SALAAM BAHRAIN Nov 2023

BD 1.500

NOVEMBER 2023 - VOLUME 13, ISSUE 6

we speak your language

BRINGING LIGHT TO DIWALI

NEWSMAKER: INDIAN AMBASSADOR VINOD JACOB | TEXTILE REVIVALIST GAURANG SHAH

We wish you

a healthy, flavourful

Diwali!

we speak your language

November 2023

HIGHLIGHTS

12 COVER STORY

BRINGING LIGHT TO DIWALI The festival is the biggest celebration in the Indian calendar and touches almost all aspects of living. When it comes to updated ways to celebrate, we’ve got you covered with ideas for:

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Diwali jewellery Sustainablae Diwali Managing diabetes during festive times Fashion Retail therapy Cutting back wasteful leftovers

6 NEWSMAKER

SPECIAL PHOTO ROUND-UP

CONVERSATION WITH AMBASSADOR JACOB

UNIQUE FESTIVE CELEBRATIONS

Ambassador Vinod Jacob on India’s 21st century place in global relations and the diaspora’s role.

A blaze of colour as the community celebrates many beloved festive traditions in unique ways.

42 SPOTLIGHT

31 CUISINE

BIRTH OF A PM

MAKING THE MOST OF LEFTOVERS

What was India like the day Jawaharlal Nehru was born? Old newspaper clippings tell an interesting tale.

Ever felt daunted by the leftover party fare and sweets after Diwali? With sustainable table manners, we tell you how to repurpose them into great meals.

51 FASHION

GAURANG’S 50 SHADES OF GREY Gaurang Shah’s jewelled saree tones and revival of many different weaving clusters have made him a textile King. We explore his fascinating take on grey.

SalaamBahrain

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Plus:

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60 CELEB CHAKKAR SALAAM SOCIETY

Note From the Chairman When 2023 started, we were all upbeat. We had licked the pandemic (or so we thought – today new virus variants keep the vaccine companies flush with wealth) and inherited a relatively new planet where the restrictions of 2020-21 had given Nature time to repair some small damages.

The larger holes need more than two years, which is a nano-second in comparision to the billions of years in planet age.

But then, as the year ends, here we are, back at Square One. My Indian friends tell me that the board game of snakes and ladders was invented by a holy Guru to teach his followers the Law of Karma. Good deeds were represented by ladders that let you jump ahead and bad deeds were the snakes which led you downward. In the case of humankind, we have spent the year grappling with two snakes – the escalation of the Ukraine war and the Gaza Onslaught.

Now I am not here to petition on behalf of any side. But I do want to observe that modern warfare is a dirty business where defence dealers and arms manufacturers get rich and the worst casualties are unarmed civilians. How have we become so desensitised that we countenance attacks on hospitals and schools and the bombardment of what is clearly civilians in flight to safety? If I were to draw parallels, I would say that just like we have lost the sense of the miraculous when it comes to growing and processing food from the farm, the drones and air battles from jet fighters have distanced us from the tragedy of innocent lives being lost.

At the end of the day, no species treats its young as badly as humans do. When there is danger, most animals race to protect their young. Humans target children. They hurt them, they deny them a happy childhood, they interrupt their education so that they grow up halfliterate. And then we leave a shattered world to our progeny with these young ones as their leaders.

Let us pray that better sense prevails in 2024 and the years ahead.

CAPTAIN MAHMOOD Y. AL MAHMOOD CHAIRMAN

SALAAM SOCIETY

Tradition & service honours at KCA-BFC PonnOnam

Bahrain’s Assistant Undersecretary for Community Development, Ministry of Social Development, the smiling and helpful Enas Al Majeed,was the Chief Guest at the KCA-BFC PonnOnam inauguration and delighted guests by sportingly coming to the function in traditional Kerala dress.

The grand finale, held in the presence of Indian Ambassador Vinod Jacob saw a fitting tribute paid to the KCA’s 53rd anniversary 3

when 53 nurses were honoured for their service to the community.

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SALAAM SOCIETY

Grand KSB start to activities roster

Kannada Sangha Bahrain - New Executive Committee 2023-24. Seated from left: Ishwar Anchan (Internal Auditor), Praveen Shetty Kinnigoli (Treasurer), Ramprasad Ammenadka(General Secretary), Amarnath Rai(President ), Mahesh Kumar (Vice President), John Deepak D. 'Sa(Sports Secretary), Jagadeesha Jeppu (Cultural Secretary) Standing from left: Ashok Kumar(Asst. General Secretary),Anil Deraje(Committee Member), Chandra Mogera (Assistant Treasurer), Gopal Shetty (Committee Member), Mohammad Saleem (Committee Member),Santosh Acharya (Assistant Cultural Secretary)

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top tier list of Who’s Who were present at the Kannada Sangha Bahrain’s inauguration of its cosy new Dr. Ronald Colaco Lounge in the spacious Kannada Bhavana. Led by Karnataka’s Honorable Home Minister, Dr. G Parmeshwara, other notables were Dr. Arathi Krishna, AICC secretary, and former Karnataka NRI Forum vice-chairman, Dr. Ronald Colaco, Ravikumar Gowda, MLA from Mandya, and Mithun Rai, KPCC general secretary.

The Lounge has been furnished and generously donated by the renowned NRI businessman and philanthropist Dr. Ronald Colaco and is exclusively dedicated to the comfort and use of Sangha members.

In the evening, the VIP guests included Indian Ambassador Vinod K Jacob and the colourful ceremony was conducted to induct the new executive committee, led by President Amarnath Rai and ushering in a new era of leadership and community engagement.

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The Sangha has always been a cultural beacon for the Kannadiga diaspora and the recently inaugurated Kannada Bhavana will give other communities, including Bahrainis, the opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of the state which is known as much for leading the global I.T. revolution as for its arts and crafts heritage.

Pradnya welcomes ‘Puneri’ Ganpati

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radnya Subandh had an interesting Ganesha idol for her puja, replete with community lore popular in Pune.

“It is a wish-fulfilling version of the idol, popular in my hometown Pune and I was lucky to find it here,” she told friends who gathered at her puja.

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NEWSMAKER

“Indian diaspora has become become a force multiplier for the economic prosperity of Bahrain” Ambassador Vinod K. Jacob The Ambassador is a young career diplomat, who represents a new and resilient India and is well-equipped to help shape global relations.

IN CONVERSATION WITH MEERA RAVI

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aving come to lead the Bahrain mission as in August this year, Ambassador Vinod K. Jacob can no longer be called the “new” Ambassador.

Especially since he joined just before the August 15 Independence Day and met a large cross-section of the community at the flag-hoisting and subsequently at the festive celebrations such as Onam and Dandiya. He presented his credentials in September and since then, the Fourth Estate has made a beeline to the Embassy, seeking his perspective on Indo-Bahrain relations and matters pertaining to diaspora welfare.

Salaam Bahrain met with the Ambassador and had an eye-opening conversation on these topics of interest.

SB: Your Excellency, how does Bahrain fit into the Indian Government’s overtures embracing the West Asian region?

AMBASSADOR JACOB: India and Bahrain have longstanding historical relations. It is based on the convergence of interest and values and a commitment to an international order that encourages peace, stability and prosperity. You can see this friendship in action in the conferring of the King Hamad Order of the Renaissance by HM the King upon PM Modi during his State Visit in 2019.

Another example is the warmth with which the Bahrain government supported the people of India during the pandemic by providing liquid medical oxygen and also taking excellent care of the Indians in Bahrain. We have built on this foundation and identified new areas of cooperation, the most recent being defense cooperation with the opening of a defense wing in the embassy in Bahrain in 2020. We are also now associate partners with the CMF (Combined Maritime Forces, a 38-nation naval partnership) and this adds another dimension to the engagement.

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I would say that India provides a growth opportunity for Bahrain and in the same way, Bahrain with its strategic location as a gateway to the GCC and the wider region, provides an opportunity for India in the West Asia region and I am confident that both countries will work towards achieving common goals with a sense of purpose.

SB: How can Indian entrepreneurs in Bahrain and elsewhere tap into the new BahrainUSA strategic security and economic pact and leverage India’s growing economic power?

AMBASSADOR JACOB: A key role of the Indian diaspora is to serve as a bridge for bringing people together and the strength of the bilateral relationship is that it is reciprocated by Bahrainis. Over centuries, we have had Bahrainis go to India to study and more recently, we have seen Indians working across the entire spectrum of the workspace. They contribute with their skills, time and resources and they have become a force multiplier for the economic prosperity of Bahrain. This is how I see the Indian diaspors. They are really the backbone of our “Economic Diplomacy” foreign policy.

The West Asia region – especially the GCC - is very important to us as it is the workplace of slightly

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more than half of India’s 17.9 million emigrants* (*2020 figures). We want to ensure the ease of movement for our skilled diaspora because they also set the stage for bilateral and transnational investor cooperation.

In my meetings with Bahrain’s Crown Prince and PM, government and with leading businesspeople, I am seeing a lot of recognition that Indians can add value to economic trajectory. I would say there has been a shift in how economic policy is shaped between countries. Speaking of Bahrain and India, where we once focused on pushing for investment into India, today we are seeing more effort to create a wider arena of bilateral investment where Indians and Bahrainis explore investing in both countries.

For instance, the Kingdom’s emerging role as a fintech hub for the region and its ambitious space programme - India’s success as a tech innovator, especially in fintech and space technology has made us a preferred partner with Bahrain’s fintech players and the Kingdom’s National Space Science Agency.

As of Q3 of 2022, inward FDI stocks of India to Bahrain reached USD1.4 billion, accounting for around 4% of Bahrain’s total FDI stock.

SB: Are there top-level visits planned in the coming months between the two countries?

