. In this way, I started writing my first book

ing of traditional home cooking anywhere in

going through an internal search of the meaning

Kerala. I felt it was my responsibility to come

of food and its power while recreating the secrets

up with a solution. The result of that feeling

of good cooking that I had witnessed as a child.

was the beginning of the Rasa Gurukul idea.

Your favorite dish?

Tell us more about your books, the reasons for

The meal that is closest to my heart will also

writing them. Are there more in the pipeline?

remain my mum's mango moru curry eaten with

I was first asked to consider writing cookery

traditional boiled rice and a simple thoran on the

Over the last few years, I have been very

books after being prompted by well known

side. Everytime I have this, I am flooded with

disappointed by the unenthusiastic attitude of

cookery writers like Madhu Jaffrey and Rose

sweet memories of my childhood, those idyllic

people in catering industry - people lack the

Gray . I was also inspired by the many requests

days spent in abandon and above

love and passion that is so essential in food

from customers, who having tasted the food at

all, my mum's love and warmth.

26 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Balance Sheet

Alex K. Babu The Author is the Founder and Managing Director of Hedge Equities

Hope, Fear, Greed wide-spread mania. This goes on for a while.

easy money – and often they develop methods,

Then at some time, a fear starts to creep in as

philosophies, etc that are touted as ways to

stocks are subject to irrational

the market is not perceived as strong as initially

make money but are controlled by shortsight-

and excessive price fluctuations

assumed. Over time, this fear turns into panic

edness. In fact, in India one could make a wild

selling – and often the prices drop to a level way

guess and say that at least 95% of the invest-

below what it was when the whole craze began –

ments are done with short-term motivations.

and from which it will take even years to recover.

Naturally, such traders are always looking for

“Most of the time common

in both directions as the consequence of the ingrained tendency of most people to speculate

The most realistic distinction between the

(and regularly fed by the media) what can be

investor and the speculator is found in their

called short-term stimuli. If news on a given day

attitude toward stock- market movements.

is good, it is a buy and if news on the next day

There is nothing wrong in buying stocks for

is bad, it is sell – regardless of the long term

speculation. There is no crime in that. And if you

economic prospects of the economy or the

Graham

are buying stocks for speculation it is perfectly

company. And as such, the search for momentum

T

proper to take speculative factors into account,

drives their enthusiasm and trading patterns.

or gamble... to give way to hope, fear and greed.” – Benjamin

he story is a familiar one: an enduring

which are different from investment factors. The

bull market (whether it is in commodi-

speculator’s primary interest lies in anticipat-

to take home a profit is the most psychologi-

ties, equities, etc) often make the general

ing and profiting from market fluctuations. The

cally trying and dangerous situation all traders

investor’s primary interest lies in acquiring and

face. Often one experiences more pain from

public believe that the trend can continue for-

The feeling of missing out on an opportunity

missed opportunities (errors of omission) than realized losses (errors of commission). This is

The most realistic distinction between the investor and the speculator is found in their attitude toward stock- market movements. There is nothing wrong in buying stocks for speculation. There is no crime in that. And if you are buying stocks for speculation it is perfectly proper to take speculative factors into account, which are different from investment factors.

perhaps the ultimate paradox - that our human instinct and desire to fit in with the crowd often paves the way to our financial ruin.

Due to the overwhelming power of the crowd and the tendency for trends to continue for lengthy periods of time on the basis of this strength, the trader is faced with a conundrum: does he or she follow the strength of

ever. The greed from being left out of a potential gold mine rises to proportions that create a mad buying frenzy – aptly supported by media and

holding suitable securities at suitable prices.

Most people are however into the stock market in search of quick profits – the fast and

the crowd or defy it valiantly based on his own analysis. Sadly, if the investment orientation is short-term, the crowd often wins.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 27

Photo Feature

“Tiger Tiger” cried the Boy

by Ajilal

28 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

1

Left Page: Tigritude 1. Tiger Trance 2. Tiger on the pot(belly) 3. Framing the fearful symmetry 4. Jungle Law 5. Losing the stripes

2 3 4 5

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 29

www.fwdlife.in

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THEY CAME, WE SAW, THEY CONQUERED

W

here clothes had designer imprints, where models graciously walked down the runway in their sky high heels, for Kochi it was a fairy tale come true. When the

much waited much talked about Kochi International Fashion Week finally ended, Kochi was all high with fashion. When Storm Fashion Company announced a show at Kochi as part of its venture to take fashion to the grass root levels, at least some were skeptical about the outcome. But Kochi truly rose to the spirit of fashion and now it feels like everything happened in the blink of an eye.

For three days Hotel Casino has turned into a wonderland of glitz and glamour. James Ferreira with his penchant for perfect clothes, Hari Anand with his fabulous array of Resort wear, and Archana Kochar with her Red, Black and White collection of sarees and dresses turned the first day a memorable one. The second day saw the visually delightful Apple Pie and Soda pop collection by Jules Idi Amin, The black magic by Jattin Kochaar, Wedding Collection by Riyaz Gangji and Vivek Karunakaran’s prêt collection based on the theme The spirited Roman on a Holiday. Third and final day was marked by Megha Grover’s dazzling Indian Wear collection, Patented Jeans collection by Lawman Pg3, The Sun sand senorita collection by Aruna Singh, and the grand finale by Sanjna Jon with her Kasavu inspired designs.

Cameralia

Aruna Singh She started designing by dressing up her dolls as a child. Fashion is her life.

Aruna’s shows are about the fun factor involved. Be it the tender coconuts the models were carrying here in KIFW, or the Tamil accessories in CIFW she sure knows how to imbibe the essence of the local culture.

James Ferreria AThe high priest of fashion opened the fashion week with his unique line of men’s wear. A little birdie told FWD that James was so enticed by the response of Cochiites that he is starting a new spa and boutique exclusively for men here in Cochin.

34 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Vivek Karunakaran Amidst all the chaos and fury, he stood calm and composed, bespectacled and always wearing a warm smile. For Vivek, who is overwhelmed by the response he received, KIFW was a cake walk. This young Malayalee is set to make it big. Maybe we would see him next at the New York or Milan Fashion Week. Fingers crossed.

Mamta The It girl. For someone who wants to express herself better with fashion, KIFW was the right platform and she did make use of it well. The centre of the show in every way her sheer presence supplemented for all that was amiss. Flaunting her tattoos and small coiffure, it was enchanting to watch her both on and off the ramp.

Hari Anand Playing his part as a good host designer, Hari made sure that his city feels nothing less than pride about his designs. Beautiful play of subtle colors, clever use of viscous material and splendid use of his signature print – all of it made sure his clothes were a step ahead.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 35

Cameralia

Ashok J. Koshy A man who chases both light and sound alike, he came dressed up in a cow boy attire, complete with a pair of half chaps. This young at heart ace photographer is taking a new career path as a flutist.

He performed during Sanjna Jon’s show and the latest news is that Mr. Koshy has been arrested for using Magic in the presence of Muggles.

36 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

KIFW Postmortem T

he 3 day gala event ended with

show. Often they find it in the hallways or

elusive shot. The grand finale saw the most

lots of appreciation but with many

in the media lounge. The coordinators were

number of visitors and those who got seats,

apprehensions too. Before each show it

running around most of the time looking for

who had to share it with other guests, were

was mad scramble outside the banquet

someone. Designer Vivek Karunakaran was

the lucky ones. To top it all, Malayalees had

hall with hundreds of guests and media

heard saying, “Everyone is looking for every-

to behave in their typical unruly way.

persons waiting to get in. The wait

one”. It felt like to remind the organizers of

Gaurav Sharma was himself heard complain-

went on for hours as the shows were

the invention of the equipment called Walkie

ing that someone pushed him away during a

delayed. No waiting room, no arrange-

Talkie. Keeping time was something the

show that he couldn’t see the rest of it prop-

ment for refreshments, not even a warm

organizers had no intention to achieve. The

erly. The gatekeepers and watchmen were

smile from the organizers. There was

shows were delayed on all the days. The after

arrogant and impolite. Mr. Ashwin of Kasavu-

no place even to park their bottoms.

show parties started in the we hours of the

kada, who sponsored the grand finale, was

One might get a glass of drinks at the

morning. The grand finale which portrayed

spotted struggling to get inside to watch the

Kingfisher Lounge but getting a glass

Sanjana Jon’s work started at 1 o’ clock in the

show. Not an all area access card,

of water took even harder an effort.

morning and ended at 2. The ramp itself was

a vvip pass, or a media pass was enough

Right before a show the frenzy was

very small. There wasn’t enough space for the

for the gatekeepers. It was their rule and

uncontrollable that it was a common

media. It was too crowded that half the time

they decided who should be let in. Hope

scene to see someone searching for a

photographers were trying hard not to fall

Gaurav and his team come up with a

piece of clothing which was part of the

on the ramp while they contrived to get that

better show next time.

