Spiceroute may 2015

The inflight magazine

Volume IX | Issue V | May 2015

celebrating

years

www.spiceroutemag.com

38 66 72

Be a wanderer Explore 10 off-beaten destinations with SpiceJet

Fruity twist Go crazy with fruits this summer season

Cricket & Kolkata A city’s everlasting love for the sport

On cover (Left to right) Karan Oberoi, Subhash Khandelwal, Vipin Gupta, Ajay Singh, Manisha Jha, Neetu Suri and Asha Khanna Left to right: Arjun Singh, Vikas Ghai, Kapil Mehta, Savitri Yadav, Rajesh Yadav, Vijay Roy, Meenu Chatterjee, Capt. Gurcharan Arora, Umesh Bhardwaj, Shivani Sharma, Atma Singh and Saptarshi Bose

HERE ARE SOME OF THE 200 STAFF WHO HAVE BEEN WITH US SINCE DAY 1, MAY 23, 2005.

FROM THE COO’S DESK

Dear SpiceJet customer,

To visit the website, download the QR code reader application compatible with your smartphone.

This month SpiceJet turns 10! It was 10 years ago this month, May 23 to be precise, that SpiceJet’s first passenger carrying flight took off from Delhi, SG101 bound for Ahmedabad, piloted by Capt. Sandeep Varma, our current Head of Flight Operations (who’s recollections are on Page 118 of this issue). This issue is dedicated to celebrate 10 Years of SpiceJet, and is also dedicated to all the staff who were with us on Day 1 and are still with us today – over 200 of them, which is almost half the staff present on Day 1! Fittingly, the cofounder of the airline Ajay Singh is also back as the promoter of the airline as we celebrate 10 years, and his views and vision are shared on page 26.

And what a 10 years it has been! When SG101 took off on May 23, 2005, the iPhone

was still two years away, Twitter was still a year away, and Facebook and YouTube were new-born babies. In that sense SpiceJet was one of the new breed of ventures – young, dynamic, different, friendly and approachable and with a sense of humour, somewhat iconoclastic, and a refusal to accept the status quo. Ten years later, our basic DNA remains the same, which is why we are the warmest, friendliest, trendiest, and most fun airline in India today, the airline with spunk and with heart, the airline that has truly enabled more Indians to fly than ever before. Through ups and downs, the SpiceJet passion and spirit have never dimmed!

As I write this column (on April 28, 2015), our relief operation for the devastating Nepal earthquake continues in high gear.

Building on the learnings from our Srinagar flood relief efforts last year, we have, as of this time, evacuated over 1,100 persons of various nationalities from Nepal, and carried tons of relief materials and a few hundred relief personnel to Nepal. We have capped our fares, and at the same time are accepting passengers who are unable to pay now without charge, on a humanitarian basis.

Being an airline gives us the wonderful gift of wings, and what better use can we put them to in times of need, than to help fly those in distress? I am hopeful that by the time you read this, help will have reached the tens of thousands impacted by the earthquake.

(To know more about SpiceJet’s relief initiative in Nepal, scan the QR code given on this page.)

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Thank you for flying SpiceJet. I wish you a wonderful flight.

Sanjiv Kapoor Chief Operating Officer

GROUP

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SPICEROUTE MAGAZINE. PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY VIKAS JOHARI ON BEHALF OF MAXPOSURE MEDIA GROUP (INDIA) PVT. LTD. (MMGIPL) FOR SPICEJET LTD. AND PUBLISHED AT MMGIPL, UNIT NO. G-0-A (GROUND FLOOR), MIRA CORPORATE SUITES, PLOT NO 1 & 2, ISHWAR NAGAR, MATHURA ROAD, NEW DELHI-110065, INDIA. SPICEROUTE MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THE WRITING, ARTWORK AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHY CONTAINED HEREIN MAY NOT BE USED OR REPRODUCED WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF MMGIPL. MMGIPL / SPICEJET DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOSS OR DAMAGE OF UNSOLICITED PRODUCTS, MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHS, ARTWORK, TRANSPARENCIES OR OTHER MATERIALS. THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THE MAGAZINE ARE NOT NECESSARILY THOSE OF THE PUBLISHER OR SPICEJET. ALL EFFORTS HAVE BEEN MADE WHILE COMPILING THE CONTENT OF THIS MAGAZINE, BUT WE ASSUME NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EFFECTS ARISING THERE FROM. MMGIPL / SPICEJET DOES NOT ASSUME ANY LIABILITY FOR SERVICES OR PRODUCTS ADVERTISED HEREIN. FOR INQUIRIES | MMGIPL TEL: +91.11.43011111, WWW.SPICEJET.COM, WWW. MAXPOSURE.IN CIN: U22229DL2006PTC152087

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UPDATE Hot dates Travel buzz

TETE-A-TETE

EXPLORE 10 off-beaten places

14 18

Muscat Scenic Guwahati

38

Meiyang Chang

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50

100

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CONTENTS

14 38

The inflighT magazine

Volume IX | Issue V | May 2015

38 66 72

www.spiceroutemag.com

56

Be a wanderer explore 10 off-beaten destinations with SpiceJet

Fruity twist go crazy with fruits this summer season

CriCket & kolkata a city’s everlasting love for the sport

50

celebrating

years

Cover Photographs: Charudutt Chitrak Hair & Makeup: Monsoon Salon

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

100

185 MM

241 MM

Alstone International

Branch Offices:

2E/7 Jhandewalan Ext. New Delhi-55 E: info@alstoneindia.com • www.alstoneindia.com Toll Free No. 1800-1233123 • SMS ACP TO 56161

Bangalore • Chennai • Delhi • Hyderabad • Indore • Kochi • Kolkatta • Lucknow • Noida • Patna • Pune • Ranchi

CONCERN

INDULGE The wisest spice

62

Fruity delight

66

Cricket mania

72

Summer beauty tips

78

POTPOURRI

In harmony with nature 106

Spotlight Prediction

83 111

106 72 78 66

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COVER STORY Celebrating 10 years of SpiceJet

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INSIDE SPICEJET 22

Socia media Spice products News 10 differentiators I am a Spicejetter The originals Music 10 SpiceJet facts SME traveller Group booking Stars of SpiceJet SpiceJet fleet

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

8 10 113 116 118 120 128 130 134 136 138 142

INSIDE SPICEJET

FlySpiceJet

Travelled from Amritsar to Srinagar and back. Enjoyed the flight. Nice staff. @harmanjeetpreet Simon & Garfunkel’s Homeward Bound playing on my SpiceJet flight to Mumbai :-)

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@trendcrusher Really excited to book my ticket from Delhi to Bengaluru. SpiceJet, you rock! :) @iritfa Travelled with SpiceJet few times in the last three days and the experience was good. Flight was smooth and on-time. Good job!

All the best SpiceJet. Keep operating brilliantly in Indian sky.

Ashutosh Bhardwaj Good come back... best wishes Satender Sharma You are awesome, SpiceJet. Good show!

Pankaj Kr Singhal I love SpiceJet because it is the only airline in India that makes the flying dreams of million people come true.

Aniket A. Thakur I guess SpiceJet can't stop finding ways to keep their customers happy for choosing them. Very good initiative guys.

Rock on!

Jai Krishnan

@stuffednstarved Wow SpiceJet. I love you guys.

Great team that takes care of each passenger. Hope you continue to fly higher. :D @amartoor1965

Highlight was turning 28 at 28,000 ft above sea level.

Thanks to SpiceJet for the surprise. @govindrai80 Superb flight experience from Mumbai to Delhi. #HappyFaces #LoveuSpiceJet @NichaniLatika

@flyspicejet May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

@YameenYasin Thanks for the wonderful service and music #MumbaitoDelhi Keep it up! @TilakBhardwaj Your staff is incredible SpiceJet! Greetings with warm smiles make for a personal experience, even when it's an early flight! @limchu87 Had a wonderful time while flying with SpiceJet from Kochi to Hyderabad. A big thank you to the cabin crew! :) @baleshln Mindblowing customer service by SpiceJet! Got a call back in 5 mins. @daddyblr

@dev_balajee Fantastic SpiceJet experience today. The guys have got their mojo back!

Thanks SpiceJet. Just landed in Delhi. Indeed feeling nice to have flown with you. :-)

Just back from Port Blair. Enjoyed Andaman greatly. Thanks SpiceJet! Reached Chennai before time. Will fly with SpiceJet again. @jparnir Another before time landing at Delhi airport from Jaipur. Keep it up SpiceJet. Good work! @pirate_sailor

INSIDE SPICEJET

EXPERIENCE THE BEST

WITH SPICEJET

Keeping the needs of customers as priority, SpiceJet offers innovative products to make every journey a memorable one.

S 10

piceMax is a product that offers customers a lot more comfort and convenience for little more money. With greater personal space to work or relax, and with dedicated counters for priority check-in at major airports, SpiceMax is guaranteed to heighten your flying experience.

SpiceMax seats can be booked along with any category of fares.

However, the price will depend on the sector the passenger is travelling to and what kind of fare (for eg., lowest SpiceSaver fares or bundled SpiceFlex fare) the passenger has opted for at the time of booking.

Fleet redesign The airline has reconfigured most of its Boeing 737 fleet such that the first five rows now have extra legroom.

It provides best-in-class seat pitch as compared to premium seats sold on other airlines, and more pitch as compared to standard seats.

Easy booking online You can select your SpiceMax seat on the seat map at the time of booking on www.spicejet.com, after the purchase by using 'Manage My Booking' option (applicable even for booking made through travel agents); during online check-in, and during check-in at the airport.

When booking a connecting flight with a stop-over, passengers will have to purchase SpiceMax seats separately for the two flights.

Charges as per flight leg will apply.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The images are for representation purpose only

P

assengers travelling on SpiceJet can now enjoy an allnew menu that offers Indian and Continental cuisines.

Keeping the needs of customers in focus, the menu not only appeals to tastebuds across the country, but also keeps affordability and convenience in mind.

New menu Served hot and with a warm smile, the new menu comprises an exquisite range of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals. Those who crave for Continental flavours can opt for Grilled Chicken Breast with Mushroom Sauce, among other equally delightful options. The Indian menu includes Dal Makhani, Paneer Do Pyaza, Mixed Veg Chettinad, among others. Those wanting to grab a quick bite, the airline also offers a choice of sumptuous club sandwiches, Kathi Rolls, Chole with Kulcha and Spinach Parantha.

Passengers with a sweet-tooth can savour brownie, dhodha burfi and

choco banana pie that form a part of the dessert menu.

Guide to pre-booking meals SpiceJet offers the easy facility of pre-booking your meals at the time of booking your flight ticket, or anytime thereafter using the ‘Manage My Booking’ option on

the website, www.spicejet.com. By pre-booking, you will not only get the meal of your choice, you will also get a discount relative to on-board prices.

Note: Passengers with pre-booked meals will also be served first, ahead of others.

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HOT DATES MOATSU MONG FESTIVAL A time for feasting, dancing, singing and merry-making as the sowing season comes to an end.

The Ao tribe of Nagaland celebrates the festival to propitiate the gods for a good harvest.

When: May 1-3, 2015 Where: Nagaland

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SU-TARANG: A CELEBRATION OF ODISSI DANCE Utsav-Ranjana's Academy of Odissi Dance is celebrating its 28th year of creative and cultural journey by organising a festival of young dancers to preserve, promote and propagate India’s vast repertoire of performing arts and its rich cultural heritage through the Guru-Shishya tradition.

When: May 3, 2015 Where: Kamani Auditorium, Copernicus Marg, New Delhi

HAMAMATSU FESTIVAL More than 100 kites are flown over the Nakatajima Dunes, one of the three largest sand dunes in Japan, which overlooks the Enshunada Sea. Making the 5-mm thick hemp strings intertwine, the kitefliers try to cut their opponents' strings by friction.

When: From May 3-5, 2015; Where: Nakatajima Dunes, Hamamatsu City, Japan

CARNAVAL SAN FRANCISCO A two-day festival, it features exotic Carnaval dancers with a mixture of Latino, Jazz, Samba & Caribbean influences, celebrating music and cultural elements from Latin American and Caribbean traditions. Having the theme of ‘sacred water’, it symbolises the universal reverence for the most basic element of life.

When: May 23-24, 2015 Where: San Francisco May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Advertorial

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MIFUNE MATSURI The event reproduces the scene of a boat party organised some 1,000 years ago on the Oigawa River. People dressed in ancient costumes proceed along the beautiful Togetsukyo Bridge and board the boats that have dragon heads or birds' heads designed on the prow.

Every year, 1,00,000 tourists come to view this graceful spectacle.

When: Third Sunday of May, 2015; Where: Oigawa River, Kyoto City

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TEMECULA VALLEY BALLOON & WINE FESTIVAL Enjoy an unforgettable day of great entertainment and food with great country music. The festival offers wine tasting in the wine garden, kids fair, arts & crafts and fine art paintings on exhibit within the wine gardens.

When: From May 29-31, 2015; Where: Lake Skinner Recreation area, Winchester, California, USA

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WHAT’S NEW

VISIT KERALA

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On April 9, 2015, Union Minister of State for Culture, Tourism (Independent Charge) and Civil Aviation, Dr Mahesh Sharma, launched ‘Visit Kerala 2015-16', a high voltage all-year tourism campaign to present travellers to God’s Own Country, a lifetime experience of the state’s natural beauty, cultural splendour, culinary traditions and famed hospitality.

Kerala Tourism Minister A P Anilkumar said on the occasion that Kerala would take tourism to the ‘next level’ during the new campaign. As part of the campaign to showcase the state’s alluring destinations and products that justify its moniker as God’s Own Country, Kerala Tourism will foray into new markets in China and Sri Lanka through trade fairs and roadshows.

INDIA BY NILE WITH AMITABH BACHCHAN

Indian superstar Amitabh Bachchan recently visited Egypt’s capital, Cairo city to inaugurate the third edition of the ‘India by the Nile’ festival. Considered to be the biggest foreign fair in Egypt, the festival was organised by The Embassy of India, Cairo (through the Maulana Azad Centre for Indian Culture), in partnership with the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Tourism, and the Cairo Opera House and was managed

by Teamworks Arts. Egypt Tourism is hoping that the history and stunning monuments of ancient Egypt, romantic cruise along the river Nile, hospitality of the Egyptians and their love and respect for Indians will definitely leave an everlasting impression in the minds of Indian travellers.

NEW EFFORTS TO ATTRACT MORE TRAVELLERS IN RAJASTHAN Rajasthan is one of the many states that attract tourists from the world over. To attract big investments in tourism sector, Rajasthan government is planning to organise a ‘Research in Rajasthan’ programme in November, 2015. The three day ‘Research in Rajasthan’ event will be focussed on attracting investments in hospitality and improving the tourism circuits. The government is bringing in many countries like Singapore, Japan and England to discuss the various investment opportunities.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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INDULGE

STAY WITH GODZILLA IN TOKYO

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A Japanese hotel offers one-of-a-kind Godzillathemed guest rooms that will transport guests into the world of the celebrated monster movies.

Booked for months, Hotel Gracery Shinjuku has two types of Godzilla-themed rooms. The room, located on the top floor and the only room of its kind, enjoys a Godzilla-themed interior including wall panels and a trick wall with special effects, a life-size replica of Godzilla’s claw looming over the beds, and a Godzilla figure in the room. Godzilla Room guests can bring home original Godzilla memorabilia not available anywhere else.

Guests can also choose one of six Godzilla View Rooms, where they can see from their windows a life-size replica of Godzilla’s head on the hotel’s eighth-floor terrace. The View Rooms have the same interior as the hotel’s other guest rooms.

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PROMOTING COASTAL TOURISM

The Union government is focussing more on promoting the coastal tourism circuit in India.

Minister of State for Tourism, Dr Mahesh Sharma informed,“India has a long coastline of 7,500 km which possesses rich culture and heritage. If this can be harnessed along with beach tourism, culture and pilgrim tourism, all states particularly coastal states like Odisha will be benefited.”

According to the minister, this initiative will help deepen ties with Indian Ocean Rim (IOR) countries to promote intraregional trade and tourism among countries of the grouping.