AMBASSADOR JACOB: At the highest level, our Prime Minister visited Bahrain in 2019 and given our warm relations, we are looking forward to a visit by Bahrain’s leadership to India in the near future.

Meanwhile, there have been engagements at different levels and visits between the two countries.

In March this year, Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce led an unprecedented 63-member business delegation to India to meet counterparts and members of the powerful Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) to forge new business ties.

There were official visits to India by the Transportation & Telecommunications Minister of Bahrain, Mohammed bin Thamer Al Kaabi and Undersecretary for Political Affairs Dr. Shaikh Abdullah bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in March this year, (the latter for the third Foreign Office Consultations), and Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Sanjay Mahindru to Bahrain. We also look forward to greater participation from Bahrain (as Dialogue Partner of SCO) in various events being hosted by India as SCO Chair this year.

India was an active participant in the 146th IPU (Inter-Parliamentary Union) where a delegation led by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Shri Om Birla and senior MPs and officials of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha attended the event and also held meetings with Bahraini counterparts.

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9 FACTS ABOUT AMBASSADOR VINOD JACOB: 1. He is a Chennai man and a product of the famous Padma Seshadri Bala Bhavan school.

2. He is a graduate of law and while attending the 68th Foundation Course at LBSNAA (Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration), he won the award for the Best All Round Trainee.

3. He has over two decades of experience as a diplomat.

He started his career at the Embassy of India in Beijing during which he learned Mandarin language and is considered one of the experts in India-China relations.

4. He was a member of the Indian delegation to the United Nations when India was on the UN Security Council from 2011-2012.

5. In the second half of 2017, the Government of India appointed Vinod Jacob to coordinate the campaign for the re-election of the Indian Judge Dalveer Bhandari to the International Court of Justice. He completed the task with such flair, that Ambassador Syed Akbaruddin wrote a book “India Vs UK: The Story of An Unprecedented Diplomatic Win” about it.

6. He served in Colombo as India’s Deputy High Commissioner from September 2019 till July 2023.

During this time, he not only supervised pandemic aid but distinguished himself by successfully representing and working for his country’s Economic Diplomacy policies. He helped deliver India’s multi-pronged assistance of about $4 billion to it through multiple credit lines and currency support, in line with India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy.

7. Ambassador Jacob speaks English, Mandarin, Hindi and is also familiar with Tamil and Malayalam.

8. He is married to Ambassador Namgya C. Khampa who is currently serving as High Commissioner of India to Kenya. The couple have two children.

9. He is a skilled cricketer and his prowess at the pitch is already making waves in Bahrain.

There was also a visit of the Indian naval ships INS Vishakapatnam and INS Deepak which made port call in Bahrain which coincided with India’s 77th Independence Day, making it a significant moment for bilateral engagement between both countries.

Meanwhile, there has been a steady stream of highpowered visits and delegations from India arranged by the diaspora which undoubtedly takes forward the relations between the two countries. We had former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind visiting Bahrain and also a delegation led by Karnataka Home Minister Dr. G. . Parameshwara. This keeps the ties connected between the diaspora and the home country as well as Bahrain and India.

Another notable demonstration of new facets of India’s geo-political leadership was the recent success of the G20 summit where India demonstrated that it was a strong voice for the Global South and also paved the way for African participation in the G20.

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We are looking at transnational engagement on matters such as climate change, for example, and we recognize the importance of Bahrain’s contribution to India’s efforts.

SB: What, in your view, is the role that the diaspora can play in channeling the soft power of India and making a name for itself with Bahrain and the international community here?

AMBASSADOR JACOB: Given the complementary cultural values shared by Bahrain and India, I believe that the diaspora can add a cultural dimension to the economic prosperity that the Indians are partnering Bahrainis in. For example, in the first six months of 2023, more than 500,000 Indian

tourists came here, largely for weddings and other cultural events – indeed, the Big Indian Wedding has emerged as a winner in propelling Bahrain’s star to the forefront as a sought-after and picturesque wedding destination.

I expect those numbers to increase. There is also a high degree of appreciation for Indian culture, especially the touchpoints of music and Indian cinema.

Hopefully in the years to come, we can make cricket, the much-loved sport close to the hearts of 1.4 billion Indians, a common language and understanding between India and Bahrain. I realise that quite a lot of our Bahraini friends also like cricket quite apart from enthusiastic members of the Indian diaspora here.

Listen to clips of Ambassador Jacob’s conversation with Editor Meera Ravi on the Salaam Bahrain Facebook and Instagram channels

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SALAAM BUSINESS

A LuLu for Gudaibiya In its 16th year in Bahrain, retail giant opens 10th store

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o further consolidate its presence in the Kingdom of Bahrain, Lulu the region’s leading retail chain opened its 10th Hypermarket at Gudaibiya. The 40,000 square feet store was inaugurated by Deputy PM H.E. Shaikh Khalid bin Abdulla Al Khalifa in the presence of Yusuffali M.A., the Chairman and Managing Director of the LuLu Group International and ministers, Indian Ambassador Vinod Jacob, dignitaries dignitaries who were greeted by Yusuffali M.A., Chairman and MD of the LuLu Group and senior management.

The Al Dasman store, located in the historic Gudaibiya area is spread in two levels. The new launch signals a

re-energising of commercial activity in the key community thoroughfare and is in line with Yusuffali’s vision to continuously invest in the future of Bahrain. Plans have been announced to invest over BD 200 million in Bahrain and open three more hypermarkets in the coming four months. Yusuffali said it would see more than 1000 jobs created for Bahrainis. The other three branches will open soon in Gudaibiya near the Sacred Heart Church and two more are set to open in Diyar Al Muharraq and Avenue Mall.

“We are pleased to launch our LuLu Hypermarket in Gudaibiya,” said Yusuffali, “The store signals the LuLu Group’s confidence in the vision of progress mapped by the leadership of Bahrain, its belief in the excellence of Bahrainis as our partners in success and keeps our expansion in line with the march of urban developments in Bahrain.”

Yusuffali also commended the Bahrain team for their recent winning of the GCCwide award for the best nationalisation with the maximum number of Bahrainis working for the Group in Bahrain as well as in other countries.

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SALAAM SOCIETY

Sacred family memories empower Tanima’s pujo

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strong community link has always been central to Tanima Chakraborty’s life philosophy and nowhere is it more evident than in the annual Durga Puja that she conducts each year in continuation of her late father’s tradition. The community hall at the THMC premises throngs with devotees from all walks of life and communities and there is a sense of worshipful communion as visitors dance, partake of prasad and the simple, flavourful bhog

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(food offering) and barriers of class are dissolved.

“We miss Tanima’s father Tapan-da who was the moving force behind this Pujo but are so proud to see his daughter carry forward the legacy without missing a beat,” said family friend Nivedita Dutta.

SALAAM SOCiETY

ILA Dandiya draws dancers

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he legendary Indian Ladies’ Association Dandiya is the longest-running in the Bahrain Navratri scene and packed in the crowd this year also. With the LuLu Hypermarket as main sponsor, the dandiya was also the only one to raise money for a charity - the ILA Sneha Recreation Centre for Children with Special Needs. Revellers pulled out all stops, dressed in dandiya costumes and twirling their sticks to the music of DJ Nitish from Mumbai.

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FESTIVE FASHION

MALABAR GOLD & DIAMONDS UNVEILS GLITTERING FESTIVE COLLECTION

Customers get assured gold coins on Gold & Diamond jewellery purchase.

Special buy counters offering jewellery at attractive discounts.

Offer valid across all Malabar Gold & Diamonds outlets.

Offer valid till 12 November, 2023.

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FESTIVE FASHION

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rue to its reputation as a global iconic jewellery house, Malabar Gold & Diamonds has crafted a unique festive jewellery collection that speaks to trendy fashionistas across generations. There are stunning gold, diamond and precious gem-studded jewellery sets for serious collectors who wish to add to their collection for the sacred occasions of Dhan Teras and Diwali.

The designs are available across Mine, Era, Viraaz, Precia, Ethnix and Divine collections. In addition, youngsters and more modern collectors are not forgotten – MGD has beautiful everyday wear too, in 18kt gold, diamond and gem jewellery with delicate finish. As a special offer this Diwali, there is a free gift of one gram gold coins for every diamond or precious gem

jewellery purchase worth BHD 500 and a ½ gm Gold Coin for diamond and precious gem jewellery purchase worth BHD 300.

Elegant designs crafted in contemporary fashion have also been introduced in the 18K gold category as well. Additionally, the brand will also be setting up Special Buy counters at their showrooms, offering incredible discounts on selected jewellery designs.

“The offers that we unveil during the festive season are always looked forward to by our customers. By giving away free gold coins with their festive jewellery purchase, we are ensuring that our customers get to indulge in their festivities with all the pomp of the season,” said Shamlal Ahamed, MD International Operations, Malabar Gold & Diamonds

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Drumbeat of Pujo festivity

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he beauty of Bahrain is that not only is every festival celebrated with colour and amazing spirit, but in a myriad ways. Take the Navaratri festival that just came to an end – we started with many Dandiya dance events, we had the South Indian community’s beautiful and creative Golu doll arrangements, there are lovely Haldi Kumkum ceremonies where ladies dressed in finery meet and exchange auspicious greetings – and then we have the reverent Bengali Durga Puja with carved idols of Devi and the Dhunichhi dance and the ultimate farewell with Sindur Khela where ladies bid farewell to the Devi who is believed to return to her matrimonial abode after her visit to her birth home. Such lovely traditions – and how blessed we are that we can rejoice in them in harmonious Bahrain!

Here are some glimpses of the Bongiyo Samaj’s Pujo celebrations at Adhari Park.

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SALAAM SOCIETY

GOOD HEALTH

They are simple tips but they can mean you can indulge wisely and come out of the festive season with good health.

