Salaam Bahrain Jan - Feb 2019

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Jan - Feb 2019 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12

we speak your language

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Note from the Chairman As this year’s International Mother Language Day arrives we must acknowledge that linguistic diversity is increasingly being threatened as more and more languages disappear. Globally 40 per cent of the world population does not have access to an education in a language they speak or understand. Nevertheless, progress is being made in mother tongue-based multilingual education with a growing understanding of its importance. Multilingual and multicultural societies exist through their languages which transmit and preserve traditional knowledge and cultures in a sustainable way.

As the inheritors of the beautiful language that is Arabic, we must strive towards a society wherein our children understand and navigate through the world with our mother-tongue as an asset. Most often our culture and traditional activities are abandoned in order to strive towards a more globalist culture, but a globalist world does not have to emulate a homogeneous scenario, but rather a pluralist society.

I would even recommend that expat schools offer compulsory Arabic language courses for students that carries a minimum weightage in their final reports. This will be an incentive for the students to learn at least the rudiments of the language of the country that most of them live in for at least a decade of their formative years. It will also spread the use of Arabic across the world as these students travel away from Bahrain and carry with them the knowledge of the language.

In South Korea, citizens undergo mandatory education of the Korean language which is used as the medium of instruction in every institution and this has further instilled in them a varied approach that allows them to produce creative solutions to realworld problems. Emulating this model for our schools in Bahrain could also help in enabling our new generations with the skills and novel perspectives needed to put Bahrain on the map for technological and scientific advances.

Capt. Mahmood Al Mahmood

UAE Exchange congratulates the world’s largest democracy, on it’s Republic Day.

www.uaeexchange.com/bhr

Capt. Mahmood Al Mahmood

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we speak your language

Highlights JAN-FEB 2019

TOURISM FOCUS BTEA woos India

SPECIAL FOCUS India’s 70th Republic Day

15 Bahrain’s efforts to market itself as a place of sea, smiles and goodwill has won fans – it is fast becoming a destination for the BFIW (#BigFatIndianWedding).

We pay tribute to the might of the Indian democracy with a colourful focus on the community in Bahrain – the best places to eat? Go through our restaurant reviews; community togetherness at the Embassy PBD and much more. Also, news of a movie museum in a star-struck nation.

NEWS ADDA About patriotism

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HEALTH Going vegan

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Bahrain resident Ajay Jaiswal and former resident Nalini Vipin discuss whether NRIs find it easier to be patriotic

FINANCIALS Entrepreneurs and insurance A good insurance policy is a shockabsorber for entrepreneurs who face a life of corporate risk-taking.

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FASHION Wear your waste

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Did you just take that resolution to be gentler on your body? Start your plant-based diet and reap the vegan benefits P, SHU GUP D OO LYW BOL S IX U ..PL NE P SCE Y T PAR

• One company is making beautiful clothing for kids out of ocean waste and helping reduce pollution one plastic bottle at a time.

• Check out Rimzim Dadu’s steel sarees and quirky summer fashion ideas by Pero

COLUMNS

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• 54 Shobhaa De • 10 Ayaz Memon

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Fairytale wedding for Komal & Harsh

Imagine a destination wedding in a place that you grew up in and loved and which gave you a lovely setting of seashore and sunshine too! That was the scene at the Bahrain wedding of Komal Kavalani and Harsh Pancholia in the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa. There were ancient rituals, there was youthful fun and plenty of sparkling laughter and romance.

The Kavalani family, which has been in Bahrain since 1850 was honoured

to welcome HRH the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa at the wedding. Guests dressed in haute couture and zinging with precious gems and diamonds made this a must-attend wedding in style terms but whata won all hearts was the warmth and genuine affection that the host families extended to all guests. It was a lesson in making every moment precious with the human bond.

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A galaxy of poets, an ocean of poetic talent

Sir Syed Education and Cultural Society, Bahrain once again brought together some of the Hindi and Urdu-speaking world’s best poets to Bahrain for their International Mushaira and Kavi Sammelan.

The dulcet sounds of Urdu and Hindi poetry beautifully delivered a range of emotions from philosophy to barbs of gentle sarcasm and Urdu / Hindi poetry stood tall in all its glory, majesty and melody during the show. It was a fine fusion of romance and inspiration in poetic form that delighted the audience with its flights of

fancy, metaphors and similes.

Renowned names such as the legendary Dr. Rahat Indori, Dr Kumar Vishwas , Dr. Asim Wasti, Iqbal Ashhar , Saba Balrampuri, Dr. Nadeem Shaad, Syed Sarosh Aasif, Faizi Azmi and Kapil Batra had the packed hall of poetry lovers cheering in enthusiasm with traditional wah wah till the wee hours of the night.

After lighting the Shama (traditional lamp), the Mushaira Covenor Nadeem Ahmed introduced the participating poets to the audience. Lulu Hypermarket Director 8

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and Board member, Juzer Rupawala was guest of honour. Famous Urdu poet Rahat Indori kept the audience in awe and excitement as they marvelled at his insight and literary dexterity of the legendary poet.

Star of the evening, famous Hindi poet Kumar Vishwas was able to touch the emotional chord of the audience through his verses on social life and issues of the expatriate community. He emphasised through his poetic one-liners that such events go a long way in uniting cultures.

column ayaz memon

The whiff of ‘achhe din’ is unmistakable Winning away from home has always posed the severest challenge for India’s cricketers.

One of India’s finest sports and cricket writers, Ayaz Memon brings to his observations a passion for his subject and a keen awareness of the history and philosophy of sport.

So chroniclers of Indian cricket history can start hunting for appropriate encomiums and sharpening their pencils to write reams about the glorious Australian tour which is as historic as the twin victories (over West Indies and England) in 1971, and against Pakistan in 2004.

Winning away from home has always posed the severest challenge for India’s cricketers. True, this was a below par Australian team in the absence of Steve Smith and David Warner. But that should not take away any from the performance of the Indians. Weak Australian teams have either beaten India (1977-78) or held their own as in 1985-86. The fact that a series win Down Under has come after 71 years tells its own story of the hardship quotient involved in achieving this.

Fearless What’s been different this time? A fearless mindset coupled with strong tactical planning and physical training is 10

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obviously integral to any such success. But in itself these may not be enough. Past teams, particularly in the last two decades after the frequency of tours to Australia rose, lacked nothing in intent to succeed.

The biggest gain — especially playing overseas — in the past couple of years has been the bowling. India now have a potent and balanced attack which can bowl the opposition out twice on all kinds of pitches, in all conditions.

However, even the sterling performance of the bowlers had not helped win the series in South Africa and England, where they were badly let down by the batting.

Against Australia’s formidable bowling, the batsmen came good this time, which changed the script.

Central to India’s batting success is obviously Cheteshwar Pujara. With unrelenting concentration, superb technique and astute understanding of match situations, he ground Australian bowlers into total submission.

Three centuries and 521 runs in four

Tests so far, Pujara’s contribution in a winning cause overseas will have to be clubbed with those of Sunil Gavaskar and Dilip Sardesai in West Indies (1971), Dilip Vengsarkar in England in 1986, and Virender Sehwag and Rahul Dravid in Pakistan (2004).

Just a whit behind has been Jasprit Bumrah — and that only because Australia’s batting, as mentioned earlier, has been fragile. I venture, however, that the tall fast bowler’s awkward action, hot pace and splendid control, would have tested even Smith and Warner.

Team mojo But while Pujara and Bumrah have been the stellar performers, India’s domination in the series comes from important

contributions made by several others: Kohli, Rahane, Pant, Agarwal and Vihari in the batting, Shami, Ishant, Ashwin, Jadeja and Kuldeep in the bowling.

In some cases, this may not be necessarily reflected in plain stats. For instance, Vihari hasn’t scored too many runs, but the amount of time he spent in the middle, particularly as makeshift opener, was crucial to the team cause.

The only disappointments have been M Vijay, K.L Rahul and to an extent Umesh Yadav. Not everybody can click, as the history of cricket shows, so this is hardly calamitious. But it does put the onus on these players to recover their mojo if they have to hold on to their places.

Look for the big gains from this tour, it will have to be the performance of the

youngsters. Everybody knows how good Kohli, Pujara, Shami and Ashwin are, so their success, while deserving of accolades, is no real surprise. Bumrah capped his first year in Test cricket in a manner which suggests he could be a major-domo in the years to come. Agarwal impressed thoroughly with his technique, style and fluency as an opener. Kuldeep, though he will be used selectively, is a match-winner, and in Pant, India have found a smash-hit wicket-keeper batsman though he must improve his glove-work The next Test series is after the World Cup in June-July. How these players — individually and collectively — sustain form, zest and momentum will determine future success. But the whiff of achhe din is unmistakable.

Repeated CoA battles making Indian cricket laughing stock When it scrutinizes the status report submitted by the Committee Of Administrators (CoA), the Supreme Court might find itself in a piquant situation on how to move further from here.

Far from succeeding in implementing the Justice Lodha panel recommendations to overhaul the Board Of Control For Cricket In India (BCCI), the CoA is now riddled with a menacing internecine problem that threatens to reduce the whole exercise into a farce.

Tardy In the past couple of months, Vinod Rai and Diana Edulji, the two remaining members of the CoA (originally there were four), have grown apart drastically, sparring on virtually every issue. Apart from reducing the efficacy of the committee, it is also making Indian cricket a laughing stock.

Not only has there been tardy progress in forcing reforms, but the Hardik Pandya-KL Rahul controversy has also seen factions of the BCCI ‘old guard’

teaming up with Edulji – in direct conflict with measures mooted by Rai -- on the course of action to be taken against the errant cricketers!

As it has emerged, the dissonance between the two goes back to mid-2017 when Anil Kumble was removed as chief coach of the Indian men’s team on skipper Virat 11

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Kohli’s insistence - which Edulji opposed vehemently. But it has gone rapidly downhill in the past few months starting with the #MeToo allegations against BCCI CEO Rahul Johri. Edulji was vocal in her unhappiness with the way in which the whole episode was handled, believing it was done in a namby-pamby manner

by Rai to help Johri, and things have not been the same between the two since.

The Mithali Raj-Ramesh PowarHarmanpreet Kaur fracas was the second major flash point. Edulji stood behind the women’s team’s captain and coach, citing the Kohli-Kumble instance, only this time captain Harmanpreet was for retaining Powar. She was overruled, a three-member scrutiny panel, comprising of Kapil Dev, Anshuman Gaekwad and Shanta Rangaswamy, was empowered to pick a new coach and former India opener WV Raman won favour. But not without controversy again, for the scrutiny panel had actually picked Gary Kirsten who was later found to have 'conflict of interest’!

Snubbed by Rai on these previous occasions, Edulji dug her heels in when

the Pandya-Rahul misdemeanor on the Karan Johar talk show came to light and caused a brouhaha in the country. Rai suggested a two-match suspension for the players. But Edulji – finding unexpected support from the BCCI – insisted on a bureaucratic procedure that saw Pandya and Rahul recalled from Australia where they were part of the ODI squad.

The two now face an inquiry committee and their future hangs in the balance.

Home truth When asked whether their absence would not affect the Indian team, Edulji’s blunt response was that the image of Indian cricket and the sport was bigger than the players. This is a home truth that nobody can deny. Edulji’s rigid stand stems from the lack of regard for women in the manner in which Pandya (particularly) and Rahul conducted themselves on Karan Johar's show.

Gender and race sensitivity are now prerequisites, more so from public figures, in the way they conduct themselves particularly in the public domain and the

players were clearly in the breach.

Edulji had been uncompromising on the sexual harassment allegations against Johri, but what the remedial action against Pandya and Rahul should be is moot. This is not a #MeToo case, there were no official complaints against them.

Neither was their 'sin’ was as grave as say match-fixing or cheating a la Steve Smith and David Warner.

While what Pandya (primarily) and Rahul said on the show did not present Indian cricket in very good light, should the quantum of punishment for bawdy, ill-considered locker room talk even if distilled in public, invite a similar process of inquiry and punishment is the question.

Already shamed in public – with Pandya suffering material setbacks too, with a product endorsement and private club membership lost – perhaps their offense could have been treated as a one-time misdemeanor, inviting censure, perhaps a monetary fine too, without imperiling their future. While the prompt show cause notice to the two was justified and smart work, their contrition and unqualified

Testing times for Rahul & Pandya If the inquiry committee extends the ban to say two months, it restricts opportunities for Pandya and Rahul to clinch a place in the World Cup squad, for which the countdown has begun.

The team management and selectors would like to crystallise the squad as soon as possible, assessing form and fitness of all hopefuls under a microscope. Pandya has only just returned from an injury lay-off, so some questions on his fitness obviously linger.

On the other hand, Rahul’s current form has been woeful, and every opportunity was invaluable for him. Such is the competition for places in every format in Indian cricket that few players can take their places for granted.

The worst-case scenario for the two would be that the inquiry committee

finds their transgression serious enough to suspend them for, say, six months or more. That would put them out of contention for the World Cup straightway.

Many theories, mostly psychobabble, have been thrown around about why Pandya and Rahul dropped their guard on the show. The relevant ones, like better mentoring of players (though I feel this is more pertinent in the 15-21 age group) is something that must obviously be considered.

I am also in disagreement that players should not be allowed on shows that don’t pertain to cricket. That restricts freedom of expression and may not be legally acceptable . As long as no contractual obligations are broken, individual rights must be upheld.

The problem is not that they appeared 12

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on the show, but what was said. Pandya has always been somewhat of a show pony going by his demeanour on and off the field. But there is a difference in bragging, even indulging in some ribaldry, and in being crass and insensitive.

Rahul, by being in the show and therefore complicit it would appear, finds himself in the same boat too, though it remains to be seen how the inquiry committee views his role.

Considering their age and that this is a first time offence, there was perhaps a case for leniency in my opinion. What they indulged in was bawdy locker room talk stupidly broadcast in the public domain.

Having realized their mistake, both showed contrition after being served show cause notices. The matter could conceivably have been closed there.

ayaz memon apology should also be taken cognizance of, more so since they were not repeat offenders.

