TEAM G-TOWN Editor & Publisher Nishee Stephen Executive Director Dhruv Stephen Sales & Marketing Sunny Stephen Creative Director Tia Stephen Creative Support Rajat Kumar Kashyap Content Writer Tia Stephen Cover Photo Dr. Anureeta Wadhawan Photograph courtesy Pushpesh Dhingra Venue courtesy e Woods, Greenwood City, Sector 46, Gurgaon Make-up courtesy Mahima Makeovers, Saket Advertisement & Subscription inquiry gtownsocietyeditorials@gmail.com 9818090561 G-TOWN SOCIETY MAGAZINE Print, Published & owned by Nishee Stephen South City-II, Gurgaon RNI NO. : HARENH00892 follow us facebook.com/gtownsociety instgram/gtownsociety www.gtownsociety.in
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It is a pleasure to receive your love from all around the country and only with all your love, we have successfully been serving you a new edition every month. We hope to keep receiving this love and delivering the best. As August comes with hasty rains, heavenly weather, and hot tea; it de nitely leaves us feeling warm and delightful. But 'August' holds the most important occasion to our country – our INDEPENDENCE. As you know, India was freed from the British Rule on 15th August 1947 while parting ways with Pakistan and proclaiming two separate nations – India and Pakistan on the same day, so on 15th August 2020, we celebrate 74th Independence Day of India and it is surely a quite proud moment for all us Indians. However, on the other side, the shooting crime rate, the increase in crime against children, rapes, acid attack, and many more heinous crimes that take place almost everyday in India is an alarm that's been setting off since decades now and we need to LISTEN. It does not end here, poverty - 22% of Indians are living below poverty line, illiteracy – 25.63% of Indian population is still illiterate as of 2018, rise in unemployment due to COVID 19, and lack of basic necessities in many households is worrisome. We may be an independent country but the very women of this country are struggling to attain fundamental rights. It is oen easy to put the blame on our national government – the authorities, and they are at fault for not obeying the law rightfully; but if we, the people of India, take the responsibilities that are due to us and contribute our bits to the society, I am con dent that we can bring a change together. ere is always more power in unity. Let's celebrate this Independence Day by taking an oath to protect our people, our country, and our independence. Let's do our bit to this astonishing country, and watch it ourish. On the cover of this edition, we have featured Dr. Anureeta Wadhawan to get to know about her and her journey as a doctor and a warrior during the pandemic. Also, we have collected some tasteful recipes by Sabyasachi for our beloved foodies. We understand that travelling seems like a distant dream for now but we have placed a beautiful article for you to read about Vietnam and Bikaner, give it a read and you might feel like you are already there. Happy Independence Day! ank you for all our precious love and feedback. Please feel free to provide your feedback for this edition on editor.gtown@gmail.com
Aug ‘20
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DR. ANUREETA WADHAWAN
Couture : Karibi Design studio by Bindiya, Kalkaji, New Delhi Accessories : Jewellery by Anisha, Rajasthan
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he break of Coronavirus has made us all realize the importance of our ver y precious lives. When everything became so uncertain and our lives so fragile, there were thousands of people working tirelessly while putting their lives and their beloved families at risk, trying to save other people's lives; people they don't even know. ese are what we call the 'Real Life Heroes'; Heroes that wear invisible capes, go around helping people, saving lives, and saving families from losing loved ones, and all that while in the middle of the whole pandemic. ey serve for hours, relentlessly, just to serve people. We believe that Doctors deserve more appreciation than they are given, more credit for their pure hard work, and determination to serve. For this, G-Town Society has covered a Doctor that has put us in awe with her sheer hard work and determination.
DR ANUREETA WADHAWAN - Vivacious & courageous A woman with big dreams and a kind heart. Dr. Anureeta Wadhawan is a woman lled with compassion, generosity, and kindness. She is an ophthalmic consultant by profession, a social worker at heart, and an achiever by nature. She is currently working as an ophthalmic consultant and managing the hospital administration at one of the most renowned hospitals in Delhi. With her strong academics in MBBS, Diploma in Ophthalmic Medicine & Surgery, and Masters in Business Administration (hospital administration), she has persevered to achieving success. Since COVID 19 brought many twists and turns in our lives that made everything around so uncertain, Dr. Anureeta stepped forward to aid the affected people. Even though she is a professional in a separate pro ciency, she took the opportunity to assist the COVID sufferers. Apart from being a true achiever, she has also enfolded the importance of social work in her life. Her journey started when she decided to believe in herself and to turn her life around. She unlocked her strength and her wisdom when she set her mind to work not only forherself & her family but for the people around her. It was then that she determined to be a philanthropist, and she has been working tirelessly as one ever since. 09
Couture courtesy : Tatvaam Bridal collection, Andhra Pradesh Accessories : Jewellery by Anisha, Rajasthan
Aug ‘20
Couture courtesy : Amyra by Preeti Ghai, MGF Metropolitan Mall, Saket Accessories : Jewellery by Anisha, Rajasthan
With her hard work and will to serve people, she became the chairperson at I CAN FOUNDATION, NEW DELHI. As a rm believer of 'do than say', Dr. Anureeta has proven herself every time she extended herself to help people in distress around her. Moreover, she religiously supports NGOs for differently-able women and acid attack survivors. She has arranged multiple free eye camps where necessitous people can participate and get their eyes checked. is is an act of a true Indian and she executes it delightfully. As an ophthalmic consultant, philanthropist, and mother, it is oen difficult to nd a balance between the three since all the given jobs demand attention, dedication, and persistence but Dr. Anureeta has always made time to work for the underprivileged, deprived people and
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pursuing her medical practice successfully while being a caring and a nurturing m o t h e r a t h o m e . Dr. Anureeta also tells us about the struggles and challenges in her path that lead her to this stage where she is abundantly doing the needful. However, her endeavor has gained her national recognition by eminent people. A few salient recognitions include the Atal Swasthya Bhushan Samman 2019 where she was ecstatically awarded by Dr. Om Birla (Lob Sabha Speaker) and Dr. Gulleria (Director of AIIMS), and Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award 2019 awarded by Ms. Sharmistha Mukherjee, the daughter of former President of India Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, and the recognition as 'Bharat ki Lakshmi'. Her work was also appreciated by celebrities like Manoj Tiwari & Cyrus Sahukar (Actors), Ajay Maken (Politician), Shashi aroor & Meenakshi Lekhi (Members of Parliament), Ridhima Kapoor (Fashion Designer), and many more. While excelling at the social aspect of her life, she also managed to excel at the professional aspect by winning the Women HR Professional Award for 2019 and 2020. She consistently contributes her knowledgable articles in India Today Magazine.
Dr. Anureeta Wadhawan is an inspiration to many. GTown Society wants to share this inspiration with the readers and motivate them to do their bit for the nation. Check out her exclusive autobiography on Amazon for more encouragement and insight.
Tell us your story if it inspires others, and get a chance to get featured in our next edition. Photograph courtesy: Pushpesh Dhingra Venue courtesy: e Woods, Greenwood City, Sector 46, Gurgaon Make-up courtesy : Mahima Makeovers, Saket Aug ‘20
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EO & Founder, Retag - Ms. Namisha Armed with a Masters in Fashion Business degree from London College of Fashion, Our founder Namisha Gupta has always had a sharp eye for fashion & detail. Having a strong empathy with the environment and being concerned about the ecological impact of the fashion industry, the transition from passion to business was inevitable as she founded ReTag - an online luxury store created exclusively for pre-owned Women, Men & Children's apparel and accessories. "We love fashion, but we don't want our clothes to come at the cost of people or our planet " Her hard work and dedication have since been focused on creating "AN UNFORGETTABLE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE" for both buyers & sellers & spreading awareness about the advantages of buying preloved luxury goods. She is a strong proponent of sustainable fashion and has skilfully used her experience and education in building her brand "ReTag". Her air for luxury is re ected in the lovingly curated selection of designer apparel offered on the site. Within the Luxury industry, ReTag is now recognized as a rising star for its unique approach of seamlessly blending Exclusivity & Accessibility to all those who couldn't afford it. She strongly believes "If you're your authentic self, you have no competition Go for a Guilt-Free Luxury Sopping with ReTag Strolling into a global extravagance brand store say Louis Vuitton or Gucci and not having to add the items in your closet just because the number on the price tag is far away 11
from your pocket. Don't be disheartened, Retag is here to add each one of those things in the closet you missed in light of the fact that they would have been excessively cruel on your pockets. Retag is perceived as a revolution in Indian Luxury Fashion Industry and plays a signi cant role in forming the eventual fate of India's upscale Lifestyle goods industry. It is trusted by huge amounts of high spenders in India and abroad. Retag gives its clients a wide range of bona de luxury items and certi ed preloved branded products, covering more than 500 Indian and worldwide luxury brands like Burberry, Balenciaga, Jimmy Choo, Dior, Chanel, Bottega Veneta, Hermes and so forth. e items are sourced from their believed worldwide sourcing and exible chain system of driving extravagance style boutiques over the world. Retag gives Authenticity Certi cate since the commencement and has a 100% reputation of delivery just genuine items. Retag was found with the vision of making luxury accessible and affordable. It is conceptualized by a committed group of experienced experts who accept that "luxury is sustainable" and that each luxury piece, regardless of whether recently acquired or relished for long, is signi cant speculation. Particularly in the hours of COVID, when we're all confronting a monetary crunch and not prepared to surrender the lavish way of life, Retag has made extravagance feasible and reasonable.
Aug ‘20
THE PANDEMIC HAS FORCED US By karan Sood, Co-founder Fastor ALL TO SLOW DOWN
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here is absolutely no denial in the fact that this pandemic already has and will continue to bring an irrecoverable loss for the hospitality industry. Covid-19 has put the whole world under complete lockdowns. Governments were forced to impose strict restrictions for our battle against the virus. With everything shut down, the economy has suffered and shows a slow rate of recovery in the future. e hospitality industry has taken a huge hit due to coronavirus and continues to remain in loss. Talking about the nightlife, it is the most affected when it comes to bars and clubs as the government is still to issue regulations and allowance to operate. e virus has made the entire F&B industry suffer as these places had to be shut down. In fact, it is never going to be the same for a while even if it re-opens and starts functioning. It is going to transform the way the industry works and is going to pose numerous challenges which cannot be underestimated. e processes are going to change and demands for a system which can help the Hospitality Industry Took A Huge Hit Because Of Social Distancing e very existence of the hospitality industry is based on socializing, vacationing, partying, and basically everything that includes people meeting and greeting each other outside the four walls of their houses and office buildings. With the all-new concept of social distancing, people are not sceptical but also scared to move out and meet other people because that can lead to the spread of the virus. It is only unfortunate but practical, for a number of o restaurants, bars and lounges to have shut down during the pandemic, due to lack of nancial resources. Maintaining a restaurant requires huge amounts of money and with complete shut down for more than 3 months, the owners had no choice but to permanently shut down their businesses or convert into take-away and delivery outlets. e virus has already made many businesses go frugal, people have lost their jobs, loss in revenue all and even shutting down of the businesses. e big businesses might still stand a chance to survive once things start going back to normal but the mid-tier and small businesses have been experiencing and will 12
continue to experience a sharp and steep fall in their revenues bleeding every day and losing the consumers. e economy is experiencing one of the deepest recessions but is soon expected to experience growth with time and proper participation of the consumers and not to forget passing away of the virus. Aug ‘20
Technological Integration In e System Is e New Hope In is New Normal ough people are all set to continue with the new normal, it requires a great deal of creativity before the reopening and functioning of these places can start. e consumer response is supposedly never to reach its full capacity both because of the fear of the virus and social distancing regulations which snatches away the business and also the experience of socializing. We need advanced technological support to keep people socially distanced while they enjoy their time with their loved ones outside without the fear. Apps with AIenabled Self-checkout system aimed at enabling a contactless and queue less process for the easy functioning of business processes is the need of the hour. ese apps are digital and comes with a dynamic system which uses a QR mechanism to make the ordering and payment contact-free, feasible and user-friendly. People are working day in & day out to make these apps the next generation engagement platform for retail & food places where buyers can level up their experiences & business can get better opportunities to sell. In the last few years, contactless technology has made great progress due to the increasing popularity of smart phones. Contact-Less is now a reality which is about to transform consumers daily activities such as ordering, paying for purchases in retail. is new technology will immensely become successful post lockdown, due to social distancing, hygiene, infection spread. Such technological integration in the system is moving with a clear approach to convenience. is means that they are not forcing anyone, instead the aim is to create an organic necessity for the product. ese apps are a new customer experience for the end user and they have a clear approach to cater to the needs 13
of their business partners in the most Innovative way possible. From where I see, the three utmost reasons why a person goes out to eat is because either the place serves great and hygienic food, the pricing is affordable and it gives you a comfortable place to spend some time in, and that is what the app aims too. While restaurants are working at their full capacities to maintain the hygiene, with the integration of technology, they can minimise physical contact and prevent the chances of community spread. When the customer knows that a certain restaurant is taking care of the minimum touch points and giving the same service then people will want to come and eat. So self-checkout platforms are the need of the hour, especially for the hospitality industry.