SANJANA JON DISASTER I

t was hard to believe that it was the same Sanjana who dress up the likes of Natalie Glebova and Paris Hilton. As a Malayalee who made it big in the global scene, Kochi for sure expected

more from her. Although a heavily star studded show she didn’t do justice to her culture and according to Sanjana imbibe the spirit of ethnic Kerala, had no finish or finesse. Apart from a range of Salwars made out of Kasavu, which any local tailor could make with more finish, she showcased an array of plain Sarees made out of viscous material. The only dress which was noteworthy was a white gown which in fact stood out as it had nothing to do with the theme. She had dedicated the show to the war against girl infanticide and to her brother Anand Jon, who is serving sentence in LA County. It is time someone reminds her of the famous sitcom Gossip Girl

THE STORM

extract, “Fashion knows not of comfort all that matters is the face you show the world.”

Gaurav Sharma

Shweta Vijay

Shreya Arora

Running around the Casino clad in a white shirt was Gaurav Sharma, the general of the Operation Kochi Storm. It was his sole idea to bring fashion to Kochi. Kudos Gaurav!

A strand of hair tied with multi colored strings. An apologetic smile when something goes wrong.

The media coordinator of Storm, Shweta Vijay was all helping hands to all in the media.

Small, plump and chirpy.

Denim shorts and a comfy Tee Shirt. This is Shreya.

The coordinator. Any world class manager would be amazed by the ease with which she handled the show.

PHOTO CREDITS : NikasNeo, Lalu Thirumittakode, Akhil Vishnu, Unni Mohan

more importantly to Kasavu which she tried to revive through the show. The designs, which

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 37

Indulgence

Haute Horlogerie

38 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

1 - Jaeger-LeCoultre “Tribute to 1931” Reverso The original Jaeger –LeCoultre was a polo watch i.e in 1920sthe polo fanatic British Army officers in India wanted a watch that would withstand the polo field smashup. The watch maker developed a reversible case that protected the watch crystal from being damaged by shock or impact. In 1931, they introduced (and patented) the Reverso.

2 - Boucheron Ladyhawke Tourbillon Boucheron , a jeweler house established in 1858 and Girard-Perregau, Swiss watch manufacture who dates back to 1791 joins together to produce a stunning masterpiece. Called the Ladyhawke after 1985 fantasy movie in which the heroine turns into a falcon at night, the horlogire has 833 multicolored diamonds and rubies and is finished in white gold they are available only in select outlets in the Middle East.

It’s a cult watch that will never go out of style, as long as you get a version that’s close to the original, and the Tribute to 1931 Reverso is

Price Rs 2,74,50,000 approx

as close to the original as it gets.

Price on request

The Speedmaster Professional by Omega was a giant leap for manThe

4 - Raymond Weil Freelancer Black 8 Limited edition.

Delaneau Open Magic is a variant of the Delaneau Magic.Unlike the

Boucheron , a jeweler house established in 1858 and Girard-mbol of

close dial Magic the Open Magic has a art deco inspired case and

both prosperity and the infinite. A figure eight is delicately outlined

there is a double strap on one side and a single strap on the other

on the black guilloché dial, with 12 sparkling diamonds around its

which ends in a gold bar and wire attachment to the dial.12 diamonds

voluptuous curves and nurtured its horological identity by granting it

indicate the hours. These are not the only diamonds that adorn this

a mechanical movement with automatic winding, and a fitted balance

precious watch. DeLaneau offers several versions with a total diamond

that is visible inside the figure eight. Adding a final touch of class, the

weight that varies between the 1.56 and 5 carats.

full-skin, saddle-stitched alligator strap matches the dial’s glamorous

3 - Delaneau Open Magic

Price on request

tones

Price on request

5 - Speedmaster Professional by Omega The Speedmaster Professional by Omega was a giant leap for man-

6 - Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921

kind’s watchmakers. The Speedmaster line became ‘The First Watch

Vacheron Costantin’s Historical uses an older model for inspiration to recreate

Worn on the Moon’ when Buzz Aldrin w ore it on his moonwalk. It is

an item that is decidedly contemporary; the result was a sophisti-

still one of the few watches still qualified for Extra-Vehicular Activity

cated cocktail of history and modernity, asymmetry and balance,

away from earth. NASA started using the watch from 1950 for their

with a slight touch of madness. Their cases, cushion-shaped, have the

‘Gemini’ missions, which preceded the Apollo moon landing missions.

peculiarity of a winding-mechanism axle shifted to one of the angles,

These iconic watches come with a four-year warranty, given the num-

resulting in a diagonal reading of the time.

ber of perfectly functioning Speedmasters that are 30 years or older the warranty may not be ever needed

Price: Rs. 3,84,000/- up

Price: Rs. 2,43,000/-

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 39

Storyboard

Shaji Thomas Philip The author is an industry expert and founder of Big Tree Advertising Company.

Advertising: Emerging trends T

he American Marketing Association defines advertising as “Any paid

form of non-personal presentation and promotion of ideas, goods or services by an identified sponsor.� Advertising is all about managing the perception of people and subsequently persuading them to buy the products. The other aim of advertising is to increase the visibility of the products and services among the customers. Rather, advertising is aimed to increase the awareness of the customers.

40 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Advertising also plays an important role to build

tising and promotional strategies. It needs the

the image of the organization. Through ads the

skills of selling to be translated to the right me-

company can build the image which it wants to

dium. People tend to believe what they see. Ad

make in the minds of the people. So companies

campaigns use this to make us believe in some

spend a huge amount of their budgets on adver-

imaginatively stupid advertisement concepts.

01

02

ing way to cheer his grieving teacher who lost her dog. Surf Excel aims to portray stains as something that needs to be battled with valiantly. Their campaigns tell consumers to celebrate stains, as it isn’t difficult to get rid of them. With Surf Excel, stains come and go. So be yourself. Be free to do whatever you want to do.

No meaning in hanging ...

Drink Complan Complan the COMplete and PLANned food has been part of every kid’s diet. With its 23 vital nutrients it helped or at least made us believe that it helped in a kids growth. When Shahid kapoor and Ayesha Takia as kids said I’m a Complan boy and girl, we loved it. Then came the height attaining concept. It claims the drink can add two inches to a child’s height. The latest in this series

No sex idea from idea

with an ad that shows two children on their way

is the Ramu Somu Raja ad. It shows two kids

Say it differently. Say it memorably. This is

to school. The girl falls into a puddle, dirtying

Ramu and Somu who can pluck mango, ring the

the essence of copywriting in advertise-

herself and starts howling. The brother dives

bell and can throw the ball into the basket too.

ment... Even years ago Idea mobile used to

into the puddle, wrestle with it threatening it to

The tiny Raja in his futile effort to gain height

come up with thought provoking advertise-

apologise. He emerges a while later all muddy

does hanging exercises. It ends with the taller

ments. Idea tend to include public interest

and stained, proudly declaring, “Sorry bola

boys advising Raja to get his mother to buy him

topics like deforestation, public education et

(The puddle said it was sorry).” The girl smiles.