Pandya and Rahul can’t be absolved of what they’ve done. Hopefully, the lesson has been hard learnt, not just by them, but everybody else in the Indian dressing room. The larger need, of course, is for sensitizing young players in the system,

especially in the 16-21 years age group to prevent such incidents in the future.

Meanwhile, for the Supreme Court, there is the future of the Indian cricket administration to consider. When the CoA was constituted, the SC had held that the process of cleansing would take 8-9 months at most.

More than two years later, as the status

report would reveal, the progress made has been tardy. Most state associations remain partially or largely noncompliant to the reforms mooted. Not just that, one faction of the CoA, as the PandyaRahul case suggests, now seems to have moved close to the same BCCI which it is supposed to set right.

Who then, bells the cat?

Indians tie the knot with BTEA Bahrain being promoted as exotic wedding destination

The BFIW(#BigFatIndianWedding) has arrived on Bahrain shores – and how! As a result of the continuous efforts by the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibition Authority (BTEA) to promote the Kingdom of Bahrain as a destination for weddings and other happy occasions, the Kingdom hosted an exotic Indian wedding of the son of Indian businessman, Sushil Mantri, of Bangalore, from December 15 to December 17, 2018, at the Four Seasons Hotel, Bahrain Bay. The event attracted more than 800 guests who travelled on Bahrain's national carrier, Gulf Air, from various Indian cities, including Bangalore, Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai, and from other parts of the world.

The three-day wedding included a series of activities, the first of which was the arrival of the bride and groom in a traditional Bahraini environment and

means of transportation: on a purebred Arabian horse, accompanied by traditional Indian music and dancers, while the bride arrived to the scene of the wedding onboard a traditional boat at Bahrain Bay. After the ceremony, Bahrain’s skyline was adorned with a display of fireworks to celebrate the wedding and the Kingdom’s National Day holiday, commemorating the joy of both occasions.

On the second day of the celebrations, the guests were invited to a traditional Souk (bazaar) that was hosted at the hotel's large halls, allowing guests to witness traditional Bahraini craftsmen at work, manufacturing beautifully crafted products made of gold and pearls, traditional women’s and men’s clothing, and enjoy traditional sweets and beverages that were presented. To conclude the third and final day, a special social and sports program was organized 13

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at Bahrain International Circuit to enjoy karting as a final farewell event.

Commenting on this occasion, Dr. Ali Hasan Follad, BTEA’s Adviser, said, "BTEA has played a pivotal role in planning and organizing this wedding, ensuring that the entire event ran smoothly from end to end. By coordinating with the authorities concerned, particularly the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Information, and other organisations such as Bahrain Airport Company, we worked together diligently as a single team to organise the event’s logistics and ensure the selection of appropriate locations.

Further communications were also made with various suppliers and specialists, including Gulf Air among others. It is of note that all the decoration and designs were produced in the Kingdom of Bahrain and implemented by Bahraini wedding and event planners."

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we speak your language

70 Republic Day OF India th

SPECIAL FOCUS

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BCICAI gears up for challenging knowledge inputs The Bahrain Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (BCICAI) has been a portal for change and skills-enhancement for chartered accountants in the Kingdom. This august body of professionals is representative of the prestigious ICAI and was The Bahrain Chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (BCICAI) was founded in 1985 and held its first official program in April 1986.

Over the years the BCICAI has grown from strength to strength and now has a membership of over 450 members and is now the largest organized professional body of Indians in Bahrain.

The members of the BCICAI are spread over industry, audit and consulting organizations in Bahrain.

At the recent international conference of chartered accountants, EDB CEO Khalid Companies, government, quasi-government, public and Rumaihi praised Indian CAs for their support in ensuring Bahrain's progress. private organisations rely on chartered accountants The BCICAI also undertakes the responsibility of co-coordinating with these days to not just steer the finance department ICAI and the Embassy of India, Kingdom of Bahrain in the conduct of but also shape the future as CFOs and CEOs. the ICAI's examinations in Bahrain. The first Common Proficiency Test With Bahrain moving into the VAT system, these are (CPT) was conducted in Bahrain during June 2009. challenging times for companies making the transition In July 2018, the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF) and the and CAs are at the forefront of advising clients and Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) signed a Memorandum employees on how to make a seamless transition in of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen the accounting, financial and audit their business. knowledge base within Bahrain. The MoU will provide an opportunity to the Chairperson S. Sridhar said that the BCICAI has ICAI members to expand their professional horizon and simultaneously ICAI already held seminars on VAT in Bahrain. will become an entity to strengthen building of local national capabilities.

“The BCICAI continually holds seminars and events The aim is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial relationship for our members on timely topic that will enhance in the best interest of members, students and the respective organizations. their knowledge – not just professionally but also their With the Indian budget to be revealed and this being the election year, personal and technical development. These seminars the BCICAI will soon host its popular post-budget analysis talk that gives and workshops help them to stay abreast of their insights into the Indian budget and how it affects the coming year. knowledge-processing and and obtain their required Watch this space for more details.

CPE credits.”

in the news

PM inaugurates India’s film museum Indian cinema is the strongest weapon in the country’s arsenal of soft power. Now the industry which is over a century old has a national museum of its own.

To the Indian public which fawns ceaselessly over its movie stars, it was a curious sight: the most popular film personalities from octogenarian Asha Bhonsle to hottie Kangana Ranaut and controversy’s child Karan Johar, everybody lined up for a selfie of their own with India’s impeccably turned-out and charismatic Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the inauguration of the second phase of the National Museum of Indian Cinema in Mumbai recently. What’s more, they smiled, laughed and cheered on cue and even tweeted their congratulatory messages to the public – not for the opening of the much-awaited museum but for their good fortune in securing The Selfie.

“How’s the josh?” the PM asked the adoring stars, paraphrasing a dialogue from the hit film URI: Surgical Strike. The crowd was ecstatic!

Much-delayed and accused of putting disproportionate emphasis on Hindi cinema at the cost of other regional film industries, the NMIC is nevertheless a step in the right direction and gives a sense of history and continuity to one of the most powerful and evocative aspects of India’s cultural power on the world stage – cinema.

History Capsules Set to become a highlight of the “Mumbai Yatra”, an innovation committee, headed by lyricist Prasoon Joshi helped to curate this swanky 12,000 sqm building in which the museum’s second phase is housed.

It features interactive displays, mobile exhibitions, and two 3D-compatible theatres with 4K projectors and 7.1 surround sound. This state-of-the-art museum, built at a cost of over Rs 140 crore, aims to take its visitors through an absorbing journey of over a century of Indian cinema with the help of visuals, graphics, artefacts, interactive exhibits and multimedia expositions.

The New Museum Building showcases four exhibition halls with specific themes: ‘Gandhi and Cinema’, ‘Children’s Film Studio’, ‘Technology, Creativity and Indian Cinema’, and ‘Cinema across India’.

The fifth floor houses a cafeteria with a bird’s eye view of the city where people can “talk, eat, and sleep film”. The organisers envision the entire complex as a potential “film hub” where travelling exhibitions, film festivals, workshops and seminars will draw a regular stream of visitors.

In the first phase, consultant curator Amrit Gangar condensed a 100 years of 18

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Indian cinema into eye-catching exhibits like a life-size statue of a Lumière company representative cranking a cinematograph at Bombay’s Watson’s Hotel in 1896, a recreated set of Dadasaheb Phalke’s classic ‘Raja Harishchandra’ and an entire room dedicated to different versions of the romantic drama ‘Devdas’.

The first phase of the building is housed in a 19th century Victorian Gothic bungalow, the Gulshan Mahal. After decades of being used as the home of a Khoja merchant, a hospital for World War II soldiers, the Jai Hind College campus and the Films Division office, it now hosts quaint artefacts of India’s pre-cinema history, like ‘chitrapat’ — an unravelling scroll of pictures — and Magic Lantern, which shows a successive projection of glass-slide images creating the illusion of movement. It also showcases over a hundred years of Indian cinema through nine sections, ranging from the origins of Indian cinema to silent films to the studio era to the New Wave.

This is the first museum dedicated to films in India. Through movie clips, photographs, film equipment and other film memorabilia, it will take visitors through the history of cinema from across the country. Complete with glass façades,

marble and granite interiors and gleaming escalators, it bears no resemblance to the nineteenth-century bungalow on its right.

Shyam Benegal, head of the museum’s advisory committee claims this is by design. “One is the past, the other is the

future,” he says. “The new building is a state-of the-art, interactive, 21st century museum.”

Visitors to the new wing are encouraged to interact with the displays by watching movie snippets on touchscreens, dubbing

voices and even creating short films. “The word for museum in Hindi is ‘kautukalaya’ or ‘ajayab ghar’, which means house of marvels or wonder,” says Gangar. “So this museum, whether you are eight or eighty, should fill you with this sense of wonder.”

Gulshan Mahal – at the centre of the arts scene once again

A 1930s photo of the Jairazbhoy family outside Gulshan Mahal, courtesy Gulshan Mahal’s impressive frontage, illuminated by night.

Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy. Khurshid sits in a white sari on the right

In the 1920s and ’30s, the sprawling Victorian-Gothic bungalow drew the cream of society to its musical soirées and cultural gatherings. It was once home to India’s first female documentary filmmaker, who would later be turned out of it as a Partition evacuee and see her bungalow confiscated by the Indian government. The bungalow, formerly named Gulshan Abad, was built in the mid-1800s and first owned by Peerbhoy Khalakdina, a Gujarati businessman from the Khoja Muslim community. Besides trading, Peerbhoy was also a philanthropist and educationist who had set up many schools in Kutch, and he continued to do so in Bombay also.

Over the years, Peerbhoy’s large estate passed down to his younger grandson, Cassim Ali Jairazbhoy. When Cassim Ali married Burma-born Khurshid Rajabally in the early 1900s, Gulshan Mahal acquired a new character.

“For one, Amma changed the entrance of the house from Warden Road to Peddar Road, so that people could get a view of the Arabian Sea when they entered,” said Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy, a musicologist and wife of Khurshid and Cassim Ali’s son, the

late Nazir Ali Jairazbhoy. Khurshid also brought music into the house. She had a sitar guru, Madhav Lal from Mathura, who lived on the estate and also taught Nazir Ali, who went on to become a well-respected musicologist and a documentary filmmaker.

Khurshid’s brother, Yakub Rajabally, was a well-known qawwali artiste who would perform around the city and at Gulshan Mahal.

First documentary In 1932, as a pilgrim in Mecca, Khurshid began filming scenes from the Haj pilgrimage and made a documentary film – the first Indian woman to do so. “Cassim Ali had written many books on Islam and used the film to teach people about the religion during educational tours around Europe,” said Catlin-Jairazbhoy. Through the 1930s, the family also rented one of the houses on their estate to Devika Rani, the legendary actress. That house is now the Films Division’s children’s films building.

In 1950, more than a decade after Cassim Ali’s death, everything changed for the Jairazbhoy family. Around three years after Partition, when Khurshid was on a visit 19

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to the new nation of Pakistan and all her sons were studying or working abroad, the Indian government confiscated Gulshan Mahal and its surrounding properties, declaring it as evacuee property.

“Amma rushed back to Bombay but she had been declared an evacuee, and she had to sell all her belongings and return to Pakistan,” said Catlin-Jairazbhoy. After Partition, Khurshid could only visit India on a restricted visa till she died in 1989, while the rest of the family was scattered in different parts of the country and abroad.

Gulshan Mahal, meanwhile, was put to different uses by the government: for a while, it served as a hospital for soldiers, a temporary campus for Jai Hind College and for a brief amount of time, as the offices of the Documentary Films of India and the Films Division. When the Films Division moved to a new building on the estate in 1976, Gulshan Mahal remained largely closed, and was rented out for film shoots on occasion.

“This museum will have a national character, focusing on regional cinema and the role films played in the freedom movement,” said Gangar.

salaam society

Bahrain-India Society turns ten "The BIS has made a mark over its first decade The Bahrain India Society hosted its 10th year anniversary conference at the Elite as a platform that strengthens trade and Resort & Spa. Vice Chairman of the board bilateral links between Bahrain and India in the R. K Damani, opened the talk recalling the contemporary 21st century context. Much has objectives of the Bahrain India Society and changed in both countries as their economies the reasons for its inception. Formed as a boom and the assume more sophisticated roles non-profit society, the organisation sought in the global context. Through our programme to foster healthy trade relations between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the Republic of workshops, talks and seminars in the of India. coming months, we will seek to understand Since its inception the organisation has these influences better and add value to the Mohammed Dadabhai seen drastic changes in both developing continuing friendly relations between both Chairman, economies. The recent economic and countries."

Bahrain india society developmental explosion in India has become a promising factor for Bahrain India Society’s functioning. With India becoming the 5th largest economy with a future projection of higher economic growth rate than China, India has produced a positive business climate for foreign investors, Damani said.

Along with organising events that bring successful Indian entrepreneurs to inspire and motivate young Bahraini entrepreneurs, the society has also planned an itinerary of trade delegations between India and Bahrain. In the coming years they have shifted their focus to help young Bahrain entrepreneurs set up businesses in India and young Indian entrepreneurs to bring more employment and investment Board members of the BIS at the press conference opportunities to Bahrain. BIS is working conditions that make Bahrain a workplace the Bahrain business community to look at closely with the Office of the Crown Prince of choice for expatriates. The recent surges investment opportunities in Tier B & Tier C and the EDB to help Indian companies set of Indian investment in Bahrain can be seen cities in India, citing a pertinent example up businesses in the kingdom. in the finance, insurance, manufacturing, of Bahrain based Midal Cables who have Just within the last year, bilateral trade healthcare and education sectors. set up their new project in Odisha. Bahrain between India and Bahrain crossed US$ With the implementation of VAT in too is opening doors to Indians, including 1 billion. Both countries have a set of the kingdom, a large number of Indian marketing Bahrain successfully as the new advantages that the BIS markets to attract chartered accountants have set up offices wedding destination for exclusive Indian more investors. Some of those advantages to help facilitate its smooth execution. weddings. With many interesting and are the Free Trade Agreement Bahrain Other investment opportunities for Indian exciting developments on the horizon has with USA, the causeway between companies exist in areas such as oil and Bahrain India Society is looking towards Saudi and Bahrain and the excellent living gas exploration. The board members urged a promising future.