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01

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1. Praful Patel, former Civil Aviation Minister, inaugurating SpiceJet's first flight 2. Renuka Chowdhury, former Minister of State for Tourism, at SpiceJet launch press conference 3. SpiceJet crew members at the booking open event 4. The first SpiceJet flight which operated on the DEL-AMD route 5. A team of pilots and cabin crew who flew on the inaugural day

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Celebrating

YEARS OF

SPICEJET

It’s here, it’s now. SpiceJet completes 10 fabulous years of operations. Here SpiceJet employees share their nostalgic tales of initial years at work, enthusiastic cricket matches, memories of flights and a sense of contentment while being in uniform. This special issue captures the essence of the pride, joy & celebratory mood of all those associated with the airline.

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n a sunny day in May 2005, the inaugural flight of an Indian LCC rapidly took to the skies. What started ten years ago with only three leased aircraft has today, morphed into a formidable airline carrier, a beacon of hope and aspiration to make the skies more affordable & accessible to the public.

Offering warmth and hospitality right from check-in to deplaning, SpiceJet is a customer-centric airline that people love. From introducing flash sales, offering convenient connections to cities along with an extensive domestic and international network, reinventing in-flight meals, providing unique travel products, such as more leg space; the airline always maintains itself a notch above others. The airline keeps innovating itself, adding freshness to every product & strengthens the bond with its customers.

The airline recognises each and every employee within its ambit; be it honouring the ex-defence personnel who work in different departments on Independence Day or acknowledging those who have been a part of the airline since inception; every employee of SpiceJet is it’s true ambassador.

The team SpiceJet which has been a part of the airline since the start, in conversation with Spiceroute, recounts some of the memorable moments connected with the airline.

The SpiceJet story in brief...

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

TÊTE-À-TÊTE

INDULGE

NEW BEGINNINGS

Merwyn Fernandes, Mumbai Base, Inflight Department - Cabin Crew In-Charge, remembers how as a young lad, he was exposed to the corporate world post his graduation and SpiceJet welcomed him into its fold. “I joined SpiceJet in February, 2007, as ground staff and was proud to see myself in uniform.

Since then, I have dedicated myself to the well-being of this airline.

From ticketing to ramps, from passenger handling to baggage counters... everything was very exciting and interesting.”

He adds, “Working in shifts was a new experience altogether, and here the work culture is systematic and well organised, along with a friendly staff.”

Kapil Mehta, Sr. Manager - Crew Scheduling (Cockpit Crew), stated, “I joined SpiceJet even before the first aircraft had arrived, in April 2005.” Apart from rising professionally within the organisation, Kapil started the cricket team in 2005, and has held

CONCERN

POTPOURRI

the post of Captain for 10 years.

“We won approximately 21 winner and runner up trophies in the past decade,” he adds excitedly.

Ankur Chaturvedi, Manager - MIS, Revenue Management, Commercial relates, “My wife says, I am married to SpiceJet. But I say SpiceJet is my mother, my teacher and my employer. I cherished my dreams here, I have developed true friendships here. I am indebted to SpiceJet and love you with all my heart."

Offering warmth and hospitality, SpiceJet is a customer-centric airline that people love Praveen Goel, Duty Manager Engineering, recalls, "This picture (Pg 25, top left) was taken during a scheduled base maintenance check at Turkish Technic. Turkish Technic is the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul centre and is located

2004

2005

2010

In December, Ajay Singh raised fresh funds (including his individual investment) and relaunched operations as SpiceJet following the low-cost model. Mr. Singh was also inducted as director on the board of the Company.

On May 23, 2005 the Company launched its airline operations with a fleet size of three leased aircraft.

Launch of international operations with DEL-KTM flight on Oct 7, 2010.

From June to November 2010, change in ownership/control of the Company took place from Royal Holdings Services Limited to Kal Airways Pvt. Ltd and Kalanithi Maran.

In August, Ajay Singh resigned from the board of the Company. He, however, continued to remain the shareholder of the Company.

after the flight departed was an unforgettable moment.”

RS Singh, Asst Manager - Line Maintenance Department, joined SpiceJet in April, 2005. “We were ecstatic when operations started on May 23, 2005. The team that worked together was one, right from CEO to helper,” he reminisces. at Atatürk International Airport (IST), Istanbul. I was in Istanbul for back-to-back maintenance checks of four aircraft. Being a SpiceJet Technical Representative, I was associated with the maintenance crew of Turkish Technic and it was a wonderful experience. I have been in Engineering and Maintenance department of SpiceJet since March 2005, and was part of the first batch Aircraft Maintenance Engineer. In the past 10 years, I have gained a lot of experience and unforgettable memories."

For Ranjeet Yadav, Asst Manager - Airport Services, Kempegowda International Airport, the first day of SpiceJet’s operations held immense importance. “I was part of the team on May 23, 2005, when the flight departed from Mumbai at 20:15 hrs.

I was on deputation to Mumbai for a month as operations had not yet started in Bengaluru. Being new to the aviation industry, it was a challenging experience for me to handle the inaugural flight. The celebrations of our achievement

Navneet Kumar Bharti, Senior Administrator - Engineering & Maintenance Training Centre, joined SpiceJet in March 2007. “The most memorable day was when the

SPICEJET'S INITIAL TELEVISION COMMERCIALS

Certificate Distribution Ceremony of SpiceJet Engineering first in-house DGCA-approved Boeing 737-800/900ER aircraft airframe and CFM56-7B Engine Type Course. The course was held from January 15, 2009 to March 31, 2009.

first in-house SpiceJet Engineering Training was conducted in Gurgaon under the supervision of DAW Office, Delhi Airport. The day was the result of lots of hard work, honesty, loyalty and dedication of the engineering training staff and senior management staff.”

Rajni Singh, Sr. Manager - Flight Operations, remembers the first proving flight from Delhi to Ahmedabad and back to Delhi on May 22, 2005. As only airline personnel are onboard this special flight, it was a memorable moment for her.

2011

2011

Induction of Q400 aircraft (first in the country) into the fleet on August 30, 2011; expansion of network in tier II & III cities using the Q400 fleet.

Awarded for Best Website at World Low Cost Airline Asia Pacific Conference.

Voted as India’s Best Low Cost Airline by Outlook Traveller.

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“SpiceJet's people are its pillars” AJAY SINGH, FOUNDER OF SPICEJET

What brings you back to SpiceJet? Being a founder of the company, SpiceJet has always been close to my heart. It was very painful to see the airline that we had built with such passion fall on hard times. I am here to re-build the company and make SpiceJet a brand that we can all be proud of again.

SpiceJet’s survival is also in the interest of the country. The failure of an important airline has an adverse impact on the economy and the investment climate. Consumers have to pay higher fares, employees lose their jobs and creditors, their money. I felt that it was my duty to ensure that this would not happen.

How are things shaping up? Where do you see the airline in two years' time?

Things are shaping up quite nicely. We have stabilised operations. Loads are increasing and on-time performance is improving. On both parameters, we are close to the top again. Settlements have been reached with lessors and many creditors, so the worst is behind us. We have a fleet of 32 planes - 15 Bombardier Q400s and 17 Boeings. We will be increasing these numbers this year. We already have 55 planes on order with Boeing. We are exploring the possibility of placing additional orders.

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What is the best thing you have heard from your loyal customers?

I have received countless messages from customers thanking me for ensuring the survival of SpiceJet. People of India love the SpiceJet brand and they do not want it to die. Customers talk of the incredible grace and dignity shown by SpiceJet staff during tough times. And this is the spirit that makes SpiceJet a great airline.

What is your message to SpiceJet's passengers?

SpiceJet is back. It is back to doing what it does best. And that is to fly you on time at a reasonable cost in a clean and safe way.

While we continue to fly you to more destinations and more times a day, we will do our best to add a little bit of spice to your travel. Customers will also see new and innovative products being launched this year.

Customers will see new and innovative products being launched this year

What are some of the best memories from the earlier days?

There are so many, such as, the thrill of getting our first aircraft painted, setting up our our first counter at Delhi airport, switching on the Call Centre and seeing the flood of calls overwhelming the agents.

SpiceJet is known for offering frequent promotional sales under the previous owner...

Promotional sales are a part and parcel of LCCs world over. They enable people who have never flown before, to take to the skies.

They help promote the brand. However, these have to be planned in a way that they do not dilute the yield.

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Ajay Singh, Founder of SpiceJet, congratulates employees from all departments for their unstinted support & dedication towards the airline since inception.

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ANECDOTES Ajay Jasra, GM - Corporate Affairs, relates a few humourous stories from the initial days of SpiceJet.

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INPUTS FROM SPICEJET STAKEHOLDERS BUSINESS PARTNERS

While travelling with SpiceJet in 2005, the then promoter Ajay Singh (without disclosing his identity) asked a copassenger (a first time flyer), “Don’t you feel scared when the plane rattles (through air pockets)?” As a seasoned flyer, he replied, “No! This maybe because you are travelling for the first time.”

“Congratulations to everyone at SpiceJet on completion of a decade of glorious service. We, at HP Aviation, are proud to partner SpiceJet since its inception and wish that our relationship continues for many more decades to come.

Keep spicing the sky ‘With All Your Heart.’ All the very best.”

Rajnish Mehta

One media personnel, new to the CAT-A and CAT-B landing procedures, asked live on a TV show to Ajay Jasra, the then PRO of SpiceJet in 2005, “Sir, how many take-offs are required for a pilot to qualify for CAT 3-B?” Mr. Jasra replied, “150 take offs.” “And how many landings?” was the next question that left Mr. Jasra stumped.

“Our best wishes to SpiceJet for the glorious 10 years of service to the flyers and to continue for many more splendid years ahead.

It’s been a pleasure doing business with SpiceJet. It has demonstrated highest ethical standards of fairness towards their business partners and it is an honour to serve SpiceJet.” G Srinivas Rao

continue to do so in future. TAAI wishes SpiceJet all the best & keep flying high! Here’s to the next 20 years!”

Jyoti Mayal

Head - Sales & Marketing, Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Limited., Bengaluru

“Hearty congratulations to SpiceJet for completing 10 years of flying.

Over the years, our association has grown beyond a mere AirlineTravel Portal relationship and now encompasses a complete holistic partnership approach. SpiceJet is an airline that has never shied from doing innovative, challenging things which has won them and Goibibo many loyal customers.”

Sanjay Bhasin

A Hindi channel on a foggy day at Delhi Airport asked a brilliant question, that left him speechless once again - “Fog ko door karne ke liye Sarkar kya kar rahi hai?” (What is the government doing to clear the fog?)

Scan this code on your smartphone and watch our interesting Sunrisers video shot during IPL 2014.

Head - HP Aviation, Hindustan Petroleum Corp. Ltd., Mumbai

TRAVEL PARTNERS “A big congratulations to SpiceJet Management & Staff on the 10th anniversary. SpiceJet has always been a great airline with its smiling and efficient staff on-and offboard. The travel fraternity has always supported SpiceJet and will

Scan this code on your smartphone and watch our foot-tapping Diwali video shot at the airport.

Member, Managing Committee, Chairperson Airline Council, Co-Chairperson Allied Services, TAAI (Travel Agents Association of India); Tourism Council Member, PHD/CII Skill Development; Director, New Airways Travels (Delhi) Pvt Ltd

Co-Founder & CEO, Goibibo

“SpiceJet, as an airline, has lived up to its promise and brought about a unique freshness for the customer.

The initiatives that SpiceJet introduced over the years have changed the market for the better.

We appreciate the relationship and wish them the very best.”

Swaminathan Vedaranyam CEO, Via

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Nothing could give us greater joy than to see our partner grow and achieve greater heights. Today as you celebrate your 10th anniversary, We wish you well and firmly believe that our long-standing relationship with SpiceJet will grow and touch greater heights. A round of applause to all of you.

K.V. Abdul Nazar Chairman and Managing Director, Akbar Group

We, at Mercury Travels, convey our heartiest congratulations on SpiceJet’s completion of 10 years in the aviation industry. We have thoroughly enjoyed our interactions with you over the years and highly commend you for your dedication, enthusiasm and customer-focused approach. We wish you good luck.

Aashutosh Akshikar President & Chief Executive Officer, Mercury Travels

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CORPORATES Congratulations on celebrating 10 years. I would like to thank all

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SpiceJet colleagues who work behind the scenes for their fantastic support when we fly SpiceJet. Wishing you all ‘with all our heart’ many more decades of joy and happiness.

Indriyajit Sethi Vice President - Group Strategic Sourcing, Tata Services Limited

We applaud and congratulate the SpiceJet team on the completion of a decade of operations. We are sure it would have been not an easy journey, but your spirit, dedication and hardworking team have overcome all odds. We wish you many more years of continued success and growth.”

Sanjay Pai Head Travel & Director Aviation, Larsen & Toubro Limited

Scan this code on your smartphone and watch our Sunrisers video with Shikhar Dhawan during IPL 2014.

Wishing SpiceJet the very best on its 10th anniversary. It's great to see the team putting in great effort in its turnaround over the last few months, which is encouraging and fantastic for the aviation sector in India!

Sandeep Nagpal Director Marketing, SAP India Subcontinent

“It’s been a pleasure to work with the friendly and spiced up team. We will always cherish the relationship of trust with SpiceJet. Congratulations on your 10th anniversary. Keep soaring higher and higher.”

Rajdev Bhattacharya Head- Travel Services, Wipro limited

“Hearty congratulations to SpiceJet (management and all the staff) for completing a decade of flying customers safely and comfortably!

One can feel the warmth & sincerity of your excellent service both onboard as well as your ground handling. I wish you continue to grow and complete many more milestones in the future! " Neal Rogers Asia- Africa-Middle East - Australia - India - Regional Travel Head, Global Travel Workplace Services, CSC

Scan this code on your smartphone and watch the 'With all our heart' video shot onboard.

“Hearty congratulations and best wishes on your 10th anniversary.”

L Ganesh Managing Director, Rane Group

2012

Voted as India's Favourite Domestic Airline for the year 2012 by Outlook Traveller.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

2012

India’s International Low Cost Carrier of the Year 2012 by Travel Agents Association of India -India’s Most Outstanding Airline LCC-Domestic Award, by Travel and Hospitality.

2015

In January this year, Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways transferred ownership, management and control of the airline to Ajay Singh.

Between January and February, fresh infusion of funds took place in the Company aggregating to `500 crore.

CEOs and COO since 2005 CEOs Mark Winders Siddhanta Sharma Sanjay Aggarwal Kishore Gupta Neil Mills COO Sanjiv Kapoor

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SpiceJet team gearing up for the 10th anniversary special photoshoot

COVER UNPLUGGED

Take a peek behind the scenes of our cover shoot that features excited team members of SpiceJet, having a blast in this celebratory issue.

Big smiles for a group shot with Ajay Singh, Founder, SpiceJet May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Photographer in action giving directions to the team

Pressure Range

Capacity

Discription

Sr No

M3/Min

CFM

Bar

1

Lubricated SCREW Compressor

0.23 to 43.70

8 to 1545

8 to 13

2

Oil Free SCREW Compressor

5.30 to 51.40

187 to 1815

8 to 10

3

Lubricated PISTON Compressor

.125 to 6.20

4.5 to 219

8 to 40

4

Oil Free PISTON Compressor

.156 to 1.30

6 to 45

8 to 40

5

BOGE FLEXPET

1.55 to 17.9

54 to 634

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BOGE AIR. THE AIR TO WORK.

BOGE India , No. 216, Third Link Street, Industrial Estate, Nehru Nagar, Kottivakkam, Chennai - 600 096, india@boge.com* www.boge.in Chennai Mr. F C Jayakaran

: +91 9600041656 : fc .jayakaran@boge .com

/ Chennai Mr. Muthu Ganesan : +91 9003172111 : muthu.ganesan@boge.com

Hyderabad Mr.W.Narendra

: +91 9704770930 : w. narendra@boge.com

/ Mumbai Mr. Hasan Hasware : +91 9840956161 : h.hasware@boge.com

Delhi Mr. Deepesh Upadhyay

: +91 9818556732 : d.upadhyay@boge.com

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Eager SpiceJet team paying full attention to the photographer

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It's time for some fun!

