SALAAM BAHRAIN AUGUST INDEPENDENCE DAY ISSUE

Wishing all Indians a Happy 73rd Independence Day

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Note from the Chairman In March this year, the internet exploded with the news of a young mother who accidentally left her baby behind in a Saudi airport terminal and boarded a long flight to Malaysia, forcing the plane to turn around. Sometime back, a large family from Pakistan returned to the UAE from holiday and upon reaching home, found that one child had been left behind at the airport when they got into the taxis.

In most instances like these, the confusion arises from shared responsibility. The parents think the kid(s) are with their other family members and the grandparent or aunt-uncle think they are with the parents.

In Bollywood films, I believe this is a popular trope as three-and-a-half hour long celluloid epics are built around the story of children separated at a mela from the family and inevitably growing up to confront each other as cops and robbers.

Capt. Mahmood Al Mahmood At least in these cases, the children are found and reunited with their parents. Think of the cases in which caregivers forget their children in closed cars or school buses – in Bahrain itself, we have had such tragedies of children being left behind in parked school buses and succumbing to soaring temperatures. A couple of years ago, there was even the case of a mother who popped into her neighbourhood cold store, leaving her five year old daughter in the car something so many of us do routinely - only to return and find a car thief driving away with her.

In the case of babies and toddlers, researchers say the problem has gotten worse since the mid-1990s, when safety concerns over airbags and crashes led to greater use of rear-facing car seats that keep children out of view of their parents in the front seat.

My generation which has reached grandparenthood, finds it inexplicable that a parent or school caregiver can disengage from his/her role as guardian to the kids to such an extend that s/he forgets them! People panic much more these days over a misplaced smart phone than they do over a missing child. With summer holidays upon us, I urge everybody to keep a sharp eye on their children and also the kids in the neighbourhood. Every child is precious.

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• COVER FOCUS

INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL ISSUE Indians shaping ‘Brand Bahrain’

Chairman Mahmood Al Mahmood Chief Editor Ahdeya Ahmed Managing Director P.K. Ravi Editor Meera Ravi

Chandrayaan 2 makes space history

Motoring Correspondent Anup Surendran

Bahrain’s re-invention as a contemporary nation is a constant process, aided by the the visionary leadership, ease of doing business here and the Kingdom’s embracing of people who bring new ideas. This Independence Day, we profile five Indians who have used Bahrain’s welcoming of change to help build ‘Brand Bahrain’ – a symbol of Indo-Bahraini contemporary history of warmth and commercial success.

Chandrayaan 2, India’s indigenous space probe will make history in September as the first inter-space probe to land on the Moon’s South Pole. The build-up, the excitement and the aspirations of people are reflected in our two articles on this magnificent achievement.

Editorial Assistant Nayan Thara Salim Contributing Agency •Maharaja Features Pvt. Ltd. Design Mind Storm Media

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Photography • Jomon • Sajid Butt

How children took on the Empire

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Politics in a bottle

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In the narrative of India’s freedom struggle, let’s hear it for the children who traded toys for protest marches and espionage.

The Vanar Sena (Monkey Army) and Manjar Sena (Cat Army) risked lives and added momentum to the movement to defeat the British.

AUGUST

Way back in 1977, a soda war fizzed up with the (temporary) exit of CocaCola from India. It opened up the Indian fizzy market to new variations, of which some are perennial favourites today and others have been reinvented for the millennials.

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Highlights August 2019 • FASHION

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A slew of hip Indian designers are re-casting ideas about fashion accessories. No longer is it only about jewellery and fancy clutch purses. Beautifully crafted leather laptop bags, neon Kolhapuris, upcycled vintage Kantha work jackets – they are all available online.

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Four top chefs have shared their signature recipes with us to make your Independence Day week-end table a true celebration.

Happy Independence Day

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“ Be grateful for challenges because had there been no difficulties and no thorns in the

way, then each woman and man would have been in his primitive state and no progress made in civilisation and mental culture. ”

ANANDI GOPALRAO JOSHI (1865-1887) One of India’s first female physicians

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TRIBUTE

She stood tall among leaders The late Sushma Swaraj was a lady of brilliance, a silver-tongued orator and a former Minister of External Affairs who bent the bureaucracy to meet people's needs.

I

ndians all over the world were joined by a very large circle of people of all nationalities in mourning India’s much-loved former External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj.

In Bahrain, the community felt the loss particularly keenly as Sushmaji had been here to inaugurate the Indian Embassy’s new premises in July last year.

Ambassador Alok Kumar Sinha led a moving tribute to the former EAM in which he said that she had always insisted to him that building the new embassy was top priority and had been very proud of the spacious and stylish building that she finally inaugurated.

“Ms. Swaraj made her first visit to Bahrain immediately after

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becoming the External Affairs Minister of India. Her last visit to Bahrain in July 2018, during which the New Embassy complex was inaugurated is vivid in the memories of everyone in Bahrain,” Ambassador Sinha said, “Under her able guidance, the bilateral relations between the two countries gained momentum.

A fine politician, a gifted speaker and above all, a compassionate human being, she commanded respect from everyone and won the hearts

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of billions of Indians and friends of India.

The leaders and ministers in Bahrain too expressed their profound sorrow at this untimely loss.”

A Condolence Book was kept open at the Indian Embassy for people to express

their sorrow. The Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam and The Indian Club also held condolence meetings.

Salaam Bahrain is reproducing here a couple of moving tributes to the Iron Lady with a heart of gold. The first is by Dr. Chitra Sinha, a noted academic, feminist and author.

The second is by Rajasekharan Pillai, businessman and winner of the 2017 Pravasi Bharatiya Samman, India’s highest civilian award for an NRI. The sudden demise of Sushma Swaraj is an immense loss for the nation. 67 is an age when political leaders consolidate, prosper and make plans to take the country ahead. To rise to the pinnacle of Indian politics by the mid-sixties and leave a rich legacy as an outstanding politician is a rare feat. Such an accomplishment calls for a celebration when the political figure is a woman who managed to break into the male bastion of Indian politics. Sushma Swaraj achieved all these and leaves an unparalleled legacy. The twin dimensions of her achievement – as a politician and as a woman are worth remembering and celebrating.

I did not know Sushma Swaraj personally though I had the opportunity to meet her in person during my academic stint in Bombay, a place she visited quite often. I feel a deep sense of loss at the departure of yet another remarkable woman from public life, a leader who leaves such an inspiring story of political success against all odds, against every patriarchal design to pull her down, to put her in place.

When it comes to women in political life, one must look beyond their ideological affiliations, to understand their struggles and their stories, for none are perfect. As a student of Indian history and politics, I took keen interest in her communications in the public sphere. She had an unique ability to criticise without being disrespectful or without resorting to personal attacks. She was the youngest woman minister in the Haryana cabinet during the Janata Party regime. In her true

spirit, she annoyed the patriarch, Devi Lal to such an extent that he dismissed her without consulting any of his colleagues.

She persisted and continued her work with devotion and soon rose in political stature through sheer tenacity. Straight from the socio-political context of Haryana, Sushma held all possible important political positions as member of Rajya Sabha, Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister of Delhi, several ministerial positions in the union cabinet and leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha! She was also considered a potential PM candidate in 2014 elections which saw Narendra Modi’s rise in national politics.

However, while she was eventually eclipsed by the rise of Narendra Modi, she served the Government with great dignity as Minister of External Affairs till 2019.

Even in times of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, her office enabled visas to every Pakistani on medical travels to India or in need of other help.

Stranded Indian citizens abroad were assured of help almost always. She was a public figure who hugged HIV affected children to break the stigma and did everything in her capacity to unite the speech impaired Geeta, lost in Pakistan, with her family. Her tenure was a blessing for the Indian diaspora as she relentlessly tried to ease the hardships faced by the migrant Indian. She herself took great care to ensure that the difficulties of Indians abroad are addressed and so many nonresident Indians have benefitted from her personal touch.

I was intrigued by her humaneness, personal connections that she fostered through social media through tweets and posts of heartwarming pictures that reflected her effort in balancing her personal life and political self. Though she was holding such a high office, she had absolutely no attitude, was very humble and down-to-earth, always the loving elder sister for the aam aadmi. To me, she demonstrated how women in politics are able to add to the emotional quotient, empathy and compassion in public life. She stands tall as a role model of dignity,

Dr. Chitra Sinha

humaneness and humilty for future women leaders, across political spectrum.

I did not have to align myself to every policy stance she took to admire her and respect her. I am of the firm view that women in political life should be understood more and judged less. I loved her elegance in the parliament, candidness in front of media even on controversial issues, taking her MP oath in Sanskrit and her crystal-clear speeches that radiated love, not hate. It is already a sad parliament without her sharp wit, delivered deftly to unsuspecting opposition, and to seniormost political leaders. She recused herself from contesting elections this year and had virtually retired from active politics, but her presence in social media clearly revealed how she missed being in the thick of things.

She will surely be remembered as an outstanding politician of her time and as a woman who broke into and thrived in a male dominated political arena.

As I write this, my thoughts take me back to the eternal words of prayer that resonated in the Upasana Griha of Rabindranath Tagore’s Santiniketan ashram, where I grew up: From ignorance, lead me to truth; From darkness, lead me to light; From death, lead me to immortality.

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TRIBUTE

“A leader who taught us to care” “I am deeply saddened by the passing away of Smt. Sushma Swaraj. As an expat of long standing, a businessman and a Pravasi Bharatiya Samman awardee, I feel a deep responsibility to the community. In Sushmaji’s responses to human problems and her outstanding use of something as simple as a Twitter message to touch lives and solve problems, I found a resonating and inspiring role model to follow as did many Indians of influence around the world.

When one reaches a position of power and prestige, dealing with something as abstract as bilateral ties between India and the world, it is easy to forget that it is the huge Indian diaspora, the millions of Indians around the world who make up the core and the very reason for this engagement.

Sushma Swaraj put us all at the centre of her work. Whether it was stranded nurses

in Iraq and Yemen, construction workers in Iraq, I.T. engineers in California or Indian women facing family harassment abroad – why, even Pakistanis seeking urgent medical care in India and needing visas – she made the behemoth machinery of the External Affairs Ministry bend to their needs and solve their problems.

I believe that a fitting tribute to the loss of such a human being would be to replicate her generous compassion in our lives too.

Whether we are professionals, social work volunteers, home-makers, blue-collar labourers, let us be more aware of the problems of our fellow-Indians and try to help them. Sushmaji taught the world that even a bureaucracy like a ministry can be made responsive and flexible to people’s voices, contrary to public belief. Therefore, you and I can surely try and bring some of that caring into our interaction with the

Rajasekharan Pillai

world. That would be our homage to this great soul.

May she rest in eternal peace.”

Wishes its readers, supporters and all Indians A Glorious 73rd Indian Independence Day

Bringing new ideas and inspiration to readers • SINCE 2007 •

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We wish you progress & peace on the occasion of the 73rd Indian Independence Day!

A life of joy and happiness is possible only on the basis of knowledge and science - Dr. S. Radhakrishnan

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MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR OF INDIA on the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day On the occasion of the 73rd Independence Day of India, I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to members of the Indian community in the Kingdom of Bahrain.

Today India is entering into a new era of economic transformation and we are moving forward with the goal of making India a US$ 5 trillion economy in next 5 years. With the success of various activities taken by the Government of India in last few years viz. Make in India, Digital India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, improvement in ease of doing business, implementation of GST etc. India has become a gateway of several possibilities for the whole world.

With India becoming one of the fastest growing economy, the success story is not limited only to the economic sphere. Strides have also been made in Hi-tech areas. Recent successful launch of Chandrayan-2 has put India on a higher pedestal.

With these developments in the background, India-Bahrain relations are also experiencing renewed energy and momentum under the dynamic leadership of the two countries. Bilateral ties based on the civilizational connect have entered a new phase and new vistas of cooperation have opened up between the two countries. Progress is being made in the new emerging areas of cooperation viz. space technology, Fintech and Hitech. With Bahrain undertaking various fiscal reforms and new initiatives being introduced in India, the bilateral trade has been consistently rising over the years crossing US$ 1.2 bn in the year 2018-19 registering an increase of 30% over the previous year and Indian investment into Bahrain have reached US$ 173.38 million in March 2019. Both the countries are identifying new areas of cooperation including enhanced public and private sector investments as per the strengths and requirements of each other’s country.

I would also like to avail of this opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the Government of India and the people of India to further strengthen the deep and historic bonds of friendship, understanding and cooperation between our two countries.

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HAPPY INDIA INDEPENDENCE DAY FROM ALL OF US AT BFC ! /BFCBahrain

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COVER STORY SALAAM SOCIETY

INDIANS WHO ARE SHAPING 'BRAND BAHRAIN'

Bahrain’s re-invention as a contemporary nation is a constant process, aided by the the visionary leadership, ease of doing business here and the Kingdom’s embracing of people who bring new ideas. The contemporary history of India and Bahrain began in the late 19th century when Indian traders of the Bhatia community helped nurture the pearl trade by financing the fleets.

The next wave of Indians were professionals and entrepreneurs who came in the early ‘seventies with the oil boom in the region.

Although Bahrain was not at the front of the oil exploration

industry, the Kingdom had a broad-based plan to upgrade its infrastructure and lay the foundation for its future growth.

In this issue of Salaam Bahrain, we are looking at the Third Wave of Indians – men and women who have transformed Bahrain and added huge value to Indo-Bahraini relations. To illustrate this narrative, we have selected five individuals whose success embodies the values that we all cherish: innovation, a passion for quality, a commitment to building the Bahrain of the future and doing so with vision, honesty and inspiring work ethic.

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COVER STORY

Juzer Rupawala with Lulu Group Chairman and visionary extraordinaire, Yusuffali M.A.

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HARBINGER OF SUCCESS, CHANGE AND GROWTH Name: Juzer Rupawala .....

Director of the Lulu Group In charge of Bahrain & Egypt .....

Originally from: Mumbai, India .....

In Bahrain since: 2006 .....

Contribution

As Director of the Lulu Group, one of the fastest growing and largest retail chains in the MENA region, Rupawala manages the running and expansion of the Lulu Hypermarket chain in Bahrain – there are 8 hypermarkets in the Kingdom.

Now, as Director for Lulu’s Egypt operations also, Rupawala is in charge of an ambitious expansion programme there as well.