We wish the Indian community Hearty Congratulations on the occasion of their

70th Republic Day

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I www.kavalani.com I info@kavalani.com I 22 SALAAM BAHRAIN| www.instagram.com/kavalani_bahrain JAN - FEB 2019

A glorious chance to renew our democracy Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award winner and Bahrain businessman Rajasekharan Pillai has expressed his warmth and greetings for his fellowIndians on the occasion of the 70th Republic Day. "Every year, the world faces new challenges and India too is no different. Yet, right at the beginning of every new year, we have this glorious opportunity to celebrate our freedom, our belief in our democratic values and the inclusive values that have shaped our Constitution.

Our Republic Day is a reaffirmation of our country's strong and thriving democracy, the continuity of our search for clarity and improvement - after all, democracy is at best, work-in-progress!

Our Republic Day is also an appropriate time to reflect upon how much we, as citizens, are doing for our country.

A democratic way of living calls for participative governance. Even as NRIs living far away from home, we should do our part - we should be informed, we should be responsive to government efforts to change our country for the better and be less cynical perhaps, because cynicism is easy - action and progress is difficult, but ultimately, our goal.

salaam society

MCS Ladies come together for haldi-kumkum The ladies of the Maharashtra Cultural Society (MCS) celebrated Makar Sankranti with a traditional Haldi-Kumkum gathering.

The ceremony marks the auspicious change of season from winter to Spring in India and the transition of the sun into the constellation of Capricorn or Makara.

The ancient festival is also mentioned Mahabharata, which some experts date back to the third century B.C. 23

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salaam society

PBD in Bahrain:

Watan jab yaah aaye, bahut yaad aaye

To paraphrase the old film song, it was a time of hometown memories at the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas celebration in the Indian Embassy in Bahrain. An intimate crowd of Indian residents of the Kingdom felt the warmth of home with a short and sweet cultural programme and plenty of regional foods and artefacts in the pop-up Little India in the garden.

There was also a short film about India’s soft power that had everybody missing home. Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha presented awards to the winners of a global quiz to know India better.

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corporate profile

NIA – a diamond service for every customer Salaam Bahrain spoke to New India Assurance Company’s General Manager S.L. Koli on the prospects that he sees for the solid and mature firm in Bahrain.

• N I A i s a p p r o a c h i n g t h e completion of 60 years in 2019.

What are the company’s plans for its Diamond Jubilee of operations in Bahrain?

SLK: The New India Assurance Company Limited, India’s Premier general insurance company kickced off its Centenary celebrations from July 23, 2018, its foundation day at New Delhi. , The company was founded by Sir Dorabji Tata on 23rd July, 2019, a Multinational General Insurance Company, today operates in 28 countries and Headquartered at Mumbai, India. Our global business crossed US$3.8 billion (INR 26,554 crores).

We have been market leaders in India in Non-Life business for more than 42 years.

We are the only direct insurer in India rated A-(Excellent) by AM BEST Company since 2007. We have been rated AAA/ Stable by CRISIL since 2014, indicating that the Company has the highest degree of Financial Strength to honor its Policyholder's obligations.

We have been leading the Indian market, apart from premium, in reserves & net worth for many years.

We have similar ambitious plans for the Bahrain operations as well. Currently numbering four, we shall open a centralized branch for the motor claims administration to ease the traffic at our branches. We also plan to open new counters in prominent malls across the Kingdom of Bahrain during the 2019 financial year. Through this we expect to spread our presence across the nuke and corner of the Kingdom and make ourselves easily accessible for the customers.

Online renewal of the policies shall also be made available for our customers, towards the beginning of March 2019.

• You have some specialist policies such as your Jewellers' Block Insurance, Money Insurance and Fidelity Insurance. How many of these services were tailored specifically for Bahraini market demand?

SLK: New India has a huge basket of insurance products to cater the need of various commercial activities and individuals, which takes care of almost every eventuality involved. In the Kingdom of Bahrain, we deal in all kind of general insurance policies which a business entity needs to protect their assets, business, employees as well as Liability of their Directors & Officers.

For Corporate Sector other than the existing products, New India has tailormade project insurance cover which takes care of all the perils during the construction, erection, commissioning and testing, and also loss of profit due to delay in start-up, due to accident. For operational industrial risks we have Industrial All Risk Policy for material damage cover with Business Interruption cover.

We also have specifically designed 26

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policies for Traders, Jewelers, Banks, Offices, Medical, Engineering, Financial & other Consulting Professionals. For Individuals, we have Property Insurance, House Holder Insurance, Personal Accident Insurance, Health & Travel Insurance.

• In recent times, insurance has become universally accepted and mandatory even, for automobiles and businesses. However, I understand insurance penetration in Bahrain is rather low. Why is that?

SLK: It should be understood that automobile insurance has deep rooted influence in the minds of the Bahraini people. They perfectly understand its requirement and voluntarily purchase one.

The credit is to be owed to the strong regulatory and statutory framework and diligent awareness measures undertaken by both the Central Bank of Bahrain and the Bahrain Insurance Association.

The same applies to commercial entities as well. One segment that still keeps away from insuring themselves would be small and medium class of businesses

including the shopkeepers. They tend to misunderstand that the premium amount spent is unnecessary and avoidable business expenditure. In fact, it is an essential expenditure for their business which protects their business assets as well as continuity of their business in case of eventualities. There is great potential of insurance business. We need to disseminate the information to individuals, small & marginal businesses about the insurance benefits that by paying a very small amount of insurance premium, they can protect their valuable properties and assets. Recent fire incidents in and around the Capital governorate itself heralds the important of insurance. I believe more awareness is required to penetrate this market and alleviate the business owners’ concerns.

• Why, despite being a financial hub, is Bahrain’s insurance industry not fully broker-driven?

How does this affect insurance services?

SLK: In the Kingdom, generally clients like to deal directly. But most of large policies are always broker driven.

• How has technology changed the way the insurance industry functions? I mean at different levels. For example, new automobile technology means our cars can be driven faster but also that they have better safety features...how does that influence motor claims policies?

Or, to take another example, anti-theft technology helps to prevent and track thefts. How has this been reflected in insurance protection? Also better record-keeping with electronic support must influence the way business is transacted.

SLK: You are correct, with the change of technologies; nowadays vehicles are coming with more safety features.

That’s why the insurance premium for comprehensive insurance policies is also low as compared to previous years. But it is challenging also for insurance companies

to manage their motor insurance portfolio, as the cost of repair of these advanced vehicles is also very high.

Technology has shifted gears for sure and that heavily reflects in the quality of the Insurance ERP software available these days. This helps the insurance companies to better manage their affairs as well. Trend analysis becomes easier these days and it helps the companies in better planning their strategy.

• Tell us about some of NIA’s unique policies such as the Large Scale Fish Insurance, Date Palm insurance, Medical Malpractices policies for Hospitals/Doctors and Health Insurance for Senior Citizens above 60 etc.

SLK: We have almost all products at par with the insurance requirements in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We have Medical Malpractice Insurance Policy which takes care of Legal Liability due to any negligence on the Hospitals as well as Medical Practitioners, for senior citizens above 60 years, we have medical insurance policies covering the medical hospitalization expenses in case of any eventuality.

Worth to be noted is that our product basket is more of an enchanting tools-kit with which any sort of insurance products could be tailor-made. One stop for your insurance requirements: The New India Assurance Co. Ltd. • What are the plans for the future and why should a customer come to New India?

SLK: For a century, the company has significantly contributed to the India’s growth story with innovative insurance products and solutions, both in India and countries around the world. The New India Assurance Company continues its dominance as the market leader and the preferred general insurance player in India.

We plan and wish New India Assurance’s offices to be customer centric as much as possible and less boring. We focus on reducing the customer turnaround time at our offices. Technology is also put to 27

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good use, using which online renewal of policies are to be introduced during the later stage of this year. More branch presence is also a prioritized agenda.

To sight an example on your question, “why should a customer come to New India”, we have a highly professional cosmopolitan work force who can serve our clientele in a fast and fair manner.

Our tailor made products would suit the requirements of any class of clients. Our grievance redress mechanism is “icing on the cake” and with all the other future plans that I shared a while ago, we truly believe that New India Assurance is one place where our customers can feel they are the most important visitor on our premises.

• What do you see as the 2019 industry trends in personal and corporate insurance in the GCC? How do you see the Bahrain market changing?

SLK: The insurance industry all together in the GCC is undergoing tremendous change. Introduction of indirect taxation is somewhat responsible including in Bahrain and paradigm shift caused by the new technologies is proving worthwhile.

With just 1% of online transactions during 2016, the share has gone up to 10% in the UAE during the yester year. This is expected to further expand. The UAE market is swiftly moving with the insurance web aggregation model. Bahrain is set to roll-out its regulations soon. Later, the aggregation model would prove to be favored way of distributing insurance in the Kingdom. This would prove to be less expensive for the consumers to purchase insurance products, owing to the lesser cost involved in operating the insurance business. With proper market awareness program, segments of clients currently those are reluctant would also come forth to insure. With an acceleration of 3% in the Bahrain GDP as suggested in a recent study, we can expect more new projects coming the Kingdom’s way which would further expand insurance market potential.

fashion news adda

My Nationalism

by Ajay Jaiswal

As you know, an adda is a communal space where we argue, discuss and fiercely debate.

Every month we shall discuss a red button topic from the point of view of two readers and see what readers feel. Join the debate by responding to these arguments with YOUR comments. Write to us with NEWS ADDA – October in the Subject line. Just 200 words. The best response will be published in the next issue of Salaam Bahrain.

To a person of my generation living an expatriate life but with a wealth of childhood memories growing up in India and probably with early adulthood and initial years of working life in India, nationalism comes easy. Feeling proud of our Indian identity, is, but natural. We are more Indian than folks back home (yes, however long we stay abroad, India is home).

This craving for Indian-ness – the identity of being an Indian is more crystallized in absence of differences which the general population faces everyday back in India on the basis of caste, language, economic class, religion etc. Here my identity is more of an Indian but back in Allahabad, I’m identified more by my community, the language I speak and my religion.

Recent unity There was no Indian nation or country even as recently as the mid-1800s. The idea of India as a homogenous unit with a distinct concept of oneness across the entire territory can be traced back to the post-First War of Independence in 1857.

The Crown took over control of the Indian colonies replacing the somewhat ad-hoc and haphazard administration of the old East India Company with a sophisticated bureaucracy. New Districts and provinces were created and running of the state was in the hands of an elite cadre – the Indian Civil Services, supported by the 28

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departments of police, revenues, agriculture etc. This contributed enormously to the unity of British India, as well as to its stability. However, the oneness ended there. The plurality was enormous. We were hopelessly divided on basis of caste, varna, language, religion, class etc.

Despite all the doomsayers’ predictions, we have remained as a single, independent nation for the last seventy two years.

We faced wars, handled famines, went through internal conflicts, confronted secessionist movements but territorially and constitutionally remained one. At the time of independence we were written off as a doomed nation destined to fail, too diverse to persist as nation and much too poor to endure as democracy. We proved every naysayer wrong. We blossomed into a prosperous vibrant, functioning, forward-looking democracy. Yes, we still have problems – far too many people are poor, religious harmony is a far-fetched dream and economically, we are still vulnerable.

My nationalism is my faith and hope in the future of India. The past 72 years has been an exhilarating journey. Despite all the conflicts and noisy cacophony, we celebrate our diversity. Our achievement as a nation since independence fills me with pride, whether food production, achievements in science and technology or strides made in the education front. But the biggest achievement is to remain and thrive as an independent, sovereign, secular democratic country practicing freedom of expression, religion and thoughts.

As India gives me my identity and fills me with pride in a foreign land, my responsibility as a true national is to solemnly resolve to represent ideals of sovereign socialist secular democratic republic of India and follow the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity among all citizens. Republic Day is a timely reminder of these ideals.

Coping with patriotism curveballs You can be a comfortable and vociferous NRI patriot.

But coping with everyday small challenges back home is more testing.

Patriotism, according to me, is simply affection for one’s country. Affection is a very subjective thing and we can express it in different ways. The sentiment that comes in our mind on 26th January or 15th August,, when you hear the national anthem, etc. is indeed patriotism, but that is not all. I can say, if I don’t litter on the streets, respect public property, follow traffic signals, pay my taxes, do good for the socially underprivileged, my actions make me a patriot. It is not only the feeling you get when you watch an India vs Pakistan cricket match, but it is the zeal with which you work to make your nation the best in the world. It is the pride you feel when somebody asks you which country you belong to and you say India.

I think patriotism depends more on the person rather than where he/she stays.

An Indian being an NRI doesn’t make him or her any less or more patriotic.

But, having been an NRI for many years before returning home for good, I feel that NRIs get more emotional about patriotism, probably because they miss their motherland, the cultural connect of being surrounded by family and friends of long standing and above all the access to the panoply of events, festivals and celebrations and rituals that continuously reaffirm our identity. The echoes of these memories make up the emotional attachment to India from afar.

After being a long-time NRI, my thoughts about patriotism after returning to India has not changed drastically.

Though the day to day niggling issues such as pollution, bad roads, traffic, corruption, etc. make you angry and sways your patriotic fervour, true patriotism will never leave you. I agree that it does test your faith and love for your country, but it does not make you

less patriotic in any way. No matter what, that deep feeling of belonging and calling something your own, will always bring a burst of pride in you. I guess it is easier to feel more patriotic, sitting comfortably thousands of miles away from India, 29

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by Nalini Vipin

and not experiencing the true India as it is right now. I feel by celebrating all festivals, wearing traditional clothes, etc., NRIs flaunt their patriotism from a comfortable distance. I too used to do the same. That is actually one way we all try to hold onto our culture with great pride. After returning to India, I can bluntly say that I haven’t lost even a wee bit of patriotism for India at all – I probably just express it differently. There are so many other ways to show it – not just as a cultural connect but as a service connection too!