Complan. The advertiser clearly knows the target

all with a twist and those information heavy

The new ad in the series is that of a child

group is the kids and the mothers. Noticeably all

ad campaigns did catch a lot of attention.

impersonating a dog’s behavior in an endear-

humiliations take place in front of the mothers.

The latest from Idea is on alternative population control. They reason out that the population increases due to the lack of good entertainment.

03

Due to absence of power and no TV, people indulge more into conjugal entertainment leading to extension of family. What to do Sirji ? Now Idea comes with 3G...from now on no sex for you...your partner is engaged in world cup, video gaming, video chatting and what not... This ad leaves a message that there will be ‘No Aabaadi, No Barbaadi’ because people will be ‘3G pe Busy’.

Stain is good if it is for good While most detergent ads still talk about spotlessly clean clothes Surf excel offers a different take on Stains. It sparks the thought that dirt could actually be good if it is for good. Six years ago the detergent king started the campaign 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 41

Persona

Dr. Mini Vettical

A

combination of good looks, intelligence, talent, and consistent enthusiasm, she is intimidating at the very least. She created her own genre of Bharatanatyam- mixing poetry and dance. She talks about the croissants

and pizzas she cooks. Her ballerina paintings adorn the walls of her house. The photographer in her is in euphoria when she gets the perfect shot. She flaunts the sarees and dresses she designed and stitched. She performs the intricate steps in Bharatanatyam with ease. She has done it all. She has seen it all. She is Dr.Mini Vettical.

Dr. Vettical graduated from The University of Texas Medical School at Houston and worked as Assistant professor and practiced Internal Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine. Mini recently moved back to Kochi in an effort to infuse fresh life into dance which she thinks is not accorded the status and respect it deserves. With the advice of her guru Girija Ravindranath, Mini started the Moksha Akademy of dance. She is trying to bring a twist by combining Bharatanatyam with Poetry and narration. A malayalee born and brought up in Kuwait, Mini moved to US where she learned different genres like ballet, contemporary dance et al. Mother of four kids, Mini is also interested to enact children’s tales. She has choreographed many performances in schools around Kochi.

Styling & Makeup Jijeesh Photography Jamesh Kottakkal Location Courtesy DD Samudra Darshan- Desai Homes

42 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Dress & Belt by Nine West Shoes Steve Madden

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 43

Knitwear by Cable & Gauge Belt Calvin Klein Skirt Eddie Bauer Boots Rampage

44 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Dress by Scott McClintock Earrings Swarovski Bracelet Gucci

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 45

Maison Couture

Vivek Karunakaran Malayalee designer based in Chennai. Vivek owns the fashion label Viia with his partner Shreya Kamalia.

The art of designing

DREAMS W

e are so blaze to the word ‘designer labels’ and ‘designer lines’, seldom do we stop to think what designing clothes is all about. For me all that is there is Prêt and Haute couture. When designers, individuals try and create their own, and when they do they do so with a certain

aesthetic which appeals to them. Their aesthetics mirror the designers thoughts; so each designer’s clothes are different because they all bear each’ signature, no I don’t mean the brand label. And more often than not you would find that people relate to the aesthetics of the designer more than anything else. Like Ralf Lauren famously said, “I don’t design clothes, I design dreams”.

It doesn’t require a sociologist to figure out that clothes make a person. We all feel great when we are in great clothes. Whenever someone wishes to be unique and or distinguished, one would not court with the run of the mill wardrobe. This means that the ‘Globus’ and ‘Shoppers Stop’ of the world are out of the reckoning. Where would you shop for that unique suit or unique dress that speaks out on who you are as an individual? Designer wear, designer labels are your answer. Of course you have to be somebody in life before you can justify expense of designer labels, else it is just a fad like everything else. Now considering you are the part, the question remains how do you look the part? Designer labels offer aesthetics that the designer and customer share, above all else, quality that lasts and yes a true designer label offers the ultimate in luxury of it all, they are unique.

46 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Just like you, your suit would be one of a kind and the only copy in the world. Of course like the old adage goes ‘you get what you pay for’, but you

§

also ‘pay what you get for, quintessentially you pay a premium for having the

get better and better from this point onwards. People today take care of themselves. They take care to dress for the occasion. They are acutely aware of fashion nuances and references.

unique piece. Quality, designer clothes do not compromise on quality, you

Indian fashion is evolving and there have been external influences

would find them slightly more worked on, and slightly more embellished

in the Indian fashion, esp. European fashion which is a 100 years old. But

and having an intricate style statement. No one outside the industry actually

unlike the popular belief it has never an exercise of cut copy paste from

checks it but there is a parameter of quality, stitches per inch and designer

European fashion. Influences percolate into Indian fashion and Indian

wear would be of very high density of stitches per inch.

designers creating certain design sensibilities which are fusion of both

Like I Said every designer has his own signature and for Viia our signature

influences. Indian designers focus on different things. There are design-

is that we work on very clean lines; the garments are well cut and well

ers who focus on Indian others on western, yet another set who mix

finished and our mantra is that we pay a lot of attention to detail. We try to

both. It is this mix that adds to the beauty of the Indian fashion industry

achieve this from every viia garment that is created, to provide better value

At Viia we do more contemporary. Our silhouettes are very western.

to the customer. Our designs simple: embroidery subtle: and finished article

I prefer to call our clothes as global as opposed to calling it Indian or

immaculate. Like with all things fine, the subtle nuances are the ones most

western. It has a certain style statement which would appeal to anyone

appreciated.Fashion industry in India has changed extensively in the last

who got a comparable sense of style, whether they are Europeans or

decade or so and Indian Fashion now is accepted and taken seriously world-

Indians or Americans it is with respect to the perception of a person who

over. There have been Indian Designers who has been invited to showcase

got design aesthetics.

their work in many prestigious fashion events across the world like the New

Times are changing and everyone is looking out for fresh new talent

York Fashion week, Milan Fashion week and so on. This illustrates that the

which is a great thing. With the number of fashion weeks that are hap-

world is taking note of Indian fashion. And the industry is honored with the

pening and regional fashion shows coming up, more and more young

recognition and respect, which would have been unheard of 2 decades ago.

designers are noticed. We are on the threshold of a new era and the

§

best is yet to come… so forward we look.

Photo Credits: Lalu Thirumittakode

Fashion in India per se, the outlook of people changed and it is going to

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 47

Plat(e)onic

RJ Appunni The author is a Food connoisseur and a fine dining specialist.

A heaven for Hell’s Angels Are you passionate about food?

Are you crazy about riding?

Do you like adventures? Do you enjoy night life and music?

Do you wish for a magnificent world with food, music and peace in Cochin?

I

f you desire for a one stop shop that offers a great experience, then ‘Chillax’ is your hideout.

Chillax is a 24x7 restaurant that peps up the

portfolio of Kochi in its race to become a interna-

photographs of Harley Davidson bikes printed

from Chinese, Indian, Continental and Arabic

tional destination. This quaint little cafe is situat-

on it. Just as Harley Davidson is known for the

cuisines. The hot pick in the menu is the Jagget

ed off the highway between Vytilla and Palarivat-

magical riding experience it offers, Chillax too

juice- a mixture of Mango and Milk layered with

tom, Cochin, right next to the Tyrex showroom.

offers its customers a true comfort experience.

the chef’s own secret ingredient. The Arabic

Chillax is a 24 hour restaurant, the peak

tandoori, Al fahm, all spiced up with Arabic

Set in a brown theme, the Cafe is inspired by Irish architecture. The owner Mr. V. Kiran, who

hours starting at 12 am. The cafe is frequented by

masala is addictive to the core. Indian tandoori

is also the designer of the Cafe, has taken great

bachelors and families alike. One can just pick up

options include Sheek Kababs, Chicken tikka

care to recreate the Irish style even to its minute

a magazine or have a lazy evening to let thoughts

etc..For breakfast, Appam and Stew is in great

details. The wooden trusses in the roof and the

wander. Wish to give a rendition of the Cancion

demand. For chocolate lovers, Chillax has in

wooden paneling complete the look of the cafe.

del Mariachi or Malaguena Salerosa? Waiting

offer a variety of flavors like coffee, almond,

for you is a Guitar and a performance chair.

hazel nut, cashew. The continental alterna-

Chillax’s fabulous deco is cognizant with its owner’s passion for bikes. It is Kiran’s love for

Chillax offers a variety of dining options

tives include sandwiches and burgers.

the bikes that gave the restaurant the tagline “The Riders Choice”. Chillax proudly boasts of

My rating for Location

4/5

(perfect option for weary travelers)

a Fat boy-1600 Harley Davidson bike which is

Ambiance

5/5

(loved the bike in the coffee shop)

displayed at the entrance, adding to the glamour

Service

4/5

(nothing wrong, just don’t want to be very generous)

quotient of the place. This biker’s paradise has

Menu options

3/5

(not much for vegetarians)

an array of photographs of Harley Davidson

Value for money

4/5

(it was worth it)

bikes. Chillax has on sale coffee mugs with

Recommendations

5/5

(should check it out for the Harley-Davidson. I am in love with it.