A Leader because

- Juzer Rupawala has meticulously translated the vision of Lulu Group Chairman, Yusuffali M.A. and made the flagship hypermarket the largest in Bahrain.

- By implementing an expansion programme and overseeing Yusuffali’s BD100 million+ investment in Bahrain, he has carried forward the message of trust in Bahrain’s progress, that his Chairman has signaled to the world.

- Under his watch, the Lulu Hypermarket chain has grown from the first opening in 2007 to eight hypermarkets, changing the way people shop in Bahrain and powering a surge in retail industry growth.

- Excellent human connectivity at all levels, from shop assistant to Minister.

- Very engaged with the community professionally and personally.

3 less-known personal facts

• Very much into physical fitness and extreme sports. He also advocates fitness for all and actively makes channels for fitness training available to his staff as well.

• Has an apt Bollywood dialogue or song for every situation!

• Is left-handed – or as he says, “When nothing goes right.. go left”

“Bahrain is a promising retail market because of the Kingdom’s young demographics, growing middle class and continuously improving quality of life and incomes. I believe that Lulu has brought a changed retail experience to the Kingdom, which is why we have been received with such warmth and customer loyalty. We represent a new international perspective where even a very large business goes to the customer instead of the other way round. That has brought flexibility to our style of doing business and a rare connection between our customers and our brand.”

Best known for

- Has clarity about Bahrain’s National Vision 2030 and how to position Lulu as a harbinger of success, change and growth.

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COVER STORY

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INNOVATOR, INFLUENCER, RECHARGING BAHRAINI ART TRADITIONS Name: Kaneka Subberwal .....

Founder of Art Select, an art investment initiative .....

Originally from: Mumbai .....

In Bahrain since: 2008 .....

Contribution

Art connoisseur, collector and consultant, Kaneka harnessed her instinct to spot art trends and great artists to build the first ever global movement to put Bahraini art and artists on the world stage.

Since launching Art Bahrain Across Borders (ArtBAB) Bahrain’s international art fair and its ancillary programme, Artists Across Borders which takes Bahraini art to art capitals around the world, the sales of Bahraini art has risen by 149% and Bahraini artists’ works are featuring increasingly in the collections of prestigious galleries, museums and portfolios of discerning collectors around the world.

Kaneka has also launched Artisans Across Borders, a bright and innovative engagement with Bahraini craftsmen and women that harnesses the timeless craft traditions of the Kingdom and transforms it into chic collectibles that speak of a new Bahraini sensitivity, transforming Bahraini craft into luxury acquisitions that will be sought-after in luxury branded stores across the world.

A Leader because

- Kaneka has the rare ability to appreciate fine art and also assess and position it as a commercially viable activity while retaining the utmost respect for art as a legacy, a creative process that the artist expresses through.

- She is a constant innovator and pushes the boundaries, redefining what art is and recharging traditions and trends. An example is her ‘Artisans Across Borders’ project where she roped in big-name designers to recast traditional Bahraini crafts into contemporary objets d’art.

- Kaneka has a vast and influential network of art circle peers – critics, artists, curators and academics - whom she has successfully tapped for the increased recognition of Bahraini art.

Best known for

- Her success in ensuring that art and artists are seen as an investment for the nation’s future.

- Equal parts amazing charm and cuttingedge, no-nonsense practicality.

- Implementing a third-party selection process that invests all ArtBAB and Art Select exhibitions with transparency and quality.

- A truly global citizen - makes sure she’s there for family even though she’s travelling and not in home-base most of the time.

3 less-known personal facts

• Was inspired by her mother-in-law Madhu Subberwal to hone her interest in art collection and in understanding contemporary art.

• Sophisticated, worldly, well-travelled – yet totally down-to-earth at heart. She’ll sit at a five-star restaurant for a Bahraini breakfast and order foul medames, fresh baked pita and labneh to replicate rajma-roti-dahi!

Having said that, she confesses to a fondness for harisse.

• Has been recommended yoga and meditation but confesses that she never finds the time to sit still long enough.

“Bahrain has a generous and giving spirit. The Kingdom has perhaps the largest database of practicing artists. In 2015, when we launched Art Bahrain Across Borders, we committed ourselves to the growth, awareness, communication and development of the art and artisanal strength of Bahrain.

Our vision is to communicate the strength of Bahrain and articulate skillsets across borders.”

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COVER STORY RETIREMENT

Dr. Sheriff with his father and mentor Dr. Sahadulla, founder of the KIMS Group

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A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY HEALTHCARE DELIVERY Name: Dr. Sheriff Sahadulla .....

Chief Executive Officer & Chief Medical Officer of KIMS Healthcare Group .....

Originally from: Kerala, India .....

In Bahrain since: 2015 .....

Contribution

In 2018, Dr. Sheriff was appointed the Chief Executive Officer of the KIMS Healthcare Group, an award-winning international chain of healthcare service providers with HQ in Kerala, India and fastexpanding in Bahrain and other GCC countries.

In his role as CEO/CMO, Dr. Sheriff is overseeing an ambitious expansion of the KIMS Healthcare Group’s Bahrain and GCC operations, ensuring that the high quality and patient care standards of the group are delivered in every patient experience across the growing chain, whether in outpatient interaction or inpatient surgery.

A highly skilled physician, Dr. Sheriff brings to his position over 20 years of experience in clinical medicine and hospital operations gained in leadership positions that he held in Boston, USA, including his appointment as President of the Medical Staff at a multispecialty hospital and Regional Medical Director for a national healthcare management company.

He obtained his medical degree from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and his post graduate training in Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbour, Michigan. He is also Senior Fellow of Hospital Medicine and a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians (London).

Dr. Sheriff represents a new generation of

corporate Indians, strengthening IndiaBahrain ties through a commitment to professional excellence and contribution to the exchange of a high level of technological knowledge in the fast-expanding field of medical technology.

A Leader because

- In a swiftly-evolving arena of healthcare delivery, Dr. Sheriff has enabled the KIMS Healthcare Group to set a very high benchmark, inspired his team to seek a contemporary service model and reached out to patients with a promise of care and wellness.

- Businesswise, Dr. Sheriff has helmed his company’s growth spurt in Bahrain, carefully calibrating the service options to match every patient layer, whether affordable, nofrills caring at KIMS Bahrain Medical Centers or the thoughtful, more upscale in-patient care in Royal Bahrain Hospital.

Best known for

- Dr. Sheriff is tech-savvy and believes technology will enhance the healthcare further in terms of delivery and patient experience. He has initiated a chain of technology changes across the group in terms of upgrading existing infrastructure and improving response time on multiple touch points.

- Having led healthcare organizations in the USA, Dr. Sheriff is transforming KIMS into a global monolith by continuously improving the value of service offerings by setting the highest standards in clinical protocols and process enhancements.

- Dr. Sheriff ’s has also expanded the variety of specialties offered by selecting the best medical practioners.

3 less-known personal facts • Spending time with family.

• Keeping fit by playing tennis and swimming.

• Updated on healthcare technology.

“We are experiencing exciting times in the healthcare sector as it is rapidly evolving into new facets. Emerging technology, no doubt, will play crucial role in enhancing healthcare delivery and patient experience, going forward. KIMS Healthcare Group has been in Bahrain since 2004, and is a shining example of IndoBahraini private partnership in the healthcare space. We have established a network on healthcare institutions around Bahrain, namely – Royal Bahrain Hospital in Salmaniya, KIMS Bahrain Medical Centre in Umm & Hassam and Muharraq, RBH Medical Centre in Riffa, and the upcoming KIMS Bahrain Hospital in Umm Al Hassam.

We are working on increasing our network further with the objective of bringing world class care closer to the people of Bahrain.

I am honored to be leading our growth in Bahrain where the Kingdom’s Leadership, Ministry of Health and National Health Regulatory Authority are focussed on developing healthcare infrastructure at global standards and my own team that is committed to fulfilling Bahrain’s potential of being centre of medical excellence in the GCC.”

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COVER STORY

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PASSIONATE CREATOR OF A BAHRAIN JEWELLERY BRAND Name: Prakash Devji .....

Managing Director of Devji, a heritage jewellery brand that is nearing its Diamond Jubilee Year. .....

Originally from: The Devji family has roots in Gujarat, India but have been based in Bahrain since 1945 .....

Contribution

In a jewellery market where most brands are from India and branching into Bahrain, the Devji Group took their beautiful craftsmanship, the purity of their gold and ability to amalgamate Indian artistry and Bahraini style to build a Bahrain-based brand that moved to the GCC and to India.

preparing a new arena for the third generation of Devji members who have now joined the company. Two new state-ofthe-art jewellery production facilities have been opened in the Bahrain International Investment Park in Hidd.

Best known for

- Ability to promote the ‘Bahraini Gold’ brand through Devji, by ensuring purity, design and craftsmanship excellence.

- Accessible to one and all, whether community or employees.

- Shrewd business sense combined with an eye for design excellence - a rare combination.

3 less-known PERSONAL facts

• Extremely spiritual and committed to exploring philosophy.

• Fondness for classical music.

• Movie buff.

A Leader because

- Prakash Devji has guided the growth of the core Devji brand, taking the reputation of Bahraini gold to the international arena with retail presence in Chennai, Ahmedabad & Coimbatore.

- While Chairman Bhaskar Devji is the creative fount behind the exquisite designs and younger brother Mahesh channels the 21st century’s contemporary chic through the Devji AURUM brand, Prakash has built the ‘Devji since 1950’ core 22-carat foundation into a catalyst for expansion, brand-building and excellence. Singlehandedly, he reversed the flow of jewellery brands from India to Bahrain, by spearheading the growth of Devji in the GCC and India.

- 2018 has also seen the company step into manufacturing, marrying new technology to timeless design and craft aesthetics and

“We are passionate about what we do. Building ‘Brand Bahraini Gold’ has been enriching and rewarding, bringing together Indian aesthetics, traditional Bahraini craft excellence and linking it to the Bahrain government’s care for the quality of gold in the jewellery sector here. It underpins the Devji understanding of delivering trust to every transaction.

We as a company would like to work towards strengthening the brand of “Bahraini Gold”.The Kingdom and its benevolent rulers have provided us with a stable environment where creativity can blossom - we intend to make the best use of it.”

The Devji brothers: Prakash, Mahesh and Bhaskar

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CREATING COMMUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE Name: Gagan Suri .....

Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bay, A luxury USD2.5 billion waterfront development in the Kingdom of Bahrain .....

Originally from: Delhi, India .....

In Bahrain since: 2014 .....

Contribution

Supported by a team of professionals, Gagan Suri works closely with all stakeholders; the shareholders, third party developers, consultants, contractors and suppliers in creating a “ desired destination “ that is vibrant, aesthetically appealing and sustainable.

Under his watch, Bahrain Bay has blossomed into a home to several renowned brands such as the Kingdom’s first Four Seasons Hotel, Arcapita,Wyndham Grand Hotel, AXA Insurance Group, Waterbay by Bin Faqih Real Estate Investment Co whose uniquely designed architectural structures dot the skyline of Manama.

In recent times, Bahrain Bay has gained immense popularity as the favored location for community events, cultural festivals and concerts by international artists. An array of leisure activities developed for the benefit of visitors and residents as part of the project’s public realm namely The Wharf, The Park and the upcoming Gardens has collectively succeeded in adding to Bahrain Bay’s reputation as a prestigious development.

A Leader because

- Since taking over the reins as the CEO, Gagan Suri has been instrumental in diligently transforming Bahrain Bay bringing it closer to its vision of creating a 21st century metropolis where businesses can thrive, and diverse communities live together.

- His work has helped to reshape the skyline of modern Manama, bringing a 21st century beauty to the timeless profile of the city. In addition, Suri is actively helping to articulate Bahrain’s aspirations for a lifestyle that will take forward the Kingdom’s essential values of harmonious living and industrious pursuit of progress.

Best known for

- Building Bahrain Bay’s presence as a prominent landmark locally and regionally.

- Popular figure among business and social circles.

- Supportive of human development .

3 less-known PERSONAL facts

• An accomplished writer and has authored a fictionalized memoir.

• Enjoys travelling, exploring new cultures, cuisines and concepts • Has a passion for music and sings, occasionally.

“After working and living in many major cities and countries I can state that Bahrain provides one of the finest working and living environments. Bahrain has warmth in its people, it has educated and hard working workforce. There is dignity of labour and ample opportunities. My family and I felt at home from the day we arrived here.

Bahrain is a special place and expats working and living here should be thankful to Bahrain for embracing us. I am one of the fortunate ones who has been able to give back to Bahrain - with the support of a highly qualified Board, my team at Bahrain Bay, I have been able to transform Bahrain Bay, the future of downtown Bahrain.

Bahrain Bay will be the defining skyline of Bahrain in the future and will become a heart of this beautiful country. I am glad to be an integral part of shaping that vision”

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Independence Day Greetings to all Indians from

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Safety, Security and Fire Protection System Engineers

India’s history of space endeavour

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NAYAN THARA SALIM traces the fascinating history of scientific work that led to Chandrayaan 2 n Indian child, no matter where he or she grew up, heard the embellished or stripped down versions of the same folk tales or mythological yarns. The all powerful gods and goddesses warred over land, for love, and to avenge their predecessors. Chandra, or Soma, the moon god, was one amongst them. Chandra presided over man’s fate, a robust persona playing an active role in this roulette of time, where we are merely pawns. Folklore from a different land introduced us to the toothless man on the moon, the grandfatherly character who looked over all of us, and made sure we had sweet dreams.

The moon is a deity with significance in religions from all over the world. Fertility, luck, salvation, the moon god has a hand in all of them.

Superhuman

Fifty years ago, man first set foot on the moon, aboard Apollo 11, a monumental

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moment akin to the invention of wheels.

On 16 July, 1969, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Edwin Aldrin Jr., began the lunar mission, and later landed in the Sea of Tranquility. They returned to Earth and landed in the Pacific Ocean, on July 24th, after more than eight days in space. Neil Armstrong’s first step on the moon was broadcast live on television to the world.

Half a century ago, the idea of conquering a heavenly being, a god, something that holds our fate in its hand, was so unbelievably superhuman, that a sizeable population believed the moon landing to be a conspiracy theory.

Rakesh Sharma entered space in 1984, the first Indian citizen to do so, and when asked by the then Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from outer space, he said ‘Saare jahaan se achha’. Every little Indian girl vowed to be another Kalpana Chawla as we watched the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrate during its reentry into the Earth’s atmosphere in 2003.