I conclude with the thought that we should all love our country by showing it in our actions and make it a worthwhile place to live in, and be proud of. Let us retain that rush of pride when we talk of India, in our hearts and minds! Let us be proud to say that we are Indians, and that is real patriotism, according to me.

salaam society

Rahul-Krithika home-coming reception

Longtime Bahrain residents, Rajni and Ram hosted a wedding reception for their son Rahul and daughter-in-law Krithika at the Ritz-Carlton which was attended by family and friends from all over the world. This was followed by a home-coming party at their residence. Here are select photos of the colourful occasions.

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fashion

RIMZIM DADU’S STEEL SAREE & OTHER FASHION INVENTIONS Known for her unique interpretation of textiles and her expertise in changing the very nature of materials, she uses to create new texture surfaces, Rimzim Dadu is a designer who offers edgy and chic interpretations of the most unusual fashion choices. Instead of starting each collection on a drawing board, her collections usually begin in off-beat markets, sourcing new materials which she disintegrates and re-engineers back together to create soul-searing surfaces. Using art installations, technology and craftsmanship she has built a fashion production adda in her shows and invites the audience to interact with her craftspeople, weavers and embroiderers so that they understand her fashion philosophy.

“Each of our collections have so much hard work, love and blood that goes in, that I felt a traditional runway show doesn’t do justice to.," Rimzim says, "I wanted to showcase the process behind our collections and how we create our surfaces. I brought my entire studio to the ramp — artisans, machines, craftsmen, weaving addas — and opened the doors to the show 20 minutes early where people could see the process, interact with our team and artisans and touch and feel our surfaces. In an industry which is usually non-transparent, I felt the need to be transparent and

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our presentation to be interactive. I have since then built on highlighting the ‘process’ and re-inventing traditional formats to present my work.”

“My focus has always been to make things easy to wear and technically very sound. For example, the steel wire sari looks structured and heavy, but most people are surprised by how light and soft it actually is, or how easy to wear it is. I like this sense of deception.”

“In our signature 3D appliqués we treat the fabric with a special technique to almost behave like paper. So when we cut the fabric into a shape it doesn’t fray (the threads don’t come out and the fabric doesn’t unravel).

We them use this paper-like crisp fabric to make our 3D appliqués in floral or other patterns. We first developed this technique a couple of years ago when I wanted to do a fun take on summer florals. Since then it has stuck around as one of our best-sellers.”

“The first time we developed our shredded cord saris were with chiffon. I wanted to play with chiffon which is a super-light and soft material and try to change its character to more grunge. We took chiffon, tore it into strips, made them into cords and sew the cords together

to create the pallu of the sari. We’ve taken this technique forward since then and experimented with different materials including steel wires and zari.”

Rimzim’s Spring/Summer 2019 collection features day dresses, statement t-shirts and luxe athleisure make up the collection which is mostly in cotton, knits, summer leather, denim and digital prints. The mood here is powerful yet playful with edgy, contemporary styling. Photographs by renowned photographers Mark Hanauer and Azaan Shah have been played with and converted into print and mixed media textures. An assortment of intricate handwork techniques has been used to add unexpected detail to individual garments.

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fashion

‘FINDING PERO’ THIS SUMMER

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What is fashion without a bit of mischief?

Designer Aneeth Arora sets us up for the summer with her themed collection ‘Finding Pero’. The outfits offer a visual ride along long-lost islands, the serenity of the deep blue seas, the beige-gold of pristine sands and the beauty of colours and patterns of marine landscape with underwater motifs, aquatic prints of flora and fauna,. Every piece of the collection revolved around the color blocking theme, a mix of frills and ruffles, crochet accents and beaded highlights.

The collection referenced quirky marine detailing such as the breatktakingly detailed fish and coral motifs worn on models’ heads, the upcycled flip-flops and an overall cool factor The textiles woven in various parts of India like West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Bhagalpur and Banaras, had ginghams and hand-woven tartans in neutrals and pastels as part of the line.

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salaam society

A hundred years of togetherness

Bahrain’s golden couples, Ranjana and Vithal Karani and Purnima and Sushil Muljimal celebrated 50 years of wedded love and joy – that makes a century of happiness altogether! The couples, who are part of Bahrain’s close-knit pioneering families, were féted by their children and extended circle of family and friends at a grand reception where the older generation watched and lent a quiet charm to the exuberant demonstrativeness of the younger lot.

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new in town

A New Shade of Indian

Indigo, a new Indian restaurant is gearing up to take over Block 338’s food scene with its contemporary approach to the multicultural, multicoloured cuisine. Chef Wilfred, a pioneer in modern Indian cuisine with accolades such as the Time Out award for his work in It’s Mirchi and years of experience accumulated from around the world from his ventures in South Africa, UAE and a career start with The Taj in Mumbai and so on, has combined his unwavering love for the kingdom and its people to bring out an interesting display of innovation with his new culinary adventure.

The culinary experience will be splayed across three floors, the first showcasing a fine dining experience decked in black and red decor with sleek accents to compliment the tone of the restaurant. The second

floor will feature a sports bar and lounge perfect for game lovers across Bahrain, the interiors are done up more cozily following the black and red theme but keeping true to the sporty vibes. The third floor is perhaps the highlight of the entire building, a rooftop dining area for the lovers of Bahrain winters and a view unlike any other. The theme of the restaurant defies the characteristic Indian aesthetic found in most places across Bahrain, but the food remains true to its roots.

From tangy Yakhni Shorba to succulent Subzi Makai Sheek Kebabs and the piquant Lemon Grass Chicken Tikka to indulgent Gosht Badami, recipes all across the diverse Indian scene is brought to your palette in beautifully inviting platters. The Chef’s encounters with modern cuisines have also led him to experiment on his own, 39

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giving rise to his own novel creations such as the Murgh Masala Pahadi style, an undisclosed recipe. Every dish looks like a masterpiece straight out of the master chef kitchens that ties the restaurant to its food. The restaurant has many vegan options to choose from and the seafood choices are abundant as well. From the classic Mussels in Goan curry to Mahi Tikka Lasooni a dish featuring fish cubes marinated in yoghurt, citric lime juice, mustard, garlic, ajwain seeds and other spices. The restaurant has an elaborate list of options to choose from – there are even popular Chinese and Arabic palate-pleasers available.

The classic, bold flavours combined with moderns aesthetics, both in decor and presentation, ensures that this restaurant will prove to be a straight winner.

eating out

A restaurant for every mood

by Amritha Foustine Indian cuisine with its mind-boggling variety, amazing taste and rich culinary history cannot easily be encompassed into one generic box. Yet, when the hunger pangs strike and you want an Indian meal, you sure are spoilt for choice in Bahrain. From swanky Michelin-starred gourmet restaurants to homely Udipi joints where a whole ‘combo’ breakfast is as affordable as 700 fils to buzzy resto-bars that serve awesome Indian food, you’ve got it all. Here’s a look at the best tastes in town!

Rasoi by Vineet Location: The Gulf Hotel, Juffair Rasoi by Vineet is no stranger to food connoisseurs in Bahrain and beyond. With three Michelin stars, Vineet Bhatia takes you on a transcendental Indian food journey that is both sophisticated and heart warming.

The luxe décor reflects the modern innovative approach to food while combining the grounded traditional tones and hues of India.

With presentation skills unlike any other, even staple Indian dishes are elevated with a flair of artistic touch. Appreciating the beauty and precision that goes into each dish makes it hard to dissect it. But once you grab you first bite, each dish sings on your palette and you can expect nothing short of perfection.

For reservations and more information, Call +973 1771 3000

Rivaaj at Sofitel

Nirvana

Spices

Location: The Ritz – Carlton, Seef First impression about Nirvana at the Ritz is how it truly makes you feel like royalty.

You step into the place and it’s as if you’re entering a red palace. The interiors are rich and decadent. It oozes opulence in every corner. The intricately designed gold motifs and the meticulous woodwork – and that’s just the décor! When the waiters arrive with your platters, you can easily imagine yourself as the sultan or Maharaja with a host of ministers by your side and a singing quartet right before you – the food is the spectacle.

It is the entertainment, it is the show.

Executive chef Mahipal Singh ordains flavours that explode right out. The Mansahari (meat) and Shakahari (vegetarian) kebabs are a must try - although every other thing you find on the menu is fantastic as well.

For reservations and more information, Call +973 1758 6499

Location: The Crowne Plaza, Diplomatic Area The Fusion trend has been revitalized by this restaurant at the Crowne Plaza. The eatery showcases standard yet exemplary Indian motifs and accents that interplay with a casual and light business theme. The air in the restaurant brings forth a vibrant and refreshing aura that is inviting yet luxurious. Chef Anwar is the master chef behind the curtains who brings forth dishes filled with industrious ambition intertwined with the traditional and intercultural heritage of India. Layers and layers of flavour are meticulously crafted into each dish. The chef also features new and innovative dishes every so often that the menu is always under construction. Some of his original creations include the Atish-E-Jhinga, the Hyderabadi murgh korma and a Malai Kulfi like no other.

For reservations and more information, Call +973 17531122

Rivaaj Location: Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, Zallaq The recently launched and critically acclaimed Rivaaj restaurant at Sofitel offers a truly authentic Indian gastronomic experience. Detailed hardwood carvings and the ceilings decked with flowy fabrics dyed with distinctive and regal colour palettes prepare you for an inimitable culinary affair that leaves a lasting impression. Its dreamy setting also makes it a perfect place for romantic dates. Even the staff are dressed in traditional attire to add to the ambience.

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This gourmet offering is spearheaded by chef Javed Qureshi, who specialises in the art of Hyderabadi and North Indian gourmet repast. Indulgence and luxury are two words that can be used to define your personal experience in Rivaaj. An authentic and meticulously prepared Indian culinary experience with a royal flair will conquer your appetite.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1763 6363

It’s Mirchi Location: Ramee International Hotel, Juffair It’s Mirchi is undeniably Indian but has a more subdued atmosphere when compared to other Indian restaurants. The flavours are, as the name suggests, packed with spices and actively strays away from the gentrified patterns of toning down the heat to cater to western palettes, which in our opinion, is fantastic. This might scare away most people but really there are many options for you to choose from and not every dish is slathered in chilli powder and pepper. The desserts here are more than delectable, traditional sweets with saffron, kheer and khoya which cut through everything you’ve eaten and just give you a well rounded finish. So for a traditional, homely Indian repast with a finessed touch, It’s Mirchi is a perfect pick.

Anything from the clay ovens in Lanterns is a straight up banger; flavours just ooze from the succulent tandooris – vegan choices included. If you’re not extremely diet- conscious, choose the stuffed naan with the rest of your meal. The spectacle of bursting the pocket of steam, will, by itself set you up with a good appetite.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1724 6777

Copper Chimney Location: Um Al Hassam & Seef Area near MOIC

For reservations and more information, call +973 3838 1615

Lanterns, Bahrain's favourite dhaba

Lanterns Location: Budaiya, Adliya, Juffair, Amwaj and Riffa An award-winning restaurant with breathtaking interiors that transport you to a dhaba or roadside Indian eatery with a painted village shop-front, Rajasthani wooden puppets and a lorry jutting out of the wall, this is the oldest ‘stylish’ restaurant for Indian food and now has five branches spans across Bahrain.

Take a pick from their extensive menu and treat your taste buds to a variety of garden fresh salads, authentic biryanis, exotic Indian curries and mouth watering desserts. Their gourmet lounge in Amwaj features a revised menu that showcases the classic favourites and new appetizers, sizzlers and drinks! The big favourite apparently is the prawn biryani, which is a hit with seafood lovers and there are quite a few seafood options to choose from.

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Copper Chimney has been around the kingdom since 1979 and has been a cult favourite since its inception. Its toned down atmosphere is key in helping you unwind and just relax. There’s not a lot to take in when it comes to the architecture of it but the furnishings that you do see are thoughtfully placed, very retro. Copper Chimney is a place that is solely focused on its culinary journey. For years and years, they have mastered the art of spices and are authentically Indian. Every item you see on the menu is not a mixture of timelines, cuisines or cultures. It is what it always was. The curries are rich and distinct, the Korma and Gosht are beyond exceptional.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1772 8699 / Seef Area +973 1736 4999

Mewar Location: Galleria Mall, Zinj Mewar prides itself as the latest Indian Gourmanderie that offers regal tradition with modernity fit for neo royals and it

eating out does what it says. The regal Rajput culture is lovingly writ across the interiors, the ornate décor highlighted with accents of gold, red and teal transports you to a corner in Rajasthan. The food is crafted by expert chefs who have managed to retain the traditional tastes of Rajasthani-inspired Indian cuisine with other eclectic regional imprints. What surprised us most was Mewar’s fantastic fusions: the Gulab Jamun Ssaffron Cheesecake is a perfectly whipped and baked cheesecake studded with tiny, juicy Gulaab jamun.

The cheese cuts through the rich sweetness of the jamun while the flaky biscuit base melds both flavours together. This principle of balance runs through each dish found in Mewar.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1750 2000

Asha’s Location: Avenues Mall & City Centre

Sudarshan & Chef Narendra out all the way from Saudi for a specific lunch item, the Gujrati Thaali. This is a traditional platter of meals that was first proposed by F&B manager Sudarshan Thottumkara who fell in love with Gujarati food during his short stint in Surat.

Executive chef Shankar Gaddam and specialty Gujarati Chef Narendra put together this burp-inducing thali of 18 all-veg items with its accompanying Indian bread basket and it is a favourite today in the Kingdom.

Named after and owned by the great Bollywood playback singer, Asha’s is a restaurant that has expanded Indian cuisine to international territories, with branches spread out across the GCC and the UK. The environment in Asha’s is a laid back yet opulent atmosphere, with contemporary woodwork and subtle yet imaginative pieces that draw influences from Indian artistry.

Spearheaded by Chef Navin Chauhan, who travelled across the northern side of the country as a young boy, thanks to his father’s cross-country army postings, the chef brings classic highway street food and immerses it in his own recipes of sophistication and innovation. The food incorporates a lot of Middle Eastern influences. If you’re taking family with you, make sure to try out the Rampuri Paya Biryani – one plate is more than ideal for sharing.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1717 9751(City Centre), +973 1711 0507(Avenues).