48 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Made in Heaven

Chandam Charthal

By Nanditha Nair

Away from the maddening hullaballoo of modern day weddings, there still exist codes of tradition that are preserved and celebrated with fervour and passion. Welcome to a night of Chandam Charthal

C

handam Charthal, an age old religious ritual of the Knanaya Community (Catholics & Jacobites) of Kerala, still continues to be part of

§

This is followed by applying of oil and the groom is taken off the stage for the ritual bath. After the bath he is given a new set of clothes and brought back to the stage. It is then the turn of the godfather or the paternal uncle

their wedding celebrations to this day. Normally organised on the

eve of wedding at the groom’s house, it is an oriental bachelor party of sorts,

who has the tell tale mundu tied around his head to seek permission from

in which close relatives and friends of the groom gather to morally support

the crowd to bless the groom. He asks “Ichappadu Kodukkatte” to which

and prepare him for the wedding day.

the crowd replies “Not audible” until they are happy with the outcome (usually the third time). He then feeds the groom with the “Pachor and

The event starts when the brother in law leads the groom to a specially decorated Mandapam (stage). The groom is seated on a traditional

Jaggery” and blesses him for a fruitful and happy married life. Other elders

Korandi adorned with white cloth symbolising purity. Groom’s sister brings

present follow suit. In some places this is also called “Nulli Kodukkal”.

The bride’s house also witnesses a similar event on the eve of the mar-

a vilakku(light) to the mandapam. This is followed by prayers and songs.

The family barber is then received on to the stage with a traditional lamp.

riage which is called “Mylaanji ideel”. It is believed that the Henna applied

The barber will ask the crowd, “Everyone above the 17 races, May I start the

would remove the sin that the bride has inherited from Eve. The “Nulli

preparations”. The crowd in fervour pitch tends to ask the barber to repeat

Kodukkal” ritual is the same in the bride’s house as well. Throughout these

the question which he repeats (normally 3 times) until all those gathered grants him permission. With this the barber starts to shave the groom.

§

functions several traditional songs describing the story of the Knanaya people and their arrival to Kerala are sung.

Knanaya The Knanaya people came to India from Iran. The present Knanayites are the descendents of the 400 people who migrated to the Mahadevar Pattanam (Kodungallore) in 345 AD. Legend says that the King of Kodungallore, Cheraman Perumal, respected them by giving 72 positions and ruling authority over 17 castes. Pachor is a mixture of broken rice & coconut milk ceremoniously given on special occasions Images clockwise 1 Brothers in law leading groom to the stage 2 Barber in action 3 Returning after bath 4 Godfather feeding groom Images from Mr. Swaroop Kalathil’s Chandam Charthal 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 49

No-mads Coordinates of Bruges: 51°13’0’’N 3°14’0’’E Bruges is a mere 44km from Ghent to the southeast and 145km from Brussels

Venice to Venice

By Rebecca Chandy

How would a Venetian experience Venice? In this travelogue Rebecca Chandy explores the sights and sounds of Bruges, the capital and largest city of the province of West Flanders in Belgium is located in the northwest corner of Belgium.

F

rom Alleppey, The Venice of the East, I travelled 11,239 km to reach Bruges, The Venice of the North. After a 3 hour drive from Paris, I

§

reached Bruges (By the way it is pronounced as Broosh) on a Monday

appetizer that I ran into a chocolate shop nearby. Waiting for me there was one of the tastiest foods in the worlpain au chocolat. It looks like our puffs with the filling made of choco-

afternoon. Bruges is a UNESCO world heritage site and the entire city looks

late. If I say pain au chocolat is the pseudonym for Manna from heaven, it

like a giant set for a movie based in medieval period. Like its namesake

won’t be an exaggeration. I would rather call it the manna from the Venice

Venice, Bruges is also famous for its canals. There are canals everywhere

of the north. Imagine my disappointment when the shop keeper told me

you look and it gives you the feeling that the city is floating.

that I just missed the famed Bruges Chocolate Festival which happens in

A mini cruise around the city through some of Bruges famed rectangu-

summer every year. But like they say there is always a next time.

lar wooden box houses; Bruges’ renowned Municipal Lace Museum also

I spent the rest of the evening strolling through the cobbled streets,

on the main canal and the quaint bridges with the swans and the ducks

peering into souvenir and lace shops, taking pit stops every now and then

swimming through the canals … all of it made the entire ride an experi-

to munch my manna. When it was time for dinner, I was not really hungry

ence endearingly romantic. Near to the boat landing area is the Diamond

but couldn’t resist the charm of the simple restaurants at the market

Museum. Sadly all the museums are closed on Mondays, so do have that

square. It was a laid back three course dinner for a full two and half hours.

in consideration when planning your trip to Bruges. Diamond shops are

I took a short walking trip to the hotel. Bruges is a walker’s paradise

nearby and how I wish I could afford one of the rocks. Sigh!

and a walk across the city won’t take more than half an hour. The roads are

The 13th century Belfort en Hallen (belltower of the market) is a symbol

filled with people riding on the carriages and by the time I reached the

of Bruges and is the tallest belfry in Belgium. It has an impressive clock

hotel I have decided to ride on one of those, first thing in the morning.

mechanism which has 47 bells, each with different sounds and functions.

Bruges has an array of hotels to choose from. The boutique hotel

Each one of those 366 steps to reach its top is worth the trouble for the panoramic view atop. The view of the entire canal network through the city is nothing but picture perfect. All the work out proved to be quite the 50 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

I stayed was simple and artistically designed. But it had no restaurant

§

attached. When you plan a trip it is safe to opt for a bed and breakfast in Bruges.

I woke up in the morning to the sound of the cathedral bells ringing out. The streets of Bruges are

§

elegant and splendour.

The stained glass windows, gilt furnishings-

active even in the morning with the pedestrians mov-

including the remarkable pulpit in the shape of a

ing to and fro. I checked out of the hotel and found a

celestial orb-and exquisitely painted panels are all

restaurant at Burg Square that serves authentic Belgian

feast for the eyes. In contrast is the downstairs which

breakfast. There I had the most delicious breakfast ever

is simple and enchanting.

with mouth watering waffles (do they called Belgian

A visit to Bruges won’t be complete without a

waffles just waffles?). Outside the restaurant was a

visit to Choco-Story, the chocolate museum. It tells

horse and buggy waiting and I took a carriage ride

the story of the transformation of cocoa into choco-

through the town. It was like a fairy tale. My rat, err;

late, and how Bruges became famous for Chocolates.

horse man entertained me with tales from yester years

I had lunch at a café near the museum and prepared

until he dropped me off at Burg Square. Needless to say

to bid adieu to The Venice of the North. But the story

that I did enjoy being Cindrella for a short time.

of Bruges still goes on…

Burg square houses the Basilica of the Holy Blood, named after its prize relic; a rock crystal vial containing coagulated blood of Christ which found its way to

Rebecca Chandy

Belgium about 1,000 years ago. On Fridays it is brought

A counsellor and a food & travel enthusiast. She

for veneration and on Ascension Day the relic becomes

found her true calling in travelling a few years back

the focus of the Procession of the Holy Blood, which is attended by thousands. The upper part of the church is

§

and has been a vagabond ever since.