A little over 16 years ago, in April 2003, a team of over 100 eminent Indian scientists from the fields of planetary and earth 2019

sciences, physics, chemistry, astronomy, astrophysics and engineering and communication sciences got together to discuss and approve a Task Force to launch

Rakesh Sharma

SCIENCE & TECH

Kalpana Chawla

an Indian probe to the moon. Six months later, the government nodded their approval. Thus began the journey previously deemed impossible for a developing country like India. A country that carried its first rocket on the back of a bicycle, on 22nd October 2008, India launched her first lunar probe under the Chandrayaan program.

Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Indians watched the moment of remarkable scientific achievement and the triumph of sheer willpower, with heads held high, breaths caught in our throats, and the hint of tears in our eyes.

Lunar water

Though Chandrayaan – 1 didn’t complete the expected two years, within 361 days, it had completed about 95% of its objectives. The feather in the cap was discovering lunar water, and enabling India to be the 4th country in the world, to plant its flag on the moon!

When basking in the glory of the tremendous heights the country has reached, we don’t always remember to trace back the litany of odds it had to overcome, to reach the eminence. ISRO had initially had an agreement with the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscomos) to collaborate on the Chandrayaan – 2 project. Roscomos would deliver the lander. Due to various technical failures, Roscomos finally withdrew from the agreement, and ISRO had to develop its own lander. The mission was postponed in 2013 to 2016, and finally scheduled for 15th July 2019. Consisting of an orbiter, a lander Vikram, and a land rover Pragyaan, the probe is homegrown in its entirety, the result of the brains blood and sweat of some of the best minds of India.

The series of firsts this project embodied is a triumph in itself! This would be the first time a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle launches a lunar. The first time India would have a soft landing on the surface of the moon, a feat previously achieved only by USA, Russia, and China. It would be the first time the lunar south pole has been

explored, by any country, with homegrown technology to boot.

M Vanitha the project director of Chandrayaan - 2 is the first woman director of ISRO. As the entire country, and the world, waited with baited breaths to witness the momentous takeoff, atT minus 56 minutes, the countdown was frozen. The team had spotted a technical glitch that would have hindered a hundred percent completion rate of its objectives. The decision sent a wave of disappointment across eager citizens who have been watching the progress closely, especially after being the target of unnecessary belittling preceding the successful launch of Mangalyaan, one of the least expensive interplanetary space missions ever.

A week later, millions were glued to their screens, and thousands gathered at the site, to witness the takeoff of Chandrayaan – 2, another glorious embellished feather in the cap that carries the legacy of overcoming crippling hassles with dignity. The last minute decision to postpone the launch has ensured that the land rover Pragyan would be able to spend 14 Earth days (1 moon day) on the lunar surface.

The probe is now sending the first set of images taken of Earth, which apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, is also easing the minds of the scientists on the mission, letting them know that all is moving as planned. Chandrayaan - 2 is expected to complete 15 excruciating steps, before the hopeful and tentative soft landing of the land rover on the surface of the moon.

India, after having proved herself over and over again, has finally gained a permanent seat at the ‘big boy table’ of space missions. Not only are we exhibiting the brilliance of our minds, the resolve of our intents or shining an attractive light on a path that the future generation will tread on successfully, we are also leading by example, highlighting that space missions are no longer the exclusive domains of deep-pocketed Western countries.

Chandra, The Moon God - Folio from a Book of Dreams SALAAM BAHRAIN

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TRENDING NOW

What do people want to know from Chandrayaan 2?

Shama Uchil It delights me immensely that India is the first country ever to land on the Moon's south pole. Secondly, we are only fourth country after the former Soviet Union, the US and China, to make a soft landing on the Moon's surface. But what has delighted me the most about this Chadrayan mission is the fact that its led by two dynamic women Vanitha Muthayya and Rita Karidhal, the project director and mission director, respectively.That makes all Indians beam with pride and joy.

I would love to see such scientific progress lead to breakthroughs in managing and eliminating disease-causing genes in humans for diseases like cancer and diabetes. I wopuld also love to see a breakthrough in agricultural techniques, where all Indian farmers can avail of climatically and clinically controlled farming technologies that lead to disease resistance and higher yield, which in turn might lower farmer suicides.

Sai Eshwar Samudrala If I was the head of ISRO I would definitely want to know a lot about the moon but I have some points specifically for this. Through chandrayaan, I would like to know if there is any sort of life on the moon like the indestructible ‘tardigrades’. Also, can we co-exist with these terrifying-sounding creatures?

Anyway, we are the people who are killing the Earth in different ways, so now we are in the need of finding a new home for us.

The second thing I would like to know is; is the moon shrinking to become the size of a raisin, as claimed by NASA?

Arunita Praharaj What is a stand-out Indian aspect of our space programme? There is only one answer (well apart from the stereotype of all of us being good at mathematics and really hard-working)! Our dedication to the gutsy art of ‘Jugaad’ or frugality – a concept now being studied at Harvard University.The cost of the latest Chandrayaan launch was not huge by international standards, about $140 million – something every other nation in the world is taking heed to.

The quintessential Indian belief of zero wastage (think of our rolled-up toothpaste tubes and shampoo bottles), as well as our ability to apply flexible thinking and action, helps us be highly adaptable and achieve all our space dreams at once.

Roshni Raja I’m lucky enough to be born in a generation where girls don’t have to only play with Barbie dolls and boys just with power rangers; it can be the other way around or just both. This freedom of choice is what creates both genders a pathway to success, especially women. I love seeing Indian women evolve and show what they’re truly capable of to the whole world. I can say today that I’m proud to be a desi woman seeing strong and hardworking women come up in science.

In my opinion, we are definitely on the right path to empower women in science and Ms. Vanitha and Ms. Karidhal are a great inspiration to girls of all ages by setting the bar up high which will motivate the upcoming generation to come up just as high or even higher. This is just one stepping stone and there are many more to come as we women will continuously thrive and shut down stereotypes.

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Moon Shot is just the beginning

SCIENCE & TECH

India harnesses space technology for the benefit of all says scientific R&D watcher and noted writer PALLAVA BAGLA

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ndia’s Moon Shot is well on its way to the Moon and if all goes well the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) hopes to soft land a robotic craft on the lunar surface in early September. Dr K Sivan

the Chairman of ISRO has described the Chandrayaan-2 (Moon Vehicle) as the `most complex space mission ever undertaken by India’.

India has a total of fifty operational satellites that provide navigation services, weather forecasting, help smart cities, aid satellite television and even help in banking operations, today `touching lives and saving lives is the Hallmark of ISRO’ says Sivan.

India has end-to-end capabilities in space making its own satellites, rockets and launching them from India. Many foreign companies use India’s rockets to launch their satellites. The South Asia satellite launched in 2017 is a unique friendly bird in the sky that helps connect India’s neighbours and India provided this communications satellite at no cost to the South Asian countries.

Vikram

Power of ‘Tapasya’

On the hot and humid afternoon of July 22, 2019 at India’s rocket port the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota exactly at 2.43 pm India’s most powerful rocket the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-3 nicknamed the `Baahubali’ lifted off into the monsoon clouds carrying India’s Chandrayaan-2 satellite into space. In less than 17 minutes the 640 tonne rocket, equivalent to the weight of 1.5 Jumbo Jets, which stands as high as fifteen storey building at 44 meter in length completed its mission by putting the Chandrayaan-2 satellite in a `better than expected orbit’ said Sivan.

Possibly the rocket was compensating for the heartburn it caused when a week earlier on July 15, 2019 the launch had to be aborted less than an hour before lift-off due to a `technical snag’. Scientists at the Indian space agency burnt the mid night oil and fixed the glitch, bouncing back with aplomb. Speaking about the rapid come back Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said `If you ask me what the two greatest lessons I have received from Chandrayaan-2, I shall say they are faith & fearlessness.’

Modi, is a known space enthusiast who knows how to deploy space technology for effective governance of the 1.3 billion Indians, he further added ` the second important lesson is – never lose hope in the face of stumbling blocks or obstacles.

The way our scientists rectified technical issues in record time, burning the midnight oil, is in itself an exemplary, unparalleled task. The world watched the `Tapasya’, the awesome perseverance of our scientists.

We should also feel proud of the fact that despite hindrances, there is no change in the arrival time [on the moon] … many are amazed at that. We have to face temporary setbacks in life… but always remember- the capacity to overcome them resides within us.’

Earlier this year India also carried out another spectacular space experiment when on March 27, 2019 India shot down its own low earth orbiting satellite Microsat-R using a custom made missile launched from the Kalam Island in the Bay of Bengal. Called an Anti-satellite weapon test (A-Sat) it was dubbed `Mission Shakti’ and according to Dr G. Satheesh Reddy, Director General of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) which spearheaded this test said `India acted responsibly by conducting the test at a low altitude so that minimum space debris was generated’.

Orbiter

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M Vanitha & Rita Karidal Mission Directors for Chandrayaan 2

By the end of this year India has another ten space missions lined up which includes the much awaited heart stopper the demonstration of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) or the `Baby PSLV’ a low cost rocket with a short turn-around time that can hoist 500 kilograms in space.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said `through the A-Sat, we have acquired the capability of destroying a satellite three hundred kilometres away in a mere three minutes. India became the fourth country in the world, possessing this capacity’ after USA, Russia and China who have demonstrated this lethal capability to knock down satellites in space. This was a demonstration by India that it will do all what it takes to protect its vital space assets in space. Indian satellites help the country’s economy and are a vital space borne infrastructure for New Delhi.

Inter-stellar history

Chandrayaan-2 is India’s second moon shot the first was launched in 2008 named Chandrayaan-1 and it was an orbiter where `India was the captain and several countries like USA, UK, the European Space Agency were players as India lofted their instruments all the way to moon free of cost’. Chandrayaan-1 made global

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history when this under $ 100 million mission made the startling discovery of the presence of water molecules on the parched lunar surface. This renewed twenty first century `back to the moon’ effort in way was spurred by Chandrayaan-1 and now USA seeks to send astronauts back to the moon in the next few years.

Chandrayaan-2 according to Sivan `is a three in one mission’ where there is an orbiter that will go around the moon, a lander named Vikram that will attempt a soft landing near the South Pole of the moon and small six wheeled moon rover called Pragyaan. Modi says `Chandrayaan-2 is Indian to the core. It is thoroughly Indian in heart & spirit. It is completely a `swadeshi’, home grown mission. This mission has proved beyond doubt, once again, that when it comes to attempting an endeavour in new age, cutting edge areas, with innovative zeal, our scientists are second to none. They are the best… they are world class.’

India has sent 13 indigenously made scientific instruments that will analyse the lunar surface, map the topography search for water and measure moonquakes among other things, this time also India is carrying a small instrument for the American space agency NASA on board the Vikram Lander.

The Indian moon rover is powered by artificial intelligence and is expected do its 2019

long march on the moon surface for about half a kilometre in its nominal life of 14 days. ISRO hopes to soft land on the lunar surface on September 7, 2019, and if it succeeds India will become the fourth country after USA, Russia and China to have the capability to soft land on another planetary body. Sivan says `there will be 15 terrifying minutes when the Vikram lander goes in for its final landing manoeuvre ’.

This is not all, by the end of this year India has another ten space missions lined up which includes the much awaited heart stopper the demonstration of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) or the `Baby PSLV’ a low cost rocket with a short turn-around time that can hoist 500 kilograms in space.

India also has plans to send a planetary explorer to Venus, have another robotic mission to Mars in the next few years. The mother of all missions Gaganyaan is also well on its way where, by 2022 India hopes to send an Indian astronaut into space on an Indian rocket from Indian soil.

India is no doubt betting big on space technology. Modi says `I fervently hope that the Chandrayaan-2 mission will inspire our youth towards science & innovation. After all, science is the path to progress.’

(Pallava Bagla follows India’s space program very closely and is author of the book `Reaching for the Stars: India’s Journey for Mars and Beyond’ published by Bloomsbury.

He can be reached at pallava.bagla@gmail.com or Twitter: @pallavabagla )

Eco-warriors seek to transform Bahrain food waste treatment

ENVIRONMENT

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Presita Nair and Sabitha Padmanabhan have come together to use the latest technology to change this alarming eco-damage into something that will make the world a better place. ere's a fact for you to chew on: Bahrain residents throw away 400 tons of organic food waste daily!

Whether it is food remains after a party, a wasted burger or a half-drunk milk shake, they all end up in the landfill and as they decompose, they emit lethal levels of methane into the atmosphere. This is serious, because methane is the one gas that causes immense danger to the ozone layer and results in global warming.

Now two sisters, Presita Nair and Sabitha Padmanabhan have come together to use the latest technology to change this alarming eco-damage into something that will make the world a better place.

“Our company, New Jersey International has an ambitious vision: we want to bring the latest technology to fight the damage caused by food waste,” said Presita, “ We want to provide waste management solutions which are affordable, easy-to-use and which the public will use on an individual and corporate level. “ The sisters say that their goal is to support the Bahrain leadership in achieving its waste management policies as per the Vision 2030 Plan.

“Eco-friendly waste management solutions are no longer out of reach for people, thanks to revolutionary new technology which is affordable and compact,” said Operations Manager Suresh Pitchai, “And that is the niche we are

focusing on.”

The company recently took distributorship of Korean brand Greengood Oklin's composting machine.

This comes in two sizes and capacities. The domestic machine is a sleek one which is the size of a regular kitchen cupboard.

Indeed, it is meant to stand alongside kitchen shelves and you can simply put all food waste into it (barring very few exceptions). Add a compost organic starter which comes with the machine and in 24 hours, your first batch of compost is ready while your kitchen stays odorless and hygienic.

This can be replicated on a larger scale in restaurants, industrial catering kitchens and hotels.

“The beauty of the Greengood Oklin Composting Machine is that is blends into your kitchen or prep area seamlessly and you can reap the benefits of excellent compost for gardens,” Presita said while Sabitha added that the company envisages a healthy market for the machine with corporate clients who

have industrial gardens, schools which have gardens to encourage children to get closer to nature and also individual hobby gardeners. Compounds with landscaping and gardens will also benefit from such a machine they added.