Al Hamra Palace - Gujarati Thali Location: The Delmon International Hotel, Manama The Al Hamra Palace restaurant inside The Delmon International Hotel is a Mediterranean themed restaurant that transports you to a corner in and old souq wherein oil lamps light up the stony walled structures and give a golden glow on the wooden accents found and surprisingly also has a vintage Bollywood charm to it. On weekdays despite its cosy atmosphere, the place is packed with business officials talking about the economy and their workloads but the weekends witness vibrant crowds that sometimes come 42

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For reservations and more information, call +973 1722 4000

Rendevous Location: City Centre, Seef Mall & Wadi Al- Sail The restaurant has a very modern contemporary ambience with chic white interiors, large windows letting in light and gives off a very airy bright atmosphere, bordering on minimalism. This imposes a great juxtaposition as the food is quite colourful and is truly traditional. Although the menu offers a continental spread with an A La Carte menu as well, the specialities of this restaurant lie in the Mediterranean and Indian dishes. It truly is a menu sculpted to satiate your most loud appetites! The restaurant often hosts large decadent allyou-can-eat buffets, breakfast, lunch and dinner. The desserts are fantastic as well but the savoury items will knock you out of the ball park. Hitting the right notes of

spices and the succulent meats prepared with utmost care and due time, the dishes are incredibly mellow and explosive at the same time. Balances between contradictions seem to be the running theme of this restaurant.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1710 4800

Mumbai Spices Location: Bahrain Mall, Al Raya Mall & Adliya Mumbai Spices truly celebrates the concept of Indian street food and ethnic specialities. The restaurant offers modern signature dishes and traditional recipes with a blend of fiery, punchy and robust flavours of authentic Indian street food.

The small plates are essentially the best dishes of the entire menu, as it is solely focuses on Mumbai’s street food. From the samosas, the vada pav and the bhel puri, the balance of tangy and sweet and the inter-textural play are beautifully balanced out here. The kebabs are also a great option to try out here. Anything that is authentically Mumbai street food is a winner. The drinks are quite refreshing as well; the laban-based flavoured lassi is not overly sweet and the lime-infused drinks are quite refreshing.

For more information, call +973 1758 1815, +973 1721 1400, +1700 0121.

Showshha Location: Juffair A little restaurant on the streets of Juffair, this quaint eatery offers an extensive menu of Indian delicacies from all across the country. The wall décor is quite cute, with silver pots and pans, wooden cutting boards and spoons placed decoratively on dark walls - it provides a little out of the box aesthetic to the place. The food is served in copper kadai or woks and bamboo flat plates. With more than 70 items on the menu there are a whole lot of dishes to try here, you could spend days going through the menu trying to dip your spoon into each curry and item. The Achari Paneer Tikka and Chicken Makhani are fan favourites. The brightly coloured

coolers have an Indian touch to them, with hints ofcumin and sometimes even green chilli flakes. The chaat items are also great, the gol gappas are exquisitely crispy and hold the flavoured pani pretty well.

For reservations and more information, call +973 1311 4556

Mithaas Location: Manama, near Ibn Sina Health Centre

Mithaas has a very contemporary minimalist aesthetic with bright white interiors and looks like a luxurious spa more than it does an authentic Gujarati restaurant. Though the looks are deceptive, the aroma is not. The Gujarati Thali is the highlight of Mithaas and is one of the best Gujarati Thali you’ll eat on the island. The proof of a good Thali lies in the Daal and what an exquisite Daal does Mithaas make.

Creamy, refined and silky this Daal has a beautiful consistency. If you’re lucky, you will taste the special Dal Dhokli in which squares of garlic-infused chapatti dough are cooked ravioli-like in a portion of dal.

The Gaajjar Ka Halwa is one of the best here, sweet but not overly so and the texture is great. A special thali will also get you a round of flavoursome farsaan or snacks, which the Gujarati kitchen excels in.

The oomph factor is the fact that you can get some really nice snacks. Not just Indian street food but also sandwiches and pizza Indo-Italian style. Mithaas also has a great outdoor catering service.

For reservations and more information, call + 973 3341 3067 43

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Filli Café Location: Bab Al Bahrain, Riffa in Lulu Hypermarket Filli Café has captured the hearts of many over time. With a chirpy exterior looking onto the busy Bab Al Bahrain road, this sweet spot is perfect for tea lovers and food enthusiasts alike. With outlets fashioned across the GCC to provide a cosy, friendly, and relaxing experience to everyone, it’s a great place to meet, chat, or lounge around alone or with friends.

Filli has its foodie roots in Indian street, serving piping hot paratha bites and samosas. The wraps found here are an ode to kathi rolls traditionally found in the lanes of Kolkata.

The beverages of Filli Café are more iconic than the snacks you’re bound to rediscover here. The wide array of thirst quenchers found here range from FiLLi Signature Teas, Milkshakes, and Juices. It’s the Saffron Tea and the owner’s special brew of FiLLi Tea Zafran that are best sellers and for good reason. For a casual Indian street food outing, this little cosy place is apt.

For reservations and more information, call + 973 1666 7777

Asha’s Location: Manama, near Ibn Sina Health Centre Bahrain's very own Asha’s has been around for a long time and has captivated the expatriate community in Bahrain with its old Indian charm and exceptionally great food. The chaat and Sindhi food are what Asha’s are widely known for. The Sindhi food at Asha’s is a textural treat, exceptionally made with the right blend of spices, not too overpowering but enough to make the experience a memorable one.

The sweets made at Asha’s are unlike any other and are great for celebrations.

Most Indian sweets are sometimes too rich and too sweet but the ones found at Asha’s are just right. The price point is quite affordable and is perfect for family settings.

For reservations and more information, call + 973 1720 0091

eating out Desi Spice Location: Bu Ghazal Avenue, New Zinj, across the road from Nasser Pharmacy & Planet Donut Desi Spice has been described as chaat heaven and with good reason! Their Pani Puri is kind of the best in town. The dishes are mainly North Indian classics and feature a lot of vegetarian items to try out. The place reminds you of a quaint roadside eatery found on the highways of India, the welcoming colours, the friendly service and staff members add to that down to earth ambience.

The food though, is quite explosive. The vibrant colours and exquisite flavours punch your palate and leave a lasting impression. Priced very affordably, this place allows you to try out many items on the menu at one go. The Thalis are on a league of its own and here’s a secret – let alone their delish naans, they make the best-tasting chapati!

For reservations and more information, call + 973 3362 8346

Calicut Live Location: Manama, near Gold City

inside a houseboat in Kerala. Some of the walls are sculpted into the sides of a houseboat to make the drama truly come alive.

The setting is rather impressive, makes you feel like you’re eating within a tableau.

The food is naadan/ authentic Keralite food but also showcases classic Indian recipes like Murgh Mughlai, Tandoori Chicken and so on. The specialities are mainly the seafood, especially the Kareemeen Pollichathu which is a pearl fish found popularly in the backwaters of Kerala and fried in a spice mix that leaves a tantalizing sensation when you feast on it. The vegetarian delicacies found here are pretty good too.

For reservations and more information, call +973 3222 8210

Sangeetha

South Indian cuisine is a niche of its own. Characterised by the local supply of ingredients - the abundance of sea food and natural herbs, the banana leaves, the aromatics and the coconut oil, Keralite cuisine pushes itself into an even tighter niche and Calicut Live perfects it. Having stood the test of time, serving authentic, naadan Keralite food, the restaurant has brought in admirers from far and wide. With branches across the GCC, the ever growing demand for Malabari prawns, the Kappa chicken chamanthi and Pandanas chicken are satiated religiously by the chefs at Calicut Live.

Ask for the Malabari flaky porottas flying off the counters as quickly as the cooks can make them. The mutton biryani, steamed and packed in the traditional banana leaf is the best that Calicut Live has to offer. Though it gets really crowded at night, the food is worth the wait.

For reservations and more information, call + 973 1700 0102

Naatinpuram Location: Hoora Naatinpuram has a very different approach to its interiors from other restaurants, it doesn’t just transport you a different time or place, it brings the place and time to you.

The wood interiors have been fashioned in a way that the restaurant appears to be 44

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Location: Zubara Avenue, Manama As of today, Sangeetha is the Thalaivaa of Tamil food in Bahrain. The restaurant has stayed true to its humble origins in Chennai and served up a fab combo breakfast which ticks all the Tamil boxes: dosa, idli, pongal, vadai and a steel glass of aromatic filter kaapi! The restaurant also serves up a carb-rich classic Southern thali, with rice for three courses: sambar, rasam and buttermilk (with an added tamarind kootu, if you want). While the chaat and the North Indian thali are rather not quite authentic, the chola-poori (channa bhatura) and the biryani are surprisingly good.

All items found in the menu are vegetarian and are sourced from the best ingredients.

For reservations and more information, call + 973 1727 2768

Anjappar Location: Adliya & Manama Serving up traditional Chettinadu food Anjappar has a unique culinary style with its freshly ground spices - the aromatics are enough to incite an appetite. Anjappar has a bright and colourful atmosphere that is very reflective of the food style. The food is vibrant and the portions are quite big.

salaam society The soups have a very sophisticated twist though the ingredients are quite simple. The mutton dishes are a speciality and the stock made from lamb bones are often used in dishes to add an extra subtle layer of flavour. The biryanis are packed with flavour and have a lot of ingredients that take a while to distinguish between. But nevertheless it’s easy to get carried away by the food here.

Dance group showcases elemental powers

For reservations and more information, call + 973 7740 5060

Vrindavan Location: Near Sacred Heart Church, Manama Vrindavan restaurant has been around the block for a long time - 25 years - and cultivated a loyal fan base. Jam-packed on Fridays and every other day after mass at the adjoining Sacred Heart Church, this restaurant has brought classic Udipi south Indian dishes to the masses of Bahrain. Serving up excellent breakfast items including the best Masala dosa, Ghee roasts and Oothappam, the forces of nostalgia are strong here. Try some Mangalorean specials such as Goli bajje and Neer Dosa and the surprisingly tasty Gobi Manchurian, a homage to Indo-Chinese faux cuisine.

For reservations and more information, call + 973 1723 4454

Gowri Krishna Location: Near the Awal Plaza on Zubarah Avenue Everybody loves Gowri Krishna! This peppy place serves up Madurai saapadu with a distinct kick, as unique as a regional accent. Their chutneys, with just a frisson of garlic are amazing, their idli is the best and the pillowy thayir vadai, (Southern dahi vada) topped with crispy boondi can satisfy your snack pangs with one serving. The dosa are crisp and golden and if you ask for a ghee roast, you can smell the golden-ness before it comes to your table!

For reservations and more information, call + 973 1724 3366

Other honourable mentions: Sameiria Snack Bar near Al Hamra Cinema, Swagat Udupi Restaurant in the Suq , Navaratna in Riffa, Anand Bhavan, Um Al Hassam and Noushad, The Big Chef, Um Al Hassam

Local dance guru Hansul Gani tapped into the spiritual history of her hometown Madurai, famed for its Meenakshi-Sundereshwarar temple to present Isha, a classical Bharatanatyam dance dramaat the Indian Club. Featuring over 40 dancers, the dance drama also showcased visiting Guru Smt Shree Lakshmanan from the US and her student.

The ballet explored the esoteric significance of Siva, the Hindu God of Destruction and his link with the five elements of earth, water, fire, air and space /ether.

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youngistan

Al Noor CBSE celebrates accolades

The CBSE Section of Al Noor International School celebrated its Annual Day over two days for the Primary and Secondary sections. Renu Yadav, the Second Secretary of the Embassy of India, was the chief guest.

A wide variety of colourful programmes were staged showcasing the unique talents of the students of all age groups which included one act plays and theme dances. The programmes were conceptualized based on the value systems which the school continues to inculcate in its educational programmes.

Chairman Ali Hasan handed over the awards for their achievements in various talent competitions held during the course of the year. A total of 239 prizes were distributed.

The School Chairman Ali Hasan, School Director Dr. Muhammad Mashood, Principal Amin Mohammad Hulaiwah, Head Teachers of all sections, officials from the Ministry of Education, officials from the Indian Embassy and parents were present on the occasion.

Grade 1 – Manashree Mahesh Naik | Grade 2 – Ryan Danny, Christy Joseph, Norah Ann Roshith Grade 3 – Vedika Sudheer Grade 4 – Santhosh Kumar | Grade 5 – Adwaith Joby Grade 6- Shweta Umesh Sonarikar | Grade 7 – Dyuthi Koram Beth Grade 8 – Ridha Shirin Mujeeb Rahman Grade 9 – Sarathy Ramanan | Grade 10 – Shamila Salik Grade 11 – Mohammed Jabir ( Science) Emaan Ayub Khan(Commerce).

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corporate profile

SBI, the choice of transforming India!

Headquartered at Mumbai and spreading its wings over the nations and beyond the boundaries, State Bank of India (SBI) is India’s largest commercial Bank in terms of assets, deposits, branches, number of customers and employees.

The Bank is present in 35 countries with 206 foreign offices and has the largest network of branches (22,414) and ATMs (59,541) in India. It has more than 3.30 mio strong NRI customer-base, who are being catered to by more than 90 exclusive NRI branches and 150 NRI intensive branches across India.

Today, SBI has more than 30 mio mobile banking users and 47.5 mio internet banking customers. The Bank tops the list of followers on Facebook and YouTube across all banks in the world.

With an aim of providing all the Non Resident Indian (NRI) related services at a single point, it has set up a centralized back-office for handling the entire gamut of non-financial services including customer support, lead and query management under one roof. SBI Intelligent Assistant (SIA) also known as Smart Chat Assistant evolved from the cutting-edge technology, which efficiently answers queries, is also available to its NRIs across the globe through its website, ‘bank.sbi’.