13 WAYS TO ENJOY A HEALTHY DIABETIC DIWALI!

BY ADITI NAGAPPA

Diwali is all about indulgence in sweets and savories and sharing the delicacies with near and dear ones.

While everyone celebrates the festival with fun and frolic, people with diabetes need to be extra careful this festive season. This is because high sugar content and fat content in the goodies can not only impair their blood glucose management but also affect their weight control. But by making conscious and healthy choices you can enjoy a fun-filled Diwali without having to worry about your sugar level. Here are some simple tips that you can follow to enjoy Diwali in a healthy and happy way.

1. Plan your meals. Check with a nutritionist or use a meal planner to keep the total carbs and fats in check. If you know that eating one laddu is equal to one portion of your carbs or fats quota, you can adjust the rest of your meal accordingly.

2. Fat is as bad as sugar. The latest understanding is that a spoonful of oil/fat is as harmful as a spoon of sugar. So if you avoid the sugars but make a beeline for the samosa, remember that the same rule applies to fried foods or savories as excessive intake of fats can cause weight gain, which in turn can hamper your blood glucose control.

3. Monitor your blood sugar levels. This will help in planning the celebration accordingly. Monitor your blood glucose regularly during the Diwali feast so you can adjust the insulin dosage as recommended by your doctor.

4. Eat low carb meals. Whether it is Diwali or not, it is advised to eat a healthy meal throughout the day. The best diet tip is to eat low-carb and low-fat meals and snacks. This can also help you to cut down your overindulgence.

Also, if you are planning to indulge in savories and sweets, then you can reduce carbohydrates in your diet with some simple tips. So instead of potatoes and peas eat non-starchy vegetables like broccoli and peppers, substitute rice with quinoa or millets, skip pulpy fruits like bananas and eat low glycemic foods overall.

5. Opt for healthier desserts. As a host, do plan healthier desserts for your festive season using healthier alternatives such as dates and jaggery instead of sugar, whole wheat instead of maida, ghee instead of hydrogenated vegetable oils, and unsweetened almond milk instead of full-fat milk. As a guest, say

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no to sweets laden with oil and ghee and loaded with sugar to keep the sugar levels in control.

6. Skip packaged foods. Avoid juices, aerated beverages, chips, popcorn, sauces, bread, instant noodles, and other packaged foods. This way a bit of indulgence in home-cooked Diwali snacks will not take a toll on your health. Stay hydrated by drinking water and other beverages such as green tea or lemon juice but no carbonated beverages.

7. Choose grilled, baked food instead of fried food.

If you are on a caloriecontrolled diet, then opt for healthy Diwali snacks like roasted chivda or baked gujiya.

This way you can not only cut down on your intake of fats but also eat light and healthy meals.

be tempted to indulge. As a host, you can help by reducing the size of your sweets and other delicacies.

8. Serve the nuts. As a host, always keep a well-decorated platter of unsalted and roasted nuts and assorted dry fruits on your Diwali table for guests who would like to bypass the sweets and savouries. In fact they can be a healthy snack in between meals. But do not have more than a handful.

9. Practice portion control. Saying no, especially during the festive season may not look nice. So instead of saying no, just take a piece or a bit of sweet offered to you. The more you take, the more you will

We bring some sensible tips from the specialists at Al Hilal Hospital

10. Exercise is your best friend. We cannot overestimate the power of exercise in managing your diabetes. Starting today, take the stairs instead of the lift, make time for a 15-minute power walk and now that the weather in Bahrain is so pleasant, park your car at the farthest point from your destination and walk across, participate in some dancing during Diwali celebrations. These easy, everyday activities help burn a lot of calories. After all, this season is all about eating loads of delicacies and staying active at the same time to control diabetes as well as weight.

11. Watch the beverages! Water is a diabetic’s best friend. Juices and fizzies – even the no-sugar diet drinks – can add unwanted chemicals like caffeine and aspartame to your bloodstream and if you like a fruit – eat it whole, not as a juice.

A s for stronger drinks, keep in mind that alcohol interferes with the body’s ability to break down carbohydrates which can cause hypoglycemia in diabetics. It also masks symptoms of hypoglycemia, making matters worse. Don’t

“Diabetes is never a curse.

It's a reminder guiding you, how to eat, how to move, how to sleep and in short it is asking you how to live properly. That's why we call it a lifestyle disease. So don't be depressed , just start to live - the best life in style.”

“Diabetes is not a limitation but an invitation to live a life filled with purpose, strength, and joy.”

“Don’t let the Diabetes control you! You control Diabetes by letting food be your medicine, and exercise the medicine” — Dr. Rajaneesh

Specialist Internal Medicine

— Dr Rahul Abbas

Consultant Internal Medicine

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SALAAM SOCIETY

Joshis host grand Ganeshutsav

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ishal and Charulata Joshi celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi as a community occasion in their Mahooz residence, with fervour, piety and prashad. Son Kavish added youthful energy to the puja with his busy participation.

drink on an empty stomach. Follow your doctor’s recommendation regarding the amount and type of alcohol which is safe for you.

you get good 6-7 hours of sleep so you can continue to participate in the festivities without compromising your health.

12. Your sleep is a diet trick. Although the festive season calls for late-night gatherings and fun-filled times with friends and relatives, avoid staying up till very late many nights at a time. Remember, sleep lost is gone forever and cannot be compensated with daytime napping. Lost sleep can slow down your metabolism and lead to weight-gain. Make sure

13. Do not skip your medication – or change dosage. It becomes all the more important to stick to your medicines while you enjoy the festivities with loved ones.

At the same time, do not overcompensate for overindulgence of sweets by increasing your diabetes 18 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

medicine dosage. This is especially true if you are insulin dependent.

Make sure you consult your doctor if you experience any changes in your overall health or feel dizzy.

Also, take your medications on time and do visit your doctor before and after Diwali to check how well your glucose levels are faring during and post Diwali.

DIWALI INSIGHT

RAVANA – THE ANTI-HERO WE LOVE TO HATE Every good narrative needs the tension of a worthy villain. And the Ramayana’s ten-headed Ravana is so much larger than life, there are people who actually worship him!

BY DHANANJAYA BHAT

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ith his terrifying ten-headed avatar and magical powers, Ravana was the perfect foil for the godly Lord Rama. When people read or hear the Ramayana, they are by turns frightened, disgusted, relieved at his death and also have a sneaking admiration for this ultimate villain.

Diwali is a celebration of the triumph of Lord Rama over Ravana and the Lord’s return to his Kingdom, Ayodhya after exile. On the tenth day – Dus-hera – after Navaratri, it is customary in North India to burn effigies of Ravana during a recreation of the epic battle on stage.

However, despite his bad image, there are groups who worship Ravana as an equal of Lord Rama and a great devotee of Siva, the Destroyer. Indeed there are even temples built for Ravana and a whole folk culture with music and dances in his honour.

TEMPLES FOR RAVANA

But in all parts of India, Ravana is remembered and there are seven temples in India for this famous mythological figure, mainly due to his great devotion to Lord Shiva. In most places his shrine is just next to that of God Shiva .

In Bisrakh, Uttar Pradesh, the Ravana Temple was built to commemorate his birth there. This is one of the most famous and well-known Ravana temples where he is worshipped as God in this region and Dusshera is not celebrated here by burning Ravana effigies. Indeed, many devotees visit the temple to mourn the once-great king and Dus-ehra is a day of mourning in this township.

Musician Ravana in Sri Lanka.

In Himachal Pradesh’s Baijnath town, the Shiva Temple is said to be built on the very same spot where an exhausted Ravana put down the Shiva Linga he was carrying back to Lanka. Although Ravana is not worshipped here, the locals do not burn his effigies or speak ill 19 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

of him since, in their eyes, he is a great Shiva devotee.

Though not very well-known, the Ravana temple in Kakinada region of Andhra Pradesh is built on a site believed to have been chosen by Ravana himself to create a temple for Lord Shiva, The temple is located close to the beach and

is quite a picturesque temple and also contains an idol of Ravana.

In Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a temple dedicated to Ravana is open only on one day of the year – Dus-hera. The temple was constructed by Shiv Shankar, a devotee of Lord Shiva and the believer in the power of Ravana. Ravana is worshipped as a God in the temple and not like a demon that he is believed to be.

MANDODARI CONNECTION

In Madhya Pradesh’s Vidisha, Ravana is celebrated as the town’s son-inlaw since his Chief Wife Mandodari is believed to be from Vidisha. The Ravana Temple here is one of the most famous.

There is even a village in Vidisha named Ravangram after Ravana!

In another part of Madhya Pradesh, we can see the Ravana Temple of Mandsaur where, it is believed, Ravana and Mandodari were married. Texts in the Indus Valley Harappan script were found next to the deities, indicating that the temple is extremely old.

Again, in the town of Mandor in Rajasthan, the Dave brahmin caste believe that they are direct descendents of Ravana and they do not celebrate Dus-hera as on that day, Rama killed and vanquished Ravana. Instead, they perform sacred last rites and offer the traditional ancestral offerings in Ravana’s name. They perform all the rituals that a son performs for his father/

Temple for God Shiva with Ravana at Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh.

ancestors and pray for the liberation of Ravana’s soul.

In neighbouring Sri Lanka, once the empire of Ravana they have quite a number of places honouring Ravana. In fact, when some Hindu religious groups from India wanted to build a temple for Sita Devi in Sri Lanka, local citizens objected and Ravana Balaya, a Sinhalese Buddhist

Ravana trying to carry away Mount Kailas.

Ravana idol at Bisrakh his birth place.

20 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

THE VILLAIN’S VIRTUES In folktales which make up the oral tradition of the forest-dwelling tribals of Madhya Pradesh, the central Indian state, Ravana is painted as a master of the Vedas, a great devotee of God Shiva, a very capable leader and last but not least, a more complete family man, despite his abduction of Sita.