Aug ‘20
Is Fast Fashion The Way Forward
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Introducing Nylangan Hindustan "A piece of art. A wisp of cloud, e charm of a woman..”
'Nyl'
derived from 'Neel' and 'Angan' which stands for a courtyard, combine to form Nylangan; for the love of indigo. Nylangan, is the place where the calm comfort of ne-spun fabrics and the aesthetics of contemporary art come together. Founded on the belief that fashion needs to be personal, Nylangan offers artisanal clothing that is timeless, effortless and beyond seasons. All our collections are created to tell stories; of the cra, of the artist and of the individual who wears Nylangan. 16
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Pragmatic, Uncluttered, Minimalistic: Our designs embody all this and much more. With intricate detailing, understated patterns and cuts, each piece is effortless to wear. Garment silhouettes are put together by highlyskilled seamsters and pattern masters, to lend a awless contour to each garment. So uid fabrics that have
incredible drapes to complement different body types and crisp cottons are used to cra elegant and structured looks. A lot of effort is put into garment construction and developing the fabric through different wash techniques to ensure stunning quality.
Designed and developed by a team of passionate non-conformists, Nylangan is a brand de ned as much by its creators as its customers.
THE NYLANGAN WOMAN Nylangan, for women, transcending all age and generational boundaries, 'e Nylangan Woman” is well read, intelligent and independent. Her sense of individuality and an unwavering self-assurance in her abilities, make her stand apart. An avid believer in honesty and authenticity, she seeks fashion that can be truly hers. She stays away from impulsive buying, and sets her own trends. Her wardrobe is carefully curated to t pieces she loves and cares for. Comfort in whatever she wears is of utmost importance, but she never compromises on style. She is as Soulful as an explorer, she is as Individualistic as a creator, she is as sophisticated as a Leader. 17
Aug ‘20
“Evolution of Ethnic fashion since independence" Nidhi Yadav, Creative Head and Founder AKS Clothings
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ndian fashion is known for its cultural heritage, elegance, and colorfulness. While the fashion scene in India has forever been changing, it has sustained its subtlety and beauty through the passage of time. Indian fashion has evolved to leave an indelible imprint upon the fabric of world fashion. People from different countries – including some of the greatest social icons – have been spell-bound by the charm of Indian fashion. While some prefer to aunt the exotic Indian ethnic wear at social gatherings and special events, there are others who have adopted Indian fashion wholly, and their wardrobes re ect the Indian style of dressing, which is both comfortable and elegant. India's transformation in women's clothing and fashion over the years has been a great revolution. As the country began to create its own identity, its citizens, especially the women, began their very own transformation that eventually set the standards of Indian fashion. Ethnic fashion is the pride of all Indian people. Now, the emergence of fusion wear is revolutionizing the Indian fashion industry. Women of today are looking to blend contemporary styles and vintage charm, and thus, the Indo-western wear is becoming very popular, very quickly. Saree could be traditional but the style of draping is not! Saree is one such versatile women's clothing that has been India's trademark fashion style over the ages. Saree is the staple that will instantly set you apart from the crowd at any social event. But there are so many versions of the Saree available nowadays that it could be considered a totally separate segment in the fashion industry. With the evolution of the fashion world, Saree has also gone through numerous stages of evolution – each one unique and beautiful. Back in the day, when fashion was not a preference, Sarees were made and draped in such a way as to provide maximum functionality. But over the years, the full fashion potential of the iconic Saree has been realized. Women, throughout history, have experimented with the Saree to make it look more beautiful, elegant, and regal and as a result, we now have a plethora of variations of Saree on our hands. Depending on your fashion style, you can easily choose what you want. A single Saree could be worn in multiple ways and can turn heads anywhere. Different types of drapes, different types of styles, different types of fabrics, and colors make Saree a truly unique dress. 18
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Charm of Indo-Western As the name suggests, Indo-Western is a fusion dressing style where we pair some elements of Indian and western out ts to create a piece that is both aesthetic and functional. e rise of IndoWestern wear could be attributed to women empowerment in the country. More and more women are becoming a part of the corporate sphere and as a result, they want clothes that are both fashionable and comfortable. e fusion wear solves this problem by balancing the functionality of western wear with the aestheticism of Indian ethnic wear. e combinations may be done within the clothing itself, like pairing an Indian style dhoti pants with a western top, or a dress made in Banarasi brocade fabric, but cuts are western style.
From Lehangas to Long Skirts Dealing with those heavily worked lehengas at ceremonies is a thing of the past, and people are switching to long skirts. Acing a long skirt as a lehenga may not seem like an easy feat but many in uencers have done it the right way and have dazzled the crowds. No other fashion industry in the world designs clothes so vibrantly and colorfully as the Indian Industry does. Whether it is a saree, or a salwar-kameez or a dhoti or a sherwani, each piece of clothing re ects the rich heritage of our star-studded country. ese clothes are a re ection of the vibrant Indian identity and attract people residing outside the subcontinent. 19
Today, the Indians, whether they're living within the country or abroad, love getting dressed in the classic Indian ethnic wear. ese days, the internet has been a great assistance in promoting ethnic wear all around the globe. us, accessibility to these super-fashionable products with a combination of classic crasmanship, textile, and colors has made them really popular, which they deserve to be. ere aren't many cultures le in the world which spend so much effort into craing clothes as we do, and in a world that is becoming more and more minimalistic and functionality driven, it is nice to have a fashion segment that sticks to its roots and favors tradition, elegance and beauty. Aug ‘20
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Face Mask as a Fashion Statement Meha Bhargava, Founder Styl.Inc
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ace masks have become an essential commodity in the times of the pandemic. It is a must-have accessory for anyone stepping out of their homes. It is important to wear a mask because it prevents the spread of the virus. Considering the current circumstances, it seems that we will have to wear masks for a while now. e demand for masks has spiraled. ere is no doubt that fashion nds its way. We can see the Internet and ecommerce websites lled with fashionable, oral, multicolored cotton masks. Masks are de nitely tting into the fashion industry as they become such an important part of our wardrobes, it's not surprising that they've become a fashion statement. Face masks have become ubiquitous in today's world. Masks as a Fashion accessory Masks are de nitely not a fashion accessor y. However, this trendy fabric piece can help you in leveling up your look. Instead of wearing the boring N-95 surgical and regular masks, you can spice up your game by wearing a fashionable mask. You can do virtual shopping in Delhi and shop for your favorites Trendy and matching face masks – A new essential for all the brides Bridal face masks are the new addition to the wedding ensembles. Bridal face masks are available in abundance, and you will have a lot of choices. ey are actually pretty stunning that you won't be able to ditch them. ey are the new accessory that will complement your overall look on your big day. From gorgeous oral to pearls, ribbons, and satin face masks, you will get everything you want. We will help you nd the perfect pair for your elegant wedding dress or casual out t. e unique and textured design on the masks can seriously be a game-changer for your out t. 24
A mask to t every personality It is not just the brides and the female fashionistas who are experimenting and donning such elegant face masks. ere are face masks for men too available in the market. ere are special large face masks for men with beards. You can also choose from bold colours and printed masks. In short, there are masks in different styles and fabrics to suit every personality that will help you stand out from others. Masks are a part of our future, and wearing a face mask is the new normal. e fashion industry is turning the face masks into a must-wear fashion accessory. Aug ‘20
Tips to look good on Video Calls Article by Meha Bhargava, Founder Styl.Inc
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orking from home is here to stay and video conferencing is for sure taking over everyone's lives. Be it a meeting or an interview or a dinner party; everything is happening over a video call. e global pandemic has led to shutter businesses and operations. Even aer the lockdown is lied, working in a remote situation is the #NewNormal, sitting in front of the webcam, attending zoom video calls has been the latest trend. As a wedding stylist & Image management consultant we are used to virtual meetings with our NRI clients, conduct webinars and live sessions for our clients. So, we thought of creating video conferencing style guide for all the corporates out there. If you are entering the professional world or are new to video conferencing, this guide is for you. Here are some tips and tricks to look presentable and professional on camera: 1) Choose a bright spot One must choose the right spot where there is enough natural light, and the focus is on you. e best will be to position your laptop in front of a window for natural lighting. If the light is behind you, the focus will shi from you. If there is isn't enough sunlight in your room, make sure the light is front-facing. Bad lighting or a wrong angle can create shadows on your face. erefore, you must avoid that and choose the right spot. 2) Dress up a bit e clothes that you wear can be a game-changer. If you have a meeting, make sure you dress professionally. Avoid wearing t-shirts, pajamas, and sports tanks. Choose something that you would wear to the office if you were to attend a meeting in person. Avoid statement pieces. Wear simple and light jewellery for video calls. Choose solid colors over patterns and stripes. Hire a personal stylist Delhi and get help from the personal stylists on what clothes to buy. Brush your hair and put on some light makeup. Use a concealer if you have dark or puffy eyes. 3) Choose a neutral background To minimize the distractions and make it more professional, you should always choose a neutral background. You don't have to showcase the wall with family pictures or the home décor. It can be distracting for the other person. erefore, it is important to pick the 25
right background. Remove objects from the wall that may cause distractions. 4) Eliminate clutter and distractions Eliminate every object that looks distractive in the background. Put your phone in silent mode. If you are using your phone, keep it at a place. No one would like a shaky video. Check the angle of your laptop or smartphone. Keep it to the eye-levels. If you have pets or children, make sure they are not present in the same room. Ask someone to take care of them while you attend your video call. 5) Maintain eye contact with the person Don't look at yourself and maintain eye contact with the other team members. Imagine like you are attending the meeting in person and pay attention to what other team members are saying. Remember, your colleagues can watch you and your activities. ey will be able to guess whether you are paying attention or not by watching your movements. 6) Position yourself in the center of the camera Video calls are even likely to have technical glitches. erefore, you should avoid getting late for video calls. Be on time and adjust the set-up before the meeting. e focus should be on you. us, position yourself in the center. Check the features of the video conferencing application you are using and keep all the notes nearby. https://www.styl-inc.com/
Aug ‘20
Preety Tyagi
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or this edition, we'd like to introduce you to Vibrant Preety Tyagi, a holistic Health Coach certi ed by the Institute of Integrated Nutrition, New York.