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The team getting into the groove

Setting the stage for celebration May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Photographer finalising the composition

Finally, it's a wrap after a long day of shoot, fun and action!

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May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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10

OFF-BEATEN PLACES TO VISIT WITH

SPICEJET

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his summer, ditch the regular touristic spots and head to some of the lesser known, gorgeous destinations in the Indian subcontinent and neighbouring countries. Be it the breathtaking Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara or verdant hills of Kodaikanal, there is so much to explore.

Riding on the thrill of adventure, we help you with a few places that will leave you mesmerised.

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UJJAYANTA PALACE AGARTALA, TRIPURA

Head to India’s northeastern state of Tripura to gaze at the royal grandeur of Ujjayanta Palace in Agartala, the state’s capital. Built by Maharaja Radha Kishore Manikya during 1899-1901, the former palace now serves as a museum.

The largest museum in the northeast, the ivory palace is over two storeys with a mixed type of architecture having three high domes. The central dome is almost 86 ft high. Situated near a lake, the museum is surrounded by lush parks similar to the style of Mughal gardens and pools. It housed the State Legislative Assembly till 2011.

For all those who chime ‘been-there, done-that’, we list out a few off-thebeaten-track destinations you could head to with SpiceJet.

Did you know: The name, Ujjayanta Palace was given by Rabindranath Tagore.

Courtesy: Sharada Prasad CS

How to reach: SpiceJet offers daily flights to Agartala from Guwahati and Kolkata, along with convenient connections from Bangkok, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, among others.

For details, log on to www.spicejet.com

Enjoy your stay in Agartala with the convenient 4-night package on twinsharing basis at Hotel Welcome Palace, a 2-star property. The package includes breakfast, sightseeing as per itinerary, and road transfers among others. To book a MySpiceTrip, log on to www.spicejet.com or www.myspicetrip.com

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2

KODAIKANAL - A CITY IN THE HILLS

Situated in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal was established in 1845 as a refuge from the high temperatures and tropical diseases of the plains. This popular lakeside resort town is a magnet for nature lovers. Its charm lies in its wooded slopes, gigantic trees, mighty rocks, meadows, the long

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

stretches of forests and the flocks of sheep grazing on green pastures.

for a stunning panoramic view of the verduous plains.

Things to do: Wander the peaceful slopes while keeping an eye out for birds, exotic flowers and, of course, an endangered animal called the grizzled giant squirrels. Go for Coaker's Walk and Green Valley View

How to reach: Kodaikanal is about 120 km from Madurai. You can book a SpiceJet flight to Madurai from Chennai, Colombo, Dubai and Hyderabad, and connections from other cities too.

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BORRA CAVES VISAKHAPATNAM, ANDHRA PRADESH

Situated in the Ananthagiri hill ranges of the Eastern ghats, these naturally formed limestone caves were discovered by William King, a British geologist in 1807 and are believed to be almost 150 million years old. The continuous flow of water created the caves, forming the stalactites and stalagmites that are spears that hang from the roof of the caves, and short pillars that form on the surface below, respectively.

The source of the Goshtani river that caters to Visakhapatnam, emerges from these caves. Amidst the breathtaking hilly terrain, beautiful landscape, semi-evergreen moist deciduous forest and wild fauna, a visit here offers a visual treat.

Did you know: The deposits that form on the ground have taken on shapes resembling crocodile, temple, human brain, etc.

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How to reach: Borra Caves is located 90 km north of Visakhapatnam. Visitors can book a direct SpiceJet flight to Visakhapatnam from Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai, and convenient connections from other cities. For details, log on to spicejet.com

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MOUNT ABU, RAJASTHAN

A popular hill station in Rajasthan, Mount Abu is a perfect getaway to hide from the Indian summer. Situated on the stocky Aravalli range, this hill station is often referred to as an ‘oasis in the desert’. From lush green forests to enchanting waterfalls, abundant lakes and rivers, Mount Abu is home to comfortable weather all-year round.

Do visit the Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Achalgarh Fort and the numerous temples scattered here. The highest peak, Guru Shikhar, rises to 1,722 m above sea level.

How to reach: Udaipur is the nearest SpiceJet destination from Mount Abu, at an approximate distance of 163 km. SpiceJet offers direct flights to Udaipur from Delhi and is connected to Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, among others.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

* Condition apply

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CHIANG MAI - SPLENDID BEAUTY

Chiang Mai is a culturally vibrant city in northern Thailand, where both historical and modern Thai culture co-exist as temples and pagodas sit next to modern architecture and boutique hotels.

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Dating back to 1383, Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep is a famous temple atop a hill, depicting the intricate artwork of the region. Do visit the Chiang Mai National Museum for a better understanding of the local history, or witness a round of Muay Thai, a popular combat sport.

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Things to do: When in Chiang Mai, visit the night bazaar, a popular city attraction that stretches across a large area. Shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, clothes, etc.

How to reach: Chiang Mai is situated approximately 8 hours away from Bangkok. SpiceJet offers directs flights to Bangkok from Kolkata, and convenient connections from other cities too.

Explore Bangkok and the surrounding region with SpiceJet’s 5-night package. Spend 3 nights in Pattaya at the 4-star Grand Bella Hotel. The itinerary includes a half-day Coral Island tour. While in Bangkok, enjoy a 2-night stay at the 4-star Citrus Sukhumvit 13 Bangkok, along with a city tour. To book a MySpiceTrip, please log on to www.spicejet.com, or www.myspicetrip.com

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6

COFFEE PLANTATION COORG, KARNATAKA

Kodagu or Coorg is a popular tourist district in Karnataka, home to verduous green hills, waterfalls, misty peaks and raw beauty of the Western Ghats. The highlight of Coorg is the rolling coffee plantation, as the wet slopes and weather are ideal for nurturing the coffee beans. Coorg is the second coffee production area in India. A walking tour through the coffee plantations will enlighten tourists on the robusta and arabica variety. The trip through the lush estates can be wrapped up with a visit to a factory, and witness the process of beans to cup.

Did you know?

Madikeri, a picturesque town of Kodagu, is known as the Scotland of India due to its gorgeous hillscapes and forested slopes.

How to reach: Situated almost 140 km away from Mangalore, SpiceJetters can book flights to Mangalore. Direct flights are available to Mangalore from Bengaluru and Mumbai, and other connections are available from Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, etc.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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SHEIKH ZAYED MOSQUE, ABU DHABI

The capital and the second largest Emirate of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi lies on a T-shaped island.

Sheikh Zayed Mosque is the 6th largest mosque in the world and a landmark of the city.

Said to be inspired by Persian, Mughal and Moorish mosque architecture and partially from the Taj Mahal, the mosque has a central courtyard of marble tiles inlaid with flowers of blue and green marble and semi-precious stones. It features 24 carat gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand knotted carpet.

Do not miss The mosque’s Qibla wall (the wall that faces Mecca) features the 99 names of Allah written in calligraphy and illuminated.

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Explore Dubai with a grand 4-night package on twin-sharing basis at the Panorama Grand. The package includes a varied itinerary consisting of a Dubai city tour, Dhow cruise with dinner, desert safari with barbeque

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dinner, among others. To book a MySpiceTrip, please log on to SpiceJet. com or www.myspicetrip.com

AMONG THE MISTY MOUNTAINS IN GANGTOK, SIKKIM

Perched atop the lofty Himalayan range at a height of 1,650 m above sea level, Gangtok offers a blissful tourist spot with its presence of Buddhist monasteries and stupas, breathtaking view of the mountainscape and gorgeous weather. The capital of Sikkim, Gangtok is a bustling town with its share of beautiful parks and quaint eateries.

Do visit the Namgyal Institute of Tibetology, Do-drul Chorten - a famous Buddhist stupa and the Himalayan Zoological Park. Opt for a ride on the Gangtok ropeway that travels over 1 km and offers exhilerating views of the Kanchenjunga and a bird’s eye view of Gangtok.

How to reach: Bagdogra airport is closest to Gangtok. SpiceJet offers direct flights to Bagdogra from Delhi and Kolkata, and convenient connections from Bangkok, Bengaluru, etc.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

How to reach: Abu Dhabi is nearly 150 km from Dubai. SpiceJet offers direct flights to Dubai from Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Kochi, Delhi, Madurai and Pune, among other convenient connections.

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ROYAL GRANDEUR OF VADODARA

Situated on the banks of Vishwamitri River in Gujarat, Vadodara or Baroda offers spectacular sights for visiting travellers. Walk through the extravagent Lakshmi Vilas

Palace, once owned by the royal family of Gaekwad. It is said to be four times the size of Buckingham Palace. Resembling a European country house, it had some modern

amenities such as elevators, even during the time of its construction.

Completed in 1890, its Durbar Hall is said to be grand with a Venetian mosaic floor, intricate sculptures,etc.

It reportedly took 12 years to build.

Did you know: The Maharaja also created a miniature railway line, which circled the mango orchard within the palace compound, to take his children from the school to the main Lakshmi Vilas Palace.

How to reach: Vadodara is almost 111 km from Ahmedabad. SpiceJet offers direct flights to Ahmedabad from Mumbai, Delhi, Dubai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Muscat and Pune.

Convenient connections are also available from other cities across India and neighbouring countries.

For details, log on to spicejet.com

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10

MUNNAR - TEA GARDEN OF KERALA

Essentially a tea town, Munnar is a hill station situated by the confluence of three mountain streams – Muthirapuzha, Nallathanni and Kundala, and perched about 1,600 m above sea level. Marked by vast expanses of tea plantations, colonial bungalows, rivulets, waterfalls and cool weather, it is also an ideal destination for trekking and mountain biking.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Things to do Walk through the picturesque tea gardens which are filled with rich and scented fragrance of tea.

Capture the beauty of morning dew drops and exotic fauna at Munnar tea gardens and feel nature in its purest form.

Visit the tea museum opened by Tata Tea which houses curious photographs and machineries,

each depicting a turning point that contributed to a flourishing tea industry, as seen today in the region.

How to reach: Almost 130 km from Munnar, Kochi is the nearest destination for SpiceJetters. The airline offers daily flights to Kochi from Mumbai, Dubai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Male and Pune. For details, log on to www.spicejet.com

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THINGS TO DO IN

MUSCAT 50

Muscat, the capital of Oman, lies sparkling white, topped with golden minarets in the middle of a maze of brown pleated mountains reaching down to the Arabian Sea. W O R D S | D E NC Y M ATH E W I M AGE S CO URTE SY | O M A N M INISTRY OF TOURIS M

D

escribed as 'Arabia's jewel' with its diverse topography, vibrant culture and a lively souk, Muscat is not only the capital but the heart and soul of Oman.

Muscat is a city of contrasts with a wonderful communion of old and new architecture. The city is green as green can be and defies being classified as part of a desert country.

The roads are lined with wellmanicured green lawns and trees.

During winter, the cityscape is interspersed with a profusion of multi-coloured flowers

of Muttrah is an ideal spot for tourists to buy souvenirs and treasures.

Greater Muscat boasts high-rise business properties (but not too high), world-class highways, upscale suburbs rooted in traditional Islamic architecture, elegant mosques, large Old Muscat has a quaint charm green parks, archaeological sites, about it with many forts, castles, museums and world-class hotels. The mosques and towers doting the only way to truly experience the city is landscape. The Corniche, with its to go out and take in all that it has to promenade and souk (market) is one of offer. We recommend 10 ‘must-visits’ the highlights of the city. The old souk in Muscat:

SpiceJet offers five direct flights a week to Muscat from Ahmedabad, thereby connecting the Sultanate of Oman to the Indian cities of Delhi, Bengaluru, Kochi among others. For more details, log on to www.spicejet.com May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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FACTS ABOUT MUSCAT

Muscat is the capital of Sultanate of Oman

Left: Treasures at Muttrah Souk; Bottom: (From left) Muscat Corniche, Qurum Beach

Head of State: His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said (since 1970) Currency: Omani Rial (OR)

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Language: Arabic is the native language of the country. However, English is widely spoken.

Official weekday holidays: Friday & Saturday

1

Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque: Be awed by the grandeur of the Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque.

A tour of the mosque, which is an architectural wonder, gives you a first hand experience of Arabian architecture. The Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque is a real feast for the visual senses. The lavishly decorated mosque with its archways, courtyards, ornate doors, white

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

The Muttrah souk is an ideal spot to buy souvenirs and treasures marble floors and manicured lawns is an architectural marvel. The mosque boasts of one of the largest dazzling chandeliers in the world and the world’s second largest single piece of Persian carpet.

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Muttrah Souk: Always buzzing and renowned as one of the best souks in the region, the Muttrah souk is filled with men in dishdashas and women in abayas. The narrow alleyways are filled with shops that sell everything from local frankincense and burners

to chunky silver jewellery. If you want to shop for traditional artifacts and souvenirs, Muttrah Souk in Muscat is the place to go.

3

Corniche: The beautiful promenade runs for 3 km long along the harbour and is lined with pristine gardens, parks, waterfalls and statues.

Also, view the stunning Al-Lawatiya Mosque with its mosaic covered dome and striking minaret and a huge incense burner.

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Qurum Beach: Qurum beach is a pleasant spot to relax and watch the world go by and the sun set down. Also, a good place to watch the locals play football, socialising with friends or strolling with their families.

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Bait Al Zubair Museum: Muscat houses several museums which will expose you to Oman’s rich culture and heritage. Get an insight into Omani life by visiting the Bait Al Zubair Museum. Located in a beautiful restored house, check out the fascinating collection of daggers, antique silver jewellery, incense burners, coins, rifles, men and women attires.

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Left: Bait al Zubair museum; Below: Vibrant exterior of Al Alam Palace

Al Alam Palace: Walk up to the gates of the Sultan’s ceremonial Al Alam Palace which was built in 1972 and admire the stunning gold-leaf and turquoise mosaic faĆade that stands behind impressive black gates.

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Opt for whale and dolphin watching tours at Marina Bandar Al Rowdha

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Royal Opera House: Muscat’s most recent iconic structure is the Royal Opera House which hosts musical performances from the Middle East as well as concerts and ballets from around the world. Combining Arabic architecture with the conventions of the traditional European theatre space, the Royal Opera House Muscat is today arguably the most advanced building of its kind.

Watching a performance at the opulent opera house is a privilege one should not miss out on.

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Old Muscat: The old town of Muscat is a quiet place flanked by two forts: Jalali Fort and Mirani Fort. The forts are not open for visitors but you are

allowed to take photos of the exteriors. You can also view the city wall of Muscat which used to completely surround the old town.

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Amouage factory: Did you know the world's Marina Bandar Al Rowdha: most expensive and Located on the western coast fragrant perfume is a home-grown of Oman, the marina organises brand of Oman called Amouage? A whiff of this perfume is enough to feel like a royalty. You can head to Amouage factory where the ‘most valued perfumes in the world’ are produced. Amouage is a local perfume brand which uses exotic ○ Dates, Honey, Halwa ○ Wooden Mandoos ingredients like frankincense, roses, ○ Miniature Dhows ○ Silver Jewellery saffron and spices to make their ○ Pottery Incense Burner ○ Scarves/ Shawls trademark scent. Take a tour of the ○ Amouage perfume factory during which the guide explains the entire perfume production process.

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MUST BUYS IN MUSCAT

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

tours for whale and dolphin watching, watersports, diving and fishing. Hundreds of dolphins jump in the air acrobatically and swim in the blue waters of Muscat. Watching these dolphins frolic in the sea is an unforgettable experience and a therapeutic one for sure.

For a more relaxing excursion, you can also go for a cruise on a traditional dhow.

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An adventurous traveller, TV presenter, singer and movie actor, the multifaceted Meiyang Chang is never content with limiting himself to one sphere.

WORDS|NEELAM S INGH

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third generation IndianChinese, Chang was born in Dhanbad, Jharkhand. A trained dentist, he went to the US when he was hit by his passion of singing. His first tryst with showbiz was as a participant in Indian Idol 3, where he reached the Top 5. There was no looking back.