The other machine with the potential for changing food waste management is the company's Food Crusher. A bit bigger than a closed adult fist, the Crusher fits neatly below the sink and all the food going down the drain is crushed into micro-particles and flushed away. This eliminates food waste in landfills and is also an ecosensitive way to process domestic and industrial kitchen waste. This crusher can process everything from soft plant and meat waste to bones too.

The sisters are asking all residents of Bahrain to make the responsible change today.

“We have to make small changes to help our Kingdom, our future, our planet. Why wait for the laws to change, why not take responsibility now?” they asked reasonably.

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YOUNGISTAN

How Indian children took on the British Empire

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Who were these brave kiddos, some as young as eight years, who fought for Indian independence? SARAYU MANJULE finds out t was a rainy, inky dark night on 11 October 1938 in Nilakahthapur, a river-side village on the banks of the Brahmani River in Odissa’s Dhenkanal district. Standing straightbacked, his stocky twelve-year old body tense, Baji Rout, the son of a boatman met the eyes of a British policeman. He had been asked to keep a lookout for the policemen as they chased the rebels of the Prajamandal Agitation against the cruel pro-British King of Odisha.

When the police asked Baji Rout to ferry them across the river in his boat, he and his friends Laxman Mallik and Fagoo Sahoo refused and started shouting to warn villagers of the police presence. They were shot dead immediately and Baji Rout became, at 12 years, the youngest martyr in the struggle against the British.

Their martyrdom was immortalized by the poet Sachidananda Routray, Jnanpith Award winner, who wrote a poem ‘Baji Rout’. The most powerful line in the poem, when translated into English, reads: “It is not a pyre, O Friends!

When the country is in dark despair, it is the light of our liberty It is our freedom-fire.”

Swaraj soldiers

As India celeberates the 73rd Independence Day on 15 August, it is important to recognise the role that the children of the Indian Freedom Era (18571947) has played in our freedom struggle in their tender years, participating as brave martyrs or as the ‘Vanar Sena’, (monkey brigade) with members often as young as eight year old. Mahatma Gandhi had pointed out in defence of his policy of non-violence: “Our children- our Vanar

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Sena: how could you have had these innocents ones who renounced their toys, 2019

their kites, their crackers and joined as soldiers of Swaraj—how could you have

Indian press was not allowed to publish. We passed on the newspapers from one safe house to another to spread the news.”

The best-known soldier of these Vanar Sena was of course late Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), the daughter of Pandit Nehru and India’s Prime Minister. As the freedom movement gained strength, a somewhat restless Indira, who was too young to join the Youth League (which later become the Indian Youth Congress), came up with the idea of rallying children under the Vanar Sena. The Vanar Sena met regularly on the back lawns of Anand Bhavan. Hundreds of children in Allahabad joined Indira’s army, which acted as a bridge between them and the adults. They worked as an auxiliary of the Congress and their charter of duties included making flags, addressing envelopes, serving water to party-men in the processions and pasting meeting notices. It often worked as an underground organization. The children were too young to be arrested. and they successfully alerted many freedom fighters whenever a police party came raiding.

Indira and her young comrades organized rallies and flag marches of young students, gave speeches and sang patriotic songs, and more importantly helped circulate prohibited and sensitive literature and other publications of the Congress Party to supporters. In an often-told story, she smuggled out from the police-watched house of her father Jawaharlal Nehru, an important document in her schoolbag, that outlined plans for a major A young Indira Gandhi used to smuggle out important documents in her schoolbag as a Vanar Sena member Dr. Usha Mehta, a renowned Gandhian and Manjar Sena member

enlisted them in a violent struggle?”.

How did the Vanar Sena help the freedom movement? The main advantage they had was that as mere children the British did not suspect them to be freedom fighters and this helped the Vanar Sena to carry out distribution of confident documents/ notices regarding the atrocities of the British without being caught. The very first participation of the Vanar Sena in our freedom struggle seems to have started by the great patriot V. D. Savarkar (18831966) when he organised a gang of kids, the Vanar Sena when he was just eleven years old in 1894.

I first heard of the Vanar Sena from my grandmother. Recalling the days of the freedom struggle of the 1930s , when she lived in Mumbai’s Shivaji Park, she spoke with admiration about little children- boys and girls who were sometimes just eight or nine years old- who were the messengers for the adult freedom fighters. “They would come to your door and ask for a glass of water. When you gave them the water, they would slip to you the paper- either a message written on a tiny scrap of paper and folded over many times or a tightly rolled up wad the size of a folded over ladies’ kerchief, which was the neighbourhood freedom newspaper, full of news, on the independence movement, often the news the SALAAM BAHRAIN

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YOUNGISTAN

Mridula Sarabhai began her illustrious work as a freedom fighter by participating in the Vanar Sena

revolutionary initiative in the early 1930s and reached it to a local Congress office.

Innocent spies

Indira had cherished memories of the achievements of the Vanar Sena: “Nobody (amoung the British authorities) bothered about an urchin hopping in and out of

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police lines. Nobody thought that he could be doing anything. Well, the boy would memorize the message and go to the people concerned and say. “All the police is there. So and so is going to be arrested” or whatever the news was. In a similar way, we also acted as an intelligence group, because frequently, the policemen sitting in 2019

front of a police station would talk about what was going on- who was be arrested and where there would be raid. and so on.

Four or five children playing hopscotch outside would attract no one’s attention.

And they would deliver the news to the people in the movement.”

Both Jawaharlal Nehru and Motilal Nehru took an active interest in the Vanar Sena and its activities. Motilal’s letters from prison often made suggestions. In one such letter addressed to Indira , Motilal wrote: “What is your position in the Monkey Army? I suggest the wearing of a tail by every member, the length of which should be in proportion to the rank of the wearer.

The badge with a print of Hanuman is right, but see that the gada (mace),which is usually in Hanuman’s hands, is not there.

Remember the gada means violence and we are a non-violent army. Practice running. Papu (Jawaharlal) runs two miles every morning without stopping. You ought to be able to run at least one mile without stopping and gradually increase the distance. In this way, you will soon be able to run a mile without getting tired or losing breath.”

The Vanar Sena was present all over India. Mridula Sarabhai (1911-1974) born into Ahmedabad's celebrated industrial dynasty and nuclear scientist Vikram Sarabhai's sister, was one of the amazing children of the Vanar Sena who fought for India's freedom. “ Initially my father was against my joining the movement as he was a judge under the Raj” Mridula once said “But then he retired in 1930 and after we shifted to Bombay in 1932, I could fully immerse myself in it . As children, our work was to distribute bulletins, make salt from Chowpatty water and sell it in small packets”.

Cat Army

Dr. Usha Mehta, a great Gandhian (19202002) was another soldier who had begun the battle against the British at the young age of eight in 1928. “We young girls had formed a Manjar Sena or Cat Army just as the boys had formed the Vanar Sena.

When I was first arrested as a child and

my father came to know about it, he approached the magistrate, whose son Arun, was also arrested with us” recalled

protest march, that the Manjar Sena took part. It was during the Indian boycott of the Simon Commission in 1928, that the

21st century Vanar Sena helps Swacch Bharat campaign In Bundelkhand, Madhya Pradesh, which played a key role in the First War of Indian Independence, a new kind of battle has attracted youngsters. A 'vanar sena' comprising children aged 6-16 from around 250 schools, was formed in 2016 to discourage people from defecating in the open and promoting the Swacch Bharat movement. The children used to tour the open places and roads and when they see anybody squatting to defecate in the open, the swoop down and steal their ‘lota’ of water, brought to wash themselves and run away.

The schoolchildren were roped in to make the town of Sagar open defecation free (ODF) by 2017. The district administration also directed the municipal corporation to snatch the containers of those defecating in the open. While there are various endeavours underway to make the nation free from open defecation including government plans, however little matches the impact that this battle has in the fight against the menace.

“Many open defecators ran away in shame. Though the atmosphere has changed, people still go out in the open to defecate. They are being challenged,” Koushlendra Vikram Singh, municipal commissioner of Sagar, was quoted as saying.

Dr.Usha Mehta and added “ When the officials came to release us, both of us refused to leave, as our friends were still inside the jail. We had to stay for few hours, but we made sure that all of us were freed together”.

She recalled a particularly emotional

police resorted to lathi charges of a Manjar Sena procession and a girl fell down and became unconscious. With this, the Indian flag which she was holding also came down. In the words of Usha Mehta “As, all of us were disturbed by the fact that the flag had come down to be

dragged on the ground, we approached our senior leaders and asked them what had to be done. They asked us to buy khadi cloth of our flag colour and stitch uniform of the same.. We made the cloth shops open the khadi shops in the middle of the night and take out khadi cloth in the three colours of the flag: white, red and green. Overnight all the volunteers of the Cat Army (Manjar Sena) sat down on the streets and stitched uniforms in the three colours of the flag. The next morning we took out a procession, and all of us were dressed in white chunnis(headscarves),red petticoats and green blouses. We had no flag in our hands, but we were throwing a challenge to the police and telling them that today, if you have the courage, you see how you can bring down our flag. Because we had become live flags, and unless the police shot us it would not have possible for them to dishonor the flag.”

The story of the sacrifices and courage of these young fighters in woven into our precious freedom and needs to be celebrated. The next time, you, as a free Indian, complain about sacrificing some small luxury, pause a moment and remember the tremendous sacrifices of the Vanar Sena/ Manjar Sena, that fought to give us freedom and marched alongside the Mahatma.

PROMOTION

Batelco’s new ‘Mazeej’ offer Batelco recently introduced its latest mobile package, Mazeej. The package offers users the best of both worlds, combining the benefits of both PostPaid and PrePaid (SimSim) packages.

The package was designed to provide customers with greater flexibility and control of their mobile usage. Subscribers to the Mazeej package will be able to enjoy 8GB of data as well as 500 minutes across all local operators. For any additional minutes, data or other services, customers may top up the same line with a Prepaid SimSim voucher.

On the occasion of the launch of this new packages, Batelco Consumer Division General Manager, Maha Abdulrahman commented, “This new package was developed in response to a demand we identified for greater flexibility in meeting our customers’ monthly usage requirements. We are very pleased to offer this package which contributes towards customers having greater control over their monthly spend, with no surprise bills, ultimately enhancing their experience.”

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39

SODA WARS

Politics in a bottle MEERA RAVI on the sip of heady political choice that teens of her generation unknowingly made

“When I chucked out Coca-Cola in 1977, I made the point that 90 percent of India’s villages did not have safe drinking water, whereas Coke had reached every village,” the late Fernandes said in a 1992 New York Times article, adding “Do we really need Coke? Do we need Pepsi?”

O

In 1977, George Fernandes drove Coke out of India

ne of my most enduring memories of the post-Emergency era in India is not political at all. Instead it is the fizzy cola wars that became a political statement which we teens were unknowingly the big players of.

You see, in early 1977, Indira Gandhi was unseated in favour of the Janata Party, an alliance of different political groups. One member, the future industry minister George Fernandes, wanted to eject CocaCola from the country. He went into his reasoning later. “When I chucked out Coca-Cola in 1977, I made the point that 90 percent of India’s villages did not have safe drinking water, whereas Coke had reached every village,” the late Fernandes said in a 1992 New York Times article, adding “Do we really need Coke? Do we need Pepsi?”

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Uncorking loss

After India gained independence from Britain in 1947, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru ushered in a political dynasty that would oversee moderate socialist economic reforms. Pure Drinks Group introduced Coca-Cola to the newlyformed republic two years later. Pepsi followed, only to exit in 1962 due to lagging sales.

Coca-Cola - and other multinational corporations - kept growing despite the Nehruvian government’s extensive regulations. Politicians were dismayed by Coca-Cola’s omnipresence from India’s bustling metropolitan centers to its rural villages.

The end of Coke’s reign was sparked by political upheaval. By 1977, India was fresh off two years of the “Emergency.” Spurred by a wobbly economy and unrest, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government suspended civil liberties, jailed rivals, and broke up protests. During Gandhi’s tenure 2019

as prime minister, Parliament passed the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act of 1973 which required many multinationals to hand over 60% of the equity in their local subsidiaries to Indian partners. Coca-Cola would have had to release its top-secret syrup recipe and IBM its computer codes in order to comply. Faced with an ultimatum from Fernandes, Coca-Cola, along with Mobil, Kodak, and 54 other companies, left.

Fizzy void

India was left with a huge void in the carbonated beverage aisle. Out of the mess sprang a cohort of local sodas to fill the Coke-shaped hole. The Mumbai-based Parle Group introduced Thums Up and RimZim, two Coca-Cola replacements, while their lemonade-like Limca and newly created Citra filled in for Sprite. Pure Drinks used its expansive distribution network to disseminate a new product, Campa Cola, which it deemed “The Great

Goli Soda - India's first fizzy Goli Soda has been sold since the late 19th century, long before popular carbonated drinks arrived. It is popular across many Indian states – the name in all languages centres around the marble or spherical glass stopper in the thick glass Codd-neck bottle patented by English engineer Hiram Codd in 1872. While Goli Soda is the name in Tamil Nadu, it is known as Fotash Jawl in Bengali, Goti Soda in Delhi and Banta in Punjabi. It is a carbonated lemon or orange-flavoured soft drink in Codd-neck bottle popular in India. The drink is often sold mixed with lemon juice, crushed ice, chaat masala and kala namak (black salt) as a carbonated variant of popular lemonades shikanji or jal-jeera.

Street cred

In North India, it is available at street-sellers known as bantawallahs at prices ranging from Rs.5 (7.2¢ US) - Rs.30 (43¢ US). In fact, it is known as “Delhi’s local drink”, nimbu (lemon) soda or kanchay waali drink (kancha = marble in Hindi), especially in Old Delhi and the Delhi University college campuses. In Chennai, around 50 years ago, there were more than 500 small units manufacturing Goli Soda under local names like Kali Mark or Panneer Soda, which was flavoured with rose essence. Similar to Ramune, a Japanese lemon drink, the Goli Soda bottle’s mouth is sealed by a round marble (instead of a cap) thanks to the pressure of the carbonated contents.

Prior to India's independence the Coddneck bottles were imported from England, however post-independence local manufacturers came up including many factories in Ahmedabad. Today a major Codd-neck bottle manufacturer in India is Khandelwal Glass Works (since 1981) at Sasni, Uttar Pradesh, after Mahalakshmi Glass Works in Hyderabad closed down a few years ago.