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(Preety, Vipin, Armaan and Pari) Along with being a Health Couch, Preety Tyagi is also the founder of My22BMI; a digital platform for diet and nutrition planning globally. She's an alumnus of Delhi University where she completed her Bachelor's, and Symbiosis where she gained her MBA degree. Preety tells us that she has always been inclined towards building a healthy lifestyles and habits which led to motivating her take up the course with the IIN where she specialized in Gut Health. Preety is an entrepreneur and a public gure for a several years now. She has also been modelling for reputed brands; both for print ads and fashion shows. She rmly believes in making the society a better place to live so she associated with various social services and causes through her line of work.
G-Town Society Team had a little chat with Preety Tyagi that we would love to share with you. As we know, you're now a health couch and an entrepreneur. We would like to know why you chose to be an entrepreneur? And if you wouldn't have been an entrepreneur, what would you be? For me, the health coaching journey started with the completion of my course in Gut Health from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, New York for my own health bene ts. I went through the course to bring my own self out of my health and hormonal issues. I began with helping my friends and family and had a few success stories in my hand already. It was only aerwards, when I wanted to make it as a profession and started freelancing. With freelancing, and the spread of word of mouth, I 29
knew that this is something that people are interested in and looking for, that I launched my company in India, My22BMI. Entrepreneurship turned out to be great for me as I am a people's person and working with a team of people towards the same end goal is my thing. I have always been inspired to do something for the bene t of people in some way or the other and this seemed to give me a sense of satisfaction aer helping so many people come out of their health issues. If I wasn't an entrepreneur, then I would have preferred to be involved in social issues and work for social causes. is is something that I still do but I take it as a full-time job. Aug ‘20
Working as a woman seems to be a bit of a challenge when it comes to balancing profession and home. Do you have any suggestions that you would like to share with young aspiring women? I think managing work and home together is difficult but can be managed by striking a good balance. It's important to de ne your work and home timings, responsibilities and duties. It also helps to manage a team of people to help you and support you at home, just like you have at work. Dividing the work and kids duties among the spouses is a great way to lighten the burden a bit as well. Working parents must also work towards making their kids independent at their duties from a very tender age. is helps them in log run and helps the parents in their everyday life.
It is oen observed that women tend to be more scrutinized by family, friends, and society as compare to men. What is your opinion on the same?
It is considered that women's contribution is lesser in the Indian Start up Community than men. What according to you is the reason?
Of course! is is not hidden from anyone that women have always been more prone to scrutiny from various sections of the society, be it family, friends, workplace, society as a whole. I have been lucky to have an extremely supportive husband and family who not only let me be but also support me in my work by taking up chores on my behalf, by giving the much needed emotional support and by taking pride in my achievements. But I know so many of fellow working women, who have to rst battle with their own family, in order to take that rst step and hence, moving ahead becomes all the more difficult. When it comes to scrutiny by the society, it will always be there, no matter what. What women need to understand is, it doesn't matter how they look, or how they dress. It doesn't matter which working hours they choose for themselves, it doesn't matter which eld of career they venture into, as long as they perform well, no one can stand and question their capabilities. And some of the people who still do so, are mostly those, whose opinion doesn't matter at all.
I think women are contributing a lot in many spheres of entrepreneurship and if they start being taken seriously, with proper funding and launches, they can emerge as big market players. It's the dynamics of the startup world that is getting more and more male centric. Women are still providing with a lot of potential by running their businesses with efficiency. We have heard many takes on women empowerment. We would love to hear what does it mean to you.
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To me, women empowerment is Equality and nothing else. Women empowerment means that women are free to make and own their choices. ey are not bound by conforming to what society, customs, protocol or individuals feel, but driven by what each woman de nes for herself at every stage of her life. It's the power of being able to decide, do and live the way they want to, without being subject to being answerable to the family, or to the society. Women empowerment means that a woman gets to choose her life and take her own decisions, just like a man does. Aug ‘20
Preety Tyagi shared some very important tips to follow during this quarantine. Give it a read and make sure that you're keeping yourselves safe and immune.
TAKING CARE OF YOUR DIET DURING QUARANTINE Here are some tips to make sure you're taking care of your diet and not indulging into over/binge eating
- First and foremost, MONITOR your eating schedule. I always emphasize on maintaining a food log, food journal, by mentioning the time of intake and what food was eaten. Also, mention the number of glasses of water taken. is may sound very methodical and a bit too tedious, but is doable during the lockdown. is serves as a powerful tool to connect your brain with your physical and emotional hunger. Since, boredom can turn people towards food, a bit too oen, a food journal can help them understand that whether it' a boredom call or real hunger.
will help you ensure that you dont feel hungry again and again. Examples of such snacks are- almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, ax seeds, coconut akes, fresh coconut, coconut water etc. All these foods are full of essential components as well as are good sources of healthy fats. ese help you stay full and keep your food and sugar cravings under control for longer.
- Feed yourself on Fibrous fruits and vegetables. Foods that are high in ber, keep us full and give us energy for longer time periods. Also, these foods are excellent for a healthy gut. High ber foods are also generally high in vitamins and minerals, and hence provide us with a great balance of essential vitamins and keep us healthy. - Drink enough WATER. Water is essential to keep us hydrated and satis ed both physically and mentally. Also, oen enough when our bodies are actually thirsty, our hormones may trick us into believing that we are hungry. is is something that oen leads us to overeating or binge eating. Hence, it's important to rule out the possibility of thirst over hunger before consuming extra calories. So, everytime you feel like eating a snack in between meals, rst go and drink a whole glass of water. Give your mind and body two minutes to realise. If you feel hungry still, then go grab a healthy snack, otherwise, give it a pass. - Feed on Healthy snacks. Keep some healthy snacks always handy during the lockdown. It's important to munch on something that provides you nourishment as well as satisfaction that 31
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7 important things that you should understand about your fertility Inputs by Dr. Shobha Gupta, Medical Director and IVF Expert from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre
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inancial stability is a need of an hour for every couple these days. Getting an education, building a career, buying a house, a nice car, good salaried job and much more. e majority of people don't feel in a position to start a family until
Our lifestyle and health sometimes do not support fertility, particularly when we are waiting. It is very important to be healthy and being physically to have ababy. ere are now more women giving birth in their 40s than in their 20s and theaverage age of a [ st time] mother is now 30 plus years. Men are also delaying fatherhood, with the average age of a st time father now is 33 plus years.
So, here are seven things that are important to keep in mind about fertility: 1. Surely, Age plays a pivotal part: With increasing age in females, the ovarian reserve or the number of eggs that a lady has, reduces drastically translating into decreased chances of natural pregnancy. Moreover there is a rapid decline in quality of eggs too due to which the chances of miscarriages also may increase. Research has shown that a 40 year old female seeking fertility has only 25 % chance of pregnancy with own eggs and it decreases to 1.6% at age of 44. If she conceives, the risk of miscarriage is around 25% at 40 years and around 50% at 44 years. No one is guaranteed to not have a problem conceiving, especially as age of the eggs is only one factor – others include tubal damage, endometriosis, lack of ovulation and, of course, male factor. e only true test of fertility is to actually try to conceive. 34
2. Infertility affects men just as much as women: A one third of couples experiencing fertility problems struggle to conceive due to the man's fertility; for another third it's due to the woman's fertility, and for another third the infertility remains unexplained. But fertility problems in men are on the rise; one in fve men now has a low sperm count. Problem with sperm is the most common cause of infertility in men. is may be because of a low count or no sperm, or because the sperm are the wrong shape or don't move very quickly. Apart from sperm defect other cause of male infertility are damaged testicles, hormone levels, a previous illness, medication or it can be an inherited problem, but oen there's no known cause. Aug’ 20
3. Be practical and understand your own fertility: If fertility problems are spotted early, it can improve chances of conception later and moreover it will save your time. ere are majorlly ve tests that you can undergo which includes AMH blood test, ultrasound examination, antral follicle count, semen analysis and a full review of medical and reproductive history. Get a full knowledge with your test results and family history, your consultant will be able to give you an accurate picture of your fertility and if any steps need to be taken now to preserve your future family plans. 4. Your lifestyle matters: Lifestyle choices have a signi c nt impact on fertility but if you change them, in due time; chances are that you can improve your fertility levels. For women, weight has a signi c nt role to play in fertility. If you're a woman who is underweight or overweight, it can impact the chances of you conceiving and also miscarrying. For men, weight has less of an effect, though sperm quality does decrease as the weight increases, so best to keep a watch. In addition to this smoking alcohol consumption, no physical activity, ease to junk food, too much sugar consumption etc may negatively affect fertility. 5. Plan in advance: If you realise at any point earlier in life that you may have to delay child bearing till the age of 40- then it is a good decision to freeze your eggs. e advantage of this process is that you have a good chance of getting pregnant with your own eggs using IVF bat 40 also as the
age of the eggs at the time of freezing was less than 40yrs. 6. It's important to get to know your cycle: Skipping of period dates and delays are common sight aer 30 years of age; so do keep a check on your menstruation cycle and also on the days that you ovulate. is would ensure the right day you could conceive and it's how prospective parents can probably decrease the time taken to get pregnant. Many women with irregular periods use ovulation kits or apps to help. But these tools can add stress and cost, and if it doesn't work or you are using it incorrectly, you could potentially miss having sex during ovulation; instead try and having sex every two to three days between periods. 7. Limitations are there with fertility treatments: IVF was st introduced more than 40 years ago and most of the couples think that they didn't have to worry about infertility and that they would be able to get pregnant despite the odds. However, there are limitations to every fertility treatment. IVF success declines with age and it's negligible aer the age of 42 years. In fact, there is sharp rise in loss of eggs every month aer the age of 35. Once a woman is out of eggs, she is out of eggs. e only option she has is to use donor eggs. Most of the couples keep delaying IVF thinking that it's the last resort. is outlook actually worsens their chance of conceiving. So aer knowing each and every aspect of declining fertility, it is best to plan early and maintain the healthiest lifestyle.