Spiceroute, in conversation with Chang, explores his journey.

A finalist of the adventurous show Khatron Ke Khiladi and the winner of dance show Jhalak Dikhlaa Jaa, Chang is exploring his creative persona

MY FAVOURITE VACATION EVER HAS BEEN A 2-WEEK LONG TRIP TO ISTANBUL AND GREECE IN 2012. I'VE TRAVELLED EXTENSIVELY IN HIMACHAL PRADESH & NORTH-EAST INDIA AS WELL. THOUGH I LOVE BEACHES, MY HEART LIES IN THE MOUNTAINS. May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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FAST FACTS Top 5 must-visit places in India: All of the North-east, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Kashmir.

Favourite cuisine/dishes; why?

1) Everything Chinese, because I'm biased. 2) Mughlai, because there is an avalanche of flavours & aromas in it. I love Lucknowi Kebabs, Kolkata's biryani, Haleem... the list is endless!

When you get homesick in Mumbai, you... immediately pick up the phone & call mom.

Your hobbies: photography, writing & cartooning

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Fashion for you is... an amusing compromise between looking good & being comfortable.

Favourite authors: William Dalrymple, Arthur Conan Doyle, Herge & Grant Morrison.

5 things you always carry: A book, wallet, phones, watch & presence of mind.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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From a dentist to a rising star in showbiz, how has the journey been?

Eight years ago, I shed the husk of the dentist to become a multi-tasker in the entertainment industry. So much has happened so quickly and I'm blessed to have got the right opportunities quite early in my career. I am both content and hungry for more. I have a lot more to explore and offer, for my fans and to myself.

Do share a few memories before you took part in ‘Indian Idol'...

As with every career-oriented student, I was very particular about my academics and clinical work.

However, being a medical/dental student is a high-stress situation and there were weeks when the future looked uncertain. I also remember some hilarious incidents, like the time when a professor thought I was into drugs or when another threatened to stab me with a pencil for giving an outrageous answer to an easy viva-voce question. Those days of self-doubt were quite a learning experience, the lessons were cathartic & the gratitude of

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Hard work taught me to stay focussed, calm & disciplined the patients treated, a constant motivator. I vividly remember the back-breaking hard work put in a dental hospital after graduation.

Those 7 years in all, taught me the importance of staying calm, focussed & disciplined.

Tell us more about your character in Detective Byomkesh Bakshy.

Kanai Dao, a licensed opium trader of mixed Chinese & Bengali heritage, is an important link between the indigenous Bengali majority & the

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usually good but seldom criminal immigrant Chinese minority of the time, who brazenly smuggled opium into Kolkata around World War 2. In this multilayered mystery-thriller, Kanai is Byomkesh's trusted ally who will lead him into new discoveries, and grave dangers. Byomkesh's investigation & machinations would come to a grinding halt without his aid. Not mentioned in any of author Sharadindu Bandopadhyay stories, this character was specially crafted for the movie.

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How was the experience of working with Dibakar Banerjee?

I've traversed many different stages and chaos has been the constant companion on each of these platforms. However, Dibakar's workspace is another world unto itself. The calm & silence effectively masks the underlying creative tenacity. As the shooting progressed, the already well-cooked script evolved further. We started preparations early with intensive workshops, first with an acting coach & then with Dibakar himself. Dibakar is an immensely knowledgeable director and a great actor too, with an uncanny knack for music & lyrics.

These combined powers make him a dream director who never spoon feeds the actor but cajoles & tricks you into finding your groove.

Sushant & I have been competitors on Jhalak Dikhla Jaa before, and it was a pleasure to be working on the same side with him

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reality shows I've been part of before this, I started working very hard after a couple of episodes and made it to the final! I will never forget the daredevilry & the adrenaline rush on this show, and will treasure the friends made (both in front & behind camera) for life!

How do you prepare for every project you undertake?

One at a time is how I like to do it. However, things do overlap & sometimes the stress levels go through the roof. That's where the multi-tasker in me, born during those hectic days in dental school, takes over and gets the job done.

I also believe you have to dedicate quality time to each of your talents & pursuits, even though it may mean lesser time to yourself. I love whatever I do & hence don't mind the pressure.

I like to plan my destination/s well in advance. Once there, I go with the flow this time round. Without doubt, this is my most creatively satisfying experience so far.

How was the experience of participating in Khatron ke Khiladi?

I thoroughly enjoyed myself on the show. I was in for kicks in the beginning, and like with all the other

What do you aspire for in life?

To leave behind happy memories & very importantly, a legacy which inspires people to dream big.

What kind of a traveller are you?

As much as I'd like to be an impulsive traveller, I like to plan at least my destination/s well in advance. Once there, I like to go with the flow. I'm a very 'touristy' person & I'd choose the cultural scene over the nightlife any day. I'm a lousy packer - always last minute. I love to take pictures, imbibe the stories & people of the destination/s.

CAMERA PERFECT Meiyang Chang has hosted many top-notch TV shows like Indian Premier League, Indian Idol, India's Got Talent among others and made his big screen debut with Badmaash Company alongside Shahid Kapur & Anushka Sharma. His latest movie Detective Byomkesh Bakshy!, under filmmaker extraordinaire Dibakar Banerjee, released in April 2015.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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“HOW CAN A MAN GROW OLD WHO HAS SAGE IN HIS GARDEN?” CHINESE PROVERB

SAGE

THE WISEST SPICE

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One of the popular herbs known since ancient Roman times, Sage is considered as the guardian of herbs.

WO RDS | NEELAM S I NGH

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opularly known as garden sage, it is an evergreen perennial shrub with its wonderful health-promoting and disease preventing properties.

Commonly found all over the Mediterranean and south-eastern Europe (Balkan) regions, it belongs to the family of Lamiaceae, in the genus Salvia. A member of the mint family, it is known for lending an intense flavour and being highly aromatic.

Sage leaves are grayish green in colour with a silvery bloom covering. They are lance-shaped and feature prominent veins running throughout the lamina HISTORY

A native to countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, sage has one of the longest histories of use of any medicinal herb.

The Romans treated it as sacred and highly prized its healing

properties. Sage's legendary status continued throughout history. Arab physicians believed that it promoted immortality, while 14th century Europeans used it to protect themselves from witchcraft.

EACH SPICEJET AIRCRAFT HAS BEEN NAMED AFTER A PARTICULAR SPICE. IN THIS ISSUE, WE TALK ABOUT THE BENEFITS AND USAGE OF SAGE.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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RED ONION SALAD Ingredients 4 large onions 75g mixed salad leaves 6-7 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 75g cheese 12-18 sage leaves Juice of 1 large lemon

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Method Do not peel the onions. Trim off the root and top, and cut each one across into three or four slices. Arrange them on the grill rack and then brush them with oil and season them. Now grill for 7 or 8 minutes until the onions are browned. In the meantime, mash the cheese.

Take out the onion slices. Top each slice of onion with a sage leave dipped on oil and grill for a further 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and leave the onions on one side to cool.

Toss some green salad leaves in a dressing made by combining some oil and lemon juice and put the leaves on a serving dish. Arrange the onions on top, sprinkle with some more olive oil and lemon dressing and finally sprinkle over the cheese. Serve at room temperature.

HOT TIP Since the flavour of sage is very delicate, it is best to add the herb near the end of the cooking process so that it will retain its maximum essence.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Left: Young sage plants possess the finest aroma and contain the large amount of oil

USAGE

○ Sage is known to aid in the digestion of fatty foods. ○ Sage is one of the main ingredients in poultry seasonings. ○ Being in usage in various traditional European and Chinese medicines, it has been used to treat everything from snakebites, to gas, bloating and excessive sweating. ○ The essential oils in sage have been proven to kill bacteria, making it effective for many types of bacterial infections. ○ Extensively used as anti-oxidant, it is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic. ○ Its unique components stabilise oxygen-related metabolism and prevent oxygen-based damage to the cells.

○ Sage is a remarkable tool for whitening teeth, strengthening gums and aid in periodontitis. ○ In modern times, it is also used as an ornamental garden plant.

STORAGE

To store fresh sage leaves, carefully wrap them in a damp paper towel and place inside a loosely closed plastic bag. Store in a refrigerator to keep them fresh for several days. Dried sage should be kept in a tightly sealed glass container in a cool, dark and dry place where it will keep fresh for about six months.

QUICK SERVING TIPS

○ Add fresh sage to omelette. ○ Sprinkle some sage on top of your next slice of pizza. ○ Combine sage leaves, bell peppers, cucumbers and sweet onions with plain yoghurt for an easy to prepare, refreshing salad. ○ When baking chicken or fish in parchment paper, place some fresh sage leaves inside so that the food will absorb the flavours of this wonderful herb.

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FLAVOURSOME FRUITY DELIGHTS

Tingle your taste buds by using versatile summer fruits in savoury dishes for a change.

W O R D S | MINI RIB E IRO

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ummer is here and turning to fresh fruits in various forms seems the most logical and healthy thing to do. Go for it, but add a twist. Instead of the usual milkshakes, lassi, smoothies, try fruits in a new avatar.

Experiment with fruits in savoury dishes and use fruits to boost dishes like soups, main courses and accompaniments

Tanveer Kwatra, Executive Chef, Le Meridien Gurgaon, feels, fruits are a flavour booster and thus, he is open to using all fruits across the spectrum.

He feels, to achieve the right balance is key. Tropical fruits have always been used liberally in South Asian cuisines

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WAYS TO USE FRUITS IN COOKING May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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TRY IT AT HOME! PAPAD CRUSTED PANEER WITH ANNAS KI LAUNJEE Recipe by Tanveer Kwatra, Executive Chef, Le Meridien Gurgaon Ingredients Paneer Lijjat pappad Oil

Quantity 500 gms 1 packet 2 ltr

For batter Degi mirch 20 gms Tumeric 2 gms Lemon juice 30ml Kasoori methi 5 gms Besan 150gms Rice flour 100gms amchoor 5gms

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For Annas ki launji Annas 900gm Mustard oil 225ml Fenugreek seed 3gm Fennel seed 10gm Kalonji 2gm Coriander pwd 5gm Red chilly pwd 5gm Turmeric 3gm Jaggery 250gm Salt to taste Method: Peel the pineapple and cut lengthwise in quarters and remove the core. Pound jaggery with pestle. Heat oil in a kadhai and add fenugreek, fennel, kalonji, coriander, red chillies, turmeric and salt. Add mangoes and stir. Then add jaggery and water, bring to boil, cover and simmer. Remove and cool. Stuff the paneer with launji. Dip it in the batter mixture and roll in papad crumbs. Deep fry.

Sprinkle chaat masala & serve with coriander chutney.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

and fruits such as apricots, figs, dates, have been an integral part of Middle Eastern and African cuisines.

FRUITY INDIAN DELICACIES

Our very own Indian cuisine can be enhanced with the use of fruits.

Mango can add zest and flavour to dishes. Mango sasav or Ambeche sasav, a sweet-sour dish, prepared with ripe mangoes, is a favourite among the Maharashtrians and the Konkan belt. Sasav or mustard seeds, curry leaves, coconut, jaggery, are added as tempering to the ripe mango pulp, which is cooked. This is best enjoyed with steamed rice.

Chefs today alter the method of preparation of a dish to incorporate fruits, thus creating a unique combination of flavour and texture.

Understanding the texture a fruit imparts, is important, as it can then be used accordingly.

Apples, pineapple and pears, for instance, owing to their firmness, are ideal for stuffings in koftas, or in stuffed tomatoes and capsicums.

Gravies and curries are another form in which fruits are incorporated to give body to the preparation. For these, pineapple and jackfruit are

preferred. Amrud ki sabzi, or a dry preparation with guavas, is a North Indian delicacy and can be eaten with puris, instead of the usual potatoes.

An interesting use of guavas is their addition to a mutton curry, in the form of a smooth paste.

Understanding the texture a fruit imparts is important In Kerala, Papaya appams called pappali appams made with rice flour, wheat flour, coconut paste, jaggery, are paired with spicy mutton or chicken curry.

m-and-m.in

@

Experience Abharan

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AND FRUITS GO GLOBAL

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Salads, soups and dips make use of a variety of summer fruits in global cuisines. Grilled watermelon and feta cheese make for a refreshing salad in summer. A cold soup can be made using pineapple and orange juice, squeezed freshly. Cucumber with a dash of lime and a pinch of sugar completes this unique delicacy. A curried squash and pear soup is also a good option to cool oneself.

Stewed, boiled, sun dried, or pureed to make sauces and brandades, fruits can be used in variety of ways. Oven-dried fruits can be used to garnish salads.

Regular dips and sauces are often pepped up with the addition of a fruit. Fresh mango salsa is a popular accompaniment. Plum sauce, again is a common favourite in meat dishes.

Interestingly, citrus fruits like lemon, lime, orange, are sought after, for flavouring seafood items. Used carefully, these can enhance the appeal of fish, prawn, crabs, squids, mussels and scallops, whereas the whole fruit is often added to a duck salad.

In mains too, a fruit like pomegranate can be cleverly combined with a roast chicken, as the fruit adds its typical juicy flavour and crunchy texture to the dish.

FRUITS PEP UP PAN ASIAN FOOD

Char-grilled tofu with fresh fruits or Rojak (a fruit salad), with pieces of fried, sweet pineapple, green mango

Left: Mango Sasav

Hard fruits can be used to grill, as in satay or stewed

TOP 5 SAVOURY FRUIT DISHES ○ Mango Sasav ○ Amrud (Guava) ki sabzi ○ Grilled Watermelon salad with feta cheese ○ Chicken Breast & Poached Plums ○ Sweet & Sour Pork Mango relish

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

and papaya, rose apples and guava, tossed in a dark sauce. Sounds exotic? Pan Asian cuisine today stands for fusion and fruits are cleverly combined to balance the sweet, tangy and savoury flavours in dishes.

Pears and pineapples pair well in pork dishes, complimenting the texture and flavour of the meat, while peaches are the perfect complement for chicken. Melon, citrus fruits and grapes are other commonly used fruits.

Chef Hossam Saied, Executive Chef, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, is of the opinion that hard fruits could be used to grill, as in a satay or stewed, to make chutneys, while softer ones can be incorporated in a dish which does not require much cooking like salads or may be added last minute, so they do not turn mushy, even as a garnish. At San-Qi, Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, scallop and pineapple dumplings, crispy prawn cakes with plum sauce, sweet and sour chicken with melon, are signature dishes with fruits.

So, irrespective of the cuisine, one can give a dish, a ‘fruity’ twist, by making use of the right fruit, in the right form. Innovation is all that it takes.

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CRICKET CRAZY KOLKATA

Cricket and Kolkata are like hands and gloves. The game lends the city its passion and the city gives cricket the verve with which the ground throbs during a match at the Eden Gardens.

W O R D S | PA RTH A M UK H E RJE E A ND P RI YANKA MUKHERJEE I LU ST R AT I ONS | DE B A B RATA G H OS H

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ricket is the religion that restores the city’s faith. It has long ceased to be just a game; to Kolkatans cricket is the art of living finding a sporty expression.

Cricket has a music of its own and Kolkata is one of its great connoisseurs A correspondence between a lane of the city and Kensington Park, South Australia was ensued by a

Kolkatan’s love for cricket. Chitta Kundu was a teenager who solved a cricketing riddle that Sir Don

KAPIL DEV AND HARBHAJAN SINGH, TOOK THE FIRST HAT-TRICK BY ANY INDIAN IN BOTH THE TEST AND ODI FORMAT OF THE GAME AT EDEN GARDENS.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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THE PASSION

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In a by-lane of old Kolkata, you come across a unique spectacle: A middle-aged bespectacled man reads a newspaper sitting on the balcony of an old and imposing mansion. Suddenly a boy thwacks a sizzling cover drive and with lightning speed, the ball hits the morning cuppa of the elderly gentleman. As it happens, steaming tea splashes on the white kurta of the gentleman.

The old man immediately heads to the strip of green field in front of his residence and looks around for Paltu, who administered the shot.

‘Your footwork is still not perfect. Do like this…’ Instead of berating the boy, he demonstrates how the shot should have been taken with the perfect footwork.