Before the re-entry of popular soft drinks like Pepsi and Coca-Cola in 1993, the sale of Banta reached its peak in the early 1990s, selling 100,000 bags per annum,

with each a bag containing 75 bottles each.

By 2010 however the sales had dropped by nearly half, especially after reports of consumers experiencing nausea after consumption due to unsanitary production conditions.

After fading away from public imagination, the Goli Soda is making a comeback in Chennai as a trendy drink manufactured by a company called Kozzmo. This boutique unit produces around 5,000 bottles of Goli Soda in a month. Other than stores, their client list also includes hotels such as Crowne Plaza, The Westin, Hyatt Regency and clubs such as Madras Cricket Club, Madras Boat Club, Gymkhana Club, Gandhinagar Club.

easy to get them. There is a market even in the Middle East,” he adds.

Kozzmo’s 200 ml bottles, priced at Rs.125, are smaller and lighter than the original Codd-neck bottle. Kozzmo gets their customers to return their bottles, soaks, cleans, rinses, steams and sanitises the bottles in their unit. “Ours is a small unit of six and we do everything in-house so we can keep a check on quality. We are probably the only company manufacturing FSSAI-certified Goli Soda in India.” says entrepreneur Balaji Rajan.

Popularity bottleneck

It took them three years to research and understand the market, and the product.

Kozzmo has six flavours — lemon, orange, grape, paneer soda, nimbu masala, and pineapple. Interestingly, they are all named after famous songs, such as Lemon Tree, Purple Haze, Bed of Roses..

And obviously, the Codd-neck bottles are just as popular as the drink. Very often, clients request Rajan for bottles, even willing to pay extra. “Since only about a few lakh bottles are made in a month, it’s not SALAAM BAHRAIN

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SODA WARS

Indian Taste.”

Double Seven, named after that volatile year of 1977, was the governmentsanctioned substitute for Coke. (Personal opinion: Double Seven was the worst tasting, while one short-lived drink Kickapoo Joy Juice with citrus notes was swiftly rejected despite its sly caffeine rush – does anybody remember that drink).

few conditions. One was that it “Indianize” its name. The newly branded Lehar Pepsi (Lehar means “wave” in Hindi) hit the market in 1990. The Soviet Union - socialist India’s primary sponsor - collapsed a year later.

Underdog soda

In India, two underdog sodas that flourished during the country’s stint of economic isolation have remained solidly shelved next to Coca-Cola and Pepsi even today. Even after India ushered in its successful free market economics, Thums Up and Limca have thrived. Limca’s success even contributed to that of Thums Up, since the Parle Group insisted that stores stock the cola if they wanted its citrus sibling. “Thums Up was the most distinct, being fizzier, spicier, and less sweet than the others,” says brand expert Samit Sinha. It didn’t hurt that Thums Up and Old Monk rum,* another beloved local brand, incidentally became the “Indian version of Jack Daniels and Coke,” Sinha adds.

But the days of only “Great Indian Taste” started to taper off. In the late 1980s, India began chipping away at its armor of economic isolation. After years of political rigmarole, Pepsi was let back in - with a

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bashed hometown champion Thums Up as tasting like medicine in its advertisements.

Meanwhile, Thums Up’s new slogan “Taste the Thunder” cemented its identity as the edgier, more masculine soda choice. Thums Up’s thrill-seeking branding (complete with commercials featuring cool bungee-jumping actors) resonated with the main sodadrinking demographic: teenage boys. But it also appealed to consumers at large in a re-energized, post-liberalization India fizzing with possibility.

Thums Up’s timely, evocative marketing not only allowed it to beat Pepsi, Sinha says, but also its local cola competition.

“Thums Up’s local origins certainly did stir up some national pride against the foreign Pepsi,” Sinha says. “The opening up to the world helped Indians become more aware of their own culture, and thus arose an emotional urge to support deserving Indian brands.”

Still, it seemed as though the daredevil soda might meet its end when Coca-Cola re-entered India in 1993 and bought Thums Up from Parle. The foreign giant quickly killed Citra, Gold Spot, and RimZim to make room for its own Sprite, Fanta and Coke.

Never say die

Lacking support and seriously in debt, India was forced to fully embrace the free market. According to historian of South Asia and professor Benjamin Siegel, it’s not an exaggeration to say that liberalization transformed the country practically overnight. “It was a moment when you went from one state-run television channel to lots of television channels,” he explains.

“You went from having very few consumer goods, including these sodas, to lots of things coming in.”

Amidst the commercial deluge, Pepsi 2019

But the local sodas wouldn’t die. Even with an influx of new options, Indians kept drinking Thums Up and Limca. Their sustained popularity can be put down to specific regional tastes—the former’s pungent tingle is meant to pair well with spicy food, and the latter’s taste and distinctive cloudy look appeals to the national love for nimbu paan. Coca-Cola, caught between competition with Pepsi on one side and Indian consumers on the other, decided to spare both local brands.

Despite a strong conviction by many that Coca-Cola neglects its desi, or domestic, brands, today Thums Up rules the cola scene in India, only topped in the carbonated beverage arena by Sprite.

Unlike most of the world, Pepsi comes in at third and Coke trails at fourth in India.

They are followed closely by Limca, which is most popular with older demographics.

Perhaps that last statistic best explains how these homegrown sodas have survived over 40 years of political and economic turbulence. It may not be so much the flavor of Thums Up or Limca that keeps them in demand, but what they evoke: comforting familiarity in the midst of an ever-changing nation. Recently, when Coca-Cola introduced Thums Up into NRI markets, I saw a wave of nostalgia push it to top spot at parties of my generation in Bahrain, while our teenage kids watched in bemused surprise. They had no real sentimental attachment to the cola and just found it surprising that their parents should like it so much!

Baaghon mein bahaar hai

INDIA FOCUS

Tiger Census, shows India achieves target 4 years early India has achieved its 2022 target of tiger population in the country. The country now has 2,967 tigers, declared the All India Tiger Estimation Report 2018 released on Monday.

Neha Sinha, a wildlife conservationist, said the census may suggest more tigers are breeding in protected areas.

“Every adult tiger needs to create his or her own territory, and

this territory is sometimes almost 200 sq km, so they need quite a bit of space,” she said. “If you want our numbers to be stable then tigers need to disperse.”

Paraphrasing popular Bollywood movie titles, PM Modi said that the census showed that India had moved from “Ek Tha Tiger” to “Tiger Zinda Hai”

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FASHION

Accessorize yourself

T

The focus in our fashion round-up this month is clearly on accessories and our featured designers have a lot to offer

oday’s fashionista no longer has to depend on just handbags and purses to make a statement. If you are a working person – man or woman – there are so many beautifully crafted laptop bags from Nappa Dori by Gautam Sinha in top-quality leather, with digital prints and meticulous attention to detail.

‘Nappa’ is a word for soft leather that has Spanish and Native American roots while ‘dori’ means thread in Hindi, the two essential components of Sinha’s products. With these, not only has he stitched together a brand that is comparable with big names such as Hidesign and Fossil where quality is concerned, but has also brought Indian aesthetics to a global product range.

Nappa Dori's laptop bags and ikat wallet

Your mobile phone can sport a stunning design by India Circus, founded by designer Krsna Mehta. You can also pick up an embroidered ladies’ wallet from India Circus or one-of-a-kind home accessories.

India Circus

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Another featured designer is Sangeeta Boochra whose exquisite silver jewellery is wowing celebrities. Her brand Silver Centre is inspired by the traditions of Jaipur, where it is based, but every piece has a fascinating new twist to its design.

Sangeeta Boochra

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FASHION But it is in footwear that the Indian market has truly blossomed with brands like Fizzy Goblet and the wildly colourful Sole Sisters.

Whether you are wearing it with a sari or a salwar suit, juttis can help complete the look.

Many designers who have taken notice of the love for juttis have come up with exclusive jutti brands that offer the perfect pair for every possible occasion. Some brands have gone even further to design jutti hybrids that look amazing with casual Western wear as well.

From festive ready jutti designs with sequins, zardozi and handwork, to fun and casual jutti designs with prints of tangerines to the Udaipur skyline, Fizzy Goblet is an Indian shoe brand that truly stands out. They also feature brogues and slip-ons with fun designs and great attention to detail.

Fizzy Goblet

With Sole Sisters, you can revel in the colour and design elegance that brings the traditions of Indian textiles to footwear – juttis and sandals with ikat and even chikankari embroidery designs on leather. The Kolhapuri sandals have been reinvented by Sole Sisters into stylish neon designs.

Sole Sisters

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Quirk Box

We have also featured some edgy and cool clothes from Quirk Box by Jayesh Sachdev and Rixi Bhatia and beautifully upcycled fabric and jackets from Kinche.com

The best is that all are available online. So go ahead – get updated with the right accessories.

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NEWS ADDA

Do we love our country?

Your column - Have your say

Madhavan Kallath asks some pertinent patriotic questions If we loved our country, we would not have allowed millions of our children to go to sleep on an empty stomach because they could not afford even a meal in a day when we wasted money on luxuries and unnecessary things. We would have found ways to ensure employment for at least one person in each family so that there was no starvation in the country. Those of us who could afford would have contributed part of our income to set up charitable funds to help the needy. We would not have avoided payment of taxes and diverted the funds abroad, when we knew that the taxes were necessary for the development of our country.

We as intellectuals would not have gone on international television to discuss the ‘so called’ atrocities in our country based on a

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few stray unfortunate incidents. Instead we would have taken it up with the concerned authorities and ensured that the guilty were punished. We would not have allowed lengthy discussions on the electronic media on such incidents for days together stressing on the religion of the victims and those of the accused which aggravates the divide among the people.

We would have ensured that the callous administration of the respective states where the incident took place initiated action against the accused without fear or favour, irrespective of the level at which they were in social status or the political clout they had.

We as parents would have taught our children that all human beings were equal and that the objective of every religion was to make people follow the right path, to unite people and not to divide them. We would have taught our boys that women were not sex objects and that the women should be respected and protected and that they should not do anything to humiliate or ill treat or harm the women in any manner and also not allow any other person to do so.

We as politicians would not have disrupted the traffic and normal life in the name of protests or for ensuring uninterrupted movement of our vehicles which more often than not caused inconvenience to the common man and even death of some due to violent incidents during the protests which we were not able to control, or the inability of the ill due to blocked traffic to reach the hospital in time to obtain medical attention.

We as law makers would not have, just for the sake of getting political mileage, criticised almost every proposal brought into the legislature or every action taken by the government or wasted millions of public money by debating or interrupting the debate in the legislative bodies for 2019

hours and days together on matters which could have been cleared in a much shorter time when we knew that those proposals when approved would do good for the people although the credit would have gone to the party in power. We would have asked ourselves whether it really mattered as to which leader or which political party got the credit as long as the people and the country benefitted out of it. We would have ensured that justice was not delayed which amounted to denial of justice.

We as retired politicians would not have continued to occupy government property even when we were not in power and were not entitled to use it.

We as bureaucrats would not have been a link in the chain of corruption and a tool in the hands of politicians and, to quote just one example, would have ensured quality jobs by the contractors of roads to ensure that the roads do not turn into potholes in the first monsoon and the bridges do not collapse under the pressure of vehicular traffic.

We as health care professionals would not have forced patients to spend thousands of rupees on tests and investigations and invasive procedures and would not have prescribed unnecessary medication to be consumed which were chemicals causing side effects when we knew that these were not absolutely essential.

We as residents outside our country would not have discussed and debated about the internal matters of our country in the newspapers abroad which were unlikely to be seen by anyone in our country who would have been able to take action on it.

Let’s introspect to take corrective action for creating a better tomorrow for our country and the future generation.

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BCICAI helps set Bahrain corporate focus The Bahrain Chapter of the Chartered Accountants of India has recently elected its new Board of Directors and under the stewardship of CA Mahesh Kumar, the group will continue to vitalize the finance and accounting professionals in the Kingdom. Salaam Bahrain spoke to Chairman-elect CA Mahesh Kumar about plans for 2019-2020.

1. How many CAs would you say are working in Bahrain?

CA Mahesh Kumar (MK): An estimated 500-550 CAs are expected to be working on Bahrain. No official figures are available to confirm the same. The BCICAI has a membership of approximately 450.

2. Tell us about plans for your International Seminar in November?

CA MK: The Annual International Conference is scheduled for 29 and 30 November 2019 and will be hosted at the Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Manama. This will be the 11thsuccessive year of the conference and like every year we are expecting a good turnout of delegates and eminent personalities from the GCC, India and farther afield.

Every year this conference is held under the patronage of the

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Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism. This conference is set to witness more than 400 attendees, including high-profile entrepreneurs, ministry officials, business leaders, leading bankers and several C-suite executives. Preparations for the event has commenced several months ago and confirmations from high profile speakers both from Bahrain and India have been received.

For the first time ever, the conference will feature 3 Padma awardees from India and one Oscar award winner. Details of the conference theme and speakers’ profile will be made public in September 2019.

3. How challenging has the Bahrain business environment become after the introduction of VAT? Although the implementation is fairly simple, many CAs have started their own business and are pitching for VAT business. How does BCICAI

FINANCE help them?

CA MK: With any major change there will be associated challenges and VAT is no different. The official confirmation about VAT was made in October 2018 with the introduction of the VAT executive regulations. Further detailed implementation guidelines followed thereafter. The National Bureau of Revenue (NBR) is entrusted with the administration of VAT in the Kingdom.

Unlike, UAE and KSA which introduced VAT in January 2018 for almost all categories of businesses, Bahrain rolled out VAT in phases. This meant that large business with taxable supplies of BHD 5 million and above were required to register for VAT before 31st December 2018. Medium and small businesses had more time to register in 2019.

To ensure a smooth implementation NBR has issued several sector specific guides in addition to information being made available about the VAT filing and returns. NBR has conducted several sector wise workshops where participants had opportunities to clarify their doubts about VAT. NBR has also established communication channels for registered businesses to interact and receive additional clarifications.

VAT as a concept appears to be simple but as we dive deep into the laws and the details, it will require support of experts with vast experience who interpret and provide clear guidance to the business.

Besides the large established consulting firms in Bahrain, CA’s from India with active practice have established offices in Bahrain either as independent firms or partnering with local firms. Several wellknown firms from UAE too have moved to Bahrain to serve the business community.