ROAR OF PAIN Almost every Indian knows that Ravan was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. Ravana’s original name is Dashanan, who possessed ten heads and twenty arms at birth.

Having meditated deeply on God Shiva, Dashanan was filled with energy and sadly, ego also. He requested God Shiva to relocate his Mount Kailasa to his capital of Lanka. When God Siva refused, Ravana lifted the mountain on his shoulders and tried to carry it away. God Shiva simply pressed down the mountain with his foot and the pressure was so great that the demon-king screamed in pain. It was then that God Shiva who coined the name Ravana “He who shakes the three worlds with his roar”. When Ravana pleaded forgiveness, God Shiva released his foot, and his demon-devotee composed the famous hymn, Shiva Tandava Stotra.

Such was Ravana’s reputation for knowledge and mastery of the Vedas, that it was said that only Hanuman could equal him in scholarship and piety on the human-animal plane as could the Brahmarishis and Ravana’s learned father Guru Vishrava. As a direct descendent of Brahma, the Creator (he was his grandson), Ravana is said to have requested Brahma to come to Lanka to chant all the Vedas, and God Brahma agreed , making it the only occasion in Hindu mythology when Brahma obliged a devotee thus.

SAINTLY RAVANA Even other Indian religions recognise his greatness, for, as per Jainism, Ravana is one of the 24 Tirthankars- Saints of Jainism, a list which includes Krishna and Mahaveer themselves. Jains, however, do not worship Ravana, because, before he could have realized his destiny and given up on war, he was killed. They believe that in the next cycle of Tirthankaras, Ravana will be born and lead humans this time.

Ravana is credited with writing five very important thesis of Hinduism, known as Ravana Sanhitas, namely Shiva Tandavam praising Lord Shiva, one on Nadi Shashtra (astrology) and Arkha-Prakasam (the science of Siddha medicine). Believers claim that this shows his tribal links since, to this day, tribals are considered experts in Siddha herbal medicines, astrology and palmistry.

He was an equally fierce warrior - when it comes to martial arts, he is believed to have learnt Angampora, an ancient Sri Lankan combat system from its founder Rishi Pulasthi, his grandfather. It incorporates hand to hand combat, the use of weapons such as staffs, knives and swords and the use of pressure points.

Ravanugraha - meditating Ravana blessed

by God Shiva

EXTRAORDINARY SCIENTIST As with all ancient mythology in which we find links to history, science and beliefs, Ravana was considered a master of aeronautics and mechanics. It is mentioned in the Ramayana that Ravana had a flying chariot, the Pushpaka Vimana for war purpose, which could shoot arrows and emit fireballs and other weaponries, like today’s jet fighter planes. After the death of Ravana, the victor Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya in this Pushpaka Vimana.

As an administrator, Ravana was a great authority on Raj Niti (political science).

So much so , that on the final day of his battle with Rama, as Ravana was dying in the battlefield, Lord Rama sent his brother Lakshmana to learn Raj Niti from the dying king, so that the knowledge would not be lost to humanity.

Ravana was a great musician. As per legends, when he started playing his veena, even Gods would appear in Lanka. to listen to his music. Recent records show that the violin came to India with the advent of European nations in India. However, India’s first violin, a bowed, stringed instrument also known as Ravanhatta, Ravanahastha and Ravanastron, is said to have originated during the time of Ravana who played it as a musical offering to the Lord Shiva. It is believed that at the end of the war between Lord Rama and Ravana, Hanuman took the Ravanhatha to North India. The beautiful strains of Ravanhatha can be heard in Rajasthan in their lilting folk music.

Kanpur Ravana Temple opens only on Dus-hera day each year.

organisation, had demanded that a statue for Ravana, the mythical Lankan king associated with the Ramayana tale, should be built before constructing a Sita temple.

Similarly, after the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party came into power in South India in 1967, they tried to portray Ravana as a Dravidian monarch, who was overthrown by an Aryan king Lord. Rama. In fact in the early part of their rule, the DMK used to celeberate Ravnayanam during Navrathri to coincide with Ramlila in North India.

And so the other side of the story gets told – as we celebrate the victory of Lord Rama, let us remember that Ramayana would not exist but for Ravana!

By arrangement with Maharaja Features

21 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

DIWALI SHOPPING

Mega Mart offers Diwali in a trolley

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iwali is family fun time and the last thing you want to do is get exhausted running from store to store for all your festive needs, right?

Then head over to Mega Mart where you can find all your needs and shop in the confidence that the quality is top class, the pricing just right and you will get a trolley-load of Diwali goodies.

Whether its Mega Mart’s signature party eats – samosa, dal or onion kachori, onion pakora or branded savouries from Bikaji or the fab-tasting family favourite sweets made in-store by expert halwaii (traditional sweet-makers from India); whether you want to buy home décor items such as festive toran or lights, clay diya, rangoli powder or decorative stickers – they are all available at this well-stocked store. Amul and Vadilal Ice Cream brands have been introduced to Bahrain by Mega Mart. In amazing Indian flavours like Anjeer (fig), Raj Bhog, Tender Coconut and the exotic Paan as well as classics such as Vanilla and Chocolate, they make an excellent festive dessert option.

Proud home-chefs can be assured of top-quality raw ingredients, whether flour, besan, Amul and other branded ghee, butter, oil or spices.

The Mega Mart fashion section is a mix of great High Street deals, with

kidswear, colourful and stylish ethnic women’s festive wear and great-looking menswear.

What’s more convenient is that there is definitely a Mega Mart near you – the chain has expanded to 16 stores and strengthened its reputation as a fine Asian brand.

“We are proud of our service philosophy and our portfolio of great Indian and international brands,” said General Manager Anil Nawani, “Over the years we have built up a range of excellent and reputed Asian food brands that include food grains, masala as well as our own Baba brand of packed foodstuffs. During Diwali, we always aim to raise the bar with festive goodies, fantastic corporate sweet gift-packs, family favourites and the full range of necessities.”

In addition to its Indian brands, Mega Mart also offers amazing deals on superior, value-for-money TESCO products - honey, drinks and chips to frozen meals and baking goods to household cleaning products.

To complement the ingredients, the retail chain also prepares fresh-baked bread in their in-store bakery, all golden crust, soft on the inside and in a range of healthy ways – multi-grain, bran,

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brown, soya and the all-time favourite, white bread also.

“Affordability and convenience are buzz-words for families and at our stores, shoppers can be assured of the best goods at very affordable prices.

Our friendly sales staff and managers are happy to assist shoppers to find products or even order them if not available in store.”

SALAAM SOCIETY

Mega Dandiya is festive season opener Undoubtedly the festive season started on a high note with the Mega Mart Mega Dandiya. The popular retail chain pulled out all stops with a music band from India and some amazing raffle and spot prizes. The packed hall was high on dance energy and a fab time was had by all.

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his year, why not bring an amalgam of Bahraini and Indian craftsmanship to your Diwali gifting and décor with Kala Design?

The design and craft unit is run by the bubbly and knowledgeable Kavita Sharma and features 23 heritage artisans who produce textile art, copper and leather craft for 14 craft styles both in India and Bahrain.

Every piece you seen these pages is ethically sourced, artistically made in the rural homes of the artisans and has a story to tell. The craft is an outcome of centuries-old culture and tradition, some refined in the palaces of yore and others perfected in the homes of ordinary folk till they represented the best of practical beauty and creativity.

“Handcrafted items keep us connected to our rich cultural and artistic heritage and represent a valuable human skill evolution,” Kavita said, “Moreover, all our products are made with organic materials that are locally sourced, such as cotton and vegetable dyes, and so do not harm the environment.”

You can connect with Kala Design on Instagram @design_kala to book orders of beautiful handwoven and hand block-printed shawls, yardage, dainty organic cotton potli bags, leather pouches and copperware.

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CELEBRATE DIWALI WITH A TOUCH OF HANDCRAFTED BAHRAIN

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DIWALI DHAMAKA

A SUSTAINABLE DIWALI FOR A BETTER PLANET

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he year is almost over and we are looking at a colourful and joyful burst of festivities as Diwali, the biggest scene-stealer dawns. While the ethnic wardrobe of Navratri is dominated by the rustic mirrorwork and Kutchi embroidery swirls of Dandiya (ok, also the Kanchi silks of the South), Diwali gives us all a chance to truly glam up in floaty chiffons, sophisticated mukaish and sequinned gowns and sarees and power-dress in grand brocades.

But what about our January 2023 resolutions to save the planet and be mindful and adopt a more sustainable lifestyle? That is especially difficult when all around you is glitz and glitter, excess and celebration. The best thing about our traditions, though, is that they are so adaptable and flexible - we can reinvent them to reduce the strain they put on our planet.

After all, most of our festivals celebrate the changing seasons and the preparations for a new one by cleaning out the old, and in Bahrain, we can easily tweak that with some choice advance prep moves. One lucky thing is firecrackers which are exciting but so polluting in terms of noise and smoke are a no-no here. As for the rest, here are xx ways you can build new traditions and embrace a more sustainable festive season: SAY NO TO NONBIODEGRADABLES You would think this is a no-brainer but when you decorate your home this year, be conscious.

Leave out plastics and anything that will harm the environment.

That includes the allpervasive micro-glitter, plastic-coated bunting and chemical colours in your rangoli.

Remember, the core value of decorating your surroundings is to welcome all 26 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

that is good and share the season’s bounty. Traditionally, decorations were made of clay, wood and paper and rice flour and powdered brick was used for rangoli designs. These days, we get awesome eco-friendly décor geegaws online and in Bahrain so many craft experts sell these on their Insta pages.

You just have to plan in advance.