Photo Credits Rebecca Chandy

Waiting for me there was one of the tastiest foods in the world - pain au chocolat. It looks like our puffs with the filling made of chocolate. If I say pain au chocolat is the pseudonym for Manna from heaven, it won’t be an exaggeration.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 51

Diaspora Diaries

Kochi Pa This night has no dawn. While a thriving night life still remains a distant dream for most malayalees here is a man who spends his days and nights in Chicago reminiscing about one of his unforgettable nights in Kochi Pattanam.

I

t’s July 24th Saturday night, my close group

going to be good. That tonight, we are going to

of friends and I decide to celebrate since this

have the time of our lives, and that everything

will be our last night out together in Kochi

in life is going to be A-Okay. Only my home-

for a while. We start off at Dream hotel rooftop,

town Cochi Pattanam can guarantee me this.

and enjoy the beautiful views and the sooth-

Back in Chicago, after work, my friends and I

ing winds. Not another rooftop anywhere

enjoy the evenings quite a bit, but nights out in

else in the world can give me this feeling of

Chicago are quite different from Cochin. The bars

belonging. We head out to Avenue Regent -

and clubs are always packed in the summer, and

Mezzo, and then after that, like always, top the

the popular ones always have pretty big lines to

night out at our second home – Pai Dosa. The

get in. However, they all lack the life, the excite-

famous Salt’N Pepper dosa will make sure I

ment and the sheer fun feeling that bars and

sleep well tonight! This is the end of my trip to

lounges in Cochin offer you. I miss the feeling of

my own town, till I come back this December!

being in my hometown, the feeling that just out-

Kochi Pattanam has always offered me

side this lounge are the same streets that I spent

phenomenally exciting nights out. This is my

a majority of my lifetime with my friends during a

town, and this is my home. “Me and my boys”

better part of my school years. The bars in Cochin

will be back in town soon enough. When I am

offer you a certain f “good times” feeling which

out with my friends in Cochin, there is a reas-

alcoholic establishments of any scale anywhere

suring feeling in my mind that everything is

else in the world fail to do with such charm.

The ambience, the view and the service that you get in Cochin are unparalleled. Here in the Chicago clubs and bars, it’s usually so

52 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

attanam

by Paul John

chaotic; you have to wait so long to get your

non-stop all night excitement. The atmosphere,

drink on! In Cochin, regardless of the crowd and

the thrill and the fun of sitting on the benches

of activities and a great view along the lake.

the chaos, the service you get is impeccable,

outside at these Thattukadas and eating simply

However, Kochi Pattanam is what hits home

down to the number of ice cubes you request

is the best way to finish off an exciting night out

in my heart. I miss the vibrancy, the greenery,

in your drinks! I perpetually miss the fact that

with your friends. This lip-smacking goodness

the monsoons and the colorful Kochi life. I miss

I can order in my mother tongue. The “chetta”

of spicy flavored hot Thattukada food offers

hanging out along Marine Drive, meeting up at

/ “aniya” calls to the bartenders always add a

me a small piece of heaven every single time!

Real Arabia for Shawarma and Sharjah Shake,

certain fun and smoothness to my drinks!

Chicago is a phenomenal city with tons

Of course, then comes the challenge of

walking down M.G.Road, running through

The “touchings” we get at our local places,

getting back home. Begging and pleading your

and trying to catch a late-night movie and

are what epitomize the night-life experience in

auto-chettan’s for one last night ride, the sheer

Padma or Shenoy’s. Then of course the late

negotiation skills involved in convincing them

night eat-outs at Chariot or Highway Garden

to take you all the way to the edge of the city, all

or your favorite Thattukada! No other city can

together makes it an exciting night! Here in Chi-

make up for these, when Kochi comes calling!

Kochi Pattanam has always offered me phenomenally exciting nights out. This is my town, and this is my home. “Me and my boys” will be back in town soon enough.

cago, taxi-cabs are always easy to come by, but you miss out on the exciting challenge of having to find an auto home. When you have a stomach

The author, Paul John is a Kochi

full of Old Monk Rum, Porotta, curry and the

fanatic and a diehard mallu who

little auto rickshaw is “tuk-tuk” racing to get you

passes of as a software professional

home, you realize, tonight was a good night!

at orbitz world wide, Chicago.

Cochin. I wholeheartedly believe that Beef Dry Fry and Chicken Tikka add spice to your night!

PHOTO CREDITS : Jinson Abraham, Vinod M. Venugopal

I am yet to have another culinary experience that can give me a “feel-good” high in life!

After a good night of social activities in Chicago, we usually end up in one of the early morning breakfast places. These are usually crowded with people trying to get one last bite in, before hitting the sack to sleep off a Sunday.

Let me assure you, these places and what they offer, do not even hold a candle to what Thattukada’s in Cochin offer you. Kerala’s national food by choice, the infamous Porotta and curry is the best thing there is to follow a series of 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 53

Health Desk

Dr Anand Kumar MD, DM The author is a Neurologist at Amrita Institute of Medical sciences.

It’s in your hands,master T he antibiotic is one of the major inventions of mankind. There are many types of antibiotics for all diseases, for the same reason we

membrane etc will rupture when we put a venflon or while using an

tend to be relaxed on the non-judicial use of antibiotics. One of

intubation. The use of antibiotics by right prescriptions and right checkups

the biggest problems that medical research and development faces today

will reduce the drastic aftereffects of antibiotics. We must be socially

is bacterial resistance due to overuse of antibiotics. The inventor of the

conscious in the judicious usage of antibiotics.

first antibiotic Pencillin, Sir Alexander Fleming had cautioned not to use it

Hand washing is the main remedy to prevent infections. Hand

unless there was a properly diagnosed reason for it to be used, and that if it

washing as prevention against infection was first implemented by the

were used, never to use too little, or for too short a period, since this causes

Hungarian physician Ignaze Philipp Semmelweis in 1847 and this drastically

bacterial resistance to antibiotics to develop.

reduced incidence of puerperal fever in obstetrical clinics. Nowadays

The human body is a wonderful phenomenon which has its

hospitals have reminders for hand washing and they also teach hand

own resistant capacity and is equipped to protect itself against the

washing techniques. Many hospitals have vigilance teams for the constant

microorganisms. All the organs in our body have different abilities to fight

monitoring of hygiene. Hand washing and hygiene doesn’t belong only to

with microbes. Blinking capacity and tears of eyes, coughing and sneezing

doctors. The nurses, visitors, bystanders and the whole community must

of respiratory tract are all natural reactions of the body to foreign particles.

have to be cautious about the infections.

As a part of antibiotic treatment our body will lose its natural protective measures and the after effect is a huge multidrug bacterial resistance.

In future we will have to take many precautions to protect us from the highly equipped new generation bacteria. In that era, if an infection comes we will be doomed as there will be no other options to combat it.

The bacterium has already made aces against the latest antibiotic called Carbapenem. We think that the latest is more effective but bacteria is equipping much faster than our Research and development.

Over-the-counter use of antibiotics is a major threat to future antibiotic resistance. The bacterium has already made aces against the latest antibiotic called Carbapenem. We think that the latest is more effective but bacteria is equipping much faster than our research and development.

Acinetobacter Baumanni is a hero among the resistant bacteria. Due to this bacterial resistance the most infectious division in a hospital is the ICU. When it comes to treating a patient, a doctor can’t just trust the reports. The protective membranes of skin, oral cavity, lungs, mucus 54 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

There is a story of a Zen master who was envious of his brilliant disciple.

To belittle him, the master holds a butterfly in his hands and asks the disciple if it is alive or dead. If the disciple says it is alive, the master can crush it and if he says it is dead the master can release it.

The disciple said ‘Master it’s in your hands’. We would do well to follow his words.