BCICAI has been organizing VAT seminars from October 2018 and joined hands with consulting firms like Protiviti, Keypoint, MMJS, MCA, ASPA consulting and others to provide useful VAT related updates to its members.

4. In the past decade, has BCICAI seen the number of women CA members increasing? What specific gender-affirming programmes does the BCICAI have for women CAs? CA MK: There has been a steady increase in the registered number of Women CAs. There are however many who are not registered, and active efforts are being made to increase the numbers.

All our events are open for the members, however we also organize events exclusively for women members. These events, covering diverse topics, are very consciously scheduled on Friday afternoons so that the female members are able to attend conveniently and ensure maximum attendance. Once a year a technical session exclusively managed by women CAs is conducted on International Women’s day.

“Today CAs are assisted by technology in meeting multiple objectives. A wide range of innovative softwares are being developed under the guidance of CAs” We have also seen increased participation from women CAs in the management of the Chapter. This year we have 3 really talented women members in the team who are proactively taking up leadership roles within the team and we eagerly look forward for the Chapter to be headed by one of our women members in near future.

5. Tell us about young CAs enrolling for exams in Bahrain - I understand you have an arrangement with BIBF and with CA firms to facilitate that? Do you also reach out to young commerce students in schools?

CA MK: ICAI and BIBF signed an MOU in 2018, to work together to strengthen the accounting, financial and audit knowledge base within Bahrain. ICAI will provide technical assistance in holding ICAI’s professional examination for qualified BIBF students. The aim is to work together to develop a mutually beneficial

relationship in the best interest of members, students and the two organizations.

Presently there is no exam centre for students who are pursuing the CA course.

We are actively interacting with ICAI to establish a centre and we hope to have one soon. CA students resident in Bahrain and who require mandatory practical training are permitted to do so under registered CAs in Bahrain.

6. The career path of a CA today is very different from a decade ago. How does the Bahrain-based CA prepare for these changes and stay abreast of them?

CA MK: The career path of CA has expanded in today’s age of rapid change.

Ever-changing world has opened up a vast horizon of newer opportunities for CAs. Empirically, CA as a profession have been associated with audits. This role slowly expanded and now CAs have become financial managers and tax-consultants. A few decades back, there was an exponential growth of CAs as Management Consultants defining every spectrum in industries. Many CAs are successful bankers and financial investment consultants.

Today CAs are assisted by technology in meeting multiple objectives. A wide range of innovative softwares are being developed under the guidance of CAs. CAs have also implementing technology and software solutions across the globe. With the advent of AI, Block Chain, and financial disruptions, CAs have taken a lead role in contributing immensely to this new age.

Bahrain has been the financial hub in the Middle East and many CAs are well established practising consultants in every aspect. Today, CAs are not just Finance Directors, but many are COOs and CEOs of established businesses. This shows that the CAs have been very effective in adapting and expanding their roles from finance to complete management.

Visionary industrialist Ratan Tata once said, “ I need MBAs to run my business, but CA to teach them how to run business!”

These lines are eternally true for CAs.

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Mahindra XUV – A rugged, capable XUV ANUP SURENDRAN checks the stylish XUV from India Mahindra has introduced their exciting new XUV500 in Bahrain with Mohammed Jalal and Sons as their dealer. First things first: the name is pronounced XUV five-double-o, not five-hundred. Immediately sounds more stylish, isn’t it?

Mahindra’s release of the monocoque Mahindra XUV500 was the first vehicle in the brand’s modern resurgence. The XUV500 broke from the traditional mould of vehicles designed to a very specific market of people that arguably didn’t care for modern car design. The XUV500 is the company’s global SUV product designed to cater for global supply.

The model I tested was the 2019 XUV500 complete with a redesigned rear end and a new range-topping W10 variant. Up front, the XUV500 has a new grille with chrome highlights and a bigger chrome surround for greater presence on the road, while there are fresh daytime running lights and redesigned headlamps. Nestled within the lower front bumper, which now features a squarer design and a silver bash plate, are a set of fresh fog lights.

The biggest changes have been wrought down back, where Mahindra has given the XUV500 a new tailgate, new taillights and a bigger roofmounted rear spoiler. Unlike the old car, the redesigned XUV500 gets horizontal taillights, working with a new bumper, twin pipes and black scuff plates.

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Aerodynamic rear spoiler, twin exhausts, chrome accented front grille and side cladding etc. make for some eyecatching features!

MOTORING Laying on the swank

First impressions are the best impression.

The XUV delivers for sure on this aspect, as it looks fantastic. The XUV draws attention everywhere as everyone is intrigued by its handsome looks, especially since its new in the market and not seen too frequently in public. So, if you are after an SUV that looks great then look no further, the XUV delivers! Bold, dynamic design all the way from the front to the back, it looks unlike any other SUV in the market and therefore it’s unmistakably a Mahindra.

Open the door, and it’s not disappointing inside either. A semi luxurious interior compliments the gorgeous exterior. A fullfledged touch screen infotainment system,

integrated cluster hood and premium black leather interiors add to an appealing ambience inside the XUV. The airconditioning system can be compared to some of the best of its competitors. The touch screen display has some very interesting animations to match the features. Another thing to be mentioned is a great reverse parking camera feature, which does a great job of showing you what lies behind as you park and even guides you to park in tight spaces.

Moving onto the engine specifications, the four-cylinder engine has plenty of power to suit all your urban driving needs. It could use a bit more refinement but that doesn’t stop it from being overall impressive. The independent suspension

feels incredibly smooth on the roads and succeeds in diminishing all the rattles and roughness you would otherwise feel on a daily drive around town.

The XUV is also decently capable off-road with it tackling some of the day-to-day offroad needs with ease.

A day or two of urban driving also shows that the car is reliable for daily use and provides a good sense of comfort. Overall the Mahindra XUV provides an overall great experience combined with great safety, features and easy daily usability. All that combined with great offers and prices and you don’t have to think twice about owning the Mahindra XUV!

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SALAAM CUISINE SOCIETY

A Foodie’s Journey into Bahrain’s top kitchens This Independence Day, we selected four popular chefs from the hotel industry in the Kingdom and asked them to share their signature recipes with us.

From Chef Javed Qureshi of the Rivaaj in the Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa to Chef Saha of the Tanatan in the Ramee Grand, we caught the flavours of rich and regal Awadhi cuisine inspired by Mughal traditions – and a Bengali dessert that wins you over with its delicate taste.

Chef Saroj at Le Jardin , the Ramada Hotel’s gourmet stop gave us a robust introduction to India’s coastal cuisine with a flavoursome Surmai Fry. Still on the coast, but with very different impact, we caught up with Chef Narendra’s Gujarati Khandvi which features prominently in the Delmon Hotel’s Gujarati Thali.

Go regional this Independence Day and enjoy India’s many flavours.

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CUISINE

A good time for the tastebuds @ Tanatan Tanatan is an Indian adage for having a good time, for enjoying yourself, and for all things awesome! Living true to its name, this chain that finds a home in the Ramee group around the world gives you the best experience.

Tanatan Bahrain at the Ramee Grand in Seef, boasts as much of its chic, contemporary ambience

Chef Saha Tanatan @ Ramee Grand in Seef

NALLI –NIHAR

that makes for a sophisticated fine-dining experience as it does for its delectable fare. The cuisine is pan-Indian, the specialty notes are Mughlai.

Chef Saha, who is Executive Chef in charge at Tanatan has ther expertise of having helped open other branches of Tanatan in India.

His food will leave you wondering if the prem kavithas were indeed not written about them after all. For this Independence Day issue, we got Chef Saha to prepare two dishes: a deliciously spiced Nalli Nihari - Indian-style lamb chops in gravy and a simple yet palate-pleasing Bengali dessert of Chenna and fresh fruit. The balance between the heavy Nihari and the light yet satisfying Chenna and Fruits is a theme that you will find running across the entire Tanatan menu. It is a fine balancing act where one dish is satisfyingly filling and the other opens up your tastebuds without crowding your stomach.

Choose well when you dine at Tanatan – every dish prepared by Chef Saha and team is amazing and makes it a great dining experience.

INGREDIENTS • • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

1 cup baby lamb with bones 1 tsp mace 1 bay leaf 2 pods green cardamom 1 tsp cloves 1 pod black cardamom 2 tsp fresh garlic

1 tsp fresh ginger 1 tsp garam masala 1 tbsp coriander powder 1 tsp yellow chilli powder 1 tsp turmeric powder 1 tsp cumin powder 1 Tbsp fried onions

• • • • • •

1/2 cup curd Salt to taste 1 tbsp ghee 1 cup lamb stock 1 tsp gram Flour (besan) 1 tsp Kewda water - screw pine essence

PREPARATION 1. In a heavy bottomed pot boil lamb and remove the unwanted parts.

2. In a hot pan, add some ghee, whole garam masala and ginger garlic paste; stir till the paste is cooked. Add some fried onions.

3. Put turmeric powder, cumin powder, yellow chilli powder and coriander powder.

4. Saute with the boiled lamb. Add lamb stock to it and let it cook for some time till the lamb gets tender.

5.Add nicely whisked curd and add diluted gram flour to the gravy. Season with salt.

6. Serve hot with fresh Indian bread or steamed rice

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BENGALI CHENNA PLATTER with fresh fruit INGREDIENTS

• 500 ml full-cream milk to make 100 gms milk malai • 500 full-cream milk to make 100 gms chenna * (see instructions) • 100 gms sugar • 400 ml water for the sugar syrup • Slices of kiwi, strawberry, whole blackberry • 5 gms saffron • 10 gms almonds, blanched and finely sliced

PREPARATION 1. Boil the 500 ml milk over medium heat, stirring frequently (almost continuously) till it reduces and thicken into almost-solid rabdi. Add the saffron strands to the rabdi when making it.

2. Boil the other 500 ml milk. When the milk reaches boiling point, add 2 drops lemon juice and stir till the milk splits into chenna and whey.

3. Line a fine-mesh strainer with cheesecloth and strain out the whey (which makes a good filler for curry gravy and can be frozen). The chenna should be granular and soft.

4. Mix the milk malai rabdi and the chenna well. Shape into thick, flat circles like rasmalai gota 5. Make a sugar syrup by heating the sugar and water until the sugar is fully dissolved.

6. Gently add the chenna gota to the sugar syrup, cooking till the gota is firm and remove with a slotted spoon.

7. Cool slightly and cut the gota. Stuff with the kiwi and strawberry slices.

8. Arrange on a platter and garnish with whole blackberries and almonds 9. Serve chilled

Move over kale, Its time for Moringa!

FOOD TRENDS

Food trends are fascinating because they speak of changing cultural perceptions. Look how we seem to have dumped exotic kale in 2019 for the calcium-rich moringa which South Indians have been using like, FOREVER, in their curries and dosas. The leafy part of the skinny drumstick, it is a powerhouse of vitamins and the aforementioned calcium.

Sadly, moringa leaves are not yet commercially available in supermarkets. So get ahead of the trend in Bahrain by asking gardener friends to cut you a bunch.

Slightly astringent, they make great additions to dosa batter or as a soup.

Hey, you put up with kale, didn't you?

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Mughal era gourmet notes at Rivaaj

Rivaaj is Sofitel’s first five-star Indian restaurant, symbolizing the rich royal heritage and cuisine of Mughal India. Sophisticated yet true to its gourmet promise, awakening taste buds with its layered blossoming of different flavours, Mughal era food today relies on the heritage cuisine kept alive by the professional memories of chefs who trace their lineage back to the centuries-old culinary skills of their forefathers.

One such chef is the Rivaaj’s Chef Javed Qureshi who traces his expertise to the legendary Qureshi lineage of Hyderabad and Lucknow. Belonging to a family of `Khandani Bawarchis', his grandfather was a master chef at the famous Bukhara restaurant in India, called upon by the ITC Group to revive the unique taste of Awadhi cuisine. With his exposure to the great kitchens of Lucknow and Nawabi Hyderabad, Chef Javed’s food brings to Rivaaj the delicacy of the heritage recipes of the Nawabi courts of Awadh and also Deccan where the Mughlai food was blended with the more

spicy culinary notes of South India.

Step into Rivaaj and the maroon and gold palette takes you back to the visual grandeur of royal kitchens. Marvel at the regal color palette, the original antique paintings and experience yourself transcending time and land. Rivaaj gives you their spin on this evocative cuisine. Chef Javed Qureshi will indulge you with an authentic and meticulously prepared Indian culinary experience with a royal flair that will conquer your senses.

Here is Chef Javed’s recipe for a melt-in-your-mouth Galawti Kebab – the name itself means ‘melting’ ad legend has it that before the age of food processors, the mince meat used to be hammered into submission by hand till it was velvety smooth. A true Galawati Kebab requires only to be placed in the mouth – you just have to give in to its subtle and spicy taste and it will be so soft that it simply melts in your mouth.

Chef Javed Qureshi Rivaaj @ Sofitel

LAMB GALAWATI KEBAB For Saffron Paratha

INGREDIENTS

• 250 gms lamb mince (passed through the mincer thrice) • 50 gms refined flour • 3 tbsp milk

• 50 gms roasted chana dal powder • Pinch of salt • 25 ml water • 50 gms ghee • Pinch of sugar • Few strands of saffron • 30 gms Fried onion paste • 10 gms ghee • 50 gms Ginger garlic paste • 25 gms Raw papaya paste • 20 gms cashewnut paste • ½ tsp cardamom powder PREPARATION • ¼ tsp mace powder 1. Spread the lamb mince on cheesecloth to dry so that the water content is minimal.

• Fat pinch of yellow chilli powder 2. Add ginger garlic paste, salt, chilli powder, raw papaya paste and leave it for half an hour.

• 10 drops of rose water 3. Add all the powdered spices, fried onion paste, cashew nut paste, rose • 2-3 drops of Kewra water water, kewra water, saffron water and also little ghee and rub it into the • Salt to taste meat for 10-15 minutes.

• Fat pinch of garam 4. Adjust the seasoning masala powder 5. Put the mixture in a container and make a well in a centre. Take a • Few small steel bowl and put one burning piece of charcoal into it. Add a few strands drops of ghee and cover the vessel tightly so that the smoky charcoal flavour and of saffron smell get into the meat.

•Charcoal for smoky flavour

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Celebrate Onam @ Delmon 6. Once smoked, make balls of the mince, flatten into pattice and grill on the tawa on both sides till you get a nice even brown colour. The meat is very delicate so turn with care to avoid breaking of the kabab.