PROFILE – DR. SHOBHA GUPTA – MEDICAL DIRECTOR MOTHERS LAP IVF CENTRE Dr. Shobha Gupta is the Medical Director of the renowned Mother's Lap IVF Centre in New Delhi, India. She has nishd her MBBS from the famous Lady Harding Medical College and her PG from the wellknown Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and has over 20 years of experience infertility, gynecology and obstetrics. She is also trained in ART from Germany and obtained MD in Gynecology and Obstretics from USA. Dr. Shobha Gupta is an extremely talented, meticulous and one of the best IVF doctors in New Delhi, India we have, who developed an ardent interest in childlessness or infertility and developed a caring feeling for the 35
couples suffering from it and thus went forward to dedicate herself for infertility training under the honored Justus Liebig University in Germany. A thought leader in the industry, she is frequently interviewed on the subjects of IVF, egg donation and surrogacy. Dr. Shobha has developed a passion for making the infertile patients conceive. According to her it is a very noble profession and this is the best gi in this world. She treats these cases as a challenge and derives joy from the successful cases. Aug’ 20
Adolescent Health
(Author - Dr Prathima Reddy MBBS, MRCOG (London), FRCOG (London), FACOG (USA) Director, Senior Obstetrician and Gynaecologist - Fortis La Femme Hospital, Richmond Road
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dolescence is perhaps one of the most complex stages in human development. It is a time when there is rapid physical, social, emotional and sexual development. e World Health Organization de nes Adolescents as those people between 10 and 19 years. India is home to 253 million adolescents, accounting for 20.9% of the country's population. Almost 72% of the adolescent population resides in rural areas. ese growing years can affect the adolescent and the family if not handled properly. So, what are problems that can particularly affect an adolescent?
Nutrition Adolescents have increased nutritional demands as they go through a growth spurt in this period. If these demands of the body are not met, they can suffer from malnutrition, anemia and vitamin de ciencies. is can lead to chronic disease and under performance in school.
behaviors with females four times more prone than males. is suicidal behavior is independently associated with factors such as absenteeism, independent decision-making, premarital sex, sexual abuse, physical abuse from parents, and mental disorders. In India, suicide among adolescents is higher than any other age groups.
On the other hand, obesity is also becoming a growing problem in the Indian adolescent as in the West. A study in Chennai showed that 90% eat food or snacks while watching TV, 82% buy food products and snacks based on advertisements and 59% skipped outdoor activities for TV. Increasing consumption of “junk food”, lack of exercise. Television viewing in childhood and adolescence is associated with overweight, poor tness, smoking, and raised cholesterol in adulthood.
Psychiatric disorders among children and adolescents are very common and ranges between 6.5% – 23%. Unfortunately, it is underreported and hence largely goes unrecognized and untreated. Young people can also experience exam stress, anxiety, eating disorders, anger issues, low body image issues and issues of bullying at school.
Mental Health Enormous changes – physical and emotional that take place in this phase of life can place a huge burden on an adolescent's mental health. It is one of the most neglected issues among adolescents. Mortality and morbidity due to mental disorders in adolescents has increased in recent years. A study from Goa, among 16–24 years old, shows 3.9% of youths reported suicidal 36
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Substance Abuse Substance abuse among adolescents is a serious issue and more oen than not is not accorded the importance and recognition that it deser ves. Peer pressure, experimenting with new things, wanting to do the “in thing” and being “cool” and not being aware of the longterm consequences of substance abuse, are some of the contributing factors in this age group. Evidence from studies says that in the age group 15–19, about 11% of adolescent boys and 1% of adolescent girls had consumed alcohol and 3% consume it daily. About 29% boys and 4% girls use some kind of tobacco. e average age at tobacco use initiation was earliest at 12.3 years and alcohol usage at 13.6 years among adolescents. (National Family Health Survery (NFHS)–3 data) About 11% of cannabis users were introduced to it before the age of 15.
Sexual Health Sex education is still a taboo topic in many parts of our country. e NFHS stated that only 15% of boys and girls in the age group of 15 – 24 years had ever received sex education. Because of inadequate knowledge, they are at risk of unprotected sex, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Finally e adolescent and teenage years can be challenging times both for the adolescent and the parents. Talking about the physical and mental changes that occur during adolescent and teenage years can be a good start. Good communication and bonding with your child can help him/her con de in you. Supervising and involving yourself in their activities will help promote a safe environment and build a rapport with their friends. Being aware of the behavioral changes in your child can help pick up problems and address them. Listening, rather than giving advice is a powerful tool that can help build and mend bridges. So, good luck, enjoy the growing years!
Sexual Abuse Sexual Abuse is a major but underreported problem faced by both girls and boys. Most cases go unreported as the victim is silent for fear of social stigma. is affects the health, both physical and mental of the child and can manifest itself as poor performance in school, absenteeism, poor self-image, sudden change in interpersonal relationships, irrational and violent behavior.
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Covid-19 anxiety discomforts the parents to be by Dr. Anubha Singh, Medical Director, Gynecologist and IVF Specialist at Shantah IVF Centre
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h e c oron a v i r u s p an d e m i c an d t h e subsequent lockdown increase the risk of prenatal anxiety and depression. It is important to strengthen the support for women and to reduce their fear and anxiety. e current, hopeful assessments of the new corona virus are based in large part on a study published online in June in e Lancet of nine pregnant women in their third trimester in Wuhan, China, who had pneumonia caused by COVID-19. None of the women developed severe illness, and all of their babies were born healthy. e risk of passing the infection to the fetus appears to be very low, and there is no evidence of any fetal malformations or effects due to maternal infection with COVID-19. Pregnant women are more vulnerable to infection with COVID-19 compared to the general population, based on the incidences of corona-affected patients in China and knowledge of viruses that cause severe respiratory illness. But the anxiety that has built up around pandemic is getting worse day by day. Smriti Arora (name changed) 33-year-old who is full-term pregnant with IVF and due any day now said “I am too worried about my baby catching the virus. I am being extra cautious and not only following advice from my doctor but also ensuring social distancing in my house as well. Despite all that, I have to admit, the anxiety does get to me". On the other hand Sumit Sharma said that his wife Ritika, 32 year old is six-months pregnant and currently managing without routine check-ups, while staying indoors to be safe. “e current scenario about pandemic is very stressful for our family. ere's the fear and the fact that none of you know how long it will last, no vaccine has been formed yet, and the enormity of its effect on us, makes us more fearful” he said. Pregnant women to avoid routine antenatal checkups, if they are not in the category of high-risk category or in the last trimester of pregnancy.
scared of involuntarily contracting the corona virus and passing it on to their unborn kids. For some reason, they think they can protect their children better once born. My advice has been to wait till they are full term, 39-40 weeks, as a baby is any day safer in the womb than outside. No nanny or house help available It's standard practice in most households to hire external help for post-natal care, including herbal oil baths for mom and child. "We had found a nanny to help me aer the delivery, including the oil massages for both me and baby and other needs of the child, but with the ongoing virus, I am not sure if we are comfortable in calling her home or maybe she also won't be able to come anytime soon,” said Smriti Arora.
Due to anxiety and future tensions, there's an increased demand for caesarian section births also. Amid all the chaos surrounding the pandemic, medical experts say that there has been an increased demand for elective caesarian sections. A lot of pregnant women have been requesting us for early C-sections, because they are 38
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Limited post-delivery care e fact is that new mothers are being sent home as soon as possible aer delivery. New mothers being sent home within 24 hours of delivery to avoid infections. Many are still processing these sudden changes. Normally, we would have kept them for a few days, depending on the type of delivery, which also allowed us enough time to help them understand the needs of the newborn. But these are extraordinary times, and we cannot afford those luxuries. Even routine scans and consultations have been halted for women in earlier stages of pregnancy.
e virus was not present in amniotic uid, the babies throat, or in the breast milk. e risk of passing the infection to the fetus appears to be probable but very low and there is no evidence of any fetal malformations or effects due to maternal infection with COVID-19. Remedies to boost a pregnant mother's immunity · Stock up on C
Take necessary precautions e precautions for pregnant women are more or less the same like washing hands regularly and effectively with soap, avoid large gatherings, social distancing, adequate rest and balanced diet are also important in maintaining the health of the immune system, fetal kick count should be checked daily and online routine checkups should be considered as much as possible. Be very aware of the potential symptoms of Corona Virus and the regular u symptoms so that the pregnant women can call their health provider if they have any which include fever, respiratory symptoms or possibly even diarrhea. Additionally, if you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, you should monitor your own temperature and be especially aware of any respiratory symptoms. Your doctor can advise best steps for care and testing. A study of nine pregnant women in their third trimester in Wuhan, China, who were infected with COVID-19, showed that none of their babies were affected by the virus. 39
Vitamin C is by far the most powerful and important vitamin when it comes to immune system support. As with any vitamin, your body is more easily able to absorb vitamin C when the source of the vitamin is the food you eat rather than taken from a capsule. erefore, it is ideal to add foods rich in vitamin C to your diet. ese include citrus fruits, broccoli, kale, and strawberries, just to name a few. · ·
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· Include probiotics in your diet Yogurt is the best source for probiotics, to add to your pregnancy diet. Probiotics aid your body in digestion and colon detoxi cation, both of which have an impact on a keeping your immune system healthy. Yogurt has other pregnancy health bene ts, too, like a high serving of calcium and vitamin D · Spice drink Take 3-4 cups of water in a saucepan and add a teaspoon each of cumin seeds, coriander seeds and crushed pepper. To this, add some turmeric and three cubes of ginger chunks. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let cool. Strain and drink. · Neem ower drink
Boil neem owers in a pan with three cups of water. Turn off the ame and let it cool. Add lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey and drink. Follow these remedies only aer taking your doctor's advice.
Pro e - Dr. Anubha Singh, Medical Director, Gynecologist and IVF Specialist at Shantah IVF Centre Dr. Anubha Singh MBBS MRCOG (London) is the Medical Director, Gynaecologist and IVF Specialist of Shantah IVF Centre in a posh area of South Delhi Vasant Vihar. She is having more than 25 years of experience in the eld of Gynaecology and infertility. She is also a visiting consultant at Artemis and Rockland Hospital. With her keen interest in this expanding eld where the doctor aims at widening future potential to the maximum. Dr. Anubha Singh went to UK aer graduation. Had extensive training in Obstetrics & Gynaecology in different hospitals in London including University College London Hospital. She attained training in Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Conception at Homerton University Hospital, London (2010-2012). Dr. Singh was involved in research projects and had publications with Prof. Roy Homburg while working at Homerton University Hospital. She is a member of British Fertility Society and American Society for Reproductive Medicine. She has ten years of training in obstetrics and Gynecology where she performed independent 2500 caesarean procedures as well as advanced Endoscopy procedures. Many of her articles have been published in various prestigious Newspapers in India like Hindustan Times, Bombay Times, Times of India, Navbharat Times, Dainik Jagran, e Pioneer, e Statesman, e Asian Age, e Hindu etc & features equally on TV shows on various channels such as Focus news, P7 etc. Dr. Anubha Singh and her centre has been awarded 40
several times as best IVF provider in Delhi NCR. She has recently been awarded by Rose of Paracelsus award from European Business Assembly and European Medical Association based in Oxford. Accumulating her credentials a university topper in Obstetrics and Gynaecology; she has also won numerous awards for paper presentations in national conferences. She has also been actively involved in teaching of medical students. Aug’ 20
Has Lockdown phase brought weird periods? Inputs by Dr. Shweta Goswami, Medical Director at Zeeva Fertility Clinic and Sr. Consultant IVF from Cloudnine Hospital Noida
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ue to the corona epidemic whole world is struggling and this time our mental health has gone for a toss. During periods women not only have to go through unbearable pain but at this time many changes are also seen in the body. It happens every month at a xed time but if it is not on time due to any reason or it is too late, women may get upset. It is not necessary that pregnancy is the only reason for missing periods; many a times it happens due to stress also. Due to the corona epidemic, there is a lot of stress in women and it is directly affecting their periods. With Unlock 2.0 and due to the last lockdown phase, women around the world are complaining about a new issue - irregular periods and more painful than usual menstrual cramps. Of course people have been locked in homes and in such a situation, the problem of stress is seen in many women, which is taking a toll on their periods. According to the doctors, due to being locked in the houses for a long time, their routine activities like sleep pattern, eating habits, physical activity all have been affected. Stress problem starts due to not getting out of the house.