In Bahrain, SBI has Wholesale as well as Retail Banking Licenses. In retail, SBI has two branches, one in the Diplomatic Area (Main Branch) and another at Bab Al Bahrain. SBI Diplomatic Area branch has NRI Services Dept. for servicing NRI clients exclusively. In the rest of GCC, it

enjoys its presence in UAE, Oman and also manages the Mustafa Sultan Exchange Company and Global Money Exchange Company in Muscat (Oman) and City Exchange Co. in Dubai.

SBI offers specialized products and services for NRI’s. The Bank facilitates Rupee Loans for NRI’s in India like NRI Home Loan, Global Ed-vantage (Education) Loan and Mortgage Loan.

The Bank also facilitates Deposits and Remittances in INR, USD and some other foreign currencies in India.

Locally, SBI offers other Loans like Car Loans, Personal Loans, Loans against NRE Deposits in India / Deposits held in Bahrain, Corporate Loans and Trade Finance. It is also the only Indian bank in Bahrain to offer locker services for safekeeping of valuables.

On the occasion of the visit by top executives from SBI, Corporate Centre, Mumbai led by K. Haridas, Deputy Managing Director (Retail Business), SBI, Retail Branch, Bahrain organized the NRI Customer relations program on 08.12.2018 with its high value clients.

Haridas highlighted the overall progress and achievement made by the Bank in enhancing the delivery of services and ensuring the customer’s delight not only in India but globally. He also highlighted the developmental role played by the Bank in rural areas and the Digital Banking initiatives such as launching of YONO apps as one stop delivery for meeting the Financial, Banking and Investment needs and launching of SBI Wealth platform with personalized Relationship Manager (RM-Wealth) arrangement for its High value clients.

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motoring

we speak your language

‘Discover’ Land Rover Bahrain’s sensational 2019 Offers

Nov-Dec 2018 - VOLUME 11, ISSUE 10

the editorial team

Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover announces the introduction of an unbelievable offer on Land Rover’s most versatile SUV, the All-New Discovery and Land Rover’s premium compact SUV, the Discovery Sport.

Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover now presents the All-New Discovery with incredible discounts of up to BHD 4,000 along with complimentary insurance and registration. On the other hand, during the campaign that runs up until March 31, 2019, customers will benefit from complimentary side steps, registration and insurance should they purchase the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The offer also provide customers with benefits such as 5 years free warranty, a free 5 year service package and free 24/7 road assistance services for 5 years.

Stephen Lay, the General Manager of Euro Motors Land Rover said: “The two models included in the campaign are highly popular and sought after, hence we felt that it would be ideal to ease the purchasing process and make the SUVs more affordable to our prospective customers.”

Trademark design features include the stepped roofline, which has identified each of the four previous generations of Discovery and provides an elegant solution to a practical need. The design accommodates Discovery’s customary stadium seating configuration ensuring every seat is the best seat in the house.

Built for adventure, the All-New Discovery consists of a comprehensive suite of off-road driving technologies that ensures the vehicle’s supreme all-terrain capability is easy to access for even inexperienced drivers. Land Rover’s multi-mode Terrain Response 2 system optimizes a range of settings, from throttle sensitivity to gear change characteristics, to suit the driving conditions at the turn of a rotary controller. The high performance SUV is powered by Jaguar Land Rover’s efficient range of six cylinder engines, all paired with a smooth and responsive ZF eightspeed automatic gearbox.

The Discovery Sport is a sleek, compact SUV with legendary Land Rover capabilities along with a flexible interior that adds up to a great looking vehicle that does so much more. Land Rover has always been synonymous with capability and the Discovery Sport lives up to even the most demanding expectations. Confident, assured and responsive, the drive is further enhanced by a generous wheel articulation and innovative off-road technologies that guarantee exceptional performance at all times.

For more info, call the Euro Motors Jaguar Land Rover showroom on 17460460 or follow the latest posts on Facebook at Euro Motors – Land Rover Bahrain or on Instagram at @ emlandroverbahrain and on twitter on emlandroverbh.

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P.O. Box 50650, Arad, Kingdom of Bahrain Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Licence no : GASB 740

Chairman and Managing Editor Mahmood Al Mahmood Managing Director P.K. Ravi Editor Meera Ravi Contributors • Maharaja Features Pvt. Ltd. • Amritha Faoustine

Designed by mindstormme.com Photography • Jomon • Sajid Butt Marketing P.R.M. Marketing Consultancy w.l.l Advertising Sales Contact: +973 3668 4011 advts.sb@gmail.com Published by Al Ayam Publishing Promoted by Ajyal Consultations w.l.l Advertising / Editorial / Circulation Enquiries +973 3668 4011 +973 1772 0797 e-mail: salaam.bahrain@gmail.com advts.sb@gmail.com

Copyright Reserved.

All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher and Editor.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher & editor cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.

financial planning

New beginnings – insurance for entrepreneurs

The new year always refreshes people’s dreams and resolutions are usually made for self-improvement and reaching ambitions and goals in careers. Many professionals take the opportunity to explore the option of setting up their own businesses. Now what does that have to do with insurance, you may ask? In the midst of the business meets, don’t forget family, and the ones working towards building your dream company. A smart entrepreneur takes all the contingencies into account. Just as you invest time and research into your business plans, do look at life insurance protection to add security to your business plans as an entrepreneur.

An untimely death or suffering from a total permanent disability of a founder, co-founder, or a key person of the business could end it all. Your business will be like a wrecked ship without you as its captain. Consequentially, this could result in layoffs, bankruptcy and possible failure of your business and dream.

There are young entrepreneurs, traditional business owners, and individuals without a life insurance policy. It implies that entrepreneurs are not thinking about the flip side of all the risk involved in starting and running a business. A life insurance policy is something that provides a financial aid in case of uncertain eventualities. You may have insured your car, bike, home, etc. but what about your beloved family?

As an entrepreneur, you must answer the following questions, if you think life insurance is not important for an entrepreneur: • In case, a business owner suffers a total permanent disability or a critical illness who will take the ownership to handle the business? Who will take care of the cash flow or monthly expenses of their family?

• What if an entrepreneur meets an untimely death, who will run the business and provide the family all 49

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the financial support?

• Who will support the business, employees and the loved ones, in case of an unforeseen event?

• What about the spouse and children?

Don’t put your family at risk.

• Are you and your business stakeholders covered? Whenever, one starts a business, most of the time, the entrepreneur puts all the saved money to get the business started and to see it blossoming. Especially, small business owners, SME’s, and start-ups not having enough funding don’t think of providing the life cover to all.

If you are planning to buy life insurance, what type of life insurance is beneficial for you as an entrepreneur?

• A life insurance policy that covers an untimely death.

• A life insurance policy that will take care of all the liabilities, financial losses that the company may have to face

financial planning due to the death of the entrepreneur, • A plan that supports your family financially.

But what type of life insurance plan covers all, at the lowest premium? The shortest answer is: a pure life cover – a term insurance plan. A term insurance plan will take care of all the eventualities that may put the family members and business on the edge or into a financial crisis.

The best part about term insurance plan? It is customizable. You, as an entrepreneur, know that time is far more precious than anything else. Unfortunate eventualities, due to the loss of a key employee, or a partner, may result into a financial blow. Term insurance will help you to recover financially, so that your business does not suffer. And so does the family members of the life assured.

A term insurance plan comes with a high amount of coverage at a lower premium.

Period. The life assured is covered against death. A term life insurance policy also covers total permanent disability. Few of the term life insurance policies also offer an in-built feature of an additional coverage against critical illnesses.

In case of an unfortunate eventuality a term life insurance will: • Provide financial security to the family of the entrepreneur • Help in maintaining the lifestyle of family as planned by the entrepreneur • Help to repay any loan or debts taken to start and run the business Things to Consider When Buying Life Insurance as an Entrepreneur 1. For whom you should buy the life insurance. As an Entrepreneur: Take a life cover for yourself. If possible, build group insurance for all the other key people working in the organisation into

2. Consider the amount of loan you have. Most of the entrepreneurs/ business owners take loan to start the business. Before deciding the sum assured (life insurance coverage) one must take into account the amount of loan taken. This way, you as an entrepreneur, are making sure that your family doesn’t end up paying your liability for the life time or bear all the burden in case of your passing away. And at the same time, you are making sure that company doesn’t fail because of the financial blow.

LIC International in Bahrain offers some suitable and innovative plans for entrepreneurs such as the Future Secure Regular Guaranteed Return Plan, Pure Term Assurance Plan, Double Cover Joint Life Plan, Single and Double Endowment Plan and many other options. To get advise, contact LIC on 17 210 610.

youngistan

All students bright and beautiful..

Bright young minds got their moment in the spotlight at the Sir Syed Educational and Cultural Society, Bahrain’s 4th Student Felicitation Event. Proud parents and cheering supporters made up the 120+ audience that encouraged the winners who proved themselves to be academic toppers in class X and XII Board examinations in 2018. The function was presided over by Chief Guest Dr Mona

Suri, Academic Vice President Royal University Bahrain.

Other than the Prize distribution ceremony, the Society also conducted a lively debate for the youngsters which was moderated by Mohammad Usman.

The topic was ‘E-books vs. Text Books’.

Madiha Masood Khan and Mohammad Furqan were adjudged the best debaters Another highlight was a speech 51

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competition, in which Mohammed Umair Ali Akbar and Manaal Siddiqui were adjudged the best speakers in the Junior and Senior categories respectively.

All the participants received certificates and all the winners got prizes.

The programme was compered by two extremely talented youngsters Kulthum Mubashshir and Mohammad Kamran.

motoring

Wearable ocean plastic Make a fashion statement with this consciously colourful kidswear collection derived from ocean plastics

Those images of a swirling mass in the ocean, of discarded single use plastic – water bottles, bags and cutlery, to name a few – are images that will haunt the most indifferent amongst us.

It is predicted that by 2050 there will be more pieces of plastic in the ocean than fish. So what does that have to do with fashion?

Everything, if you have the environmental pizzaz and innovation of Alana Sorokin, founder of Joseph & Alexander, a line of affordable children’s wear, specifically shorts that are made from ocean plastic waste.

Quirky, sustainable, durable, and laced with imagination, this is a fashion line with a conscience. Every piece of Joseph & Alexander’s environmentally clothing is designed to inspire the imagination and provoke curiosity. Operating consciously using recycled fabric from ocean plastics, eco-friendly ink and reusable packaging, each collection depicts awareness-raising narratives of minimising our environmental footprint, and having fun whilst doing so.

Alana said she felt compelled to launch a brand which made a “true difference” after learning of the 52

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devastating effect of ocean plastics, and subsequently chose to work with recycled fabric created from plastics found floating in the world’s oceans as the foundation of her playful collections.

“The world has been aware of the detrimental impact of plastic in the ocean for decades, but not until recent years have communities begun to mobilise for the great collective fight to stop plastic waste from finding its way into the sea and waterways,” she said, “The voice of our brand beckons the consumers globally to “wake up”, unite and begin tackling the problem

of ocean plastic head on. Creating children’s clothing that really has something to say was part of our strategy to incite raised levels of awareness.

Every Joseph & Alexander piece also tells a story, encouraging an educational conversation between adult and child around important world topics.”

The Joseph & Alexander collections of UPF 45+ shorts, polo shirts and loafers are designed for practicality to take children through from day to night, perfect for little ones who love to keep active. The combination of design and quality is developed uniquely from paper to print, and Joseph & Alexander works with a range of underground designers to create its eclectic mix of modern styles to suit all tastes.

For children fascinated with the sea and marine life, the Trapped shorts inspire depths of conversation. In bold blue, the shorts feature animal drawings combined with a net-like background to tease out discussions surrounding the effect of human activity and plastic pollution on the oceans. For budding

conservationists, the Sea Activist shorts make a bold environmental statement with their design. The short collections Planting a Seed, Trapped and Sea Activist highlight environmental awareness alongside collections such as Monaco and Superyachts that tell unique stories, all whilst remaining fashionable in their vibrant colour ways and detailed drawings, that kids will feel great in.

Joseph & Alexander also hosts easy slip on loafers Bleu Marine and Noir, alongside polo shirts in the finest pima cotton.

The limited edition “father and son” shorts are designed with a nod to that special bond between father and son.

The collection encourages discussion around meaningful stories that children can be part of, with the pieces designed to ignite their imagination or spark curiosity and investigation. With each piece “transitional”, father and son can sport their shorts from beach to restaurant, and are available in designs Yeti & Starfish, Portofino Dreaming, Monaco, and Planting a Seed.

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happenings

Local theatre fans get creative ‘Ram Rattan Hazir Ho’ is Khwab Gaah’s second production

At a time when the talk is all about tightening the belt financially, a local arts group has tapped this anxiety in a powerful and artistic way with a homegrown production. Khwab Gaah’s second full-fledged theatrical production ‘Ram Rattan Hazir Ho’ will be presented at the Cultural Hall on February 23 at 7 p.m.

Conceived and scripted by Anupam Ramesh Kinger, who has also assumed the role of Director of the play, the story is about a family with limited resources facing trials and temptations and will probably strike a chord very close to the heart for the audience. All the participants and supporting crew are from the Indian diaspora residing in Bahrain.

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Anupam to encourage closet poets, storytellers and actors to find their voice.

The first presentation from Khwab Gaah was also a soul stirring story of Noor Bano and her lost love. Set against the backdrop of the Partition, it played to a packed house in March 2018 and was extremely well received and appreciated.

“Every person is the protagonist of his life story and every life has a story,” Anupam says, “At Khwab Gaah, it is our endeavour to bring these stories to the audiences. We have had numerous projects during the past 1 year including audio stories, poems and 2 short films, all of which are available on our website and You tube channel. Khwab Gaah.

For reservations, call 3671 4859

techtalk

The Future is Smart Is one of your resolutions for 2019 to cut waste, be more eco-friendly? Smart Homes are your answer All across the globe, there has been a reawakening of a global consciousness towards the health and well being of our planet combine that with the advent of smart technology we see consumer specifications broadening.

It’s no longer just about whether the product serves its purpose, it has to be efficient in its methods - power consumption, environmentally friendly, zero wastage, space and time management - the list goes on.