7. Make a soft dough of the paratha ingredients. The saffron should be steeped in the milk before adding to the dough.

8. Roll the dough evenly into a round shape about 1 inch thick. Cook on both sides on a tawa until light brown spots appear.

9. Serve the Galawati Kabab Serve on the saffron paratha with mint chutney .

There will be a grand OnaSadhya served at the Delmon Hotel on Friday, September 13, 2019 to give everybody a taste of one of the finest festive culinary traditions of South India.

Spread on a banana leaf will be a traditional sadhya of over 15 items and for those who want to get a protein kick, there are non-vegetarian options as well.

There will be fresh-cooked traditional Kerala rice or basmati options and a complete gamut of Kootu curry,Thoran, Avial, Olan, Moru Curry, Pachchidi, Rasam, Sambar, Parippu and Payasam besides pickles, papad and – if you eat a bit too much of the delicious fare – traditional medicated water to soothe your tummy. If the names of these dishes are unfamiliar to you, book your places straight away because the Delmon Ona Sadhya gets reserved pretty fast.

Served at the cosy Café Sayah, there will be ample parking too. The price is BD 5 per adult and BD 1.900 for children below 8 years.

Delmon’s sumptuous Gujarati treat An authentic experience

The Western Indian state of Gujarat is well-known for the hospitality of its people and sumptuous food. The Delmon Hotel has recreated this gourmet experience with the sumptuous Gujarati Thali Lunch at Al Hamra Restaurant. Chef Narendra wo helms the preparations, is a well-known figure in dining circles and pulls out all stops for a meal that is a gastronomic experience and amazingly priced at just BD 3 for adultsand BD 1.900 for children below eight years.

The meal begins with a plate of roasted pappads with assorted chutneys and chaas.

And, although the lunch is a buffet in the sense that the thali is unlimited, the dishes are initially presented in the katori- a large stainless steel bowl. For snacks, make sure to try the dhokla, the patra and khandvi with the traditional Gujarati sautéed julienned cabbage and carrots that complement the taste and texture of other preparations served.

The main course dal is slightly on the sweeter side and there are great looking, tasty green vegetable dry preparations consisting of palak and different kinds of green beans.

You ‘ll also find the usual pulses, drumstick kadi and alu in tamatar gravy, Sev Tamatar and mixed vegetables. Seasonal treats include aamras and mango shrikhand during summer and undhiyo during winter.

Hot assorted rotis-thepla, phulka and large puffed puris- are prepared on live stations.

Then try the rice and khichdi. To bring your meal to a sweet conclusion there’s a variety of desserts, including sitaphal basundi and rabdi. Jelebi, served hot and prepared in pure desi Ghee is served occasionally.

The menu is prepared daily with the chef insisting on only the freshest ingredients. And the portions are so generous as to satisfy the heartiest appetite. And at the end, the traditional mukhvas with dana and sweet saunf are offered.

The lunchtime Gujarati Thali is available daily except Monday.

Call 17 224-000 for reservations SALAAM BAHRAIN

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CUISINE Chef Narendra Delmon Hotel

KHANDVI What is known as Khandvi in Gujarat, and Suralichi Wadi in Maharashtra, is an extremely popular Indian snack. Its like a savoury swiss roll, made from chickpea flour, spices and sour buttermilk, then topped with a splash of coriander, coconut and mustard seeds.

It’s a popular starter at the Delmon Hotel’s popular Gujarati Thali along with other regulars like mini-samosa and muthia

INGREDIENTS

• • • • • • •

GARNISH

1/2 cup besan / chick pea flour ½ tsp salt 1/2 powder tsp turmeric 1 tsp ginger and green chilli paste 2 tsp lemon juice 2 tsp oil 1 cup sour laban (buttermilk)

• • • • • • •

1/2 tsp mustard seeds 1/2 tsp white sesame seeds 1/4 tsp asafoetida / heeng 1 tsp coriander leaves 1 green chilli 2 tbsp fresh coconut, grated 4 curry leaves

PREPARATION 1. Mix besan, buttermilk, salt, turmeric powder, ginger-green chili paste and lemon in a bowl. Take care not to form any lumps – you can whisk it with a regular wire whisk. If a few lumps are there, just strain the mixture through a sieve.

2. Grease a smooth work surface very lightly – like the back side of steel plates or a baking tray.

3. Heat the mixture on medium heat till it thickens to the right consistency. It will take approx 8-10 minutes. To test if the mixture is done, pour a drop of it on a plate and spread it a little bit and let it cool. Now try to roll it. If it rolls, the mixture has reached the right consistency. Otherwise keep cooking it a little more.

4. Keep mixing continuously otherwise the mixture will burn from the bottom.

5. Pour the mixture on the greased surface evenly.

6. Quickly spread the mixture in a thin layer using a spatula or spoon.

7. Let it cool for a few minutes.

8. Cut into thin strips and roll quickly. Speed is of essence because as the mixture cools, it tends to tear.

9. Heat a little oil in a pan and add mustard seeds. When the seeds starts crackling, add sesame seeds, heeng, curry leaves and green chilli.

10. Pour the tadka over the khandvis.

11. Garnish with grated fresh coconut and coarsely chopped coriander leaves.

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CUISINE

Surmai magic from Le Jardin, Ramada Coastal cuisine is its own entity, woven into and influenced by the flavors of the land surrounding it. While there are certain common factors found along the coastline, true seafoodies claim that something like the pH of the water, or the flora surrounding the seafood drastically changes the flavors, and each dish prepared with each kind of seafood is unique. Coastal cuisine isn’t all about seafood, of course.

Preparing the commonly available produce with elements found only on the coast is what makes Goan delicacies standout, or gives the Andhra coastal food a different kind of oomph as compared to

cuisine of the same state but which belongs to the landlocked regions.

Chef Saroj Dahal, a chef de partie at Le Jardin in Ramada Bahrain is a bottomless pot of knowledge of the Indian cuisine. He has worked with and was trained by the chef whose magical fingers are now household knowledge – Sanjeev Kapoor. Chef Saroj, having been fascinated by the Konkan cuisine during his culinary journey of India, has given us a flavoursome recipe of a Konkani style Surmai Fry. Loaded with tropical flavors, this starter is sure to give your taste buds a zing!

Chef Saroj Dahal Le Jardin, Ramada

SURMAI FISH FRY CHEF’S TIP: We have freshly ground our masala that goes on to the fish and pan fried till it well roasted and cooked. The masala has flavours from kokum, garlic, ginger, cardamom, freshly grated coconut and dry chilies. Serve with pickled onion and lemon wedges.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 slices king fish • 1tbsp Turmeric powder • Flat skillet, salt to taste & amp; cooking oil

For the masala • 1/2 cup fresh coconut grated • 6 dry red chilies • 8 cloves garlic, 2-inch ginger chopped • 2 green chilies chopped • 2 tbsp cumin seeds, 4 cardamom, 4 kokum

PREPARATION 1. Heat a flat skillet on medium heat, dry all ingredients. Sautée them for a couple of minutes till the smell and aroma comes through.

2. Once done, grind the roasted Konkani masala with a little water.

3. Apply the masala all over the fish and marinate for an hour.

4. Make sure the masala is well-stuck on the fish - you can use your hand to pat the leftover masala into place.

5. Place the flat skillet on medium heat - you don’t want to burn the masala – and add the oil for shallow-frying. Once the oil is hot, add the fish slices and cook till well done, turning with a spatula so both sides are done evenly.

6. Once done turn off the heat, put on serving plate and serve hot with pickled onion and lemon wedges.

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FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 | 12 Noon Onwards

12 NOON ONWARDS

BD 5.000 per person | Kids below 8 years Bd 1.900

BD 3.000 per p

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0 years Bd 1.90 8 w lo e b s id K rson |

NDAY *EXCEPT MO

AL-HILAL NEWS

Psoriasis can be double edged sword during summer!

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At Al-Hilal, Dr. Urmila Soman brings expertise to treatment of stress urinary incontinence

ummer brings a great time for all the water babies, the sea calling, having the best time by the pool, eating unlimited scoops of ice creams and beach plans with your loved ones, it all happens in summer. On the other hand there are a lot of things that may not work out in the best way for you and your skin.

No, it’s not about getting tanned, there are so many other common skin problems which we all need to know about and psoriasis is one of them. It mostly show up when you least expect it and gets worse in

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summers.

Psoriasis is a skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells. It causes cells to build up rapidly on the surface of the skin. The extra skin cells form scales and red patches that are itchy and sometimes painful. Along with the redness, inflammation around the scales in also very common. Usually psoriatic scales are whitish-silver upon gets thick, red patches.

Sometimes, these patches crack and bleeds.

These scales normally develop on elbows, knees and on joints. The can develop anywhere on the body including hands, feet, scalp, neck or face. The less 2019

common forms of psoriasis affect nails, mouth and area around genitals. It is a chronic disease that often occurs and goes and can happen to both men and women at equal rates. Psoriasis often develops between the ages of 15 and 35, but it can develop at any age.

There are five types of psoriasis.

Plaque Psoriasis: Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. These patches or plaques most often show up on the scalp, knees, elbows and lower back.

Guttate: Guttate Psoriasis is the second most common type after psoriasis. It appears as small, dot like lesions which often starts in childhood or at a very young age. About 10 percent of people who get psoriasis develop guttate psoriasis.

Inverse: Inverse psoriasis appears as very red lesions in body folds, such as behind the knee, under the arm or in the groin. It may appear smooth and shiny. People can also have another type of psoriasis somewhere else on the body at the same time.

Pustular: Pustular psoriasis in characterized by white pustules (blisters of noninfectious pus) surrounded by red skin.

The pus consists of white blood cells.

Pustular psoriasis can occur on any part of the body, but occurs most often on the hands or feet.

Erythrodermic: Erythrodermic psoriasis is

the most severe form of it which leads to widespread, fiery redness over most of the body parts. It can cause severe itching and pain, and make the skin come off in sheets.

This form of psoriasis can be lifethreatening.

There are no special tools or blood tests to diagnose psoriasis. An expert in dermatology (dermatologist) can examines the affected area of the body and determines if it is psoriasis. Phototherapy or light therapy is a prescription treatment that is typically prescribed by a dermatologist. Phototherapy involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light on a regular basis and under medical supervision.

Al Hilal is one of the private health care provders which has Phototherapy treatment for psoriasis offering at a very cost effective price which is only BD20/-

Per session. The treatment is done by the expertise and experienced dermatologists Dr. Gopi Krishnan and Dr. Sitara Sredharan.

This summer invest in your skin, it’s going to represent you for a long time. Stop wishing you a skin without psoriasis. Visit Al hilal Hospital and get your phototherapy treatment done now.

For more details and booking appointments Call: +973 17344700 WhatsApp: +973 33244700 www.alhilalhealthcare.com

BFC-Al-Hilal promise good health options The Bahrain Financing Co. (BFC) has announced to a joint promotional initiative with Al Hilal Hospital & Medical Centers. As part of the promotion, customers making a transaction through a BFC branch which is in the vicinity of an Al Hilal unit would receive a privilege card and a onetime use BD10 mini- body checkup voucher.

The privilege card will have substantial discounts on several treatment and clinical tests. The card will be accepted at all Al-Hilal medical units.

Seen here are BFC and Al-Hilal officials seen formally aunching the privilege card for the promotion at BFC’s flagship branch in Manama.

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HEALTH

Hard to swallow: the problem with antacids

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On holidays and festive occasions, we tend to overeat and reach for the antacid automatically.

Here are some reasons why you should be careful. f you have reached for a chalky tablet after a blow-out meal, you are not alone. So common is antacid use for heartburn and indigestion that the World Health Organization says more than $10bn (£8.2bn) worldwide is spent on them every year. The market leader undoubtedly, is Rennie.

Indigestion is often caused by excess stomach acid and results in discomfort, pain, bloating, nausea or wind. With acid reflux, acid travels up the oesophagus to the throat, leaving an unpleasant, sour taste. Alexander Ford, a professor of gastroenterology at the University of Leeds, says: “The two main groups of antacids are those that contain an alkali which ‘neutralises’ acid, like Rennies; and those that are alginates, like Gaviscon, which form a ‘raft’ on top of stomach contents, preventing reflux up into the oesophagus.”

Antacids are perfectly safe when taken correctly. The problem is that many of us don’t. Who has read the small print and knows that you shouldn’t take aspirin or ibuprofen at the same time as Gaviscon, because it can affect the way the painkillers are absorbed by your body? That’s important to know if you take daily aspirin to lower the risk of stroke. Conversely, did you know that some antacids, such as Alka Seltzer, contain aspirin? That could be important, too – in 2016, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning that excessive aspirin use can cause stomach bleeding.

Though antacids may alleviate symptoms in minutes, over-reliance on them may not only mask more serious issues but could even create them. Your indigestion could be the result of overactive acid production and not over-eating at all and you may need to take proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) which act to reduce stomach acid produc-

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tion, rather than simply neutralising it. However, the duration of treatment can vary hugely, and this is important as long-term PPI use is linked to side-effects including pneumonia, hypocalcaemia and Clostridium difficile infections (leading to severe diarrhoea). One study even made a link between PPI use and early death. Some PPIs are available over the counter, which has led to concern that – like antacids – they will be overused and under-monitored. The FDA has issued warnings that prolonged use should be avoided.

In fact, according to US research, the majority of people with recurring heartburn don’t seek medical advice at all, instead self-treating the symptoms for years. This may also have had a significant effect in skewing data – the researchers note that women are more likely to seek medical at2019

tention than men, “resulting in the false impression that nonerosive reflux disease and functional heartburn are primarily female disorders”.

For everyone, even innocuous-looking over-the-counter remedies should be used carefully. “In terms of using them ‘blind’, they are treating a symptom, not a disease,” says Ford. “If someone has had an endoscopy and this is normal, then it is reasonable to use them. In most young people with indigestion, there will not be a serious underlying cause, so they are probably OK. But in older people – above 50 or 55 years – the worry would be that people are using them to treat dyspepsia where the cause is unknown, as they might be masking the symptoms of a peptic ulcer or a stomach cancer. These people really should consult their GP.”