Most women have experienced unbearable pain during periods in lockdown. Problems of stomach cramps and headaches are also being seen. Many patients have informed us over phone that their periods have become irregular and aer talking to them it was found that they are feeling very stressed. e reason for this is that the Covid 19 lockdown has spoiled their daily routine. Stress problems in women have increased due to the epidemic. Stress affects the amount of cortisol produced by the body. Among women who are under high stress, 40% of women complain of infertility. However, there is no concrete evidence that infertility is due to stress. Nevertheless, many psychiatrists and psychologists have given their own arguments about the issue that this problem doubles in women who live in stress and depression. Panic among women However, the reason for irregular periods in women these days is the stress of lockdown. Stress is bound to cause hormonal imbalance and even PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) in women. If you had been borderline PCOS all along, this stress induced by the pandemic might push you over to the other side. e uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, and the fact that no one really knows when this might end, has resulted in widespread panic. Also since most women are now locked indoors, they're probably not leading the healthiest of lives. Such unusual situations could exacerbate preexisting hormonal imbalances in women. For instance, if a woman had been diagnosed with mild PCOS, it might get aggravated during this time. Diet and sleep patterns are affected Since most of the women have been locked inside the 42
house, they are not able to live a healthy lifestyle. In such a situation, their sleep patterns and diet are also being affected. Stress can increase the imbalance of insulin in the body which causes the secretion of leptin hormone. Women who used to cycle period within the rst 30 days, now their cycle can be delayed by 7-8 days or even more. is is called oligomenorrhea. Acne in women When we are stressed, our body releases cortisol. When it is in abundance, it reduces estrogen production which leads to a spike in androgen levels. Androgen plays an important role in connecting with the sebaceous glands. At greater stress, these glands produce oil. Excess oil stops our skin pores, and causes an in ammation that takes the form of an acne. Hormonal imbalance If hormonal imbalances persist in women, it could affect hair growth, weight bloating, hair fall, trouble in concentrating and it may even lead to impaired fertility in the long run. Cases have been seen where women under extreme stress or duress have stopped having periods altogether. Although we've not reached that stage yet, we just might if things continue the way they are now. Everyone is trying to ease these situations or stay calm. One key factor in reducing stress levels is coming to terms with the fact that the current situation, where all of India is locked down, is not in anyone's hands and working on oneself is really the best way to deal with it. Try and make a xed routine for your day, eat healthy foods, sleep on time, and try to be happy as much as possible. Do not take stress unnecessarily. Aug ‘20
Sirona's menstrual
cup wash and sterilizer to make menstrual hygiene a hassle-free practice ● The menstrual cup wash cleanses the cup without leaving any residue or irritants ● e menstrual cup sterilizer rids it of 99.9% germs in 3 minutes e pandemic accompanied by lockdown, has brought the issue of climate change once again into the limelight. While every person has cherished cleaner air and the return of nature to her better self, the conversation around sustainable menstruation solutions is also picking pace.. With many women choosing reusable menstrual solutions, the need to upgrade hygiene practices for the same has emerged. us, Team Sirona, makers of PeeBuddy- which already offers menstrual cups in three sizes- has launched cup sanitation solutions: Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash and Siorna Menstrual Cup Sterilizer. e cup wash, speci cally formulated with mild surfactants, sanitizes the cup thoroughly. Being free of formaldehyde, paraben and sulphates, it doesn't leave any residue or irritants and thus keeps the silicone of the cup from degrading. Sirona Menstrual Cup Sterilizer is a perfect disinfection solution, without the usual hassles of boiling for sterilizing a cup. It effectively kills 99.9% germs in 3 minutes, is BPAfree (thus safe to use) and comes with an auto-power off feature, which makes it easy to use. is should be used before and aer each period cycle, leaving the cup clean and ready to be stored safely till the next cycle. Sirona Menstrual Cup Wash can be used during period days to clean the cup before each insertion. Commenting on the launch, Deep Bajaj, Founder of Sirona said, “e idea is to reduce the hassles of maintaining menstrual cup hygiene and optimise the safety of (re)using one. Sirona menstrual cup wash and sterilizer effectively cut out the hassles and germs, making period hygiene safe and convenient for cup users. With this launch, Sirona is also looking at encouraging more people to switch to cups, which are not only a healthier and more sustainable option, but now also a highly safe and convenient one.” Dr Diksha S Chadha, Medical Director at Sirona adds “Wherever we have conducted workshops and health education sessions to help women learn how to use menstrual cups, we have observed that many women have apprehensions about keeping the cup free of infection 43
causing-microbes. Although boiling the cup before each cycle is enough to sterilise it, many women prefer not to use kitchen utensils for the process. e menstrual cup steriliser is an electronic device that uses the process of steam sterilisation for disinfecting the cup. Since it uses just about a teaspoon of water (5 ml) and takes 3 minutes to sterilise the cup, it saves both water and fuel. e cup must be placed upside down on the platform given in the device to ensure complete disinfection” e launch comes as a much-needed upgrade in menstrual hygiene management. It can play a major role in encouraging women to make the choice of shiing from the pollution-causing pads to the eco-friendly cups. About PeeBuddy: Sirona Sirona ( https://www.thesirona.com/) is an awardwinning product innovation brand, committed to solving those Intimate and Menstrual Hygiene issues for women, which are not adequately addressed in the country. Formally incorporated in 2015 by Delhi-based entrepreneur Deep Bajaj (Founder) & Mohit Bajaj (CoFounder), Sirona is an outcome of the numerous bad experiences women around them faced in terms of basic and intimate hygiene issues. e company is widely popular for being the maker of India's rst portable, disposable and highest-selling (2 million units sold) female urination device, PeeBuddy (using which women can Stand & Pee in unfriendly toilets) and Sirona Period Pain Relief Patches (India's First Herbal Feminine Pain Relief Patches). It is also the pioneer in advocating the use of sustainable menstrual hygiene products like Sirona Menstrual Cups and has also addressed other Intimate & Menstrual Hygiene concerns. Aug ‘20
Importance of Immunity -Boosting Foods in our meal during COVID19 By: Chef Karann Talwar, Managing Director & the Gastronome Chef, Kitchen Kraft Luxury Catering, New Delhi
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he whole world woke up to the need of having a good immunity, which may not have crossed our minds earlier, but in the wake of Coronavirus scare, it did. Good immunity helps stay us in good shape, which may prove bene cial in preventing and managing various infections, u and diseases. When we get sick, much of the damage that occurs in the body is not due to the virus itself but due to the body's immune responding capacity. erefore, strengthening your immune system through various self-care ways, such as healthy diet, mental health care and regular exercise – is the most effective strategy. Building a healthy diet begins with focusing on our relationship with food, i.e. on what we eat. While following a healthy diet is the rst and foremost way to strengthen one's immunity, certain foods can speed up the process with their immune-boosting properties, let's have a lookCitrus Foods Citrus foods are the superstars when it comes to Vitamin C loaded foods. ey help build up your immune system as it aids in the increase of white blood cells. Foods rich in Vitamin C such as orange, lemon, grapefruit, mosambi, mandarin etc, plays a vital role in ghting infections. With such a variety to choose from, it's easy to add a squeeze of it to any meal. Curd Consuming curd with minimal added sugar and "active, live cultures" is an easy way to support immune health. A cooling, perfect food for summer, curd contains probiotic content which helps to keep digestive issues at bay. Try and eat plain curd rather than the sugar- lled or avoured ones. Instead, you can also add fruits and 44
honey to sweeten it. ey are also rich in Vitamin D, which, in turn, enhances the regulation of the immune system. Eggs Adequate protein intake is vital to support immune response, and eggs are an excellent way to do this. ey also contain nutrients like vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and vitamin E that the body needs for proper immune functioning. If you can opt for eggs from chickens that were fed a vegetarian diet. You will get ones with slightly higher levels of vitamins D and E and omega-3s. No need for organic or cage-free varieties though, as this doesn't appear to impact nutrient content. Spinach Vitamin A is considered essential to healthy immune functioning, and leafy greens like spinach are packed with beta-carotene-a form of vitamin A that is also an antioxidant. Besides, leafy greens are a good source of folate, and some research suggests that a de ciency may impair immune response. Not a fan of spinach? Several dark green and orange vegetables are good sources of beta-carotene while folate is also in fruit, beans, nuts, whole and forti ed grains. Aug ‘20
it helps lower blood pressure. Also, garlic's immuneboosting properties seem to come from a heavy concentration of sulfur-containing compounds, such as allicin. Almonds Almonds are another perfect source of vitamin E. ey also contain manganese, magnesium, and bre. A small handful or a quarter of a cup of almonds is a healthful snack that will de nitely bene t your immune system. Turmeric Mint We already love how mint enlightens our senses with its refreshing aroma and fresh taste. e herb is also rich in antioxidants and anti-in ammatory properties keeping harmful radicals away. Drink mint water regularly or you can also add it to your smoothies. Also, you can make pudina chutney, pudina paratha or simply garnish your meals with fresh pudina leaves.
Turmeric, rich in anti-in ammatory properties, is a fullproof way to strengthen the immune response. It is due to the qualities of curcumin, a compound in turmeric. Add turmeric and black pepper to your diet. It's an ageold, tried and tested recipe for boosting your immune system. You can also have it in the form of tea along with water and spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, saffron etc or have a glass of 'haldi doodh.'
Ginger and Garlic Prebiotic Foods Found in almost every cuisine in the world, ginger and garlic add a little zing to food which is a must-have for your health. According to research, they have antiin ammatory and antioxidative properties and is likely to offer health bene ts. Early civilizations recognized its value in ghting infections. Garlic may also slow down hardening of the arteries, and there's weak evidence that
Prebiotic foods, including chia seeds, ax seeds, apples, oats, barley, potato, bananas, garlic, kiwi — helps to build a robust immune system. It also promotes the growth of friendly bacteria in the gut and helps with digestive problems.
Conclusion e best researchers and doctors in the world are still struggling to nd an effective cure or vaccination for COVID19. ough there's no foolproof way to avoid the infection, strengthening our body's immune system with these superfoods and other ingredients can help reduce the risk of contamination. So let's gear up for that! 45
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A LIVELY DAY ON THE MEKONG DELTA By Soumya Gayatri, Stories by Soumya
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t was early in the morning when I peeked out of my hotel window to see the waters of Mekong gushing through the small town of Ben Tre in Vietnam. We had arrived the night before and even though I had not seen the mighty river, I had felt its presence with every breath of mine.