LIGHT YOUR HOME WITH DIYAS AND CANDLES Your EWA bill will remind you that Diwali need not mean going overboard with electric lights. Be mindful of the electricity you’re consuming. Replace those energy-guzzling twinklers with beautiful diya and candles. Children of determination at the Indian Ladies Association’s Sneha Centre make lovely painted clay diya. Buy these to light up your home and as return gifts, maybe, to celebrate the inspiring spirit of these kids.

Limit the number of electric lanterns and fairy lights, and remember to switch them off before heading to bed. Additionally, keep away from the sky lanterns—they’re undoubtedly beautiful, but they’re also known to pose as fire hazards, and their wire frames are likely to strangle birds and animals.

A SUSTAINABLE WARDROBE CALL New clothes are synonymous with Diwali, so how can we make our wardrobe a sustainability point? If you

are looking to add to your (probably bursting) wardrobe, do consider channeling the spring-cleaning spirit and going through your collection beforehand. You can very well donate an equal number of sarees or lehenga to charity – there are some online which will accept donations and sell or rent them to people with lesser means for festivals and weddings.

You can also be mindful of the process that brings your outfit to you.

Is it supportive of craftspeople? Nonexploitative? For example, have you heard of designer Sabyasachi’s project called ‘Save the Saree’ where he retails hand-woven Indian sarees on a nonprofit basis priced at Rupees 3500 and the entire proceed goes to the weavers of Murshidabad? This initiative is also strongly supported by Film industry divas like Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and Vidya Balan.

OWN YOUR HERITAGE Diwali is a time to celebrate your heritage. A simple search online will reveal several coops and collectives that are working to revive heritage weaves, jewellery designs and accessories all over India – and India-inspired designs abroad. When enriching your Diwali lookbook, try to support these brave entrepreneurs by buying from them.

A MINDFUL APPROACH TO DIWALI PARTIES When it comes to Diwali parties, a few advance moves can cut your waste.

For one thing – do respond to RSVP

requests as it helps the hosts to plan the food, the space and entertainment. And do stick to the time given as closely as possible. An Open House does not mean landing up at 10 pm when the invitation says 8.

If you are throwing the party, follow up the invitation with a warm phone call.

Always order at least for a dozen lesser guests – that’s right, because most guests will visit several homes and nibble at the buffet, however delicious and you will have too much of leftovers. Prepare for this too – there are groups in Bahrain who will come and take away the leftovers after your party is over and distribute to worker camps.

Remember though that parties don’t end till well past midnight and its too late then to send food to the needy.

Have aluminium trays and boxes handy to pack the stuff and refrigerate it well till morning and arrange to send it off well in time for lunch.

Use biodegradable cutlery and plates over plastic or thermocol option and discard waste responsibly. One big step is to keep jugs of detox-style water with lemon or citrus slices handy instead of plastic bottles or packages of water. That way guests can help themselves responsibly and not add to the throwaway clutter.

DECLUTTER YOUR HOME – SAY NO TO GIFTS Sounds radical? Be honest – how many of the Diwali gifts from years past have you recycled or stored or had to discard? This year, why not add a line in your invitation asking friends either NOT to bring gifts or perhaps donate a contribution in your name to a preferred local charity? Or else, share a registry of preferred gifts which they can choose from so that nothing is wasted.

If you are gifting, do put some thought into it – you can pre-order beautiful gifts from charities, you can give the gift of experiences – cookery lessons, a session of indoor sky-diving or go-karting..the possibilities are endless. When wrapping gifts, try to use recyclable paper and the practice of using string is in vogue these days.

REIMAGINING DIWALI TRADITIONS A big part of the festivities are the traditional sweets and treats.

27 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Even if you don’t see yourself making them yourself, perhaps you can place your order and drop off the specific container to fill the sweets in so that you avoid all the unnecessary packaging that can harm the environment.

In many communities, the ‘Abhyanga Snan’ or the oil bath is an important

ritual the morning of Diwali. Bring out the essential oils, natural soaps and ubtans (face scrubs) and indulge in some self-care.

GIVE BACK TO YOUR COMMUNITY Diwali is the season of spreading light and joy. Share care packages of treats and personal hygiene products – soap, deo and gender-specific make-up – with people who work to make your Diwali brighter like your gardeners, petrol station attendants and domestic workers.

PLANT A GREEN One of the easiest ways to stay environmentconscious is by planting some green around your home and November is the planting season in Bahrain! Gift airpurifying plants to your loved ones this year—we all know we need plenty of these to clear the air.

If plants seem like too much responsibility, try a garden ornament or a decorative pot instead.

DIWALI INSIGHT

SIVAKASI’S WANING SPARKLE As pollution and political correctness clamp down on demand for firecrackers, India’s fireworks manufacturing centre reels under a downturn.

BY VASUDEV MANJUNATH

A

round the mid-noughties, a Grinch came and stole Diwali from the town of Sivakasi. Renowned for its inventive manufacture of 90% of the Diwali firecrackers set off all over India, pollution and political correctness finally put the squeeze on the practice of setting off the chemical-based crackers and the slide has been downward ever since.

Once begun, the hunt for reasons why firecrackers should not be used started to attract a wide assortment of people.

Environmentalists protested that the setting off of hundreds of kilos of chemical-based (usually barium nitrate which was stable and had a longer shelf-life) sparklers, airborne crackers and explosives was diminishing air quality and seriously harming people with respiratory illness and the elderly and very young. Animal-lovers argued that pets and even strays were stressed by the level of noise that firecrackers generated and called for a ban. Practical-minded safety experts pointed that the Indian way of letting all age groups handle firecrackers was dangerous and quoted statistics of domestic accidents and community fires during Diwali which maimed and took lives.

Sivkashi fireworkers 28 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Rights activists pointed out that child labour was rampant in the industry, that women were given poor wages and worker safety and working conditions were low. The heritage buff said Diwali firecrackers were previously restricted to royal courts and the very rich because the chemicals used to make them were difficult to come by. The practice started around 1400 CE after gunpowder came to be used in battles. There are miniature paintings of Diwali court celebrations with firecrackers being lit.

But commoners celebrated without sparklers. So why are we saying that there can be no Diwali without firecrackers?

SIVAKASI LIGHTS UP

It was the 19th century before firecrackers became a celebration specialty. As Calcutta became a manufacturing hub and British East India Company power centre, India’s first fireworks factory was established there by a man named Gopal Mahindram. An ancillary to fireworks manufacture was the making of safety matches and for long, West Bengal safety matches were trusted the most.

In 1923, two cousins, P Ayya Nadar and Shanmuga Nadar, travelled from Sivakasi, an arid district in Tamil Nadu, to West Bengal to learn to manufacture matches. Eight months later, they returned home and set up two factories in order to provide a livelihood to the people of Sivakasi. Their matches were called Anil and Ayyan brands respectively.

Workers making firecrackers at a workshop.

The duo had also learnt how to make firecrackers. The first item they made was sparklers, popularly known as ‘phooljhadi’ in Hindi. At that point of time, they were imported from Europe like other fireworks in the country.

The Nadar brothes literally lit the spark of the Sivakasi fireworks industry.

Before the industry started in this town, Sivakasi was a backward place. Cursed with black loamy soil, agriculture was never successful due to dry weather and scanty rainfall and people didn’t want to give their girls in marriage here.

But this dry climate was precisely what made Sivakasi so suitable for the match and fireworks industry. Many families migrated from nearby districts such as Madurai, Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) to work there to make ends meet.

“When the fireworks and match industries became a big business, everyone wanted to work here. Not just men, even women came forward and worked in these factories. Many even left their previous industries to work here as it was more lucrative comparatively,” said a retired Sivakasi worker, Anbumani.

POOR SAFETY RECORD

Vintage Indian sparkler boxes.

2020 figures show that there are around 1070 registered firecracker manufacturing companies in Sivakasi and 800,000 people were directly and indirectly employed by the industry. At its height, the firecracker manufacturing industry pulled in more than US$250 million in profits.

Since the industry needed nimble and slender fingers, it employed mainly women and children and at one time, accusations of child labour, unsafe factory conditions leading to fires 29 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

When the fireworks and match industries became a big business, everyone wanted to work here. Not just men, even women came forward and worked in these factories. Many even left their previous industries to work here as it was more lucrative comparatively. and unequal pay for women workers plagued the industry.

Mariamma, 64, lost her husband 15 years ago. Her daughter, who was her helping hand, died a few years ago in a fireworks accident. Struggling to speak about her daughter’s death, Mariamma repeated her one belief about the cracker factory. “We won’t have food on our plate if we are scared,” she said.

Human rights and labour rights activists point to this indifference to worker safety and rights to urge people not to use firecrackers in their celebrations. Further, by keeping labour costs low, manufacturers have had no incentive to mechanise their processes or upgrade labour conditions and safety – something that the garment industry did effectively, thanks to consumer pressure.

DECLINING DEMAND

Today, in its centenary year, this fireworks capital is facing more serious issues. Since the pandemic, and

Workers making firecrackers at a workshop.

Cracker manufacturers said the demand for a ban on fireworks is a “political stunt” and a “fashion statement”.

They claimed that at least 30 to 40 per cent of the firecracker industry will shut down permanently if the sales won’t happen this Diwali. following the decline which began in 2017, the number of factories has dipped to around 670. Sivakasi tried to reinvent its fireworks by promoting ‘green’ crackers using alternative chemicals such as potassium nitrate and aluminium, instead of magnesium and barium as well as carbon instead of arsenic and other harmful pollutants.

Regular crackers also produce 160200 decibels of sound, while that from green crackers are limited to about 100-130 decibels. Manufacturers jointly represented under Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (TANFAMA) agreed to abide by the green cracker formulations approved by the two expert bodies - Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and National Environment Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) and regulated

by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO).