CELEB CHAKKER

How Shekhar Kapur turned the spotlight on himself The recent open letter to PM Modi (to take action against lynching) by 49 celebrities including activists, artists and film-makers of the standing of Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Aparna Sen, Mani Ratnam, and Shyam Benegal, historian Ramachandra Guha and singer Shubha Mudgal turned into an ugly spat when 62 personalities from the ‘pro-government’ camp replied with a support letter.

The pro-government group included actress Kangana Ranaut, CBFC chief Prasoon Joshi and classical dancer Sonal Mansingh among others. However, things turned really bizzare when two people took the fight to Twitter.

Director Shekhar Kapur and writer-poetlyricist Javed Akhtar had an ugly spat after Kapur tweeted his “fear of intellectuals”.

Kapur, who did not feature in any of the two open letters, invited Akhtar’s wrath when he tweeted: “Started life as refugee of Partition. Parents gave everything to make a life for kids. Was always in fear of ‘intellectuals’. They made me feel insignificant. Small. Then suddenly embraced me after my films. I still fear them. Their

embrace is like a bite of snake. Still a refugee.”

Akhtar responded on Twitter demanding to know which “intellectual” had scarred Kapur. “Who are these intellectuals who embraced you and you found that embrace like a snake’s bite? Shekhar saheb you are not well. You need help. Come on, there is no shame in meeting a good psychiatrist.”

Akhtar added: “What do you mean by still a refugee?

Does it mean that you feel like an outsider n not an Indian n you don’t feel that this is your motherland? If in India you are still a refugee where will you not feel like a refugee, in Pakistan? Cut this melodrama you poor, rich but lonely guy.”

Kapur offered an explanation by tweeting that “once you are a refugee you feel gypsy” but Akhtar was in no mood to let go. “You introduce yourself as neither prejudiced by the past nor afraid of the

future living in this moment and in the same breath you say you are a refugee of partition and still a refugee,” the veteran lyricist replied.

“Right in the beginning of his tweet he calls himself a refugee of the partition so the meaning of the word is decided.

It is absurd to say that he feels a refugee among intellectuals. Refugee from where? It is all a fog of words to give a halo to a right wing mind set,” Akhtar tweeted.

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CELEB CHAKKER

Hottie Jayaram’s new avatar “I found it extremely tough to lose the pounds I had packed on” After three celluloid roles in which he was asked to stay his roly-poly self, Malayalam actor Jayaram picked a Telugu film that required a makeover – and just blew our socks off!

“For Panchavarnathatha last year, director Ramesh Pisharody asked me to put on weight. I eat whatever I wanted for three months to get plump for the character of the pet shop owner, and after the shoot, I found it extremely tough to lose the pounds I had packed on,” he says.

After the project too, the roles that came his way hardly left any room or time for him get back to his normal weight. “I had done three films back to back in Malayalam – My Great Grandfather, Marconi Mathai and Pattabhiraman. The director of Marconi Mathai told me that the character is an ex-military man who downs a peg or two in the evening and it would be great if he had a paunch. So, I stopped exercising altogether and by the end of the shoot that lasted 40 days, I put on weight again. For Pattabhiraman too, its filmmaker told me that he had former IAS officer T N Seshan in his mind while creating the character.

So, once again all workout plans were put on the backburner,” he says. “So, when the Allu Arjun movie came up, I felt I badly needed a makeover and it would only do me good, as it’s my second Telugu film.”

The actor says it took him 60 days to knock off 12 kilos and get to his current shape. “I used to work out twice a day. But I didn’t touch weights; it was just cardio and diet. I run 45 minutes on the treadmill and use the elliptical trainer or cycle for 15-20 minutes. Also, diet was the most important part. I didn’t want to starve myself, because the effects would show on my face. I wanted to look and feel young, and so enquired with trainers about what diet would suit me and followed their advice,” he says.

The latest photo says it all. Our Jayaram is looking a real hottie!

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CELEB CHAKKER

Producing a ‘title deed’ Over 50 titles have already been registered by producers since Monday, when the government decided to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status.

Bollywood producers have been thronging the offices of various entertainment bodies like Indian Motion Pictures Producers Association (IMPPA), Producers Guild of India and Indian Film TV Producers Council (IFTPC) in Mumbai in a bid to register titles relating to the recent abrogation of Article 370 by the BJP government.

A report in Mumbai Mirror says that over 50 titles have already been registered by producers since Monday, when the government announced its decision to revoke Jammu and Kashmir’s special status and split it into two Union Territories.

Some of the titles registered by the association include Article 370, Article 35 A, Kashmir Mein Tiranga, Kashmir Hamara Hai and Dhara 370, besides several others.

Given the recent success of nationalistic dramas such as Uri: A Surgical Strike, Bollywood’s move to cash in on popular sentiment isn’t surprising.

Even after the Balakot strikes early this year, producers had rushed to register “patriotic” titles. Pulwama, Surgical Strike 2.0, Balakot were just some of the titles that were promptly registered.

Vikram Malhotra-led Abundantia

Entertainment also booked How’s The Josh, a popular dialogue from Uri, as a title for a potential film.

To register a title, all a production house needs to do is fill a simple form, with 4-5 alternative titles in order of preference, and pay Rs 250, along with 18% GST. Often, those registering a certain title don’t even intend to go through with a film/web-series or a TV show. They register it so they can sell it off to a studio or a major producer who might have the financial infrastructure to actually make the film.

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CELEB CHAKKER

Daljith walks the Sikh style talk

Why Deepika swipes hotel shampoo

Right from the beginning of his career as a pop star and later as a wildly popular TV reality show judge and then as a movie star, the handsome and personable Daljith Dosanjh has flaunted his Sikh identity with pride.

In the deeply trend-conscious glam world of Bollywood, where actors wore their Sikh turbans and long hair only as role-playing, here was a man who bent every role he got to fit his Sikh good looks.

Remember his 2005 hit song, ‘Aa Gaye Paggan Pochvian Waale’ (The turban lovers are here)? The singer-actor really walks the talk there.

“Most people seem to believe,” Dosanjh says, “that if a sardar boy ties a turban, he cannot be called goodlooking or glamorous. I have nothing against those who have cut their hair. To each his own. But I have no inferiority complex about the turban, as if we are lacking something. Hum kisi se kam nahin -we are no less than anyone else.”

The recent video of an Indian tourist family caught with coffee mugs, bathrobes and bedside lamps in their luggage, pilfered from their hotel rooms, outraged everybody. Indians trolled the family for bringing a bad name to Indian tourists although, we believe their worse crime was to blame the kids for it and throw them under the wheel.

Well, how many of us can say we never take away hotel complimentaries? Recently, Deepika Padukone’s bestie Sneha Ramchander revealed that the millionaire actress blithely swipes hotel toiletries that she feels her friends would like – especially the miniature shampoo bottles Sneha wrote, „ Do you know someone who will steal, I mean to collect, miniature bottles of your favourite shampoo from hotels, when she travels, because she knows you love them? I do! I do! That's my darling friend, DP. It's a happy day for friends like us.“ We forgive you dear D.P. After all, the rules say that we are not allowed to take away the coffee mugs, bathrobes, bedsheets, towels, and other important stuff from the hotel. We are however allowed to take away the miniature toiletries.

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QUOTE OF THE

MONTH I believe in the institution of marriage.

Really? Are you surprised that I don’t smoke, I don’t do drugs? I know people think I must be wild but I am very gharelu.

She’s a firebrand actress whose political tweets draw praise and ire, depending on the reader’s stance.

Outspoken and bold in her career choices, Swara Bhaskar recently surprised friends when she parted ways with boyfriend of five years, screenwriter Himanshu Sharma, over the issue of marriage.

Unlike the immediate thought, Swara wanted marriage but Himanshu told her that marriage was never on his mind. The disagreement led to an amicable separation for the couple who had first met on the sets of Raanjhanaa.

Earlier, asked about marriage plans, Swara had said, “Ab woh Himanshu ko poocho. Unilateral decision main kaise lun (Ask Himanshu, how can I take a unilateral decision)?”

Last seen in Sonam Kapoor’s Veere Di Wedding where her masturbation scene drew quite a lot of attention, Swara will next be seen in a queer film where she is paired opposite Divya Dutta and with Shabana Azmi in a key role.

Persecuted Ohanna flings murder and rape accusations at sis and bestie TV actress Ohanna Shivanand (aka Shilpa Anand) sure has either a severe case of persecution complex or a very bad choice in picking family and friends! The actress, who won hearts as Dr. Riddhima Gupta in Dill Mill Gaye, recently made three serious accusations. The first was that her own sister, South small-time actress Sakshi Anand) and sister’s mother-in-law had tried to murder her and her mother. The reason was vaguely hinted at as being some insurance scam. She also tweeted that her best friend had organised for ‘somebody’ to rape her.

The third serious allegation was that her sister was trying to make her homeless by throwing her out of her home.

In all these instances, Ohanna claims that she was saved by her ‘third eye’ which warned her of the motives.

Somebody get this girl to a psychiatrist, quick. Or get her proper police protection.

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CELEB CHAKKER

Govinda’s big fallout with Kader Khan While David Dhawan and Govinda’s fall out was known to all, few are aware that the yesteryear star also had a misunderstanding with his ‘guru’ Kader Khan. And it was all over a superstition that Govinda had.

“Yes, I am superstitious and believe also in numerology,” Govinda says, “Everybody knows that Kader Khan had a Midas touch. Whichever film he touched, it became a hit. He first wrote superhit films for Amitabh bachchan, for Jeetendra, Mithun Chakraborty and for me. Once, he was writing a screenplay on a divine religious book, and I beseeched him not to touch his pen to paper for writing about a religious book. I told him it could harm his life, his health and his activities. I cautioned him only because I loved him. The director came and asked me how I dared to ask Kader Khan to stop writing. I replied, it is because I love him. Kader Khan continued writing, and our relationship ended. Kader Khan also scolded me. He was my guru and I didn’t reply to him.

I, however, tried to contact him three or four times later, but could not.”

That’s all very well, but when Kader Khan died recently, surely Govinda could have buried the past and called upon the family and offered condolences? The fact that he did not made Kader Khan’s son Sarfaraz lash our publicly at Govinda.

Neha flaunts body, trolls upset With her petite and fit frame and delicious style sense, singer Neha Kakkar has always been daring about what she wears. She has recently been in the limelight for a lot of reasons be it her songs, her TikTok videos, her dancing videos or break up with actor Himansh Kohli.

However a recent photo posted by her on Instagram has led to many people trolling her – as usual about the length of her dress. Neha had posted a pic of herself in the streets of London to thank her fans for supporting her and appreciating two of her recently released songs Sorry and O Saki Saki and captioned her picture as, “Thank you for giving so much of Love to My Latest Songs #SorrySong and #OSakiSaki Love You all!! Love My NeHearts. #NehaKakkar” The dress was a micro mini which flashed Neha’s killer pins and we believe that the trolls were just jealous! The worst was one particularly low character who blamed Neha’s London photo for all the rape crimes in India.

Yeesh!

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CELEB CHAKKER

Shabana’s new millennial fame Ever since news broke that Shabana Azmi has been cast as Admiral Margaret Parangosky, the head of the Office of Naval Intelligence, in Showtime’s Steven Spielberg-produced sci-fi show Halo, the actress is delighted to find that she has a new fan base amongst her young nephews and nieces.

The show is an adaptation of the Xbox video game. Directed by Otto Bathurst (Peaky Blinders, Black Mirror), much of Halo will be shot in Budapest, Hungary. Azmi will be there in 8 of the series’ 9 episodes.

“My agent in London got in touch with me for this role. Initially, there was a date clash but thankfully things worked out and I can’t wait to start shooting!” Azmi exclaimed in an interview. “It’s a completely new territory for me as it deals with Artificial Intelligence. It’s a formidable part, not a small role or anything.”

The actress laughed that her nephew’s reaction to her assignment confirmed her new celeb status among youngsters.

Of late, Azmi has been spending a lot of time with her young nephews, in whose eyes she’s suddenly become “hip” after signing up with Spielberg’s Halo, a move she sees as acquainting herself with an audience who may not have seen her earlier work.

“When my nephew first found out, he went O-M-G. Now, that expression singularly restored my faith in my own celebrity,” Azmi laughed, mimicking the millennial expression of awestruck delight, “I want to be relevant. I don’t want to be a relic in a museum. My nephew and other kids in the family have been helping me with understanding Halo, the video game,” she said.

Dhanush rejects superstar title Actor Dhanush has a huge fan following and has proven his acting chops, dancing skills and sharp business sense, making him one of the most talented and richest actors in Tamil cine world. Besides, of course, being megastar Rajnikanth’s son-in-law. Yet, when the title poster of his upcoming movie, Pattas, was released with the sobriquet 'Ilaiya Superstar' added to the actor's name, Dhanush was quick to take a step back.

Turns out, the tag was given by producer Thanu, who, earlier at the event, had said, “All the top producers across the country want to make films with Dhanush. He has the potential to get into the skin of any character. Very soon he is going to be called as Ilaiya Superstar.”

Thanu had given the title 'Superstar' to Dhanush's father-in-law Rajinikanth during the release of Murattu Kaalai in 1980.

Dhanush was quick to see that the title made some fans uncomfortable, with its overtones of making him less accessible and projected him as a rival to his legendary father-in-law. He declined the title, saying that he preferred to just be called Dhanush.

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EDITOR'S VIEW

When compiling the stories for this issue, I was struck by how little we know about the sacrifices made by children for the freedom of India. There are children who have martyred themselves, gone to jail and braved the brutal thrashing of police to answer the call of freedom singing in their veins.

And yet, we barely give them a footnote in history. Unless it is a famous person like I Dora Gandhi, in which case the childhood fight is framed as an early immersion in India’ s freedom struggle and a preparation for political life ahead.

It is the same today as well and not just in India either. Fifteen year-old environmental activist Greta Thunberg who has taken a gap year to travel the world and push response to a terrifying climate change is an example. She has had to fight adults dismissing her because of her age and her mild autism; Nobel winner Malala showed us that one does not have to cross 21 to achieve big change. All that is needed is courage, vision and will.

This Independence Day, the 73rd for India and Pakistan, shall we agree to empower our children and youth and take them into the process of decisionmaking? Let’s not wait for government - let’s do it for our country. After all, our days are almost done and we have made a mess of our planet. Now let us move back and add our voices to our children’s instead of the other way round. Because they are the future.

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