Major Threats • Emerging bacterial resistance against latest broad-spectrum antibiotics • Lack of research in antibiotic field • Over-the-counter use of antibiotics

What we could do • Research should be based on threats and not for new markets • Ensure the judicious use of anti-biotic • Ensure hand washing and hygiene

On The Road

PowerPlay Lamborghini Gallardo Spyder

G

allardo is a special breed of fighting Bulls. A snorting war machine,

they produce 3000 cars a year. Miura, Murcielago, Gallardo, are a few cars

with malice in its eyes, column like legs, and on a small provocation

that set the pulse racing for super car fans.

would destruct everything in its path. This is Lamborghini Gallardo,

Gallardo is Lamborghini’s best selling model; from 2003 more than

a world famous sport car, with all the characteristics of the Gallardo breed.

10,000 cars have been sold. “FWD is test driving Gallardo’s variant called

A small touch on the accelerator makes this machine race to 100km in 4.2

Spyder” .The 2008 L.P 560.4 Spyder variant is going to be tested to its

sec, who can beat that?

limits.

Lamborghini

Drive

Ferrari, Maserati , Lamborghini these beauties belong to Italy, this is the

The engine fires up, my feet on the accelerator, 10 valves open

chant on every sport car enthusiast’s lips. All of them are Super car breed

up like anti aircraft guns, the Gallardo pounces, without a slight tremor

of sports cars. 1960 saw the birth of Lamborghini. In 1998 it became the

on the steering wheel. A glace, showed 140km on the console,

subsidiary of Volkswagen’s Audi. Even though a subdidary of a big company,

the world has given way to Spyder. This cute beast has a

56 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Baiju.N.Nair The author is a automobile connoisseur and Chief Editor of the Malayalam automotive magazine Overtake

techspech

Engine Type 5.2L V10 Power 560 hp @ 8000 rpm Transmission 6-Speed Automated Manual

market segment

Luxury, Performance

price 2.2 crores

maximum speed of 315km/h true to its Italian tradition.

View A road hugging beauty, with wide geometric sloping bonnet, a wide open air dam on both sides of the bumper. A bull like single barrel

A road hugging beauty,with wide geometric sloping bonnet, a wide open air dam on both sides of the bumper.

A bull like single barrel headlight is unique to Lamborghini.

headlight is unique to Lamborghini. It looks like a notched arrow ready to fly, from the sides. 19inch alloy wheels take up most of

Interior The inside is plain and functional, unlike the price tag, an aggressive 2 seater. A small navigation screen on the dashboard and Ac switches below it, and fuel, temp consoles to top it. Convertible switches next to the automatic gear switch.

Limbs of the paddle shift are on both sides of the steering, even though

calls for a huge air intake.

This soft top super car, at the flip of a

it’s a fixed speed automatic gear, it can be driven automatically. Interior components

the sides. A bulging body line that begin from

switch the top folds up in 20 sec, and Gallardo

includes polycarbonate rear and side

half the door ends in air scope. A back engine

becomes verve topless speed machine.

windows.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 57

Troubled Cleft

George Peter The Author was the erstwhile vocalist for the rock band 13 AD and a popular singer and music director.

Music’s Kiss of Death A

ll that glitters is not Gold’ and ‘All

formally educated and others, not . To the

the Gold in the World can’t

former its years of dedication and more than

save your Soul ! Wise men perhaps

1000 hours of practice to make their mark,

prophesied and coined these phrases.

but to the latter, it’s a Divine Gift, I endorse

Probably they knew what the world was

this. This Gift is not something to ‘Tom Tom’

getting into... If you’ve noticed, over all the

about but one should go with the subtlety of

centuries before the 20th, there was minimal

the ‘ Hi Hats’ to ensure that the beats of your

development in almosteverything except

musicianship are kept in time with humility.

Music, which has remained constant. No one

‘Sometimes fame and popularity become a religion and that’s when your sanity gets

It’s over the last Century the pace in development in almost every field has galloped by Bridges and Runways!!!

thrown out of the window… not in the case of all, though strangely enough, you could call it a coincidence…. Amy Winehouse mysteriously steppedaway from this world a while ago and joined the 27 CLUB!! Jim Morrison with a heart attack, Jimi Hendrix asphyxiated,

hasdiscovered an 8th note, correct me if I’m

Janis Joplin with an overdose, to name

wrong... and if you did, the world should

but a few have travelled the road

acknowledge this!

less taken, that ends at door number 27 …Kurt Cobain who joined with a shot gun blast

galloped by Bridges and Runways!!! (Yes! I

to his head was obsessed

coined this phrase. Leaps and bounds are

with the 27 Club , as his sister

still shorter! l o l ) But The Discipline of Music

says, but then again, who would

uses 7 notes or less and all the songs in the

plan their own take off??

world that are being composed, uses these

This is probably an overdose

notes and the formulas, permutations and

of fame & popularity, whenit gets

combinations available.

out of hand and hits your head, it’s

Musicians on the other hand, some are 58 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

not music anymore but noise!!

image courtesy_www.celebs101.com

It’s over the last Century the pace in development in almost every field has

New Pickings in the

Sound-Garden

By Tony Joseph Thomas

Dev D definitely has influenced new composers Prashant Pillai (Shaitan) and Ram Sampath (Delhi Belly / Luv Ka The End) to experiment new sounds and styles. And rock happens to be one of the favorite genres used by composers these days. Composers like Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Amit Trivedi, Vishal-Shekhar, pretty much everybody is contributing to the trend of new sounds now.

Also, rock as a genre is being incorporated a lot lately. For the past few years, songs with rock influences have been doing very well because our

The In- your- face music that keeps topping the charts have their own stories to tell.

TONY JOSEPH Thomas takes us through the evolution of different genres in film music.

F

ilm music is changing and was always

the kind of cinema anymore where a girl

audiences are growing to like that type of music.

is yearning for a boy. The whole system of

The biggest change in today’s film mu-

film making is changing. As the language

sic scene is that you can have regular music

and the fabric of films are changing, it is

in a film and there is room for non-regular

obvious that the music will change.

music. Also, at the end of the day it’s the film

Though the main stream rock culture in Bollywood music started with Dil

This trend might continue for a year or two.

Chahta Hai (Title track), the most influ-

Would love to see what happens next.

ential music album was Rock On. Be it cutting-edge music of film Shaitan

changing. From MSV to Ilayaraja to A.R

or the rock-infested soundtrack of Luv Ka The

Rahman to Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy to Amit

End or folk-rock Chappa Kurish, young and hip

Trivedi, the change continues to happen. These

compositions are given priority. Not only

changes are lot associated with the change in

that, now more than one composer works

technology and the process of music production.

on a single album to add that extra factor.

New bold numbers like “The mutton song”,

with non-film music bands. For instance,

Bose” and "Anakallan' music has turned a new

Indian Ocean composed for Black Friday

leaf. The popularity of the numbers, replete with

and Peepli Live, Kailasa gave music for

punchy, unconventional and slang-laden lyrics

Dasvidaniya and Bhayanak Maut compos-

laced with pacy tunes, has elbowed out sugary

ed a song for Shaitan. Malayalam rockband

romantic numbers from youngsters’ playlists.

Avial's promo song for 'Salt and Pepper',

Songs signify what we like. The youthful

'Motherjane's promo song for Anwar In Malayalam, it was Jassie Gift who

adolescents. Basically who makes a song a hit?

brought up a considerable change with his raps

It’s us, our generation, so it’s right that now

and reggae's. His song Lajjavathiye was dubbed

musicians are making songs keeping us in mind

into 8 other languages. But this trend

Songs like ‘D K Bose’ and ‘Karma is a bitch’

didn't last long because of its repeti-

gained immediate popularity because they

tiveness and lack of soul. Amit

are fast, energetic and, on the whole, fun. With

Trivedi with his Emotional Atyachar

the growing number of young people, it’s

introduced a new style. With his

natural to cater to that section and non-film

innovative music arrangements and

music styles too have seeped into music.

brass tones he bagged a national

Cinema is also changing. We don’t have

The author is the CEO, Tune4 Music Group

Sometimes filmmakers even collaborate

“Karma is a bitch”, "Chappa Kurish", “Bhaag D K

feel of the songs makes them a hit amongst

that dictates the music that will be used.

award for his debut film music.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 59

Viewfinder with sarcastically raised eyebrows, arguing how such & such a scene in one of the movies could have been so illogical. I’ve had one laughing at me in a crowded mall (yes, that was embar-

Sanjay Cherian A notable Script writer whose writing has changed the face of Malayalam movie industry.