Bradman had come up with. Kundu defied all geographical barrier when he compelled Sir Don to write back to him with praises.

Balbinder Sandhu and Shibu Patra have been brothers since June 25, 1983. India won the Prudential Cup and cricket in Kolkata became a common cause for celebration between a cabbie and his passenger.

Balbinder, namesake to that bowler who scuttled the stump of Gordon Greenidge and gave West Indies its first blow, never took the fare; the duo instead emptied a pot full of Rosogolla!

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Left: In 1983, when India won the Prudential Cup, cricket in Kolkata became a common cause for celebration between a cabbie and his passenger

Love for cricket wins over anything and everything Cut to 2015. Time might have given the city a makeover, but her spirit remains the same and so does her camaraderie with cricket.

A tram trundles speedily as office-goers on board lock their horns for space. In the mean time, a pocket transistor comes alive. ‘…A little away from the off stump, Dhawan cuts it through backward point…’ Men, up in arms a moment back, forget their rancor when cricket or anything cricketing finds way into their lives, no matter how they are or where they are.

‘Is Sharma still on the crease?’ All heads turn towards the pocket transistor. Love for cricket wins over anything and everything.

MAJESTIC EDEN GARDENS

From the village greens of picturesque South England counties to Eden Gardens runs one thread that unites them all — Cricket.

The stadium is related to so many exciting memories: In 1969,

Graham McKenzie had India on its knees — 0 for 2. In walks Gundappa Viswanath, a mere stripling of a lad. And soon the moans die down and the stadium reverberates with cheers as silken strokes to third-man and point are executed with pinpoint precision by the feisty lad.

Many will recall Rohan Kanhai’s elegant stroke play in 1958-59 when he scored that superb 256, a record until VVS Laxman’s highest individual score of 281 against the Australians in 2000-01. No one would ever forget the marathon innings of VVS Laxman.

And can we ignore Sir Garfield Sobers? His sprint for about 50 yards towards third-man from the slips to try and catch a mistimed hook by an aggressive Budhi Kunderan off a bouncer from Wesley Hall is still a subject while talking about fielding at Eden Gardens.

The guile of EAS Prasanna, the lightning strikes by BS Chandrasekhar, the sight of Tiger Pataudi prowling in the covers, the grace of Ajit Wadekar, the mad genius of Salim Durani, the gazelle-like run-up of Ramakant Desai, the glorious swing bowling

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Left: People in Kolkata forget their rancor when cricket finds way into their lives, no matter how they are or where they are.

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of Shute Banerjee, Sourav Ganguly’s scintillating knock of 101 against Pakistan in 2007, Javagal Srinath’s haul of 13-132, Sachin Tendulkar’s memorable final over in the semifinal of the Hero Cup against South Africa, Anil Kumble’s 12/6 against the West Indies in the final of the Hero Cup, hat-trick by Harbhajan Singh against the Australians in 2000-01, one could go on and on. Such are the memories the Gardens evoke.

And then there were those legendary men from other shores, whom we want to just catch a glimpse of: Richie Benaud, weaving his magic web, Alan Davidson’s lazy and elegant stroke play, Ray

Lindwal’s immaculate bowling, the awesome sight of Wesley Hall pounding down… Tom Graveney, Ted Dexter, Ken Barrington, Colin Cowdrey, Keith Miller, Neil Harvey, Bob Simpson, Geoffrey Stollmeyer, Sir Frank Worrel, Conrad Hunte, Clive Lloyd… all have graced the turf at Eden Gardens.

The ground gets its greatness not only by mere association with cricket but it has a certain ambiance of its own. Though, a lot of the ‘atmosphere’ has been lost to the compelling needs of the present. The trees that once dotted the High Court and Maidan ends of the ground, drawing the

mist from the Hooghly as it curves away from the stadium, are no longer there. But the ‘atmosphere’ is still there in the form of that sea of humanity, their combined voices rising to a chant as Dale Steyn or Mornie Morkel or Lasith Malinga or Mohammed Sami or Umesh Yadav come tearing in, enough to unnerve any but the strongest willed opponent.

Kolkata’s love for cricket has long crossed the rope and gone beyond the boundary. The ardour for this artform has appealed to the Bengali romanticism and often spilled over into songs, literature, cinema, theatre, etc.

A GENTLEMAN’S GAME Kolkatans hurray even when a batsman is bowled out following a series of sneeze or a batsman is LBW following a bout of coughs or a team declares their inning following skipper’s frequent visit to the loo. They say, cricket is a gentleman’s game and they honour the sobriquet. They appreciate every effort given by the boys in flannel, when they go back for a duck; when they score some runs; when it rains; when it doesn’t; when they join; when they retire.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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10

BEAUTY TIPS

FOR THIS SUMMER

With temperatures on the constant rise, here are a few secrets to combat the ill effects of summer on your skin.

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ummer is full of pleasures — but melting makeup, smeared eyeliner, and sticky lipstick make it unbearable.

Here are few tips for keeping makeup fresh even during the hot summer.

A necessary tip for summer is to ensure you drink ample amount of water to help flush toxins from your body

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To catch hold of a summerready skin, its important to prepare it with a proper CTMP (Cleansing, Toning, Moisturising & Protecting) ritual. Start your day with cleansing your face with a

STICK TO USING WATERPROOF MASCARA TO SAVE YOURSELF FROM THE DRAIN-HORROR THIS SUMMER. THIS WILL NOT ONLY OPEN UP YOUR PEEPERS; BUT BEAUTIFY THEM TO INFINITE EXTENT. May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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Makeup melts not just because of heat and sweat, but because of oil. Your skin produces more oil in the summer months, so be sure to grab an oil-preventing cleanser and blot before you apply.

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clarifying face wash, followed by toning – using an astringent suitable for your skin-type. Make up for the dehydration that occurs in this season by moisturising your skin well. For this, bring upon a gel-based moisturiser, fresh aloe-vera, that’ll soothe your skin. Follow this by applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen above SPF 30 and PA+++ properties to guard your skin.

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If you are applying makeup, priming is important too, in summers. Choose any of the mattifying gel-based primers to turn the makeup long-lasting and skin emerge shine-free all-day-long.

Use an eyeshadow primer - it helps keep your color vibrant and keep it from sliding or creasing.

Test a mascara in the shower to see how it holds up to the hot water. If it passes, you’re good to go in the summer heat!

If you find your face is excessively smeary during summers, keep enough blotting papers handy to blot-off all the extra shine from your face.

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Yet, as this sunny weather lets nothing retain its solid state, use a makeup fixer at the conclusion of your makeup ritual to turn the entire makeup waterproof.

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To illuminate radiance on your face, a glowing base with adequate bronzing is preferred. Apply an illuminating bronzer below your cheekbones and flaunt a chiseled avatar! You can also use a pink or peach powder-based blusher to add warmth.

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In colours for eye-shadows, lavenders, lilacs, mauve and Marsala – will bring out the stylish in you this year. These will be May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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used not just as shadows, but liners & kohl too, to amplify your makeupcolour urges.

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For pout, choose a Crimson Red, Orange or Marsala lip-shade and make sure that you apply it after slathering a nice lip-plumper. This will make these colours more prominent and also endow your pout with a soft, plump and velvety finish.

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The graphic eye-liner trend will be a hit this season – preferably coloured liners

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During the hot-season, choose lighter versions of foundations or light textured bases as your makeup base. Swap your regular foundation with a mousse or a mattyfying soufflé to provide a mesmerising glow on the face, while not make it appearing too oily or greasy.

Try using a clay mask once a week to reduce your skin’s oil production.

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TÊTE-À-TÊTE

Choose Red, Orange or Marsala lip-shades for a soft finish drawn using gel eye-liners. These can be sported intact as well as in a smudged-out pattern for a laid-back look. Opt from choices like; reverse cat-eye, extended winged eye, triangles on outer corners of your eyes and come-out as a sassy siren.

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Don’t miss-out to prime you peepers with a good-quality eye-primer, to prevent sweating and eventually, turn the eye-do long lasting, in weather-of-warmth.

Ishika Taneja, the makeup maestro, is Guinness World Record Holder for Fastest and Best Makeup in the World. She has worked with the best Hollywood & Bollywood Celebrities.

THE GROWTH

STORY

Growth is a means to an end and the end is development.

Development means laying the groundwork for a better tomorrow. Read how the state of Gujarat is encouraging the industrial growth.

G

ujarat is a state with an amazingly varied topography ranging from the deep green of the dense forests to stark white at the salt plains.

Stretching out into the Arabian Sea, with a hint of desert, it boasts 1,660 km coastline which is home to some of the most unique marine species.

The home state of the Father of Nation, Mahatma Gandhi, Gujarat is considered as a melting pot of a vast variety of culture, people, places and history due to eons of migratory influences.

Gujarat is renowned for its beaches, temple towns and historic capitals. Wildlife sanctuaries, hill resorts and natural grandeur are gifts of Gujarat. Sculpture, handicrafts, arts, festivals also make the state rich

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SPOTLIGHT

JADEBLUE EXPANDS IN PUNE AND JAIPUR occasion wear, Indo western and more.

JadeBlue as a company has been offering bespoke tailoring services to the who’s who of India since 1981. They are also the original makers of the famous Modi Kurta and Jacket.

JadeBlue offers a range of suits and blazers from classic to designer, minimal to embellished, western to Indo-western in every style, fit, colour, fabric ranging from fine wool to linens to velvets for every occasion from business, formal meetings to weddings.

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J

adeBlue, the luxury lifestyle retail chain with presence in more than 15 cities with 19 stores, opened its doors in Jaipur and Pune last year. This is one store where attention to details matter.

Gujarat is one of the most technologically advanced states, housing the largest petrochemical complex in the country, textile mills, and diamond industry.

INDUSTRIAL GROWTH OF GUJARAT: BACKGROUND

Industrial Revolution in Gujarat dates back to Harappan Civilisation. With the Portuguese enclaves around Gujarat Coastlines, Gujarat’s maritime trade prospered during 16th century. As Gujarat’s westward trade kept growing, it exported spices and goods to ship to Europe and use for bartering. Gujarat shipped textiles and since 13th century, had been selling cotton textiles to the Middle East and most probably, SouthEast Asia. By 1700, Surat flourished and it enjoyed pre-eminent position as chief trading centre of India. The early May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Be it handpicking collections from national and international brands, offering premium bespoke tailoring services, a large collection of suits and blazers which no other brand has to offer,

Gujarat is one of the most technologically advanced states

19th century represented a significant growth in industrial development.

Currently, Gujarat is the home for dynamic industrialists and business entrepreneurs. It is emerging as ‘EVA’ (Economic Value Added) State with sustainable industrial growth. Its Industrial Policy acts as a catalyst to face the challenges to manage the inevitable volatility of industrial cycles.

INFRASTRUCTURE

The state of Gujarat has a robust infrastructure. A relentless quest for a larger image of Gujarat has led it to strategically develop very efficient and cost-effective infrastructure which boost state’s urban and industrial growth. As one of the youngest states of the Indian Federation, the state has shown impressive development. The State has 41 ports and is one of the first

SPOTLIGHT

ONE-STOP DESTINATION FOR FURNITURE W

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ith a track record of 28 years in delivering the best of ergonomically designed office systems, HOF Furniture Systems Pvt. Ltd offers wide range of seating solutions; these include premium office chairs, executive desks & premium office sofas. HOF has not only redefined furniture system designs, but has also given the user a complete workstation comfort.

The ‘KENZO’ series of Office Chairs is one of the innovative offerings by HOF and is being recognised as finest furniture solutions nationally as well as globally. The aesthetically designed chairs come with a perfect blend of ‘design sensibilities’ and ‘the science of comfort, i.e., ergonomics’.

Each of

states in India to set-up an industrial park. Also, it is a leading state in harnessing wind energy. Since 2003, the word ‘Vibrant’ has become associated with Gujarat enhancing the national and international reputation of the state.

STRATEGIC LOCATION

Gujarat is located on the western coast of the Indian Peninsula with the longest

the HOF’s products, manufactured at its Ahmedabad facility, typifies design, style and workplace comfort. Also, HOF’s products are being manufactured with strict adherence to BIFMA/American National Standards Institute –ANSI guidelines and come with the certification from NexGen Ergonomics, Canada.

The National Award for its outstanding quality products in wooden furniture conferred by the honourable President of India, Pranab Mukherjee to Hasmukh Patel, MD of HOF Furniture System Pvt. Ltd, is an apt example of how quality is always appreciated.

Since 2003, the word ‘Vibrant’ has become associated with Gujarat enhancing the national and international reputation of the state

Special Features KENZO: ○ Ergonomic design for comforting work hours ○ Full Italian Genuine Leather with special stitching for enriching the work experience ○ Aluminium Designer Handle ○ Anti Topple Base ○ Memory position locking on back rest for extra comfort ○ Adjustable head rest ○ Lumber support adjustable function ○ And, KENZO comes with 2-year warranty

coastline in the country. Thus, it plays host to foreign trade and is a natural ‘Gateway’ to the fast growing economy.

Conducive business environment, abundance of natural resources, skilled and semi-skilled man power, proximity to markets and responsive administration make the state a ‘Leader.’

namely Ahmedabad, Baroda, Surat and Rajkot and some isolated locations such as Mithapur and Valsad. Today, almost all the districts of the state have witnessed industrial development in varying degrees.

Gujarat’s Industrial Policy 2009 is geared for catalysing Robust, Sustainable and Inclusive Growth.

The only state to emerge as ‘Investor friendly’, Gujarat has achieved the distinction of being the top most industrially developed state in India in respect of investment in industrial sector and second among states in respect of value of production and value addition in industrial sector in India.

INDUSTRIAL GROWTH

TEXTILE INDUSTRY

Gujarat is rapidly widening its industrial base. At the time of inception in 1960, the industrial development was confined only to four major cities May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Future Plans With currently 18 flagship stores across India and Nepal, HOF is on an expansion spree with HOF Zones planned at DelhiNCR, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Raipur and Ranchi in India and HOF flagship stores in Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and the UAE, to cater to African and Middle Eastern markets respectively. After conquering the corporate space, HOF has set its eyes on home furniture segment with ‘HOF Living’ and is also planning to launch steel furniture and hospital furniture.

Gujarat has unique strengths with respect to the textile industry. It is now the largest producer of cotton in India, with a share of over one-third of the

SPOTLIGHT

REVOLUTIONARY PRODUCTS BY SHARPEX S

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harpex Engineering, the flagship company, popularly known by the brand name, Sharpex®, has been set up by professionals and technocrats with expertise in wood cutting machineries for more than 35 years. Sharpex has been in service of saw mills, plywood factories, veneer industries, tea gardens, chemical/food/pharmaceutical industries, fire brigades, several government and semi-government organisations and corporations since three decades. Today, Sharpex is the largest manufacturer and exporter of eco-friendly garden and forestry tools like Lawn Mowers, Secateurs, Grass Trimmer, Mobile Chipper/Shredder Green leaves crusher, Branch Cutter and Tree Pruners. These revolutionary products are being used extensively for multifarious industrial uses.

From a nascent beginning as a small company over three decades ago to a brand that stands for technological leadership and high quality, Sharpex as a brand has had a very organic growth.

Investing consistently in product

total cotton production. It is also the largest manufacturer of man-made and filament fabric and the second largest manufacturer of cotton fabric and has a dominant share in the production of denim with a one billion mt capacity. The state contributes to over one-fourth of the country’s technical textiles output.

Gujarat has the highest number of medium and large textile processing houses and is home to more than 50 per cent of India’s processing machinery manufacturers and 90 per cent of weaving machinery manufacturers.

Gujarat is the land of rich handicrafts like Patola weaving, khadi, bandhani, block printing, embroidery, namda, rogan painting, matani May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

development, research, marketing and service which have proved to be decisive in strengthening it and gradually expanding into other categories to include high-performance products for the ever demanding consumers, Sharpex over the years has innovated and engineered large range of products covering sectors like Gardening, Agriculture, Forest, Industrial and Disaster Management.