Sounds of an unhurried but bountiful ow and a thick moist feeling had enveloped me as soon as I got off the car in front of my hotel. e Mekong was tantalisingly close. Yet, it was so far away. I could not wait to get started the next morning. Mekong River is Southeast Asia's longest river. It ows through ve different countries before it enters Vietnam and empties itself into the South China Sea in a region called the Mekong Delta. Quite predictably, this delta is a mindboggling maze of sluggish rivulets, narrow canals, swamps and islands. In short, it is exactly what you need for life to thrive. Aer a lling breakfast of Vietnamese Pho and coconut porridge, we stepped out to begin our journey down Sông Bến Tre as the Mekong is called in Ben Tre. It literally translates into the river of Ben Tre but is quite guratively the song of the province. It was a foggy morning as we got into a rustic motorboat and made our way down the river swaying to the tunes of wind and water. e river was brown and languid with all the silt it had picked up during its long journey through six different countries. Fishermen were up and about laying their nets for the day. Coconut factories on the river bank were starting to open up. Vendors, with their merchandise neatly piled on boats, were scurrying past us to get to their oating markets. Mekong was getting ready for a lively day. 50
A trip to the Mekong delta is incomplete without a visit to one of the iconic oating markets in the region. is is literally where all the activity in Mekong happens. e noise, the smells, and the variety are all intoxicating. We had toured the Cai Rang oating market in Can o a day ago and visions of vendors calling out for their produce and that tasty bowl of Pho on a boat crossed my mind. A sudden turn brought me back from my reverie. Soon, we made our way into a narrow canal and walked up the steps to a coconut farm owned and managed by an old Vietnamese woman. While the younger generation had ventured away for greener pastures, Mrs. Sáu had stayed back with two faithful dogs to take care of her family legacy. We learned a lot about coconut germination and farming and the making of coconut jam which is actually a preserved form of coconut strips. Aer a fascinating conversation and an enlightening walk through the shaded garden, I le with the lingering taste of coconut water on my lips and sticky coconut candy melting in my mouth. As I got into my boat again, I got a glimpse of the hamlets and homes dotted along the banks of Mekong. Stilt houses were the specialty here. But so were oating homes. Mekong's waterways were lled with boats where multiple families lived and worked. Swimming and walking went hand in hand here. Aug ‘20
Occasionally, we spotted large shing boats with huge painted eyes in the front. Interestingly, these eyes are believed to guide the boats back home and prevent them from getting lost in the sea. ey also help scare away sea monsters! Legends and a cool river breeze made it so easy to sit back and relax. Aer the hustle and bustle of the morning, life moved at a relaxed pace as the midday lull kicked in. Aer all, aernoons in Mekong delta are meant for relishing a good meal of rice, sh, vegetables and traditional Bánh Xèo pancakes and then, take a much-needed siesta. We did exactly the same sans the siesta. Instead, we enjoyed an aernoon of honey tea and tropical fruits and listened to some local folk music called Don ca tai tu. Inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Don ca tai tu is a beautiful amalgamation of Mekong's cultural and spiritual life. It is a tribute to the feelings, emotions, generosity, and courage of the people who live and work on the land and rivers of the Mekong delta. Aer a relaxing music- lled aernoon, we moved on to a noodles factory where we saw and even tried our hands at the lengthy process of making rice noodles. Termed as Bún, these thin rice vermicelli noodles form an integral part of Vietnamese cuisine. ey are used in Vietnamese Pho, summer rolls, and noodle salads with chicken, shrimp, or vegetables. While cooking these noodles may seem fairly easy, the process of making them is arduous. We learned that rst a thin rice batter was made using a number of different components. e batter was then made into a rice paper sheet which was dried in the sun for a day. e sheet was then put into a noodle-making machine that spurted out beautiful slender noodles. ese were dried again before being packaged and sold. We bought a couple of different varieties before we le. Next, we glided through a narrow canal on a tiny and wobbly rowing boat and I got an even closer look at the waters of Mekong. Water coconut palm trees were abundant. Fishermen were neck deep in the waters trying to extract their catch for their day. Helmsmen glided smoothly on their rowing boats transferring people, 51
animals, and luggage. As the day drew to an end and we made our way back to the hotel, I remembered the incredibly friendly people I had met on my journey that day. e resilience of the people of Mekong astounded me. Living on the Mekong river was not an easy task. Mekong has been both the giver and taker in this part of the world. Floods, inundations, and droughts are commonplace. Yet, that is just part of life here. I smiled as I recollected the events of the day. It was certainly one of my best trips in Southeast Asia so far. I was enamoured by the Mekong delta and its myriad forms of life and culture. I was in love with its delicious Vietnamese cuisine. I was charmed by its slow and sluggish pace of life. And I was besotted by its warm and affectionate people.
Getting there: e easiest way to get to the Mekong delta is from Ho Chi Minh City which is a pleasant 2-hour drive. It is best to arrive at the HCMC Tan Son Nhat International Airport and take a taxi to Ben Tre. e best time to visit the Mekong delta in Vietnam is during winters between November and February. Temperatures are lower and rainfall is sparse. Floating markets are abuzz with fruit vendors trying to sell their freshly harvested produce. It is also the best time to try some fresh rambutans, pomelos, and star apples. Aug ‘20
Royal Effluences and culinary delights A Fragrant Journey through Bikaner by Pradeep Chamaria
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s you walk through the sensory streets, the Rajasthani city of Bikaner reveals itself; amazing aromas ll up your nose and the spicy haze of smoke make the streets in Bhujia Bazar indistinct. All you could smell is addictive fragrance of deep frying and spices from the hole-in-the-wall shops of freshly fried bhujias, devourable as endless savoury delights. At Bhujia Bazar, which stretches across Bikaner's main market area, we let ourselves be carried along by a tidal wave of bodies as they move across the streets of bazaar. Bhujia makers line the streets of the market. e aroma of freshly fried bhujias make me hungry, as I stand hypnotized, watching a halwai sitting on a wooden platform, skimming long thin noodles out of yellow colored dough made of Moth Dal besan, and a lot of other ingredients including Chana Dal Besan, Asafetida, powdered cellulose, salt, red chili powder, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, and groundnut oil. He goes on pressing the dough through a wheel sized perforated ladle and deep frying the thin noodles in a gigantic kadai full of vegetable oil and whisking out crispy and signature golden bhujia in a robotic manner. e wave of people pushes us as they glide by us, busy with their daily chores and in the process stopping by at the bhujia shops for their daily breakfast. e ubiquitous odour of deep frying envelopes the whole town, but no one is bothered as almost everyone was busy buying freshly made namkeen and mithai served hissing on hot plates, ready to be gulped in by hungry passersby. All over the city, golden hued bhujias are packed and displayed on shelves for the hungry customer. 52
We weave our way past hundreds of such stalls, trying hard to stay focused and not ruin our main meals by lling up on the street snacks that hit you in the face whenever you step in the market, not just bhujia but also kachories, ganthiyas, jalebies, ghewar, gulab jamun and over-spicy mirchi pakoras which explode in your mouth and you douse the re with desserts. For your information, bhujia is a traditional Rajasthani snack eaten with almost everything and adds life to every food it's eaten with. It is one of the most common complementing side dishes with every Rajasthani dish and is savoured throughout the day, be it the evening tea or sandwiches for breakfast. It is what makes the food a Meal. Daulat Singh ji, Manager at Hotel Gaj Kesri, who was taking us around, saw me sniffing like an animal during our visit to the famous Bhujia Bazar at Bikaner, told me not to worry, “You won't get a blocked nose. Instead, you will cherish and love the aroma of freshly fried bhujias.” Oh, yes friends, he was so damn right; my nose was working overtime as I enjoyed the amazing aromas and the spicy haze of smoke all around in the air. All I could smell was deep frying and spices, and I loved it. Aug ‘20
Daulat ji picked up steaming hot, thin noodle shaped bhujias in a plate and offered me to taste and relish. I had never tasted freshly made bhujia before and they tasted scrumptious. Daulat ji insisted that I nish the whole plate and told me not to worry about transfats, and enjoy my trip to the city of Forts, Bikaner just like a Bikaneri. He added, “Bikaneries' daily routine is eating deep fried, sugar laden diet and not worry like the modern society of transfats, clogged artireries and getting sick. e climate of the area helps in digesting whatever one eats”. I couldn't agree more. Bhujia was rst introduced to Rajasthan by Maharaja Shri Dungar Singh in 1877 in the princely state of Bikaner. Since then, bhujia has become a signature of this laid back city's food culture and also a synonym of Bikaner. In fact this particular dish is the calling card of the city which is famous for a lot of other delights too. For a visitor, it simply appears that Bikaner is a city where one half of the population is occupied with making bhujia and the other half with eating it. As I walked through the bhujia bazaar, I started asking Daulat ji about the city, and he went on to augment my
knowledge base about Bikaner which lies on the North Western fringe of Rajasthan, abound in architectural splendor – the sandstone palaces and forts besides being a bhujia bastion. We kept walking, accepting and tasting samples of different types of bhujia, ganthiyas, sugary gulab jamuns, etc. handed out by various vendors as we moved through the tangle of narrow lanes. Every shop spilled over with people eating bhujia and sipping tea in earthen pots. Our trip here coincided with Holi, the festival of c o l ou r s , an d t h e w h o l e p l a c e h a d a fe e l of overwhelmingly earthy colours, full of life. Yet to our surprise, one stall owner remarked: “You chose a good time to visit – the city is much calmer this week!” On the other side of the bazar, the old town of Bikaner welcomed us with majestic forts namely the majestic Junagarh fort, and breathtaking and grandeur mansions or havelis as they are called here, and palaces in narrow lanes namely, Laxmi Niwas Palace (Royal Palace belonging to Maharaj Ganga Singh), Lalgarh Palace, Gajner Palace, Rikhji Bagri ki Haveli, Haveli of Bhairondan, Daga Chowk Havelis, Narendra Bhawan, Sampatlala Agarwal Haveli, and Rampuria group of Havelis, etc. which are all known for their more than 400 years old architecture splendor. e havelies are no less than palaces and are large, magnanimous, extravagant houses complete with intricate details of jharokas and carvings. Daulat ji quizzed me, “Do you know Bikaner has over a thousand old mansions?” and I was totally surprised. I was bedazzled by the desert city with layers of history woven into its many forts and palaces as we continued with our explorations which made us travel through history and admired the beautiful architecture of Bikaner's famed mansions in the old city.