MEA CULPA H

rassing) for writing a scene which had a factual error. I’ve had them asking why their favourite actors are letting them down by acting in movies which even their 10 year old finds ridiculous! I can hardly reply – because you want it! No, they don’t! No, the actors don’t! It’s me the writer and my laziness to tread the untrodden path that leaves the ordinary Malayali cheated out of the magic of the movies!

Sometimes it is because I don’t have the time - I am committed with movies which I have to finish writing by next Christmas. That gives me just

e narrated three draft concepts – each

blame, I ask myself and the answer is – I am to

three months to finish a script. I can hardly afford

unique, engrossing and enviably out-of-

blame.

to write rough drafts before the final one. Even

the box.

Trust me, no actor in the industry desires to

when I am not very okay with a scene that I have

“Why don’t you make these into movies, Sir?”,

do a senseless role. When they do one, they know

written, I let it pass for the fear of the three other

I asked. “Because ‘they’ say the audience wouldn’t

they are doing one. Fortunately or unfortunately,

scripts dangling over my head like Damocles

accept them” – “they” being the so-called pundits

when such a movie succeeds, they are forced to

swords, demanding to be finished. And naturally

of cinema – the producers, directors, writers. It’s

do churn-outs from the same recipe again and

and inevitably I leave out the research. This leads

“they” who unfortunately decide if a movie is to

again. And I, the scriptwriter laments, “I can’t

to a character who takes over as District Collector

be canned or not.’

break rules because the audience needs the

a day after he has cleared his IAS examination or

I was sitting in Mr. Kamalhassan’s office. I

conventional.” I would go on to quote examples

India’s top lawyer who wins a complicated case

would call it one of the most precious days of

of hundreds of run-of-the-mill stuff which made

with elementary commonsensical arguments

my life. No, not for the reason you think – being

And sometimes, it could be that I just don’t

in the company of a star the whole of India would kill to get a glimpse of – no, but for the contagious energy which made me raring to go, for the youthful zest which made me look old in comparison for the umpteen numbers of screenplay techniques I learned from him in less than 6 hours.

The thirst for innovation was written all over him! It got me thinking – is it just Mr. Kamalhassan? Is it just he who wants to do movies which throw conventions to the winds? I don’t think so!

have the talent

Yes, we all dream of making our Rashomons and being immortalised.

If only that is what the producers and directors and most importantly the audiences wanted!

We’ll never know till we try, will we?

I have seen similar fire in Mr. Mammootty. The

I can’t think of anything new

(or don’t feel the need to) because I am stuck with some 2000 odd images from movies I have seen and got inspired by. I just follow the rules Mohanlal has to have a punch line; Mammootty has to have the last word; and the heroine has to fall in love – even if the hero has slapped and insulted her (in fact, sometimes it is a pre-requisite).

I am the very contended frog who has no desire for the sea even though it knows that it is out there. I try to make myself believe that the blueness, vastness and depth of the ocean are highly

man transforms into an enthusiastic teenager the

it big at the box office. But who are these audi-

over-estimated. I am afraid to try to swim there.

moment you show him the willingness to boot

ences? How many among the three odd crores

Yes, we all dream of making our Rashomons

out the clichés. Did I hear the inevitable? “Then

do I know personally? Come on, I don’t even

and being immortalised. If only that is what the

why are they doing mediocre movies?” Because

know what my best friend’s favorite dessert is

producers and directors and most importantly

they have no choice. They have to choose the

but I unabas hedly lecture on what people out

the audiences wanted! We’ll never know till we

lesser evil – not the better of the best. Who is to

there. I have had movie goers come up to me,

try, will we?

60 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Cover to Cover

Of Smoke and Wars

By Nanditha Nair

“L

ike a Chinese lantern the image

‘The Ibis’ and its owner Bahram Modi, after its

was complicit. Ghosh reveals most of the world

seemed to hang before him, light-

tempestuous encounter with an inclement whirl-

leaders including Washington, Coolidge and

ing his path as he made his way aft

wind. In “River of Smoke” Ghosh retraces the jour-

Roosevelt had their families trading Opium.

through the cramped, innards of the ship to

ney of ‘The Ibis’ a ship carrying a consignment of

India was no different. Bombay was then known

the spacious, sumptuously appointed poop-

convicts and indentured laborers from Calcutta

as the Opium City. The Tagore family had

deck where he and the ship’s officers had their

to Canton, with a background of Opium Wars.

their fortunes from Opium trading. “But don’t

quarter.”. The quaint voice resonated through

When quizzed about Opium Wars, Ghosh

think for a second that Rabindra Nath Tagore

the glass doors of Vivanta as Amitav Ghosh

spoke about the quarrels between Britain and

was ever proud of his ancestral trade, in fact

ceases his book reading of “River of Smoke”. The

China over the sale of opium. Ghosh observes

he has never ever acknowledged about the

that the entire world was involved in Opium

roots of his family fortune” chuckles Ghosh.

trading at the time. “One could even say that the

Ghosh spoke about the quarrels between Britain and China over the sale of opium. Ghosh observes that the entire world was involved in Opium trading at the time.

Much to the delight of the native audience,

modern world is built on Opium” states Ghosh.

Ghosh also spoke about his Kerala connection.

The greatest threat that China faced inside the

“The studies on trading route via Muziris and the

Great wall was that of the Opium. “The regional

Arab influence in the Northern Kerala contrib-

history of entire 19th century can be summed

uted to my work. My research for the River of

up as the resistance of China against Opium”

Smoke wouldn’t have been possible had it not

Immense supply of Opium was made avail-

been the support and assistance of my

able in China by the intentional and calculated

Malayalee friends.” Ghosh’s long and tedious

British plot in which allegedly Queen Elizabeth

research for the Ibis trilogy took him to many

audience, floating in an Opiate trance, is brought

for months in a row to get translated a letter

back from the deck of the Anahita, harbored at

written in Arabic in Jewish script. Ghosh also

the port city of Mauritius to the realm of reality

spoke fondly about his life in Trivandrum in

and the Banquet hall at Vivanta Taj Malabar, in

1983 working with the Centre for Develop-

the port city of Cochin.

ment Studies. “Sea of Poppies” was a herald. The

The reading was part of Amitav Ghosh’s

true story starts with “River of Smoke”. Amitav

latest book launch and his all India tour con-

leaves the audience in the quiet anticipa-

ceived by Penguin India. The audience is eager

tion to wonder about what is yet to come.

to dive into the second volume of the Ibis

The Reading was followed by a book signing

trilogy. The prequel, “The Sea of Poppies”, was

which saw his numerous aficionados approach-

shortlisted for the Booker Prize in 2008.Global

ing the author with their hard bound copies,

readers has been waiting to know the fate of

for that very elusive personalised signed copy.

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 61

PHOTO CREDITS : Rittu J. Jacob

a place. Once he had to stay in Thallassery

Family Matters

The curious case of

Chinese Toys

By Gisen George Varghese

imports of Chinese toys after Beijing warned the move could seriously jeopardize bilateral trade ties. The trade ministry said Chinese toys could be imported but needed to be certified as safe according to international standards.

Due to the enormous power and influence of China on other countries Chinese toys are still easily available on the markets and because of the cheaper prices and new designs, Chinese toys become more popular in the

The globalised world market order has opened up new prod-

phthalates. These chemicals can cause hormone

Indian markets than Indian toys. The Indian toys

malfunction and reproductive problems.

made of organic dyes which are harmless to

The Chinese toys which are coated with

children are vanishing from the markets due to

ucts markets to various coun-

inorganic paints are black listed globally for

the competition with the cheaper Chinese toys.

tries. One of the major benefi-

the toxic contents used in the paints. Some

‘yes, we are aware of the poisonous content

western countries banned Chinese toys as a

in the Chinese toys, It is only due to the lack

remedy measure for the internal health security.

of demand that we replaced Indian toys with

Barak Obama in 2008 during his campaign in

Chinese toys’ says Mr. Anil Kumar a salesman

New Hampshire told voters "I would stop the

of a Chinese toys shop in Broadway, Cochin.

ciaries of this system is low cost, Chinese toy makers.