Sharpex is a leader in several areas in terms of products with reduced environmental impact and over the years, the group will intensify the focus development of products with improved environmental performance. Since its inception, Sharpex has known the consumer psychology and thereon working on their needs.

That’s why every Sharpex

Mega filmstar Amitabh Bachchan is the brand ambassador of Gujarat tourism pachhedi, woodcrafts, metal crafts, bamboo crafts, pithora, pottery and many more handicrafts.

POWER INITIATIVES

To promote environment-friendly industrial development, Gujarat

product has been indigenously developed with international quality and engineered to suit Indian conditions. The product designs not just make them look unique and exclusive but easy to operate, maintenance free with minimum storage space required. As a part of showing concern towards nature, all Sharpex products are eco-friendly and power saving.

Today, the flagship and most popular product is Sharpex Zero Maintenance* Electric Lawn Mower. It is India’s largest selling electric lawn mower. Its features include – Grinding attachment for the first time in the world, quick changing rotary blades with 5 height adjustment for stripping effect, Feather touch Operation, Time-nlabour saving, Maintenance-free, etc., amongst many others. As India embarks on its green journey, Sharpex is proud to be helping in keeping India green.

government is constantly working on various new initiatives in the field of non-conventional energy sources. A leader in solar power generation, Gujarat is working towards making Gandhinagar a solar city. The State government has launched roof-top solar power generation scheme to generate solar power by putting solar panels on about 50 state government buildings and on 500 private buildings. The State is emulating this project in Rajkot, Surat, Bhavnagar and Vadodara.

The State government has plans for exploiting the wind and tidal energies in line with its approach of promoting renewable energy sources in the power generation.

TOURISM IN GUJARAT

Gujarat is one of the most diverse states in India. It is the birthplace of many freedom fighters like the legendary

SPOTLIGHT

CELEBRATE HAPPINESS WITH CLUBO7

KALPESH PRAJAPATI Chairman & Managing Director

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Mahatma Gandhi, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and many others who fought the freedom struggle, infusing the qualities of tolerance, brotherhood, non-violence and patriotism into Indians.

HISTORICAL AND ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS

The cultural mix enhanced with over 4,500 years of history has endowed Gujarat with some of the greatest historical and archaeological monuments. While Lothal offers an unparalleled insight into the Harappan civilisation, Ahmedabad has specimens of Indo-Sarcenic architecture, Palitana has a profusion of temples in the Jain style, Junagadh displays Buddhist caves and Rajput architecture appears all over different parts of Gujarat.

A major tourist destination of immense potential, its historical monuments represent the great May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

C

lubO7, a new ultimate destination benchmarking International Standards based at Ahmedabad Gujarat, is the largest club facilitating western living with contemporary architecture, exciting interiors and modern infrastructure.

ClubO7 is one of the largest club in making, set in a delightful ambiance. It captivates you into a world of supreme joy and splendid beauty soothing your mind, body and soul. It is an alluring luxurious urban escape to rejoice with your family, friends, colleagues and associates.

Life is a celebration and ClubO7 is the ultimate destination to celebrate life.

A project conceived by a vibrant team of professionals to present larger than life experience to the people all over the world. The core philosophy behind it is to offer a totally ravishing experience with happiness.

ClubO7 persistently tries to make each and every occasion of life into a majestic celebration. ClubO7 is spread across ample acres, which is designed to take care of one’s ever evolving wishes and

dreams. The club offers multiple sporting amenities, entertainment complex, health club, yoga, spa, library, restaurants, coffee shops & convention centre.

The club has established its uniqueness by providing state-of-the-art facilities, Senior Citizen Room, Bowling Alley, Rifle Shooting Arena, Olympic sized Swimming Pool, Roof-Top Lawn Tennis, 1,200-seat Amphitheatre, 34,000 sq ft convention centre & a 90,000 sq ft Party Plot. Along with these services, ClubO7 has 160 international standard service apartments which comprises 1 BR, 2 BR and studios providing luxurious lifestyle and comfort to expats, NRIs as well as natives. The Club commits to provide an experience that is cherished by over 5,000 families and continues to add on more value by providing excellent facilities to its members across the world.

It’s all about a new entity that is totally approachable. ClubO7 is a home away from home celebrating everyday as a weekend. Because it’s not just about living, but enjoying life.

Lothal offers an unparalleled insight into the Harappan civilisation

religions of Asia – Hindu, Buddhism, Jain, Islam, Parsi and Sikh.

FORTS AND PALACES

The forts and palaces in Gujarat have impressive architectural monuments and the historical background. Built by Sultan Ahmed Shah in 1411, the famous ‘Bhadra Fort’ in Ahmedabad is a symbol of historical significance and belong to medieval era.

Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara is an extravagant building of the IndoSaracenic school, built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. Many other forts glorify Gujarat with their blend of Hindu, Islamic and European architecture.

A lot of initiatives that are underway are likely to make the State a strong contender for becoming a model state at the global level.

W W W . C L U B O 7. C O M

D o a n y t h i n g o r e v e r y t h i n g.

Located in the vicinity of Ahmedabad the largest club in making, Club O7 is truly an enthralling property. It not only shares pleasure’s of life & leisure’s that brings happiness but also business for growth & comfort with tranquility.

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PLEASURE

COMFORT

BUSINESS

C l u b O7 R o a d , O ff. S . P. R i n g R o a d , B e fo r e A p p l e Wo o d s , B o p a l - S h e l a , Ahmedabad 380058, Gujarat, India + 9 1 9 3 7 5 0 7 5 1 0 9, 7 6 9 8 0 0 0 9 9 6 | i n fo @ c l u b o7. c o m

SPOTLIGHT

OFFERING TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP

S

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mall businesses with a large vision most often turn large themselves. And ‘Asopalav’ is one of those many examples to support this view. Back in 1975, Asopalav started as a small retail venture at Ratanpole, Ahmedabad, and today stands successfully tall with a ‘complete women’s-mall-concept store’.

The year 1985 saw the launch of a more spacious store at Ashram Road with major focus on Bridal Wear and subsequently adding a men’s ethnic designer-wear studio. Though catering to a wide spectrum of clientele from Ahmedabad and other towns in Gujarat, Asopalav was slowly shaping into a brand that largely became a one-stop destination for discerning NRI customers. Taking the store format to another level, in 2006,

‘Asopalav, Silk India, Satellite', a over 25,000 sqft store opened with an even larger bouquet of offerings. This included separate sections for cholis, bandhanis, lehangas, party-wear sarees, heavy sarees, salwar-kameez, mix-n-match, western wear, kurtis tunics, girls’ ethnic wear, etc.

PROMOTERS

The brand was established by Vaghjibhai Vora, Hirabhai Bhansali, Dhirubhai and Champakbhai and further developed by the next generation Dineshbhai, Kamleshbhai, Kiranbhai, Anandbhai, Mehulbhai, Piyushbhai & Vikasbhai, handling different fortes. Asopalav is a brand to reckon with, one that has slowly but steadily grown over time, based on faith earned and service rendered.

A STEP TOWARDS A BETTER FUTURE

T

he Faculty of Engineering and Technology (FET) of M.S. Ramaiah University of Applied Sciences (MSRUAS) is located in Bengaluru’s IT hub and was earlier known as M.S. Ramaiah School of Advanced Studies. Established in 1999, FET offers undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes in the broad areas of Automotive and Aeronautical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

The courses and curriculum have been evolved by the members of faculty based on their teaching experience and interaction with various foreign universities and industries. The faculty offers 4-year undergraduate courses leading to BTech degree in Civil Engineering, Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electronic and Communication May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. Faculty of Engineering and Technology also offers 2-year post graduate courses leading to MTech degrees. Students are trained to use modern industry standard design

and simulation software tools and advanced engineering testing facilities in the laboratory. FET maintains a strong focus on Applied Research.

One of the main activities at FET is academic research. Research groups work on research problems with funding from various agencies and organisations.

The students who have passed out of the Faculty in the last few years have been working with multinational companies of repute. For more information, visit www.msruas.ac.in

SPOTLIGHT

PROTECTING THE ENVIRONMENT

H

ygiene Medical Industry Co. Ltd., is the largest manufacturer of professional means of hygiene and disinfection in Bulgaria. Biocides, professional detergents and industrial degreasing preparations spare the environment and provide highly effective protection and comfort for the workers, employees & clients. Since 1994, HMI has been developing and supplying high-quality means and solutions for disinfection. As an added value, HMI also offers expert consultations and training, develops individual hygienic and disinfection plans, thereby meeting and satisfying every specific need of the client.

SCULPT YOUR BODY AT HOME

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dding to their repertoire of well-being products, the latest lifestyle massage chair OSIM ‘uInfinity’, massages from head to toe.

OSIM uInfinity’s download technology offers the widest choice of the most humanised massage programmes ever. Opt to relax like a CEO, be pampered like a Tai Tai or soothe yourself after a game of golf, the options are many. The uInfinity chair allows the user to download more of the latest lifestyle massage programmes with a simple Bluetooth connection to a smartphone and also transfer the latest download massage programmes from your smartphone into the uInfinity massage chair. This OSIM uInfinity chair has a potent combination of 3 complimentary innovations. The uInfinity massage chair is priced at `5,00,000 (Octroi extra in Maharashtra). For details, log on to www.osim.com

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SCENIC GUWAHATI A bustling business town, Guwahati is divided into half by the temperamental Brahmaputra River. Explore the rustic charm of Guwahati through lenses.

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THE CITY OF GUWAHATI IS KNOWN AS ‘THE LIGHT OF EAST’ DUE TO ITS SPECTACULAR LANDSCAPE, MAN-MADE MONUMENTS AND PRESENCE OF THE MIGHTY BRAHMAPUTRA RIVER WHICH BISECTS THE CITY. May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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1. One of the biggest and most important rivers of Asia, Brahmaputra River is a trans-boundary river that flows through three countries - China, India, and Bangladesh.

2. The Kamakhya temple, in Guwahati, has a beehive-like Shikhara with delightful sculptured panels and images of Ganesha and other Hindu Gods and Goddesses on the outside walls.

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102 1&2. Originating near the Mount Kailash range of the Himalayas, the Brahmaputra River travels around 2,900 km from its origin in the Himalayan folds to the Bay of Bengal, where it empties itself after merging into the Ganges delta.

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3&4. Artistic Village in Srimanta Sankaradev Kalakshetra portrays the rural life of Assam in the most liveliest of form through life-like statues and model thatched huts.

5. The Brahmaputra River along with Ganges create the largest delta in the world, Sundarbans in Bangladesh. For most of its length, the river serves as an important inland waterway.

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FOR A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT

We must learn not to rival nature but to cooperate with it and live in harmony. DEEKSHA aims to help shape a sustainable future.

D

iffuse Environmental Education Keep Society Humbly Aware (DEEKSHA), a Research, Consultancy and Advocacy Non-Government Organisation (NGO) established in 2002 by Mrs Tripat Parmar, aims to play a significant role in providing Public Education on Environment

Teachers are effective catalysts in shaping the minds of children during their formative years, and can help them realise the importance of nature

Conservation, Environmental Care, Bio-diversity, Natural Resource Conservation, Herbal Gardens, Water Conservation, Water Harvesting, Solid Waste Management, Energy Conservation and E-Waste Management. It also conducts regular action programmes in schools, colleges

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IN PURSUIT Mrs Tripat Parmar is a Masters in Ecology and Environment, besides having done her MBA in HR and Advanced Diploma in French language.

Married to an Army officer, she has relentlessly pursued the cause of environmental conservation. People often quip that while her husband is out defending the borders of the nation, she is defending the environment of the nation.

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and universities for greening the ivory tower by organising environment related activities and provides training to people in the field of environment protection and conservation.

In order to live in harmony with nature, people need to change and there is a need to create mass realisation amongst the people of our beloved country to have environmentally conscious citizens.

DEEKSHA has been striving to this end by planning, organising and implementing programmes for natural resources care, conservation and optimum & sustainable utilisation.

Since its establishment, DEEKSHA has been working towards its goal of environmental protection and education. The primary focus of the NGO is on the youth – the student community, in particular – because it is essential to imbibe in the younger generation, respect for environment and all its facets. Once the youth has been sensitised, it will ensure the implementation of all actions required to have a clean, green and sustainable environment.

To achieve it, the NGO has carried

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Left: School students planting saplings

Mass realisation is essential to sentisise people towards nature and conservation out various activities and training programmes that include: ○ Teacher Training Programmes on topics related to water conservation, energy and fuel conservation, environmental protection & health. ○ Greening activities to include plantation, Van-mahotsav and development of wasteland. ○ Development of Herbal Gardens (so far developed herbal gardens in over 365 schools in Delhi, Chandigarh, Haryana and Punjab). ○ Installed Rain Water Harvesting Structures in institutions.

○ Published literature, handouts and posters on environmental issues. ○ Organised numerous competitions for children on various environmental issues.

Over the past 13 years, the team at DEEKSHA, formed by volunteers drawn from various walks of life (predominantly college students), have conducted action-based programmes and result-oriented projects at various places. The basic methodology of reaching across to students is through 'play way' method of executing the project, wherein the students are involved in a hands-on approach.

A few noteworthy of them are: ○ UNNATI – A project wherein children from economically weaker sections and those from well-off families were put together through a 15-day project on environment conservation. In the initial few days, there was a barrier between children. However, after the initial period, the children forged very strong bonds amongst themselves in conserving the environment.

“If different varieties of trees can grow together then why not human

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beings.” The group went on to meet the then President of India, Dr A P J Abdul Kalam at the end of the project. ○ E-Waste – DEEKSHA partnered with NOKIA to execute a project on e-waste management and awareness in Chandigarh, wherein they conducted a 3-month long campaign in the city to raise awareness among the people by educating the student community on e-waste management. ○ Development of herbal gardens DEEKSHA has been working over the last 8 years along with various agencies to develop herbal gardens in educational institutions, in residential areas and in various parks.

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○ Create to Inspire - DEEKSHA, in association with Microsoft, conducted a project on ‘Create to Inspire School Program’ for school teachers and students with a view to bring about a change in the way society handles solid waste, in particular e-waste. In this project, school teachers are trained regarding sustainable consumption, especially e-waste recycling issues. ○ Climate change - As its unique initiative, DEEKSHA conducts regular workshops on climate change by using theatre as a means to impart knowledge about global warming and also to inspire the participants and audience to make strong individual and collective steps to address the issues. The programme

Left: A view of the Garden of Three Senses in Chandigarh

Projects undertaken by DEEKSHA Project Green Mind Project for Environmental Conservation Project Jal Chetna Project for Water Conservation Project Sanjeevani Project for Development of Herbal Gardens Project Sawachhta Solid Waste Management Project

supports schools to implement environment-related educational activities specially designed for students. ○ Save the Butterfly - Butterflies are an important part of our eco-system, hence they must be preserved. DEEKSHA, through its interactive and innovative module of communications for school

students, strives to create awareness about butterflies, their impact in our day-to-day lives and reaching out to the youth in best possible manner.

Now the time has come to take note of the magnitude of the issue of dwindling population of butterflies in our country. ○ Solid Waste Management - In order to sensitise the citizens and tourists about management of the environment and impact of waste on the fragile eco system, DEEKSHA has been executing campaigns about various environmental issues.

They also seek to strengthen the existing environmental conservation activities, sensitise the citizens about various issues and ensure a clean and green city, in particular, and India, in general.

GARDEN OF 3 SENSES DEEKSHA (in association with Forest Department, Chandigarh), has developed a garden of three senses for the visually challenged children at the Institute For The Blind in Chandigarh. The garden aims to encourage the visually-challenged children to form part of the herbal plantation drive by using the sense of touch, taste and smell. The garden comprises 25 variety of plants.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

POTPOURRI

FORECAST FOR MAY 2015

BY DR. PRE M KUM A R SH A RMA

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

Good Luck Tip: Keep yellow flowers in the kitchen, as they symbolise blossoming and fulfillment in the life cycle.

Good Luck Tip: Combine the colours red, yellow, white, black and green in your office area to improve your earning ability.

Good Luck Tip: Create a balance of all 5 elements in your kitchen to encourage prosperity.