The Home automation industry is set to take off exponentially in the upcoming years. A recent global survey conducted by Whirlpool Corporation helps to shed light on what our future smart homes will look like. Responses from more than 2,000 civilians from four different regions of the world show that consumers crave features that are easy to understand and are practical and efficient additions to their everyday household tasks. The survey underscores the need for practical, efficient solutions that provide simpler, faster ways to help manage lives. Over half of the participants reveal that they’d like to spend less time cooking and doing laundry. A large number of respondents also disclose that they look into devices that reduce food waste, manage water usage, save them money and can be personalized to their unique preferences.

Apple, Google and Amazon are the major players in the smart home arena, with their smart speakers, ecosystems and voice assistants on hand to not only make controlling your connected tech easier but to make home automation child’s play. Companies recognizing this trend and need are venturing into the arena with their own goods. Just like Apple optimised Siri, we now have many similar support systems: Amazon calls its smart assistant “Alexa”. Microsoft calls theirs “Cortana”. Google, however, decided to leave their system as just “Assistant”. These artificial intelligence-powered virtual assistant programmes connect through all devices such as phone, laptop and smartwatch to interact with your smart home.

Along with these reasons to consider, comes a warning label.

While technology made for convenience has numerous benefits recent reports have weighed in on automated surveillance and recording of preferences and other information that could be used against you. In a study, Alexa, the virtual assistant and the ultimate smart device which enables and manages other home devices, was found to record conversations that occur within the house while being turned off. This information is then stored and often used to push advertisements on to its owners, an ingenious marketing tool. But the consequences of this go far beyond advertising, what other information is being catalogued?

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Rehan Ahmed President - Pakistan Club Smart home technology is the outcome of the constant research and application mainly in the field of IT to make our lives more convenient, responsive and environmentally friendly. People are looking for smart features that are simple, faster, easy to understand, practical and efficient to their everyday household activities. Some of the tasks that can be improved and utilized by smart home technology include improved security system by which one can monitor his dwelling from far and remote not requiring the services of a security guard or a caretaker.

Surveillance has become more necessary to combat crime, as more people now work from home and want to protect their physical and intellectual property. It can help in minimizing the resources wastage like electricity, water, gas etc. Cooking and laundry work are two main activities that consume a lot of time which can be automized saving considerable time and money as well as wastage. It can reduce food wastage and food item storage requirements thereby saving the food items, which are bought and not utilized. With the rise in electricity charges, there can be a considerable saving in utility costs from optimizing the use of electronic gadgets and household machinery as well as air-conditioning requirements which can also save repair and maintenance costs.

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Ramya Krishnamoorthy, Homemaker So much of what goes outside influences our choices when it comes to home management. The recent hike in electricity billing has driven us to reconsider our choices in appliances. We’ve already changed the lighting in our house to LED options to be more energy efficient and curb the excessive prices. We’re also looking forward to changing our lights to motion sensor lighting to avoid wastage and unnecessary energy consumption. Another factor is space management we need appliances that take up less space and do more. Combined technology like washers that have installed driers is a boon.

Aishwarya Vineeth, VJ and Programming Head Of Radio Mirchi, Bahrain Most people use Digital Voice Assistants for its convenience. Using voice commands to perform tasks like adding reminders to your task list, getting weather updates, news briefing and also to control smart home devices like Hue lights, Nest Thermostat, security systems etc are very enticing. But there is a technological gap between the developers and normal consumers, these smart devices are built to perform more than just normal everyday tasks. We know very little regarding the risks to privacy and security with these gadgets.

I would advise consumers to read the privacy policies on the manufacturers' website. If users are concerned about their privacy they should check and delete recordings on a regular basis.

Pakistan School marks Golden Jubilee

To celebrate 50 years of Pakistan school, an impressive ceremony was organised on the school grounds in Isa Town. The event was a tribute carnival and prominent Business organizations of Bahrain set up different stalls. The Ambassador of Pakistan, Afzaal Mahmood, was the chief guest while Bahraini parliamentarians, Dr Sawsan M. Kamal, Basem Abdullah Almujadami, Khalid Saleh Ahmed Buanaq, Muhammad Alseesi Al by Ainain and Isa Al Qazi were the guests of honour.

The principal Attiq Ur Rehman extended a warm welcome to the chief guest, guests of honour and all the invitees. Medals were awarded to the position holders of Board Exams and students of junior and middle sections who excelled in final exams. Certificates of appreciation were distributed among faculty and admin staff of Isa Town and Manama schools in recognition of their services. Some staff members were awarded shields and appreciation certificates for their exemplary performances.

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youngistan

NMS-DPS boffins win praise

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The New Millennium School-DPS is making waves in the student science world both in India and Bahrain. At the recently concluded National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, two student scientists, Anushka.G. Bharaswadkar and K.L Meghana walked away with top honours. Their project, ‘Plastic to Paper” bagged the first position in Bahrain Science Innovation Congress (BSIC) and represented the Bahrain Chapter at the National level contest held in Shiksha Anusandhan (Deemed University, Orissa).

The winners received mementos, medals and certificates of appreciation for their project.

Adding yet another feather in the school cap, the NMS-DPS students emerged as winners in the Science and Technology Working Model Contest conducted by Institution of Engineers (India)- Bahrain Chapter as well. In the Sub Junior category, Naureen Hikmat and Shayaan Tanveer of Grade 5 bagged the first prize for the model 'Lego Wedo'. In the Seniors category, Khusshi Thakkar and Falak Choksi of Grade 8 bagged the first prize for the model 'Pressure Exerted by FootstepsPiezoelectricity'.

School Chairman, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Managing Director, Geetha Pillai and the Principal Arun Kuumar Sharma congratulated all the proud winners and extended their wishes to the teacher guides and parents.

2019

Republic day at NMS-DPS Bahrain The New Millennium School – DPS Bahrain, celebrated the 70th Republic Day of India with special assemblies arranged in the school campus.

The special assemblies conducted by the junior and senior sections of the school, witnessed the spirit of nationalism through patriotic songs, dances, speeches and skits. Students were made to take a pledge to instill the need of preserving the culture and rich heritage of the motherland. The whole campus reverberated with patriotic fervor and enthusiasm and was bedecked in the colours of the Tiranga.

Arun Kuumar Sharma, Principal addressed the students and motivated them to imbibe the true meaning of patriotism. Drawing the attention of the students towards their duties and responsibilities, he advocated them to be brave and face all the challenges with courage as they are the ones who can take the country to new heights.

Dr. Ravi Pillai, Chairman and Geetha Pillai, Managing Director extended their good wishes to one and all on the occasion.

ICRF Calendar a reminder of faith and hope Indian Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha released the ICRF (Indian Community Relief Fund) annual calendar, produced from the winning paintings and artworks of the Spectra Competition. The sponsors were honored

by Renu Yadav Second Secretary Embassy of India The ICRF is an organization which has been extending assistance and support to the distressed Indian workers over the last 18 years. One of the notable works that ICRF has been doing is to provide a financial assistance of Rs. 1,00,000/- to the family of the Indian workers who died in Bahrain and were earning a salary less than BD. 100/- per month, to provide them an immediate relief and assistance in their difficult period. In order to provide this kind of support, ICRF largely depends upon the contribution made by the business houses/ organizations . The net proceed of this Spectra Event are used to provide relief to this kind of less privileged segment of the Indian Community in Bahrain.

Since inception in 2009, in the past ten years, the ICRF Family Welfare Fund, has supported over 500 impoverished families in India, disbursing approximately Rupees 5 Crores (over BD 300,000), directly into the bank accounts of the legal heirs of the deceased workers.

Since 2015 till 2017 the iCRF supported 144 families and in 2018m, 38 families,.

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salaam society

Huge turnout at Shop Bahrain’s Festival City

Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority’s (BTEA) Festival City which is the main event of the fifth edition of Shop Bahrain, the largest event for family entertainment in the Kingdom has been declared a hit!

Commenting on this occasion, His Excellency Shaikh Khaled bin Humood Al Khalifa, the Chief Executive Officer of BTEA said: ““We are delighted to launch the Festival City, the main event in Shop Bahrain which aims to revitalize the tourism sector. We were pleased with the large number of visitors and local business owners who were interested to take part in this unique national event and we hope to offer more space for local businesses in the upcoming editions. We also expect the Festival City to attract even more visitors this year than the

previous editions.”

The Festival City will run for two weeks until the 2nd of February and includes a number of fun-filled family entertainment, a wide range of exciting activities, live performances, carnival games, outdoor market and outdoor cinema. It will also feature a daily lineup of live local bands for visitors to enjoy.

“The Festival City covers over 22,000sqm with an outdoor market that features over 30 food vendors and 10 Bahrain based enterprises, that will change weekly,” said Reem Tawfiqi, Head of Tourism Relations.

The Head of Tourism Relations at BTEA, Reem Tawfiqi also added that the Festival City stage this year will host ongoing performances and concerts by Bahraini talents such as Mo Zowayed, Bahrain 60

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Talking Drums and Banah to name a few.

Entrance to Festival City is BD 2 and includes 4 games, children below 4 years enter free of charge. The Entrance tickets allow visitors to enjoy an amazing line up of shows taking place at the main stage area and around the Festival City, it also qualifies visitors to entre Shop Bahrain Loyalty System for a chance to win valuable draw prizes.

The fifth edition will feature 11 cars and more than 73,000 prizes including, electronics from A.A. Bin Hindi Group, 5,000 discounted airline tickets from Gulf Air, thousands of instant prizes from VIVA and the Festival's prize partners including Gravity, Adhari, Awal Gas, Hawar Beach Hotel, Kitchen for Life Company, the Ice Cream Shop, Optica and Rahim Holdings.

youngistan

ISB’s cultural explosion

The Indian School Bahrain has always been at the forefront of extra-curricular activities. For 2019, ISB has taken a cultural turn celebrating various mother languages of India while sparking an interest in reading amongst their students. They celebrated Vishwa Hindi Divas in vibrant colours at the school’s Jashanmal Auditorium. The programme held under the Hindi Department was inaugurated by Chief Guest Sanjay Gupta CA from Institute of Chartered Accountants of India & President of Lions Club of Riffa in the presence of ISB EC member-Academics and staff.

This cultural event was soon followed by the Annual Book Week at its campus in Isa Town. Organized by the Department of Library and Information Science, they held a Book Fair in the Shaikh Isa Library.

Principal VR Palaniswamy inaugurated the Book Fair in the presence of Staff Representative Johnson K Devassy, staff and students. Major book shops like Book Mart, Barnes & Noble, Majestic Book shops and City bookshop took part in the Fair. The Book Week celebrations also included competitions like short story writing in English, cover page

design, paragraph writing, book review and book mark to enrich the students’ talents in creative writing and design.

It gave students an exposure to all the new arrivals.

The school then celebrated Tamil Day, The programme was organised by the Department of Tamil marking Thai Pongal, a four-day festival.The program was inaugurated by Guests of Honour ISB Mega Fair General Convener S. Inayadullah Managing Director of Crown Electromechanical Services and S. Sridhar General Manager of Trafco.

Asst.Secretary Premalatha NS spoke about the beauty and the importance of Tamil language in the world and how the festival of Pongal has been celebrated over the years in Tamil Nadu. Folk dance was presented by the students of Grade IX, and group songs by students of classes VII to IX. Punjabi Divas 2019 was celebrated with great joy and fervour. The programme was organised by the Punjabi Language Department of the school in vibrant colours. Chief Guest Tilak Raj Singh Duaa, Managing Director, ABIC Group of Companies inaugurated the programme 61

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by lighting the lamp in the presence of Guest of Honour Jasbir Singh, Secretary of the Gurudwara Gurumat Vidhya Kendra, staff and students. In his speech, Chief Guest Tilak Raj Singh Duaa highlighted the contribution of Punjab and Punjabi Language in different fields of the country.

He appreciated the efforts rendered by the students and teachers to make the Punjabi Day celebrations a huge success.

Guest of Honour Jasbir Singh wished all the students and the audience the very best of Punjabi Day. He also highlighted the value and contribution of Punjabi language stating that it's a rich language.

EC Member Mohammad Khursheed explained the literary contribution of Punjabi language. A brief introduction of Punjabi language was given by Punjabi teacher Rewa Rani. A grand presentation about Punjab was given by the students of classes IX and X. This was the grand finale of the week-long celebrations.

At the end of each programme, the winners of different competitions such as drawing, speech, hand writing, picture composition, poem recitation, essay writing and poetry writing and so on, were awarded certificates and trophies.

health

The year of the vegan: a guide to going plant-based Veganuary is behind us but we can still follow our resolutions with these handy tips from experts at Fitness First It was recently revealed that a record number of people have signed up to ‘Veganuary’ in a bit to reduce their meat consumption and increase the plant-based products in their diet. With vegan options becoming more accessible and more affordable, this food trend has seen an unprecedented rise in popularity in recent years. Here, Nutrition Manager at Fitness First Middle East, Banin Shahine, looks at the health benefits of a vegan diet, ways to counteract any potential negatives and dispels popular myths. We’ve also included in some affordable and more accessible substitutes to the common vegan superfoods.

The Benefits Several people turn to a vegan diet not only to protect animals and to help save the planet, but also because they believe it is a healthier option. Veganism has recently been praised for its weightloss benefits, with the average vegan weighing 2-4kg less than a meat eater.

This is predominantly due to the amount of calories contained in animal protein – plant-based protein tends to be much lower in calories than animal protein.

A plant-based diet can also help improve digestion with a high intake of vegetables, fruits, fibre and prebiotics helping to comfort the colon. Animal products derived from dairy such as milk, cheese, yoghurt, and chocolate, as well as eggs, can also cause intolerance reactions in sensitive people. Cutting these products out can help reduce symptoms from a food intolerance and decrease the chances of developing leaky gut syndrome. According to the American Dietetic Association, reducing your animal product intake can also help lower the risk of developing chronic diseases such

as hypertension, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Counteracting any potential negatives Switching to a vegan lifestyle can result in uncertainty for many people. Many people are unaware of the vitamins and minerals you may lose out on when switching to a vegan diet and require information on how to ensure they are maintaining as healthy and balanced a diet as possible.