However, that has failed to stop the bans and the restrictions. Just recently, in the Karnataka border town of Attibele where a huge wholesale fireworks market and warehousing complex is located, a pre-Diwali

warehouse fire took 15 lives. In sharp reaction, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has banned the bursting of firecrackers during public functions and processions, and allowed only ‘green crackers’ that use alternative raw materials to reduce pollution. Delhi has banned all fireworks; Haryana and West Bengal have allowed only the green varieties; Punjab and Tamil Nadu have proposed specific times when fireworks would be allowed.

What’s more, the Supreme Court just last month reiterated a 2018 ban on any firecrackers, whether green or otherwise and denied permission for the manufacture, sale and use of the socalled ‘green’ crackers.

POLITICAL STUNT

The Sivakasi factories have already sent out their Diwali cargoloads to traders in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka – but are expecting a big dip in sales from North India.

Cracker manufacturers said the demand for a ban on fireworks is a “political stunt” and a “fashion statement”. They claimed that at least 30 to 40 per cent of the firecracker industry will shut down permanently if the sales won’t happen this Diwali.

“365 days of the year there are pollutants everywhere and none of these environmentalists talk about this,” said G. Abirupan, the MD Ayaan Fireworks and vice-president of Tamil Nadu Fireworks and Amorces Manufacturers Association (Tanfama), “None of these NGOs talk about this. So is there a hidden agenda why they speak about an event that comes just once a year?

The SC has said that the paramount need is the right of people to breathe and a cleaner product is wanted. Now we have a cleaner product. Then what 30 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

are they against? Cars produce more pollutants and why are NGOs silent about it?”

While the raw material costs are increasing day by day, new rules mean that the most profitable part of the manufacturing has been stunted since the profitable joint crackers (where explosive crackers are strung together in a chain) are largely banned. Production has been declining by almost 50%.

“Fireworks mean chain crackers and if these are not there, then there is not joy or celebration. In the early 1920s, we were only manufacturing single shot crackers and this new ban means we have gone back to that era,” said Elangovan, general secretary of Federation of Tamil Nadu Fireworks Traders, “We are manufacturing chain crackers or lars as per the SC order adhering to the sound limit of 125 decibels. 40 per cent of production is generally lars item and now if this is banned, what will happen? This should be permitted.”

Adding to the traders’ perspective, Abirupan said, “We have taken a scientific study with National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI) which is a part of the affidavit filed in the Supreme Court. In the study, it is clearly stated that these (lars) are made of waste paper and once they are burned, only biodegradable material is left as waste.”

“As for the sound level, there is a clear ruling of the SC. The SC says lars and string crackers are banned but the common man’s celebration comes from this small cracker and we hope that the ban will be lifted,” he added.

Sivakasi MP Manickam Tagore and the members of the manufacturing sector have put forth several representations to help the industry export crackers.

“The Centre should not just give slogans like ‘Make in India’ but make efforts to help industries. The industries should be helped but we don’t know why there is discrimination against Sivakasi. We have met three ministries and only with their support will we be able to move forward. Sivakasi has the potential to become a world player but we are not getting the required support from the Centre. We are held guilty instead of being seen as a promoter of business,” he said.

For this year however, as the public turns away from firecrackers for different reasons, it will be yet another dip is Sivakasi’s sparkling star.

CUiSiNE

HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF DIWALI LEFTOVERS

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WHY USE LEFTOVERS?

hen the dust of the festival settles, you will no doubt be left staring at lots of leftovers – some quick-perishables, some long-life, some party fare and others festive gifts.

The thought of using up all these stranded goodies may be daunting however, most of us are inspired by the mental image of so many people who don’t have our good luck and try to either give away the food or reinvent it so that it is not wasted.

Because of all the talk of farm-totable and sensitising about how much work a handful of grain or a cup of milk represents, we are all keenly aware of our responsibility to make our food choices sustainable and less wasteful.

For all kinds of reasons — environmental, social and financial — it makes sense for us to get smarter about fully using the food that we purchase. And that means getting smarter about leftovers.

This Diwali, then, start purposefully.

Plan how you will allocate your leftovers,

whom you can give them away to, how to time it so that it reaches them in good condition and when they can immediately eat it, We have also shared recipes on tasty ways to spin new dishes from leftovers.

Meanwhile, here are some tips on how to minimise your “leftovers footprint”: • Supply should not be larger than the demand. Sure, there are family favourites and new recipes to try. But portion control is key whether it is home-made or store bought.

• Balance quick perishables with longer lasting food. That way you need not overload your fridge and can pace the use of leftovers.

• Plan and reuse. That way you can pick the perishables and use them up first.

• Reach out to community. Connect with charity groups in advance so that you have an ongoing understanding about disposing leftovers in top condition and in timely manner. Party leftovers need to be packed and

refrigerated till they can be delivered to the group in need in time for their eating hour.

• Do it with grace. Do not dump food at inappropriate times or in an unappetising manner. Many charity groups complain that donors simply put all the food in a heap to save on containers and care little if it reaches the needy at their lunch or dinner time.

• Think “ingredients,” not “leftovers.” Blend cooked vegetables with a can of whole tomatoes and create a veggie-packed sauce for pasta. Or convert that jilienned veggie curry into a nice jhalfrezie Kathi roll.

• Portion and store. When freezing or dry-storing leftovers, separate into portions and store. That way, you can take only what is required and leave the rest undisturbed. Too much taking in and putting back can spoil the food.

Roughly one-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, which amounts to about 1.3 billion tons per year. Nearly one-third of that food waste happens because we purchase, cook or serve more than we consume.

With Diwali holding out the promise of plenty and prosperity, let us try to make a dent on this horrific mountain of waste! Getting into the habit of using up our leftovers is one way to have an impact on this important issue.

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Leftover Milk Peda Cake INGREDIENTS 100 gm 125 gm 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp 1/2 tsp 200 ml

leftover peda all-purpose flour baking powder baking soda green cardamom powder hot milk

*You do not need extra oil or butter for this recipe since Indian sweets are already rich with these two ingredients.

PREPARATION 1. Dice the leftover milk sweet (peda) or crush with a rolling pin and put in a bowl.

2. Add 100 ml hot milk and whisk with a balloon whisk until the leftover sweet has completely dissolved.

3. Now add cardamom powder and mix it in.

4. Using a sifter, sieve the flour, baking powder and baking soda all together directly into the mixture.

5. The sugar is optional since the peda itself is sweet – if using, add it directly to the mixture at this point.

6. Using a whisker or spatula, fold all the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until it is a homogenous and smooth, lump-free mixture.

7. Now add the rest of the 100 ml milk and prepare a batter of pouring consistency.

8. Line a baking tin with parchment paper and pour the prepared batter into it. *Tip: Once batter is in the tin, tap the tin lightly but firmly on the counter. This levels the batter and gets rid of air bubbles.

9. Garnish the batter with sliced nuts of your choice and bake in a pre-heated 180C oven for 30 minutes. The nuts should be thinly sliced otherwise they will sink to the bottom.

10. Test the cake by piercing with a skewer in the middle to see if it comes out clean.

11. Remove the cake if done and let it stand in the tin for 10 minutes. Immediately demoulding a hot cake will result in broken bits.

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CUiSiNE

After a Diwali get-together, its not just the sweets but also the party fare which settles in the fridge and freezer. Instead of wasting the leftovers or using it to make even richer and heavy new fare, why not try converting it into snacky meals that are lighter but still tasty and nutritious? This Chhole Tikki is one such idea.

Chhole Tikki INGREDIENTS 2 cups leftover chickpeas (chhole) ½ tsp red chilli powder 1 finely chopped onion ½ tsp garam masala powder ½ tsp ginger paste ½ tsp garlic paste ½ tsp turmeric 2 tsp gram flour Salt to taste Chhat masala powder to garnish Lemon wedges

PREPARATION 1. First, put the leftover chhole with the accompanying gravy in a pan and cook till it is almost dry, over a medium flame. Stir often to avoid the gravy burning.

2. Now take it out in a vessel, add all the ingredients, and mash well.

3. After mashing, divide into lemon-size balls. Oil your palms and flatten the balls into thick discs.

4. Heat oil and fry the chhole discs on both sides until golden brown.

5. Remove to a serving plate and dust lightly with chhat masala powder.

6. Serve hot with a lemon wedge and green coriander chutney.

33 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

CUiSiNE

The bright golden orbs of ghee and sugar-soaked motichoor laddoo are synonymous with happy occasions – festivals, graduations, weddings and baby births. In fact, my favourite story is of the late Prime Minister of Bahrain, HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa telling members of the Indian community that he remembers waiting for the gift of motichoor laddoo when he visited the homes of Indian Bhatia merchants with his father the then Emir of Bahrain, Shaikh Salman Al Khalifa and his older brother, who was later the Emir, HH Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

“We were children then and always thrilled to get the laddoo because we also got the silver coin that was embedded in it for us,” he told his Indian guests. Motichoor laddoo holds sway over the sweet trolley even today and there are always more than you can finish, once Diwali is over. Get help from food blogger Manali (all the way in Seattle, USA) – this recipe in her site https://www.cookwithmanali.com is so pretty, you may end up making it for Diwali, instead of afterwards! Besides, the biscuit crust recommended here can be made with the “Made in Bahrain” Parle-G biscuits! (Or the caramel-ly Lotus biscuits)

No-Bake Motichoor Laddoo Cheesecake Jars INGREDIENTS

For the crust ¾ cup crushed Parle-G biscuit crumbs from around 15 Parle-G biscuits 2 tsp unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled Generous pinch of cardamom powder For the cheesecake 8 oz cream cheese softened ½ cup powdered sugar (50 grams), also known as Confectioner’s sugar (do not replace with regular white sugar) Few drops kesar or elaichi essence (optional) ½-¾ cup heavy cream depending how light you want the cheesecake (If you want a lighter texture for your cheesecake layer, use 3/4 cup whipped cream.)