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Bikaner was founded by Rao Bika in 1486 and was formerly the capital of the princely state of Bikaner. is fourth largest city in Rajasthan attracts a large number of tourists every year. Bikaner brings to life everything you want from a desert town; the dust-swirled vibrancy, the grand forts, the narrow lanes of a walled city, the red stone houses and romance of the dessert with stretches of golden sand dunes, regiments of richly decorated ghting camels and mixed threads of history lingering in the air. e constantly shiing and undulating sand dunes make for a perfect backdrop to a laidback, easygoing place that is at once beautiful and straightforward. ere are few places on earth where you can see so many architectural wonders setup along with many cultural stories exist in such unison as Bikaner. It is a walled city for the senses, to get immersed in its colours, sounds, smells and tastes; a heady concoction of old world and new world surrounded by a stone wall with ve gates. Walking through the narrow, labyrinthine lanes is the best way to admire the ornamental façades, cutting-edge design and the faded, ramshackle relics of the past of these grand havelis. e walled city is a photographer's delight, and easily the most Instagrammed place in Rajasthan. We dri from crowd to crowd, neighbourhood to neighbourhood piling into street-side bhujia shops to join locals in the daily (and oen hourly) rituals of tea, tooth-aching savouries and sweets. You can explore Bikaner on your own on foot, or on a horse-driven tonga, though taxis are also available. On the way back we come to Bhanwar Niwas which is housed in the last haveli in a narrow lane. Our humble host in Bikaner, Mr Sunil Rampuria, a descendent of the wealthy merchant class, Rampurias, is the current owner of the haveli and he wholeheartedly welcomes us inside and joins us for the traditional Marwari ali Lunch. Bhanwar Niwas is a magni cent building featuring 54
highly ornamental street facades. e architecture and urban form of the building are both a response to the harsh arid climate of the region and a celebration of its building tradition, with delicately carved stone jaalis (perforated screens), stone chajjas (overhangs), and projecting jharokhas (balconies). e lunch was a real royal treat, comprised of various curried sabjis made of Aloe Verra, Gourds, Potatoes, and traditional Gatiya curry along with various breads of Raggi, Wheat and chana besan. Well, in one morning we enjoyed breathing aromatic spicy fragrance of bhujia making and gulping those golden yellow fried noodles in roadside shops to sand, dust and heat of the desert of a 500 plus year old city to sipping sherbets made of real ower nectars in the comforts of a contemporary artistically designed room in a haveli and nally licking spicy curries from your ngers and delicious Saffron avoured Kul sticks full of dry fruits. Man, my taste buds are already watering as I just mention the names… “Bikaner is a dynamic city,” Sunil tells us; ready for the modern developments but at the same time respecting the original soul of the city. Old and historical havelies are now changing into heritage hotels, thereby signifying another chapter in Bikaner's history as new life will be poured into the oldest parts of the city. Bhanwar Niwas is already setting an example for such heritage properties.
Aug ‘20
e frescoes, creamy marble and creaking doors of this age old haveli has been lovingly preserved, joined by luxurious bedrooms, a cocktail bar, spa and tree-lined courtyard. When it comes to exploring, I love to ow with the destination most of the times, and similar was the case here too. e echoes of Bikaner's centuries-old history were felt almost all over the city. e city is home to some of the Rajasthan's traditional foods scattered all over in the main market area and our aernoon snack feasting at Chotey Lal, one such shop serving amazingly tasty poori-sabji and lassi made us over fed. e traveller in me never wants to take a rest while at a destination, but this continuous over feeding made me want to take a short nap just like the camels dozing off on the open areas around the havelies. And folks, you are damn right! I did stretch my body for a while on the greens near another wonder of the town, Karni Mata Temple, commonly called the Rat temple, where rats are worshipped. e rats were everywhere in the temple area, didn't let me take rest even on the greens. When they started becoming over frank with and started climbing my ballooned tummy, I nally moved and to offer prayers to Karni Mata, another living form of Goddess Durga. It was difficult to move inside the temple, the rats were all over the ground, thousands of them, sitting in circles on bowls of milk, mithai and chanas, looking sluggish and overfed – just like me, overfed on deep fried bhujias and scores of desserts. e priest at the temple told me to be extra careful and not step and kill a rat while walking. It is a prevalent practise here for a Bhakt to offer a rat made in Gold if he happens to step on one and kill it. Can you believe, portions of laddoos (my favourite dessert) nibbled by these rats are given to you as the most prized prasad (offerings) of Karni Mata mandir? Can you accept and eat that? Well, at least I couldn't even
though I am a uncompromising follower of Hinduism! But there were people athfully gulping the prasad and I stood their bowing my head to the faith they have for the godess. At the time of exchanging goodbyes aer three days of royal pampering at Gaj Kesri Resort, I was surprised with myself. Aer exploring major attractions of Bikaner (atleast that's what I think) and savouring the endless delicious delights of Rajasthan, my overall weight did not change. I didn't loose my original body shape and I guess that's the essence of the dry air of Deserts of Bikaner and Rajasthan.
HOW TO GET THERE Bikaner is connected by trains from all over India. Air India ies from Delhi and Jaipur to Bikaner daily. You can also drive from Delhi/Jaipur and also from anywhere in India. 55
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Pandemic Marriage by Prerana Saxena
2020 will de nitely be a year to remember. As the COVID 19 pandemic hit the wedding industry very hard. Also, families got highly effected, especially couples who had set their Wedding dates in 2020. Meanwhile, eme Weaver, a luxury wedding planning company has organized a wedding where the longstanding client engaged them to deliver his daughter's wedding. Notwithstanding the tight timescale and his desire for an uncompromised setup, it was a unique experience for them during the pandemic to live up to the expectations of a father while ensuring the safety of guests, suppliers, and staff at all points. From the usage of PPE kits to weather challenges to designing approval, changes, and executions this COVID times wedding for 50 guests at ITC Grand Bharat surely tops their charts for the most exclusive as well as challenging the wedding they have done till date.
Prerana Saxena Said “I was excited to take up this project as we are doing the third wedding in the family. It gave us a ray of hope that more destination wedding will start soon post lockdown is over.” 58
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About eme Weaver eme Weavers Designs is a luxury wedding planning and design rm, specializing in decor founded by Prerana Saxena and Anushree Agarwal. eme weavers designs plan to bring a dream wedding to life and offers a wide range of event management solutions concerning weddings and wedding-related services. With the experience of handling Luxury Weddings Nationally and Internationally the company is leaving no stone unturned to give the best and most memorable services
to their clients in the tough time of the Pandemic, keeping in mind all safety measures. ey set out on their own entrepreneurial journey 12 years ago in the eld of wedding design and management. With over 250 events since their inception, their clear focus has been to design immersive experiences. ey have been honored in the past to have worked with the royal family. and they have also worked with many accomplished business houses because of their experience in luxury weddings both in India and Europe.
Instagram link - https://instagram.com/themeweaversdesigns?igshid=w5ssrlzof10q Facebook link - https://www.facebook.com/TWWeddings/ Website - https://www.themeweavers.in/ 59
Aug ‘20
SKIN AGING CAUSED AND REMEDIES
Dr. Jayati Talukdar Are you in your late 30s or early 40s? Have you noticed the appearance of signs of aging like ne lines and wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation and dullness in your skin? While aging is gi and a privilege, no one is happy to see the advent of these signs of aging and we all get upset when we rst notice these signs. I know I was! What causes these changes, and can you do anything to slow down the process of aging? ere are 2 types of aging: 1. Intrinsic Aging (e Natural Aging process) 2. Extrinsic Aging (Aging caused by external factors)
Omega 3 acids which keeps skin hydrated and regulates the production of sebum can be found in oily sh, walnut, chia seeds, soya bean etc.
Intrinsic Aging – is is the natural process of aging. As you cross your 20s and 30s, the production of collagen and elastin, the proteins which gives strength and elasticity to your skin starts decreasing. is decrease starts in your 20s at the rate of 1% per year. In addition, the rate at which your skin sheds dead cells also reduces by 28% which leads to dull, less radiant skin.
I always stress on the importance of having adequate protein because almost 90% of Indian diets are de cient in proteins. Since collagen and elastin, the building blocks of your skin is made up of protein, having adequate protein in your diet is essential for healthy skin. Sources of protein include chicken, sh, eggs, dals, paneer, yoghurt, chickpeas, kidney beans etc.
Extrinsic Aging – Extrinsic aging is due to external environmental factors that you are exposed to throughout your life. is includes exposure to UV radiation from the sun, the weather, your working conditions, personal habits, pollution, etc and the effects can be seen in the form of pigmentation, age spots, freckles, dullness, loss of skin elasticity, crow's feet, sun spots etc.
2. Sleep – Your skin repairs and regenerates itself during deep sleep. Skin renewal rate doubles, collagen production increases and UV damage is repaired as you sleep. is is also the time when your skin is more able to absorb nutrients and DNA repair is boosted. Make sure you get your 8 hours of sleep to keep aging to a minimum.
How to Reduce Intrinsic Aging While aging is inevitable, there are many things you can do to reduce and retard the appearance of signs of intrinsic aging in your skin. 1. Proper Nutrition including adequate Protein – Having a skin-friendly diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, Omega 3 acids and adequate protein can help retard the appearance of signs of aging. Vegetables like beetroot, leafy greens, carrots, garlic, onion and fruits such as oranges, guava, papaya, mangoes, kiwi etc provide vitamins and antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and glowing. 60
3. Get Enough Exercise – Exercising regularly helps keep your skin youthful and glowing. When you exercise, your blood circulation increases which helps transport enough oxygen and hormones to your skin which keeps your skin looking youthful for longer. 4. Reduce And Manage Stress - Chronic stress stimulates various physiological systems in the body resulting in in ammation, oxidative stress, and DNA damage that affects all tissues including your skin. Long term stress can leave you looking tired and older than your age. Regular exercise, yoga and meditation are all excellent ways to manage your stress and keep your skin looking healthy and radiant. Aug ‘20
How to Reduce Extrinsic Aging When it comes to extrinsic aging, there are several things you can do to reduce and retard the appearance of signs of aging like lines, wrinkles, age spots, pigmentation and dullness. 1. Always Wear Sunscreen – A broad-spectrum sunscreen will help protect the skin from the damaging effects of both UV-A and UV-B radiation of the sun. Use sunscreen even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the harmful UVA and UVB rays can get through the clouds to damage your skin. 2. Invest in Quality Skin care – Make sure the skin care products you use are formulated to help reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles and other signs of aging skin. Since the requirement of your skin is different during different times of the day, your skin care products should be formulated to tackle different problems depending on when you use them. During daytime, your skin is in 'Defence Mode' and it needs to be protected from damage caused by UV rays and other environmental pollutants while providing hydration and ghting the damage caused by free radicals and stimulating collagen production. However, at night, the skin repairs and regenerates itself and what you need at night is a skin care product that supports and enhances these functions of the skin while providing intense nourishment. Just as a growing child requires more nutrients to grow and develop optimally, providing your skin with right nutrients for its growth and function during this time leads to healthy, radiant and glowing skin. 3. Use Antioxidant and Vitamin-rich skincare products to delay signs of aging – Antioxidants help the skin repair itself and correct visible damage. Antioxidants have strong anti-in ammatory properties and they help reduce the skin's in ammatory response to damaging UV rays, thereby preventing sunburn and photo-aging. Vitamins like vitamin C and E help increase collagen production and prevent and reduce ne lines, wrinkles, age spots, sunspots, pigmentation, dullness etc. Antioxidants are found Orchid, Acai Berry, Passion fruit oil, green tea, resveratrol and other plant extracts. While there are many invasive procedures like botox, llers and surgery, if you are like me (and most women I know) then it is safe to say that you may prefer a more holistic approach to look and feel your best and these tips will help you achieve healthy, radiant skin no matter your age. And the best thing is that all these are completely natural ways to reveal your true, timeless beauty. 61
WE RECOMMEND THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS: www.Isaku.in ISAKU PhytoMagic Super Intense Ageless Night Crème Rich in powerful antioxidants, vitamins, and plant extracts, including hero ingredient, Cattleya Labiata Orchid extract, this luxurious plant-based crème will saturate your skin with all the goodness it needs to awaken its natural beauty, leaving it so and radiant and reducing the appearance of ne lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, age spots and other signs of aging skin. With regular use, it will increase skin elasticity while improving skin hydration and overall skin health: ✓ Reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles ✓ Improve uneven skin tone and rough texture ✓ Improve Aging and loose skin ✓ Deeply nourish your skin ✓ Accelerate the process of skin restoration and renewal ISAKU PhytoMagic Super Antioxidant Ageless Day Moisture Combining powerful vitamins, antioxidants and superior plant extracts, including hero ingredient, Cattleya Labiata Orchid extract, this innovative Day Moisture protects and hydrates your skin while restoring your skin's ageless beauty. e combination of sunscreen with vitamins and plant extracts provides higher antioxidant and protective effects, resulting in a Day Moisture that will retard the appearance of signs of ageing like lines, wrinkles, dryness, uneven skin tone and age spots. Regular use of the Day Moisture will leave your skin looking smooth, hydrated and so as silk. ✓ Reduce the appearance of ne lines and wrinkles ✓ Protect your skin from the daily assault of environmental Pollutants and UV rays ✓ Provide deep hydration ✓ Reduce uneven skin tone ✓ Improve skin radiance and glow Author Bio Dr. Jayati Talukdar (48) is the founder of premium and effective skincare brand, isaku. She believes in the oneness of all things, loves to read and is an eternal optimist who always follows her heart. Dr. Jayati is an MBBS from Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati and MBA from e Indian School of Business, Hyderabad (ISB). With a lifelong passion for wellness and natural remedies, she has explored many paths towards holistic health and is also a Certi ed Yoga Teacher, Certi ed Fitness Trainer and Certi ed in Nutrition and Dietetics. In the past, she has held senior positions in wellness Companies like VLCC India and VLCC Bangladesh, Apollo Hospital Group and Vidal Health. Aug ‘20
Alfaa UV launches high-performance mobile UV sanitizer STERO-360 ideal for commercial spaces · Kills 99.99% pathogens within 2.5 minutes · Comes equipped with App-based control for remote operation
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s the healthcare experts globally are yet to develop a fool-proof vaccine to combat the highly-contagious Covid-19, people have prioritised sanitisation practices in a bid to curb the spread of the contagion. According to researchers, sanitisation of high-touch surfaces has witnessed phenomenal results in preventing the spread of the virus. Although conventional ch e m i c a l d i s i n fe c t ant - b a s e d surface cleansing can help sanitise households, it is much of a hassle and subject to human error for expansive establishments.