The most common negative impact of veganism is deficiencies in nutrients you would usually obtain from animal products. Some of these include:

healthy joints, skin and hair • Iron – without enough iron, your body can’t produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen. This can result in extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, headaches, shortness of breath, brittle nails and a poor appetite • Zinc – zinc is a mineral that your body uses to fight off infections and produce cells. It is an important mineral for healing injuries. Zinc deficiency can result in hair loss, lack of alertness and a reduced sense of taste and smell

• Vitamin B12 – a vitamin required for brain and nervous system health

To help avoid any of these deficiencies, people switching to a plant-based diet should do the following:

• Omega 3 – a fish oil which plays an important role in concentration, memory, eye and vision health, and

• Work with a nutritionist to learn more about which specific plant-based products should be consumed to avoid

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any deficiencies, for more information book an appointment with a nutritionist at Fitness First.

• Increase your intake of foods that are fortified with iron, zinc and vegan Omega 3 • Add supplements to your daily intake, vegan and vegetarian supplements are available at Fitness first clubs or one of my top recommendations is Z&M Natural Nutrition supplements • Go for bi-yearly medical tests to check your vitals, vitamins and minerals

Plant-based products that are high in protein All plants have a good amount of protein, even cucumbers! However, the quality of protein in plants is different and dependent on the amino acid content as there are nine essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce. These nine amino acids can be found in the following vegan foods, some of these options are generally hard to incorporate in an Indian/ eastern diet but there are alternatives to these superfoods that work perfectly well.

Quinoa - Amarnath With the gluten-free diet gaining popularity, quinoa was crowned the supergrain of the century, allso known as Rajgira or Ramdan which loosely translates to food of the Gods, it is considered to be one of the more important foods of India, as per Ayurveda. Calcium, zinc, iron and fibre, Amaranth scores higher than quinoa on these properties. It’s also more pocket friendly.

Chia seeds - Basil seeds Basil seeds are famously known to cool our internal systems. Chia and Indian basil seeds aka sabja hail from the mint family. High in fibre, chia seeds became popular world over and can be used as an alternative to eggs while baking. Basil seeds are an easy source of vitamins,

Tips for being vegan in India Ask for ghee to be substituted for oil, such as coconut, mustard, or vegetable.

Find out if the curry is cream-based. If it is, see if it can be removed, or simply choose a different dish.

Naan is often made with dairy, so consider choosing other bread such as roti or puri, which are vegan.

Paneer can easily be substituted with tofu (if available) or simply removed to make the dish vegan.

Happy Cow is a very useful and resourceful online directory of vegetarian and vegan restaurants worldwide.

Delicious vegan dishes to look out for: samosas, pakoras, chana masala, dal tadka, masala dosas, pani puri, biryani, rajma masala, bhel puri, aloo gobi, saag aloo, baigan bharta, chole bhature, and stuffed paratha

iron, helps control blood sugar levels and fight seasonal flus. They’re also great for your gut and can relieve constipation and bloating. Use them exactly as you would chia seeds, just remember that they have to be soaked and cannot be eaten as is.

Hemp seeds - Flax seeds Hemp seeds are widely considered to be a superfood with immense nutritional value.

Flax seeds come from another ancient plant that was once best known for its fibers.

The protein it provides is another important similarity in that while flax seeds contain less protein than hemp, they provide all of the nine essential amino acids and are considered a complete protein source as a result. Along with being nutritionally similar, flax seeds can also make a good hemp seed substitute in terms of their flavor and texture. Flax seeds actually provide more than twice the amount of fiber that you would get from hemp seeds.

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Spirulina - Spinach Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae farmed in ponds in India and Hawaii.

Spirulina provides 33mg calcium and 30mg magnesium (4 per cent and 8 per cent of the recommended daily amount, RDA, of these bone-friendly nutrients). But you get 17 per cent of your calcium RDA and 12 per cent of your magnesium from a salad containing 80g of spinach. Spirulina does contain vitamin B12, which is important for a healthy nervous system.

Buckwheat A common fasting food in Gujarat, buckwheat aka kuttu is richer in magnesium and potassium as compared to oats. A good source of complete protein, buckwheat contains all eight amino acids and helps improve gut health and blood circulation in your system.

celeb chakkar

Revealed!

India’s internet obsession…and it’s not sex

Vinoth Chander wants his ChuChu Kids YouTube TV channel to be the “Disney of the digital age”

Indians were obsessed with three things on the internet last year: music, music, and more music.

The category had a subscriber base of 340 million at the end of 2018, according to a report by the Noida-based video analytics firm Vidooly.

Entertainment, comprising mainly TV channels in Hindi, Telugu, Bengali, and Bhojpuri, was the second most popular category with over 226 million subscribers.

The ranking was calculated according to the number of views and subscribers of 2,900 India-based YouTube channels in 18 different categories. The study weeded out YouTube channels of political parties and personalities, channels that freeboot videos (lift from other channels sans permission), pages that upload video memes using existing movie, music, or viral video clippings, and YouTube channels of brands that upload 30-second television commercials.

Regional winner The top videos in every category featured some Hindi content, a sign of how important the vernacular internet ecosystem in India is.

The 20 most-viewed YouTube channels were all Hindi and comprised mostly music and entertainment. With the exception of Aaj

Tak, there was no channel from the news and politics section.

T-Series, the homegrown channel that has been churning out a sizeable number of original singles and music videos of late, eclipsed others’ popularity. The record label has been locked in a fierce battle with PewDiePie, which has the highest subscriber base in the world. It’s even threatening the pole position of PewDiePie, which is run

by Swedish video-game commentator Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg, on the back of the massive popularity of Bollywood movies and songs.

And not just Hindi but even Punjabi music channels—Speed Records and T-Series Apna Punjabi—were extremely popular.

Chuchu TV Nursery Rhymes and Kids Songs, at no. 6, is one of the world’s most popular YouTube channels for children.

“We want to be the Disney of the digital age,” Vinoth Chandar, who created the channel in February 2013, had told Quartz earlier. Three of its videos have crossed the one-billion mark despite facing stiff competition from the likes of Little Baby Bum, KidsTV, HooplaKidz, and others.

Indian YouTubers rule

Comedic influencers A look at the comedy rankings also tells the story of original content creators in India.

With over 11 million viewers hooked onto his channel, Bhuvan Bam, the first Indian YouTuber to cross the 10-million subscribers mark, was the runner-up among comedy channels. Amit Bhadana, who crossed the milestone shortly after Bam, topped the list with over 12 million loyalists.

Prajakta Koli, who posts YouTube videos under the psuedonym MostlySane, made it to the top 20 in comedy, shedding light on the budding success of social media influencers in the country today. Especially since brands have started tapping into them in a big way.

Music ruled Indian charts in 2018

Bhuvan Bam, the first Indian YouTuber to cross the 10-million subscribers mark 64

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Kyun Karan?

In his avatar as talk-show host, Bollywood’s director-producer Karan Johar suddenly finds himself in the same boat as Chetan Bhagat. His ‘Koffee With Karan’ show is hugely popular but also vacuous, misogynistic and often in bad taste. (Just like CB’s books). Now Johar says he feels horrid about how their crass remarks on his show ruined Pandya’s and Rahul’s careers for the time being.

“I have to say that I feel very responsible because it was my show, it was my platform. I invited them as guests and so the ramifications and repercussion of the show are my responsibility. I have had so many sleepless nights just wondering about how I can undo this damage, who is going to listen to me. It’s now gone into a zone which is beyond my control,” Karan said.

Karan admitted that their comments were inappropriate, but he also said that he didn’t think about what was happening. “I have to say and I don’t defend myself when I say this. I have to say that the questions that I asked the two boys are the questions I ask everyone including women. Deepika and Alia were on the show, I asked them those questions. I have no control about the answers that come my way.”

Quote of the Month Pakistani & Indian art should come together for culture There are so many good serials which come from there (Pakistan) and they should be able to telecast here but they don’t, and our good programmes should be able to telecast there. This is all wrong, there shouldn’t be any such talks - which culture is getting damaged? Neither theirs, nor our culture could get damaged.

- Renowned Indian poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar Renowned Indian poet, lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar was at his fiery best recently when he made an impassioned plea for Pakistani drama serials to be aired on Indian television, saying that restricting art in the name of culture damage is wrong.

“These are just talks and people keep on jabbering about something or the other; someone does not want Ghulam Ali to come to India, and people from Pakistan keep on saying something else, Lata Mangeshkar and Asha Bhosle haven’t been able to go to Pakistan,” Akhtar said, “As far as art and culture is concerned, whether people from Pakistan or from India, every avenue and path should be open for it.”

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Ajith beats Rajini at Lonely end for box office Bolly figure Are we looking at a new superstar?

Although actor Ajith has a massive fan base and is among the top three heroes of Tamil cinema, the handsome star is nowhere near legendary Rajanikanth in status. Called ‘Thala’, an endearing nickname which means Leader, Ajith has now done the unthinkable. With the success of his Viswasam, a father-daughter story set in rural Tamil Nadu, he has nudged Rajini off the box office pedestal. The film was released on the same day as Rajinikanth starrer Petta and raced ahead of Rajini’s film to a photo-finish in collections.

For the first time in 27 years, Rajinikanth starrer had opened at no. 2 position at the box office. The last time Rajinikanth had lost a box office clash was in 1992 when his film Pandian had released alongside Kamal Haasan's Thevar Magan. And now Ajith has become the only actor after Kamal Haasan since 1992 to achieve that feat.

Trade analysts say this is because Rajini has been experimenting with mixed results by working with newer directors and nurtured his gangster-with-a-heart-of-gold image while Ajith hitched his star to director Siva and delivered emotional family drama that won him the critical B and C town fan circles.

But then, Rajini can afford to experiment. He is already a legend and shall remain one long into the future.

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What a lonely life yester-year Bollywood figures live! Especially those who work tirelessly to enable actors to ramp up the glam quotient before the camera. Famous hairdresser to the stars, Sheela Kapoor died alone in her Mumbai suburb flat at 75 and her body was discovered later when police investigated upon neighbours complaining that she was not to be seen for three days. For three months, they searched for her relatives but having failed to find any, she was cremated with the help of social workers.

In her heyday, Sheela had worked in several superhits such as the Rajesh Khanna-Sharmila Tagore starrer Amar Prem, Jeetendra-Asha Parekh starrer Caravan, Navin Nischol-Rekha hit Sawan Bhadon, the Navin Nischal- Saira Banu-Ashok Kumar starrer Victoria No.203 and the Rishi Kapoor- Zeenat Aman movie Hum Kisise Kum Nahin.

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celeb chakkar

Janhvi ghosts media question on Sridevi Bungalow

Gulzar says sayanora to directing

At a recent award show, when Janhvi Kapoor was asked to comment on ‘wink girl’ Priya Prakash varrier’s debut Hindi film Sridevi Bungalow, she looked startled and found herself at a loss of words before being hustled off by her manager.

The film seems to have ruffled some feathers since the 1-minute-49-seconds long trailer depicts Varrier as a lonely superstar who died in a fashion eerily similar to that of legendary actor Sridevi. Sridevi's husband and Bollywood producer Boney Kapoor filed a lawsuit against the makers of the film soon after the trailer hit the internet. He has alleged the filmmaker of cashing in on Sridevi's death.

But in the clip of the presscon, what is apparent more than Janhvi’s displeasure at the question is her discomfort with her apparently ill-fitting dress which she kept tugging and adjusting. Mamma Sri would certainly not have approved.

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SALAAM BAHRAIN

Eminent lyricist-filmmaker Gulzar says there is no need for him to return to film direction as the new generation is making movies "more cinematic" and better than him.

Gulzar has helmed several celebrated films in his career such as Ijaazat, Aandhi and Angoor. His last directorial was Hu Tu Tu in 1999. When asked if he plans to return to direction, Gulzar told reporters, "I don't need to return to films because the ones who are walking ahead of me, whose fingers I am holding, they are Shilpa (Ranade), Meghna (Gulzar), Vishal (Bhardwaj). "They are making good films, Vishal has made a film on children, Meghna had made films on relevant topics too."

The writer, who last penned dialogues and screenplay for Mirzya in 2016, said now is the time of young filmmakers.

"Let me sit back. They are making films which are better than me, cinematically. I might've had some thoughts earlier in my films but they weren't so cinematic and good as these films are now, made by this generation. I think they are much ahead of me, I can't pace off that fast."

JAN - FEB

2019

editor's view

Searching online for visuals to illustrate our Republic Day issue, I realized that what I had long suspected was true – we don’t really make the distinction between our two great celebrations of patriotism and treat August 15, our Independence Day and January 26, our Republic day with the same largehearted populist patriotism. Even adults often don’t worry about the large print, so children remain largely ignorant of the meaning of these two days.

For the record, Republic Day may come ahead in terms of months to our Independence Day, but in the historic timeline, it was two years and some weeks after independence. During this time, our Constitution was crafted by a visionary team of men and women who looked at every possible right and responsibility of the citizen and enshrined it in this soul of our freedom. If August 15, 1947 saw India shaking off the fetters of colonial rule, then on January 26, 1950, we embraced full nationhood by accepting our Constitution.

All the qualities that make India a buoyant democracy are there in our Constitution – in the very preamble, in fact. A call to unity, a respect for our plurality and that echo from the French Revolution – Justice, Equality and Liberty. But how much do we think about all that? It is important to enjoy the dressy drama of patriotism – the wearing of appropriately coloured clothes, the singing of our powerful national anthem, that lump in our throats when we see the tricolor fluttering above our heads. But equally, we must use the occasion – and every day, in fact – to renew and review our commitment to the values that we enjoy. Are we ready to defend our values and our Constitution and invest intellectual energy into the process? There is often the incorrect belief that only soldiers on our frontiers can protect us from the enemy. But each one of us has to be a soldier even with just the weapon of our mind to defend our democracy. Else, our jawans would be giving up their lives for nation that has not invested in safeguarding itself from inside.

Republic Day is a great moment in time to pause and reconnect with all that is noble in us and harness it for our nation. And then do this everyday.

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SALAAM BAHRAIN

JAN - FEB

2019