3-4 motichoor laddoos crumbled (each laddoo is approx. 50 grams) Nuts for garnishing Chandi ka vark/edible silver leaf for garnishing PREPARATION 1. Pulse Parle-G biscuits in a food processor along with a generous pinch of cardamom powder. Pulse until the biscuits turn into fine crumbs.

2. Transfer the crumbs to a bowl and add melted (slightly cooled) butter to it. Mix the crumbs with the butter until it feels like wet sand.

3. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of crumbs to the bottom of each jar and press the crumbs to the bottom using the back of your spoon or with your thumb until it is compact. Place the jars in the refrigerator while you make the filling.

4. Using the paddle attachment of your food processor or using a hand mixer, beat the softened cream cheese for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then add the powdered sugar to it and mix.

5. Add the kesar elaichi essence (if using) and mix. Set the cream cheese aside.

6. In a separate bowl, beat the heavy cream until it forms stiff peaks using the wire whisk.

7. Start folding the whipped cream into the cream cheese mixture using a spatula. Fold the whipped

cream in 2 to 3 batches into cream cheese mixture until it’s all combined.

8. Now crumble the motichoor laddoos in a separate bowl.

9. Take the jars out of the refrigerator and add the first layer of cheesecake mixture on top of the crust. Then top with a layer of crumbled laddoo.

10. Top with another layer of cheesecake filling and then finish with a layer of crumbled laddoo on top. Repeat with the remaining jars.

11. The alternate layers of cheesecake and crumbled orange laddoo make the sweet look very pretty – but you can also do it as one cheesecake layer atop the biscuit base and then one motichoor laddoo layer on top.

12. Garnish the no-bake motichoor ladoo cheesecake jars with sliced almonds, pistachios and chandi ka vark.

13. Cover and place them in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 hours before serving.

34 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

NEW BUSINESS

Amazing MUSE set for artists Sheetal and Bansri serve up innovative business plan

T

wo enterprising young ladies, one a professional make-up specialist (Sheetal Waya) and another a qualified dentist (Bansri Mistry), have come up with a splendid business idea: a supportive hub for creative people.

In a leafy Adliya lane, MUSE is a sunlit co-working space/business centre for creatives who can rent out studio space or desks or offices by the hour, day, week or month.

The business had a soft opening last month with plenty of music and optimism.

“We are excited to offer this unique service to Bahrain’s art community,” said Sheetal Waya, Co-Founder and CEO, “Often, artists land great projects and need an inspiring space to work from and stay connected with like-minded people for that duration. MUSE will be that dedicated space.”

Added Bansri, “Whether graphic design, designing a mural or a campaign or even studio space for a dance or music production, we have built the space for all genres of artists. We are also planning marketplaces for micro businesses and workshops in the future.”

Interested artistes can pop into the workspace hub near Philippines Embassy in Adliya (or call 17001173) for a dekko.

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SALAAM SOCIETY

Navbharat ladies host colourful Dandiya

T

here was yet another Dandiya for people to enjoy this year in Bahrain – the one organised by NavBharat Ladies Association. The NLA Dandiya Raas’23 was flagged off by P Mohanty, Senior Manager Sales, from Y. K. Almoayyed & Sons,Title Sponsor for the event while Kumari Jamula Kaffle, Labour Attache from Nepal Embassy and noted lawyer and labour affairs expert Madhavan Kallath were amongst the invited dignitaries. Asha Pradeep, NLA President addressed the gathering and Meenakshi Sharma, the Coordinator, started the programme.

It was a fun filled evening which included kid’s performances,ladies garbha ,nonstop music along with variety of food-stalls and around 1200 people attended.

The funds raised will be used for NavBharat’s Charity drive “AKSHAYAPATRA”which distributes food and ration to the labourers.

SALAAM BUSINESS

Danube foray into Bahrain real estate Bahrain property buyers were introduced to the luxury Dubaibased Danube Properties and more than 40 broker companies and over 200 individuals were able to explore the exclusive range of properties offered by Danube Properties.

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SALAAM SOCIETY

LULU PUTS STAMP ON GOLU DOLL DISPLAY

S

eason 2 of the LuLu Grand Golu Competition was once again a hit parade of dolls this year – celebrating the creative genius of 25 enthusiastic participating households. The tradition of displaying dolls during Navaratri is a colourful and beloved practice in South India, especially Tamil Nadu. In the runup to the festival, beautiful dolls made of clay and wood are sold in street side stalls and special markets pop up where families from all over South India come to sell dolls.

LULU GOLU COMPETITION S2- WINNERS LIST Category

Name

Prize

Small

Rajendra Hebbale

Winner

Small

Vanaja Madhanraj

Runner-up

Medium

Sowmya Ramkumar

Winner

Medium

Srividhya Rajkumar

Runner-up

Big

Nisha Rangarajan

Winner

Big

K. Shyam Krishnan

Runner-up

Special Theme

Jayashree Balu

Winner

Special Theme

Nithyasri Nagarajan

Runner-up

Special Doll

Sathya Mahadevan

Winner

Special Doll

Gayathri Viswanath

Runner-up

37 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Bahrain’s Golu-keepers showcased cherished family heirloom dolls, precious new collections as well as innovative themed sets.

Made up of modern dolls, some with motorised parts and painstakingly crafted models of cardboard and foam board, they ranged from India’s new Parliament House to movie sets of the hit film Ponniyin Selvan and – of course – Chandrayaan III. There was even an eye-catching miniature set of Lulu Hypermarket, complete with shelves and trolleys, which won Sathya Mahadevan her prize for Special Doll.

“It is wonderful to take part in such a contest that recognises our efforts to keep alive such a visual heritage – kudos to LuLu and to Salaam Bahrain for adding such a dimension to our festive season,” said winner Sowmya Ramkumar whose Medium Golu won hearts with its catchy display of board games which originated in India.

Added Rajendra Hebbale, the only male winner, “I bet everybody is already planning how to improve upon their display and get the big prize next year.”

LuLu generously awarded trophies and vouchers for the winners and runners up and gift vouchers for every participating family.

The prizes were given by Nizamuddin General Manager of LuLu Hypermarket, Dana Mall.

We are lucky that there are so many participants – this year, we even got enquiries from as far as Chennai! – and more important, we have knowledgeable judges who can complete the circle.

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SALAAM SOCiETY

Tulukoota get stardust in their eyes

T

he premier of the Tulu movie Pulimunchi was attended with enthusiastic delight by Bahrain’s Tuluspeaking Konkan community.

In the presence of the movie’s stars Vineethh, Samantha Amin and Trishul Shetty, children did an impromptu flash mob dance ad sang and cheered the actors at the screening in Mukta Cinema.

The event was co-ordinated

by Austin Santhosh, Raj kumar, Rajesh Shetty and Vijay Naik.

The packed crowd in two screens have cheered the movie stars and declared that the movie will complete 100 days in Mangalore, Mumbai and other parts of India.

There was a stage function which included cake cutting, dances by children and speech by movie stars.

Nostalgic movie magic in Osmitay

T

he quest for the Konkani identity and a sweet love story forms the core of the movie Osmitay which was enjoyed by the Bahrain Konkani community in the unlikely setting of the Sacred Heart Church Bishop Tirinanzi Auditorium.

The screening was facilitated by Nelson Menezes and organized by the Konkani Community Core Committee.

The highlight of screening the premier, was the visit and presence among the audience of the movie hero and main Actor, Ashwin D’Costa to the shores of Bahrain. His presence added the right nostalgia to the premiere of the movie.

A brief felicitation program for Ashwin was the prelude to the premiere of the movie with the Master of Ceremonies, Bertie Rego, welcoming the audience at sharp 7.30pm for the first premiere in his inimitable style. Fr. Darel Fernandes, the Assistant Parish Priest, Sacred Heart Church Bahrain and the Spiritual Director of the Konkani Community in Bahrain.

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SALAAM SOCiETY

Bahrain’s Golu season best

E

ach part of India has a unique celebration of Navratri which just concluded – nine days and nights of piety, sacred rituals, dandiya dancing, special saatvic foods – and the fabulous tradition of bommai golu. In the mid-eighties, it was a rarity to visit a home and see an authentic Golu display of clay dolls from South India.

Today, enthusiastic families have shipped whole collections to their Bahrain homes and added contemporary dolls to the display as well. So much so, Salaam Bahrain and LuLu hypermarket have been running a hugely popular Golu Competition for two years now and the number of joyful participants keeps increasing!.

Here is a glimpse of some of the Golu doll displays and guests at Bahrain’s Golu whirlwind!

Savitha Raghavan

Srikanth Fily

Mythrayee Hish 40 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Deepa Devnayan

Nisha Ranga

Shy Krishnan

41 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Supraja Giridh

HISTORY

Birth of a Prime Minister Historical records show that the titan of Indian democracy was born unheralded, on a day when Indian political aspirations were being ridiculed.

BY K.R.N.SWAMY

I

t was the year 1889.

‘For at least a century to come, Indians will not be politically developed enough to be included in the Executive Council’ (a body which advised the Viceroy of India on the running of Indian affairs during the days of the Raj) - thus wrote The Pioneer newspaper of Allahabad. So much for political prescience! That very week was born the scion of the famed Nehru family in the town, a man who would help to turn the tide of two centuries of British rule, become the first Prime Minister of independent India and steer the fledgeling democracy through the thickets of incipient dictatorship and extremism.

Thanks to the newspaper section of the British Library in London , one can peruse the journal of the 19th century , of which complete files are available. Thumbing through the British newspapers – The Manchester Guardian (estb. 1821), The Times (estd.1785): the Indian metropolitan newspapers such as The Times of India, Bombay and The Englishman, Calcutta, both already decades old , as well as the Pioneer Mail and Indian Weekly Mail, journals

of Allahabad, it is possible to gain an overview of the day that marked the birth of India’s first prime minister.