Good Luck Tip: Illuminate dark corners in your work area to generate positive energy & produce more wealth.

LEO

VIRGO

LIBRA

SCORPIO

You may find that you have greater leeway at work to set the agenda. Get rid of your devil-may-care attitude before it harms your interests. This is not the right time to acquire property. Extra efforts may be required at the end of the month to complete pending tasks at work.

Excellent showing will help you establish a niche for yourself on the professional front. Financially, you will be able to make yourself quite comfortable. Some of you may manage to tap multiple sources of income. If you can keep your impulsiveness and anger under control, you can achieve much this month.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a small, faceted crystal ball at a kitchen window to boost the money generating potential.

A celebration at home can keep you engaged. You have already made your mark on the professional or academic front, so the only thing required now is to consolidate your position.

Students should plan their future course of action keeping their long term career plans in mind.

You will be in a cheerful and optimistic mood as this month begins. A spirit of compromise and accommodation will ease work pressures and build good will.

Those feeling a bit dissatisfied with their current vocation will get the satisfaction they seek.

You are likely to focus on health now and succeed in your efforts of keeping physically fit.

New opportunities could come your way, but make sure you weigh all the alternatives before you make any commitments. You will be much sought after in a creative and recreational professional event. There appears to be a distinct improvement in your monetary condition. Your outgoing nature is likely to expand your friends’ circle.

Be diplomatic, especially at work, to minimise the chances of a runin with influential seniors.

Sometimes you feel that things are not going the way you want on the home front, but there is hardly anything you can do about it. Issues about your children may be on your mind but you must act upon it.

You will need to be focussed on your deadlines and meeting other commitments as hectic activity and constant interruptions will cause delays. Work harder in keeping your expenses under control. It may become difficult to maintain the cohesiveness of your team at work. Good news awaits some on the family front.

You can expect to have a good time at work.

Those feeling stuck in a groove will be able to set themselves free. Issues related to an ancestral property may not work out as per your wish, so discuss the issue with parents or a family elder. You may not feel too romantically inclined, so keep an alibi ready to avoid lover.

Good Luck Tip: Carry a small crystal in your purse daily to multiply your finances.

Good Luck Tip: Place a quartz crystal on your computer or beside the phone to help open lines of communication.

Good Luck Tip: Hang a mirror above your desk so that when you are seated, the entrance to your work area is reflected in it.

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

Good Luck Tip: Place a small black stone in your office or work area. These can help to ‘hold down’ the money.

Good Luck Tip: Place a piece of amethyst on your desk or computer. It will help you cope with stress or tight deadlines.

Good Luck Tip: Place some red and yellow flowers mixed in a bowl on the right hand side of your work desk to stimulate financial growth.

Good Luck Tip: Put an egg shaped object in your office to attract new business.

Your performance is likely to be rated somewhere amongst the top.

Chances of sealing a lucrative property deal cannot be ruled out for some. You can get a bit concerned about the future of a family youngster. Let them be as they will beat their own path.

You may dislike someone, but that doesn’t mean that you go around displaying it.

Be very proactive and energetic and you will welcome the kind of changes that are in store for you. Find ways to come up with solutions that will be agreeable to everyone. Projects that you initiate now will bring recognition in the near future.

Efficient handling of some pending issues will help lighten your workload.

Artistic talents are likely to come to fore in creating something aesthetic. Innovating something at work will add a new dimension to your performance.

You have the potential of earning much more than what you are drawing at present.

Health matters will be resolved satisfactorily.

Open agreements and discussions with seniors and colleagues will pave the way for you to reach out to new opportunities. Your competence and skills will make even the most difficult tasks seem like a cakewalk. Wealth is likely to come to you from various sources and make your monetary troubles disappear.

Those feeling low on the health front will bounce back.

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SPICEJET INCREASES FLIGHT FREQUENCY ON AHMEDABAD–MUSCAT ROUTE

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xpanding its international services, SpiceJet has added two more weekly flights on the Ahmedabad– Muscat sector, taking the total frequency to five flights a week.

Effective from May 13, 2015, the booking for these additional flights are open at a promotional offer fare of `5,499 all-inclusive for Ahmedabad-Muscat, and OMR 39 all-inclusive for Muscat-Ahmedabad.

The two additional flights will depart Ahmedabad every Wednesday & Sunday at 11 pm and depart Muscat every Thursday & Monday at 1.10 am.

Through Ahmedabad, passengers can connect to and from the Muscat flights from Delhi, Hyderabad and Chennai, among other Indian cities.

“India and Oman have an excellent partnership, and the passenger demand between these countries has been growing strongly,” said Sanjiv Kapoor, COO, SpiceJet. “These additional frequencies are a part of our plans to increase our international services, and we expect to add more flights and frequencies to current and potential new international destinations in the coming months as we add more aircraft,” he added.

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Muscat is one of the seven international destinations currently served by SpiceJet, the others being Bangkok, Colombo, Dubai, Kabul, Kathmandu, and Malé. SpiceJet also recently started Pune-Dubai route.

SpiceJet was a proud winner of the

'2014 Top Airline by Growth in Muscat (South-Asia)' award last year, that recognised the tremendous 277% growth in the number of passengers carried by the airline to and from Muscat International Airport in year 2014.

PLAN YOUR WINTER TRAVELS WITH SPICEJET

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ffering customers the convenience of planning their travels for the winter ahead & grabbing the best deals, SpiceJet recently announced the opening of advance booking for its winter schedule. With the introduction of the winter schedule, SpiceJet will increase its operation to 251 daily flights, against the current 245 daily flights.

In the new winter schedule, in line with the airline’s route optimisation strategy, the airline focusses on increasing frequencies and connections amongst its existing stations.

Speaking about the winter schedule, Sanjiv Kapoor, COO, SpiceJet, said, “We are pleased to introduce our winter schedule and open bookings beyond October

24, 2015. As always, those who plan and book early get the best fares. With this schedule, we will also increase our daily flights, through which we will provide more same-day return options and better connections for travellers.”

SpiceJet also notes that unlike some airlines which have recently hiked fees by 50% for last minute cancellations, it is not increasing its passenger cancellation fees which remain at a reasonable `1,500 for last minutes cancellations. “We understand that plans can sometimes change, and we want our customers to be able to make amendments without spending much,” said Shilpa Bhatia, Sr VP and Head of Sales, SpiceJet.

INSIDE SPICEJET

DESTINATION ASSAM

Showcasing the spirit of Assam, SpiceJet was the official airline partner of Rongali festival, held in Guwahati in April 2015.

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SHYAMKANU MAHANTA Chief Organiser, Rongali, Trend MMS

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ssam, blessed with largest concentration of wildlife sanctuary in the world, the largest river in country, rich and unique culture, etc., is one of the finest tourism destinations of the country. Rongali is an attempt to promote Assam as tourism destination and showcase the essence of Assam.

Rongali was organised from April 3-5, 2015 at Guwahati and witnessed participation of tourists and tour operators across the world. Local residents, various tribes and communities participated and enjoyed the colourful dance, fashion, local sports, way of life of various communities, handloom

and handicrafts, music, etc., during Rongali which was highlighted in the entire national media.

We are thankful to SpiceJet for being our partner and promoting it in its boarding passes and inflight magazine, Spiceroute, across the world. SpiceJet's involvement was greatly appreciated by the people of state. Assam's Minister Tourism Ms Sumitra Patir and Culture Minister Ms. Bismita Gogoi publicly appreciated SpiceJet's role in promoting Assam during Rongali function.

Next year Rongali is being organised in the month of February and stakeholders would be marketing Rongali across the world."

ASHUTOSH AGNIHOTRI Commissioner Tourism, Govt of Assam

“Assam has so much to offer in terms of scenic beauty, cultural richness, and ethnic variety. It has the potential to become one of the most preferred tourist destinations. Rongali showcased many products and assets on one platform, and was organised in sync with the festive mood of Rongali Bihu, that is an opportunity to celebrate the endless joy of life. I'm sure that it will become an annual event and tourists will find more reasons to visit Assam.”

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Folk dance

Zubeen Garg performing on stage

Indian Ocean performance

Girish and the Chronicles performing at the event

INSIDE SPICEJET

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FACTORS THAT MAKE

SPICEJET DIFFERENT

An airline with a difference, SpiceJet with its innovative promotional activities and warm service, leaves an impact on every customer and potential flier. Driven by their mantra - SOCCH (Safe, On-time, Clean, Courteous, Hassle-free), SpiceJet has been setting new trends, since inception, in the Indian aviation space.

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INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS SpiceJet launched numerous products to offer complete travel solutions.

The signature ‘Hot Meals’, launched in 2009, provide an all-new menu with Indian and Continental cuisines.

MySpiceTrip, a search friendly online travel portal, offers unlimited choices at unbeatable prices. SpiceFlex offers bundled fares with a range of benefits including complimentary meal, priority check-in, etc. SpiceMax was launched in 2014 to offer seats with significantly more legroom and priority check-in.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

SPECIAL LIVERY SpiceJet is the only airline to have featured images of its employees on the aircraft livery. The iconic Red Chilli aircraft (featured below), a Boeing 737, proudly displays the images of captains and cabin crew, celebrating the spirit and dedication of every single person in SpiceJet. The Red Chilli aircraft arrived in Delhi on May 23, 2014 and its first flight was operated on June 3, 2014.

CELEBRATIONS GALORE SpiceJet is perhaps the only airline that brings life to festivals, be it at the airport or in the skies; starting with Christmas in 2013 where the SpiceJet crew onboard wore Santa hats to Diwali 2014, when the employees put up a live ‘Mariachi-style’ performance of popular Bollywood songs at Delhi and Bengaluru airports. On Holi this year came another surprise as the employees wowed passengers at Delhi airport T1 with an energetic ‘flash mob’ performance.

WITH ALL OUR HEART A new expression - With all our heart - was crafted in 2014 to reach out to its fliers. Along with the heart symbol that adorns every advertisement, every banner and across media platforms, this tagline has become the core of the organisation in delivering quality service with a human touch.

BRANDSPEAK

FOR A BETTER WORLD

Depicting warmth, humanity, passion and a sense of ownership, every SpiceJet campaign exclusively features its employees, be it ground staff, cabin crew, engineers, etc., instead of professional models or celebrity brand ambassadors.

A front runner in contributing to the cause of society at large, SpiceJet graciously helps those in need. In the recent devastation in Nepal, the airline scheduled special flights to and from Kathmandu and Delhi, and even sent relief material. In September 2014, after the deadly floods in Jammu & Kashmir, the airline also amplified the relief work there. On Holi this year, a special flight was arranged for underprivileged kids from Delhi for an experience of a lifetime.

The airline’s earlier taglines Flying for everyone, launched in 2009 and Get more when you fly, launched in 2010, underscores SpiceJet’s committment to bring the dream of flying come true for everyone.

COLOURFUL WEEKENDS

And as every brand goes through an evolution of its own, who knows what lies ahead in SpiceJet’s next inventive brand campaigns.

Bringing its vibrant persona to the fore, SpiceJet introduced colourful uniform for its cabin crew during weekends. The women wear saffron or red kurtis, while the men sport black polo shirts, paired with smart denims. A first-ever initiative in India, this has won the hearts of passengers and cabin crew alike.

BIRTHDAY WISHES Passengers who travel with SpiceJet on their birthday, have a surprise awaiting them 30,000 feet above sea level. Those who register their details while booking with the airline, are presented with a personalised birthday greeting card.

SpiceJet has also adopted the cause of Garbage Free India and ensures cleanliness at its workplace across all airports.

SOFT ROCK MUSIC

FLASH SALES

A trailblazing feat in Indian aviation, SpiceJet plays selected soft rock music for boarding and take-off and again for landing & disembarkation. A track list fashioned by Sanjiv Kapoor, COO, SpiceJet, this activity has been a big hit with passengers.

SpiceJet has greatly impacted the industry with its pioneering flash sales.

The `1 fare was launched on April 1, 2014. From empowering travellers to book flight tickets to stimulating demand for the lean season, SpiceJet has truly pioneered many firsts in India.

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INSIDE SPICEJET

PILOTING SPICEJET'S

FIRST FLIGHT

In this issue, meet Capt Sandeep Varma, Senior Vice President, Head of Flight Operations, who piloted the inaugural SpiceJet flight from Delhi-Ahmedabad-Mumbai, 10 years ago.

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orn in Lucknow, Capt Sandeep Varma completed his education from Lucknow's St. Francis College. He later joined Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udan Academy, an aviation training organisation.

In 2005, Capt Varma joined SpiceJet and donned many hats like Trainer, Examiner and Chief Pilot. At present, he is the Sr VP & Head of Flight Operations. He also holds the distinction of serving the DGCA as a Flight Operations Inspector from 2007-14, in addition to his duties at SpiceJet. 1. How has the entire experience at SpiceJet been?

It has been and continues to be a rewarding & enriching journey. The opportunities here are unparalleled.

I consider myself fortunate and proud to have such a sincere and professional team.

2. What made you opt for flying as a career?

I’ve always wanted to work in an environment that would be as challenging as it would be inspiring.

I’m not one for monotony and so, aviation was just the perfect choice.

3. Do share the experience of flying the first-ever SpiceJet flight.

It was a privilege and honour to operate the inaugural flight on May 23, 2005. It was one of the most memorable experiences with the ceremonial water-canon salute at

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Mumbai airport, an excited crew, and enthused passengers.

4. The most memorable 'flying moment' in SpiceJet? There are countless! Apart from the inaugural flight, I’ve operated maiden flights to Kathmandu, Port Blair & Jammu among others.

“Budding pilots must work hard, be confident & stay focussed ”

FAST FACTS Which is your favourite route?

Delhi–Kathmandu-Delhi. It’s my favourite route especially during the monsoons.

Hobbies...

I enjoy reading and aeromodelling with my son.

Favourite film/s...

There are far too many to mention. I recently watched The Imitation Game and it was a fantastic biopic.

Favourite book/author...

You Can Win by Shiv Khera Favourite cuisine...

Chinese

5. Any special routine that you go through before/after a flight?

Adequate sleep and rest before a flight is crucial because once you’re behind the control, you have to be absolutely alert. The moment I get to the airport, I focus solely on the flight. Post every flight, I try and squeeze in a bit of exercise or just spend time with family & friends.

6. I’m with SpiceJet...

Because we have the most exceptional team of pilots, crew, on-ground staff and flight support staff. We’ve evolved with the airline in unison.

7. What changes have taken place in the industry in the last decade?

Over the last 10 years, connectivity has increased greatly. Airports have mushroomed and been revamped across the nation. Innovations in aviation technology have simplified operations and increased safety.

Our effort to conserve fuel has had a positive impact too. But, travellers have benefitted the most from expanding networks and increased competition.

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INFLIGHT STAFF The inflight crew, who among others, served SpiceJet customers on the first day of operations, on May 23, 2005 on various flights.

FINANCE

Beaming members of the Security department.

SECURITY

Celebrating SpiceJet's momentous occasion, the Finance department is radiant with joy.

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Cheers

turns 10

SpiceJet

This May, SpiceJet completes 10 years of operations in the Indian subcontinent. In this special edition, we feature a few of the many originals from various departments across India who have been associated with SpiceJet from the very start.

INSIDE SPICEJET

122 FLIGHT OPERATIONS Proud to be SpiceJetters, the Flight Operations team keeping SpiceJet flying high.

The Administration and Procurement officers who have been serving with all their heart. ADMINSTRATION & PROCUREMENT May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

INSIDE SPICEJET

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It’s been 10 years in SpiceJet and the Engineering department is abuzz with excitement.

ENGINEERING May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

INSIDE SPICEJET

COMPANY SECRETARY

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Taking a short breather from work, the Company Secretaries are all smiles.

MARKETING & SALES/HR/IT The Marketing & Sales, HR and IT departments unwind over a tea break.

A few members of the Airport Services team are present here to take part in the 10th anniversary celebrations at SpiceJet. They are part of a larger group of personnel from across India.