Assuring a germ-free environment for workplaces and commercial establishments, Alfaa UV – India's leading manufacturing major with 20+ years' experience in UV technology a n d i t s ap p l i c at i o n s , r e c e nt l y introduced STERO-360, a highperformance mobile UV sanitizer, to address the rising demand for hasslefree touchless and non-chemical disinfection solution especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. STERO-360 uses Ultraviolet Germicidal Irradiation (UVGI) disinfection method in which the sanitizer emits short-wavelength ultraviolet (ultraviolet C or UV-C) light to inactivate microorganisms by d i s r u p t i n g t h e i r D NA , h e n c e destroying the ability of the microorganisms to reproduce and thereby effectively killing them. 62
Several clinical studies globally have affirmed that UV-C light can combat the novel coronavirus as UV-C falls in the range of 200nm to 280nm of the ultraviolet light spectrum, which is known to eradicate micro-organisms, viruses, bacteria, yeast, molds, fungus, etc., in air and on surfaces. e chemicalfree technology is known to kill 99.99% of all pathogens with no residue or byproducts. An organism must receive the correct UV dose for it to get inactivated. e mean U V- C d o s e r e q u i r e m e nt f o r t h e coronavirus group of organisms (of which COVID-19 is a part) is 26,000 uWsec/cm2 for a 4 log (99.99%) kill rate. STERO-360 is designed to provide a 50,000 uW-sec/cm2 dose to a target surface at a distance of 1.8 meters and height up to 2.5 meters within 2.5 minutes. Aug ‘20
mobility, App-based remote access, and compact design, etc., the STERO-360 is the right t for disinfecting commercial spaces of all kinds.” Ideal for all commercial spaces, the compact and us er-f r iend ly STERO-360 can b e us e d in gymnasiums, office cabins, hotel lobbies and rooms, cafeterias, meeting rooms, reception areas, elevators, mall and hotel bathrooms & urinals, etc.
Ergonomically designed, STERO-360 exhibits six high-intensity UL certi ed UVGI emitters that are ozone free, proprietary high-efficiency energy distribution system to increase the irradiated UV dose on target surfaces by > 100%. Its real-time performance validation with NIST/ US FDA approved PRISM technology ensures complete sanitation every single time. Interestingly, STERO-360-6900 comes equipped with App-based control for remote operation; preset functionality which ensures that the device is placed in the ideal location in a room every time – eliminating operator error. e device also showcases data logging with a web interface for veri cation and audit trail. Commenting on the launch of STERO-360, Ankur Parikh, CEO, Alfaa UV, said, “During these testing times, health, safety and sanitisation have been of foremost priority for everybody. To maintain a high rate of precaution against the novel coronavirus, scientists and life sciences experts suggest timely sanitisation of high-touch surfaces. While conventional chemical sanitizing by wiping the surfaces with disinfectants can be effective, a welldesign and engineered UV system can provide a more effective and inexpensive solution to the need for timely sanitisation and disinfection process. e STERO-360 is designed, manufactured, and backed by Alfaa UV. Showcasing diverse features like 63
Aug ‘20
Tracing the journey of Gold as the ultimate investmentin times of pandemic
Dr C Vinod Hayagriv -Director C Krishniah Chetty Group Of Jewellers
G
old has been a store of value for thousands of years since the start of human race. It was then a medium of exchange in barter deals and today it is gold banking by central banks. us, it has remained the favourite investment option across cultures, communities and countries and through the ages, Economic Pundits affirm that Gold will be around for a long time to come.
It is during a crisis situation like now that gold proved to be the ultimate safe haven for investors looking to protect their wealth. Whenever it has been beaten down by the commodity traders, it has mostly bounced back aer a short lull, and oen with a vengeance. Aer the Global Financial Crisis of 2008-09 that continues to have an impact on the global economy gold has proved its worth. Large quantities of investment globally, from retail and large investors have moved their investments to gold. From a peak of $412 per ounce for gold, in 1996, in August 1999, gold fell to a low of $251.70 on worries about central banks reducing their gold reserves and mini-companies selling gold in the forward markets to protect against the falling prices.Till about 2004, it rose slowly, and then started rising steeply from 2006. From mid-2007 when gold was $558 per ounce, it began to rise. In 2008, it hit $958 per ounce. It went on to touch hit $1,818 in August 2011 as debt crisishit Europe. en on, it started falling steadily as people began to to have faith in other asset classes, and it was $1,061 an ounce in December, 2015. Since the pandemic took hold, investors have been switching to gold as a safe haven and now its over $1,681 an ounce. Since 2000, gold has risen 484%. And, that places gold right at the top of assets people want to invest in. Yet again, the current pandemic wrought about by the Coronavirus or CoViD-19 has had a debilitating effect 64
on the global economy, depressing all asset classes, but the yellow metal has come out shining proving beyond doubt that gold is indeed the ultimate asset. It has risen, rather skyrocketed, while almost all other asset classes have lost value due to poor demand as industrial units sputtered as the virus continues with its dance of death. is, at a time when crude oil was beaten down by a price war and even began to be priced in the negative with the Texas crude even hitting a negative $ 40 dollars to a barrel, gold has eternally been seen as a 'safe haven, and it has once again proved that it is indeed the king of the investment.
Aug ‘20
diamond jewellery for the sum paid or cancel the booking and withdraw from the booking of such Paper Gold
Whenever any government has made any attempt to stimulate growth, gold mostly leads the growth in demand for assets. Now, with governments across the world set to announce packages to kick-start economies and try to shi them into high gear, gold will be around to share its sheen. Gold will bene t from the widespread stimulus measures as it is oen seen as a hedge against in ation and currency depreciation/ devaluation. us, investors and consumers will display their appetite for gold as the preferred asset class. Interest in jewellery: So investment in gold has seen many avatars. Gold is not only a favourite of investors but also those who love wearing gold jewellery that is handed down through generations. People have found various ways of investing and facilitating investments in gold. Many convenient ways of buying gold have been devised. Gold ETF is one such. Now, while blocks of gold remain in the coffers of the public, jewellers need to contribute to value-added consumption to increase the GDP. Now we see jewellers are increasingly beginning to lean towards offering similar or better bene ts than ETF through introduction of Accumulation or saving schemes. However, these schemes do not allow return of monies to the buyer or one who pays monies to the jeweller. With volatile gold prices, and with restrictions on movement due to COVID19, one such as Paper Gold™ holds an advantage to the retail consumer is includes building a jewellery wardrobe or withdrawing from the booking of 22 Kt gold by paying xed sums to a retail trader and at the end of a set period, the customer has the option to buy gold or 65
Investing in Paper Gold meets all the criteria, more importantly it helps one to own the gold without physically having possession but convertible to jewellery or taking the money back at prevailing rates and with a buying selling price difference. It gives one peace of mind as they are saved from the risk and tension of mandatorily buying jewellery as cancelling the booking is an option. Recent news reports have guesstimated that gold would hit INR 50,000 from the current levels by the year-end, while some commodity experts predict gold touching INR 80,000 by the end of 2021. It is also being reported that gold will crash. Hence, while nothing is certain, one established view is that gold has withstood all calamities with Sterling results in the long run. Paper Gold seems to be a hedge against the rising or falling price of gold. While universally gold is seen as a stable investment that has been beating all odds, in India, gold is considered a means by which one can secure one's future (more than just investment, but a thing of beauty, or need of show of wealth, or plain custom). It's also demonstrated as a stable store of value. In India, particularly, when the need arises, the gold may be sold or pawned for money as is expected. When not an investment option, wear gold as jewellery. rough the most testing times such as depressions, recessions, wars, and most recently pandemics, gold has stood like the proverbial 'Rock of Gibraltar'.
( Paper Gold™️ is trademark initiative of C Krishniah Chetty)
Aug ‘20
Celebrate Independence Day With Myprotein's New Products
M
yprotein, world's leading online sports nutrition brand is launching four new products for its protein lovers. ese products are launched keeping in mind Indian palate and seasonal delight. ey are introducing their bestselling Impact Whey Protein (IWP) Mango in limited edition packaging, Impact Whey Kul and Birthday Cake avours. Myprotein is saluting the spirit and valor of Indian army by bringing to you the special and exclusive Freedom Boxes dedicated to all the heroes who have protected our nation on the borderline with sheer dedication. Myprotein's IWP is craed using premium whey, and provides 21g of protein per serving. ey also include protein-building essential amino acids - 4.5g of BCAAs and 3.6g of glutamine to help consumers achieve their tness goals. e product contains only 1.9g fat, 1g carbs, and 103 calories, making it ideal for those looking to lose weight in a healthy way.
show of our commitment to always assist in the country's tness goals.”
e IWP Mango, a refreshing summer avour, is being introduced in a bespoke limited edition design in green and saffron hues. e IWP Kul and Birthday Cake avours are sure to satisfy those with a love for desserts, who put their health objectives rst. Speaking about August's new launches, Esha Singh, Managing Director-India & Emerging Markets, said, “Myprotein has become the world's Number One online sports nutrition brand by always putting the customer rst. We are always on the lookout for new ways to serve the Indian market. Our recent releases have met with a great response, and that is why we wanted to mark August and Independence Day in a special way. e launch of the Freedom Box and IWP's new avours is a
Log in to www.myprotein.co.in to browse the great line-up of products, and for more information on their India-speci c initiatives. Aug’ 20