I

ntroduction of low priced Chinese toys have

import of all toys from China. Now, I have to

given rise to a new consuming pattern all over

say that that's about 80 percent of toys that are

have now moved to the Chinese toy business

the world. The trend in India is no different,

Many artisans in the Indian toy industry

being imported right now," Chinese Foreign

because of the relatively high profit. 70 to 80

but behind the alluring plastic toys lies a great

Ministry reacted saying that the comment

per cent of the toy shops have replaced Indian

danger. In 2007, according to the report of Con-

was “unobjective, unreasonable and unfair,”

toys with Chinese toys. The middle men in the

sumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), every

On January 2009 India banned imports

one of the 24 kinds of Chinese toys available in

of several types of toys from China for six

the market has been recalled from United States

months "in the public interest" but without

due to lead poisoning hazards and violations of

giving further details of why. "The question of

lead safety standards. In 2011 May Greenpeace

banning Chinese toys was on the grounds of

urged authorities in Hong Kong and China to

public health and safety," Commerce Minister

ban dangerous chemicals that were detected in

Kamal Nath said after a conference. "It is a

children’s toys. The toys contain plastic softening

matter which is of public concern rather than

chemicals that have been banned in the United

commercial and public concern has to be

States and Europe. In tests carried out by an

given priority over commercial concern," he

independent lab the toys were found to contain

added. After six months India lifted a ban on

In 2011 May Greenpeace urged authorities in Hong Kong and China to ban dangerous chemicals that were detected in children’s toys. The toys contain plastic softening chemicals that have been banned in the United States and Europe. business are also promoting the Chinese toys due to the instant money. Thus the Chinese toys are now cheaper in the Indian markets than earlier. Indian buyers have a greater choice of toys and at lower prices. For the Chinese toy makers, this provides an opportunity to expand business. The opposite is true for Indian toy makers. They face losses, due to low market share.

62 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Gadgets

iphone 5 As we are waiting for the official announcement of iPhone5, new rumors have popped up suggesting that the release would be most likely by the end of 2011. Apple, after all, always generates a ton of gossips in the absence of real details about upcoming devices.

Not even its existence or development has been hinted at by anyone from Apple. But still, iPhone 5 is on everyone’s lip. Software-wise, iPhone 5 may not be a huge update over iPhone 4.One thing that has always stunned experts is the way Apple brings changes to its software.

Cam Card- Business card reader Cam Card Business Card Reader is the definitive

Main features*

Main Specifications*

business organization tool for any business person or

• New glass display

• iOS 5

networker! This app allows you to take a picture with

• 8 MP Camera with Dual Flash

• iCloud

your phone’s camera of business cards and

• A5 Processor

• HD Video Recording and HDMI Output

capture the information saving time.

• More Gesture-based – No Home Button

• World Phone with SIM-less Design

• Updated Storage and RAM

Superspeed USB Portable HDD Verbatim’s Mac compatible portable Superspeed USB 3.0 portable HDD allows for backups and a transfer rate 10 x faster than USB 2.0. USB 3.0 is available

Main features:

in splashy colors - Caribbean Blue

•

and Hot Pink as to make your

Automatically trim and enhance card im age before save into Card Holder.

HDD a style icon.

•

Product Specifications:

•

Options to save into the phone/Gmail/ Automatically recognize the language

•

Super Speed USB 3.0

•

100% compatible with all USB ports

•

High-capacity storage: 500GB

•

Nero BackItUp & Burn Essentials software

•

•

Industry-leading 7-year limited warranty

Price: Free, `335 (Western Languages), `572 (Full)

Price `4799.

type of the card image content.

•

Batch shooting or importing card images for recognition Email signature recognition

2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 63

* Rumoured features and specifications

Exchange contact.

Potpourri

Fashion icon we spotted in the maddening crowd.

Clad in black skinny Spiker jeans, a hooded pullover t-shirt, and a black cotton shirt, Safdar A.S. was sporting an uber cool look when we saw him outside the Oberon Mall, Kochi. Carrera shades, leather wrist strap, Monte Blanc watch, yellow stud belt and a pair of converse sneakers completed his looks. He compiles his style statement from Shadows, Penta Menaka, Kochi.

64 | FWD LIFE | NOV 2011

Star Gaze Abhishek Dhawan Astrologer | www.askganesha.com 09818313151

Aries (March 21-April 19)

Taurus (April 20-May 20)

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Cancer (June 22-July 22)

This month

You should

Your creative

During the

could bring

look into

ideas and

month, you will

you lot of op-

the past and

strategic

get help from

portunity in

think where

approach is

those people

front of you

you went

going to help

who are in

in regards to professional life.

wrong and take corrective steps

you to further surge ahead on

positions of authority. Some of

However your criteria of

for the future. Seniors would

the professional front. There will

you may visit foreign countries. If

rejection or selection could

prove helpful. Those trying to

be new responsibilities on your

you are already married, you are

ensure the success with those

convey their true feelings to

shoulder. A hesitating nature

likely to get irritated on difference

opportunities in future. Chances

their love will need coura-

would prevent from develop-

of opinion. There is a need to

of getting married to a rich

geous efforts to succeed.

ing a romantic relationship.

understand the feelings of partner.

person are quiet bright.

Lucky Color | Green.

Lucky Color | Lemon.

Lucky Color | Yellow.

Lucky Color | White.

Lucky Number | 8

Lucky Number | 4

Lucky Number | 4

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)

Lucky Number | 5

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) Efforts to en-

At profes-

You shall enjoy

The start of the

hance career

sional front,

lot of popular-

month would

prospects

your creative

ity and public

be bit strenu-

are likely to

energy and

support. Your

ous for you.

succeed.

past experi-

plans of giving

Things will be

Some auspicious event would

ence would enable achieving

new shape to your business,

delayed due to non expect-

take place. Those who are in

set targets. You shall establish

to open new branches and to

ing obstacles. You are advised

the field of public dealing will

new business and modernize

expand the business shall be

to maintain cordial relationship

have to make special efforts

your existing one by buying new

successful.

with your superiors and clients.

to achieve desired results.

machinery and technology.

Lucky Color | Silver.

Lucky Color | Beige.

Lucky Color | Brick red.

Lucky Color | Indigo.

Lucky Number | 11

Lucky Number | 1

Lucky Number | 9

Lucky Number | 5

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18)

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20)

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) You would

During the

This month

Most of your

get some time

month you

you will be

ambitious plans

to follow-up

need to be

focused more

are likely to

and socialize

patient in your

on commu-

be executed.

with the

approach and

nication than

Your image will

people who matter you the

try to avoid hasty decision.

any other thing. You may get

enhance and a new glow would

most. Cordial approach with

You may have to postpone

involved in religious activities.

shine. If looking for some overseas

everyone in family would bring

your new business venture

Remember not to impose your

opportunities there are a possibility

you happiness and peace. You

for the next month. It is better

thoughts on others. At work you

that you may get such chances. A

may experience some delay at

to control all your unneces-

may have to put more effort to

new qualification or skill promises

workplace due to travel and oth-

sary spending. There will be

satisfy your higher authorities.

to enhance employability. Those

ers unforeseen circumstances.

romantic moments which will

A romantic journey brings joys.

single and searching may succeed

You need to follow a strict diet.

kindle a new kind of love.

Lucky Color | Pink.

in finding their life partner.

Lucky Color | Ruby red.

Lucky Color | Black.

Lucky Number | 9

Lucky Color | Navy Blue.

Lucky Number | 10

Lucky Number | 2

Lucky Number | 7 2011 NOV | FWD LIFE | 65