AIRPORT SERVICES

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INSIDE SPICEJET

MUSIC ON BOARD

SpiceJet flights play soft rock music for boarding & take-off, and again for landing & disembarkation. Here's our track list...

STEELY DAN Do It Again

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This 1972 track was the breakout hit from Steely Dan’s first album.

The lyrics are sung to a man who is addicted to nightlife and gambling.

The narrator describes the realities of the man's addictions and the consequences of his actions, but emphasises that he goes 'back, Jack, do it again', implying that it is an addiction.

FOREIGNER I Have Waited So Long The second studio album

by Foreigner, Double Vision was released in 1978. The album was mixed by Mick Jones and Jimmy Douglas.

THE PETER MALICK GROUP Heart of Mine (feat. Norah Jones) “Don’t let her know that you love her, don’t be a fool.” A Bob Dylan composition from his album Shot of Love, and re-recorded by The Peter Malick Group in 2000 featuring Norah Jones.

SpiceJet COO Sanjiv Kapoor notes, “I first heard this track playing on the radio in my W Hotel room overlooking San Francisco Bay one evening in 2005, and was immediately drawn to it and hooked... Norah Jones at her raw finest, a must for any fan!”

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

EAGLES I Can't Tell You Why

This song from The Long Run was the first to feature Timothy B. Schmit on lead vocals.

Live versions of the song was released in the 1980 album Eagles Live and 1994’s Hell Freezes Over.

STEELY DAN Third World Man An atmospheric track that talks to the 'Dirty War' in Argentina in the mid-1970s, it is from the 1980 album Gaucho.

The album proved to be Steely Dan's final studio album before a 12-year hiatus.

CHRIS ISAAK Wicked Game Album: Heart Shaped World BEE GEES Too Much Heaven

TAVARES More Than A Woman From Saturday Night Fever, this song was written by the Bee Gees and also performed by them on the same album. This is a funkier version of the track.

CROSBY, STILLS, AND NASH Just a song before I go

EAGLES Witchy Woman While the inspiration for the title and lyrics was based on various women, The Eagles had met, Don Henley had Zelda Fitzgerald particularly in mind when writing this song. The muse and sometimes genius behind her well-published author husband F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zelda was known as mesmerising.

FOREIGNER I Want To Know What Love Is

This folk rock song, released in 1977, ended up being the band’s highest climbing hit.

It is a straight ballad with mostly acoustic textures. Chateau Beach and Russ Kunkel redid the gig in 2008 in their album Rivage.

PINK FLOYD Wish You Were Here (feat. Stéphane Grappelli) Rare version of the famous track featuring renowned French violinist Stéphane Grappelli.

A 1984 power ballad sung

by British-American rock band, Foreigner, it is said to be their biggest hit till date. It has been re-sung by Tina Arena in 1998, Wynonna Judd in 2004 and Mariah Carey in 2009.

THE BEATLES Don't Let Me Down A song by the Beatles, recorded in 1969, it was written by John Lennon and credited to Lennon– McCartney. It has been said that the song was one of the first examples of the raw soul-baring where Lennon revealed his feelings and fears.

PINK FLOYD It's What We Do This instrumental piece, written by Gilmour and Wright, is from the latest album of Pink Floyd, The Endless River, released in 2014. The song reflects the band’s well preserved psychedelic and progressive feel since the 70s.

One of the haunting instrumental tracks from Pink Floyd’s latest album, The Endless River. Classic Floyd came back with this album!

YVONNE ELLIMAN If I Can't Have You Another favourite track from Saturday Night Fever, also written by the Bee Gees.

A classic, lilting ballad from the hey days of the Bee Gees.

Soft rock classic from the 70’s superhit band, America.

This 1967 song was intended as an antidote for the increasingly racially and politically charged climate of everyday life in the US. The song also has a hopeful tone with regard to the future. This is the most iconic Louis Armstrong song.

PINK FLOYD Anisina

AMERICA Sandman

CHRIS ISAAK Can't Do a Thing (To Stop Me) [Remastered Version] This 1993 song remains a favourite among Chris Isaak fans.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG What A Wonderful World

10SPICEJET

INSIDE SPICEJET

THINGS YOU DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT

From cleanliness drives to relief and rescue operations and from spreading cheer during festivals to providing a lifetime experience to underprivileged children, SpiceJet does everything with all its heart. To know more, read these lesser known facts about SpiceJet.

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1

PROJECT AKSHAR SpiceJet, in association with an NGO Akshar, recycles waste paper used in its offices. Boxes are placed in all its airport offices and the waste paper is collected on fortnightly basis by Raddi Express (co-partner of Akshar). The NGO creates affordable, eco-friendly notebooks by recycling waste paper (used sheets, magazines, newspaper, shredded paper, etc).

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SPICE IN SPICEJET Each SpiceJet aircraft has been named after a particular spice. The Boeing aircraft features English names of the spices for example Bayleaf, Nigella, etc., whereas Q400s bear Hindi names of the spices such as Saunf, Haldi, and so on.

These notebooks are created by victims of drug abuse and human trafficking to ensure a sustainable source of income for them.

2

ICONIC RED CHILLI SpiceJet is the first airline in India that has featured images of its crew on the aircraft livery. The iconic Red Chilli aircraft displays the airline’s captains and cabin crew that can be spotted from far.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

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SPICEJET MANTRA SpiceJet is driven by a mantra named SOCCH (Safe, On-time, Clean, Courteous, Hassle-free), that is followed by each employee across all offices.

INSIDE SPICEJET

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HELP IN DISTRESS In the recent calamity that struck Nepal this April, SpiceJet sent relief material to Kathmandu and even flew special flights to and from the city.

In September 2014, when Srinagar came to a standstill due to the floods, SpiceJet provided relief material that was transported free of cost, and a company doctor and medical supplies were also flown in. Their call-centres did their best to ensure seamless connection, helping stranded passengers with flight details.

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SpiceJet is a front runner in contributing to the cause of society at large. It has arranged several special flights to give differently-abled kids, orphans and underprivileged children an experience of a lifetime. In March 2015, on Holi, SpiceJet flew 25 children from the Navjyoti India and India Visions Foundations to Goa from Delhi for a day of fun on the beach.

CELEBRATIONS IN THE AIR If you happen to travel with SpiceJet on the day of your birthday, the airline conveys its wishes to its passengers up in the air. Those who register their details during booking get this greeting card.

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GIVING WINGS TO DREAMS

INNOVATIVE COVERS SpiceJet’s inflight magazine is the first inflight magazine to have more than one cover. The February 2015 issue had four covers and April 2015 had five covers showcasing five summer destinations.

CLEANLINESS DRIVE SpiceJet maintains the parks near its Head Office in Gurgaon. They are planning to adopt more such parks in neighbouring areas to achieve clean and clear surroundings. SpiceJet has also adopted the cause of a Garbage Free India.

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FESTIVE MANIA SpiceJet is perhaps the only airline that celebrates all festivals with equal enthusiasm, whether in air or at ground. From wearing Santa hats onboard to celebrate Christmas to putting up a live ‘Mariachi-style’ performance of popular Bollywood songs at Delhi and Bengaluru airports for Diwali; SpiceJet knows how to 'wow' its passengers every time.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

FIESTA-DE-GEMINI ABOARD SUPERSTAR GEMINI. FOR A SUMMER YOU’LL NEVER FORGET.

2 Nights Starting from

19,999*

3 Nights Starting from

24,999*

These images are for representation purpose only and may differ from the actual.

Bungee Run

Pool Fun

Sumo Wrestling

Body Zorb

Human Football

It’s a carnival in the high seas. And Travel Tours wants you to be there with your family. SuperStar Gemini plays host to Fiesta-de-Gemini – an entertainment extravaganza replete with Bungee Run, Pool Games, Sumo Wrestling, Body Zorbing and Football. Not to mention the exquisite food and party experience. Come over and make it a summer to remember!

INSIDE SPICEJET

BOOKING NOW EASY

FOR SME TRAVELLERS SpiceJet offers innovative travel solutions for the 'SME Traveller’. Read on for a step-by-step insight into the process.

STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO BOOKING SME TOOL: STEP 1

STEP 3 You are ready to book on SME Traveller. Login with your account information with the Login ID and password, and take advantage of the benefits under this programme.

SMEs who wish to register with SpiceJet must first log on to spiceJet.com, click on SME Traveller and register.

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STEP 2 On completing the registration formalities, an email with login ID and password will be sent to the registered email id. With these, registered SMEs can start booking tickets through SME Traveller. SMEs can either nominate and pre-register employees by uploading employee profiles or get them registered as a part of the booking process.

PROGRAMME BENEFITS • • • •

Up to 10% discount for SMEs Complimentary web check-in Flexibility in rescheduling and cancellations The points to be redeemed will get converted into usable cash post travel.

These points can then be used for the next travel for the same pax and be adjusted against the base fare only.

SpiceJet offers its new 'SME Traveller' solution to firms with up-to 50 travelling passenger strength

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

INSIDE SPICEJET

NEW 360O

GROUP BOOKING TOOL Experience the joy of travelling in a group with SpiceJet’s new group booking tool that offers end-to-end solutions.

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piceJet is the first airline in India to introduce an online tool that provides an automated end-to-end solution for group travellers. Individuals and corporates who wish to travel in groups, and even travel agents who deal in group bookings, can register with SpiceJet’s Group Traveller. From requesting for quotes to managing dashboards, it is a DIY (do-ityourself) tool from SpiceJet. The experience of travelling in a group is one-of-a-kind, and it is true when they say - the more, the merrier.

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FOR EASY BOOKING, FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW:

1. Registration process: Once you enter your agency details, submit the form. An email is sent to the registered email id for validation.

Once this is done, the airline staff will get in touch regarding further verification. Post this, the email logins will be provided.

2. Adhoc group request: Enter the various details of your trip, such as one-way, round trip or multi-city, details of departure, baggage and meal preference, and select your flight. Mention the number of passengers.

The airline will revert regarding various flight possibilities, and you can click on them for more details.

3. Update names: Once you reach the payment confirmation page, click on the ‘submit passenger’ button. Select the request for which you would like to make the payment. Once you have reviewed your option, upload passenger information, or add them manually.

4. Print e-ticket: Click on ‘Get Booking’ menu and choose the specific request for which you want an e-ticket. Click on print.

You can even resize the group by clicking on the ‘Request’ button and ‘Request Group Resize’ submenu. Once all the details are added, the airline will get in touch.

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BENEFITS:

Get prompt response to all your group queries.

End to End automation: From requesting for quotes to entering passengers' names, you can now do everything by yourself.

Dashboard: View and manage all your group bookings.

Easy usage (Short & Crisp booking flow) Accepts all forms of payment – CC/DC/IB.

From requesting for quotes to managing dashboards, it is a do-ityourself tool giving you the freedom to book according to your convenience.

INSIDE SPICEJET

ST

RS OF C AB I N C R E W

PRIYA PANDEY

AARTI RANA

LUCKY DAHIYA

Customer feedback: I flew with SpiceJet in February this year from Mumbai to Dubai. Crew member Priya Pandey, a polite and humble person, helped me a lot during the journey.

Customer feedback: I flew from Delhi to Mumbai in March and saw a great team onboard. Aarti carried a pleasant smile throughout the flight. She had an amiable demeanour and even played with kids onboard.

Customer feedback: I would like to thank the cheerful cabin crew that made a huge difference to my journey. Lucky was heading the team on my flight from Chennai to Kochi. This crew is among the best I've ever seen. Well done.

Experience with SpiceJet: SpiceJet is like my second home. It's been more than one-and-a-half years since I started working here and have seen a great transformation within myself. Thank you SpiceJet!

Experience with SpiceJet: I joined SpiceJet in 2011. Working as a cabin crew has its positive aspects. I love being above the clouds where it’s a different world. My experience with SpiceJet gets better each day.

Mumbai base

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Delhi base

Experience with SpiceJet: Flying has always been my passion and SpiceJet has given me an opportunity to be a part of it. This is the best place to work with its excellent work culture and helpful colleagues & seniors.

ASHISH KOUL

SAMEERA SYED

JUSTIN D'SOUZA

Customer feedback: I travelled with SpiceJet from Pune to Sharjah on March 5. The journey was comfortable accompanied with outstanding service from the entire cabin crew, especially Ashish Koul. I greatly appreciate his service.

Customer feedback: I will remember my maiden SpiceJet flight forever. I was travelling from Bengaluru to Pune in March and Sameera helped me choose a meal appropriate to my diet. I am deeply impressed by Sameera's caring service. Thank you.

Customer feedback: I flew with SpiceJet from Mumbai to Delhi in February this year. The service I received was absolutely fabulous.

I'm impressed with the way Justin attended a senior citizen. He helped him throughout the flight and even made sure that he received all the assistance when disembarking.

Delhi base

Experience with SpiceJet: Being a cabin crew is much more than just a glamourous life; we are responsible for attending to the needs and queries of the passengers. Working with SpiceJet has been the most precious experience for me.

May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com

Chennai base

Bengaluru base

Experience with SpiceJet: Being a part of this airline was a dream come true. I've had such a great experience with SpiceJet till date.

I look forward to a long journey ahead with the organisation in the coming years.

Mumbai base

Experience with SpiceJet: I joined SpiceJet in July 2012. It was also the first time I ever boarded an aircraft.

I have never looked back since then.

SpiceJet has changed the way I see the world.

SPICEJET SHIKHA SINGH Hyderabad base

AAVNEET

DEEPA PESALANGAN

Hyderabad base

Mumbai base

Customer feedback: I flew on March 13 from Coimbatore to Hyderabad and the assistance offered by Shikha was exemplary.

Her positive and upbeat attitude was very endearing. She is indeed an asset to SpiceJet.

Customer feedback: I was travelling from Goa to Hyderabad in February.

My experience onboard was superb as meticulous attention was given to each passenger. Aavneet comes across as a very good person.

His service is brilliant and is an excellent cabin crew member.

Customer feedback: We travelled from Jammu to Delhi in February.

After deplaning, I realised that my iPhone 5S was missing. The cabin crew checked the aircraft and I got my phone back. I would like to convey my sincere gratitude to Deepa for her timely support.

Experience with SpiceJet: My marvelous journey with SpiceJet began in 2012. It has been an amazing and learning experience so far. It has moulded me professionally and given me a positive outlook in life. I am proud to be a part of this family.

Experience with SpiceJet: I joined SpiceJet in May 2007. So far it has been a wonderful journey. I have learned a lot of things and gained confidence in myself. Being my first job ever, I am more attached to this organisation. It has the best working environment.

Experience with SpiceJet: Working with SpiceJet has been an incredible journey so far, a journey full of inspiring, magnificent and gratifying moments. This organisation has also provided a homely feeling at work. My colleagues are benevolent, compassionate, proficient & kind.

MEENAKSHI PANDEY

NARENDRA VERMA

POOJA HAZARIKA

Customer feedback: During my flight from Delhi to Goa in March, I was happy with the service offered

by Meenakshi. The hospitality & courtesy extended was greatly appreciated.

Customer feedback: During my flight, Narendra was extremely helpful. He went out of his way to meet my requirement accompanied with excellent service. SpiceJet has the best crew in the aviation industry.

Customer feedback: A first time flyer, I flew from Bengaluru to Mumbai. As I was quite nervous and alone, Pooja made sure that I didn't feel alone at all. She had a cheerful talk with me, which eased my mind.

This kind of experience will make me a permanent flyer of SpiceJet.

Ahmedabad base

Experience with SpiceJet: While working with SpiceJet, I got the real opportunity to know about my own strengths. I can never forget the enriching experience that has moulded my personal, professional and intellectual growth. Today, I feel confident as a part of the aviation industry.

Delhi base

Experience with SpiceJet: My career path took a fantastic turn the day I joined SpiceJet. It's nearly four years that I have been here. I believe in motivation, coordination and commitment. I am grateful to SpiceJet for giving me a fantastic experience so far.

Bengaluru base

Experience with SpiceJet: I am very happy and blessed to work with this organisation. My colleagues and management are very friendly and approachable. I enjoy meeting people from different walks of life every day.

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INSIDE SPICEJET

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May 2015 | www.spiceroutemag.com