It would seem that on November 14, 1889, the day Jawaharlal Nehru was born, many of today’s problems claimed space in the papers then too, like the Byculla sewage problem. Even critics of bureaucracy often take delight in the fact that their cause is a century old.

A judge of the Bombay high court was denied the honour of taking a seat on the Bench on November 14, the first day that the court met after the vacation, all because the written order had not reached him.

WORLD MATTERS In Europe, it was the day that the Grand Triple Alliance between the Emperors of Germany, Russia and Austria was to be concluded and the three potentates were due to meet in Germany. The German Emperor was already in Innsbruck awaiting the Czar of Russia and Emperor Franz Joseph of Austria. His immediate task was to mediate between them to sort out the future of Bulgaria which

was being claimed both by Russia and Austria.

In the Imperial capital of London , of main interest to India was the controversial Bill on the increased Indian representation in the Executive council of the Viceroy and those of the provincial Governors, to be introduced

by Charles Bradlaugh, a staunch supporter of the Indian nationalists in Parliament. The British newspapers were sarcastic about his plan to ‘involve Indians in the governing of their own country’. Bradlaugh and Sir William Wedderburn, another friend of India, had announced their plans to visit India to confer with the nationalist leaders of the recently formed (four years old) Indian National Congress.

Annie Besant, eventually to become one of India’s national leaders, was fighting a court case on that day, in defence of her educational principles.

A new Lord Mayor of London had been elected. His inauguration, together with the 48th birthday celebrations of the Prince of Wales, gave a gala atmosphere to the Empire’s First City.

Among more mundane events was a meeting planned in Leeds to protest against the opium traffic in India and China. The Irish rebels were active and the Parnell Commission appointed by the British Government was in session on November 14, 1889, to investigate the Irish Republican Brotherhood, one of the Irish nationalist groups.

INDIAN HEADLINES In India, the most noteworthy news item was the state visit of H.R.H. Prince Albert Victor, the third son of Queen 42 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Victoria. He had come to India earlier in the year and on November 14, was at Poona, being feted by the Governor of Bombay, Lord Reay and other satraps.

The Maharajas of Kolhapur and Miraj were in Poona to welcome the Prince.

The Viceroy himself, was touring the North Western Frontier Province and was at Dera Ismail Khan, and the Times of India reported that the cotton crop was expected to be excellent.

Among other economic indicators, the price of silver rose to 44 pence per ounce from 42 pence (from Rs.63 rupees a kilo to Rs. 66).

On November 14, 1889, in Kabul Afghanistan, a caravanserai frequented

by Indian traders, was destroyed by fire and the loss was estimated by some at Rs. 5 lakhs. ‘It was probably over estimated’, wrote The Times of India.

The sewage system of Bombay city was in as bad a state then as now, and on November 14, the Byculla club, at its special meeting, had condemned the apathy of the civic officials. The luxury yacht of Maharajah Gaekwad of Baroda , S.S. Zingara, had run aground on rocks near Alibagh, Bombay and the Bombay dockyard authorities were trying their best to save the ship from getting wrecked.

In Calcutta, then the capital of India, the Municipal corporation was debating the need to appoint a Health officer and the Indian Army Headquarters were sending reinforcement for the

Chin Lushai expedition to Burma (modern Myanmar).

In the northern districts of the United Provinces (modern Uttar Pradesh), an improved version of the Bareilly dandi or sedan chair-like facility to carry tourists up the mountain slopes, had been devised with a mechanism ‘which will always keep the dandi on an even keel, whether taken up or down the hills.

Its greatest advantage was that “the memsahibs using the dandi would not feel embarrassed by the oscillations of the dandi, revealing their knickers” wrote The Pioneer of Allahabad. Indeed, European dignity had been maintained.

In Allahabad , Nehru’s hometown, the most important news journal was the anglophile Pioneer Mail. It was printed on Wednesday night, with the masthead proudly proclaiming, ‘Published on the night of dispatch for Europe of the Overland Mail via Bombay and Brindisi’ and the issue dated November 20, 1889, which covered the period from November 14 to November 20, 1889, listed province by province, the important events of the week.

The journal discussed Charles Bradlaugh’s Bill to be introduced in the house of Commons named the ‘Draft Bill for reforming the Supreme and Legislative Councils’. The editor at The Pioneer felt that this Bill, was premature.

Allen Octavian Hume, the founder of the Indian National Congress was to visit Bombay and different welcome

demonstrations planned by the Indians made the Pioneer newspaper cynical , as to how such a group of disparate people were going to forge a nation, capable of governing themselves.

A rise in transport charges was engaging the attention of the Englishmen resident in India. The near monopoly of the P& O Line (the Peninsular & Orient line) on the Bombay-London route was held to be responsible for this and a national association known as the Anglo Indian Cheap Passage Association , met in Allahabad on November 14. It demanded that the charges be kept at Rs. 700 for a double ticket for London Bombay and Rs.560 for a London Bombay return ticket.

Of ironical note is the fact that the infant Jawaharlal, a future Prime Minister of India and despite being the son of one of the most outstanding lawyers of Allahabad, could not even make it to the births columns of the Pioneer. The Pioneer issue covering the week ending November 20, 1889, contained one Indian name amongst the eight ‘arrivals’, the other seven being English babies. The lone Indian child was one Jadu Nath Bose, son of the subdivisional officer of the district of Katwa, born on November 2, 1889, and thus the Indian Press gave no hint of the birth of one of the titans of modern India, in fact, its first Prime minister.

By arrangement with Maharaja Features

PAACT welcomes Mahabali with Onam grandeur The Palakkad Arts & Cultural Theatre hosted a grand and colourful Onam at the Crowne Plaza Convention Centre.

With a traditional chef especially flown in to supervise the Onasadhya feast and members putting up a grand cultural show, everybody had a great time.

43 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

SALAAM SOCIETY

BKS Onam excels in pan-India vibe

T

he meticulous planning and the imagination that goes into the annual Onam festivities at the Bahrain Keraleeya Samajam is always a treat to enjoy. The centrepiece is, of course, the Onasadhya prepared by a celebrity chef and supported by the tireless work of member-volunteers who cut and chop, stir and serve up a feast. This year, over 5000 guests are said to have partaken of the traditional feast. President Radhakrishna Pillai also led his team in introducing innovations that embrace a pan-Indian culture from costumes and dances of India to programmes for all age groups – Payasamela, a contest to find the tastiest Payasam maker as well as children’s events and a roaring Pulikali (masked tiger dance). There was also a melodious musical date with everybody’s favourite K.S. Chithra and an arts award instituted in memory of the much-missed senior member and former Committee member, M.P. Raghu.

44 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

45 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

SALAAM SOCIETY

Arun & Aasrithaa B celebrate wedding

ahrain resident Arun Balu introduced friends to his lovely wife Aasrithaa at a grand reception with plenty of glam and warmth. Parents Balu and Lalitha and sister Divya and brother-in-law Mani made sure everybody had a wonderful time.

46 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

50 SHADES OF GAURANG GREY

FASHiON

G

aurang Shah is today the czar of Indian handloom.

Connoisseurs of Indian handloom textiles the world over come all the way to his Hyderabad showroom to purchase even just a couple of sarees – and, royalty everywhere seek out the soft-spoken genius, often flying him to their palaces in private jets to show them his bespoke designs.

Although proud of his roots in Telengana, where he grew up in Begumpet, an upscale suburb in Hyderabad, Shah’s textile revival embraces all of India and for the past two decades, he has pioneered the revival of many weaving circles, invigorating the weaving traditions across 16 Indian states, engaging 7000 weavers, craftspeople and others in ancillary trades in continuous and profitable employment.

Shah’s family were originally from another textile hub, Gujarat, and his father ran a blouse piece store. In those days sarees did not come with extra material for blouses and stores existed whose only purpose was to offer thousands of varying shades of fine cotton and silk which were matched to the sarees and stitched into blouses.

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FASHiON

52 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

“My goal is to make my label more global and become one of the most desirable destinations for Jamdani weaves.”

His exquisite eye for detail and refined sense of design have led to a revival of the celebrated Jamdani and Paithani weaves and the painstaking recreation of Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings set as a Jamdani woven design on handloom sarees. He also works with niche woven textiles like Khadi, Uppada, Paithani, Kanjeevaram, Benarasi, Patan patola, Kota and Dhakai.

While Gaurang Shah’s sarees are known for their jewelled colours and rich tone, we are bringing here a sophisticated interpretation of varying shades of grey in his work – from softest rain-cloud grey to dark blue-grey, lambent steel grey and grey with a touch of duck’s egg teal.

While the world desires to own a Gaurang Shah creation, what does the Master of Weaves desire? Top of his wish list is the opportunity to dress an international celebrity. “My goal is to make my label more global and become one of the most desirable destinations for Jamdani weaves.” concludes Gaurang.

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YOUNGISTAN

TEEN MENTAL HEALTH – IT’S THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM Coping with changes in life and new pressures, teenagers are often as vulnerable as adults to mental health issues. Here’s what teens are saying about how adults can help them.

BY DORIS YAGNARAJ

F

rom the outside, it would seem that life in the Gulf is easypeasy. You are relatively well-off and Bahrain is a small place where most people know each other so the sense of community is very high. There’s no need to feel stressed or overwhelmed, right?

Umm..that’s not for me to say. My idea of a laid-back life may be the epitome of a busy and stressed one for you. Each of us has a very different idea of what triggers our mind to feel panicked or out-of-sorts.

Here’s news for teens: research says that mental health matters are a top priority amongst teens. They think about it, if they are lucky they talk about it to friends and family and have a network to turn to when they feel they need help.

Here are some tips on managing mental health as a young person: Remember that there is no mental health standard box: no set age or gender or background for mental health management.

Young people today face a world that is fast-paced, more challenging and can throw so much information and situations at you that you feel choked.

It wasn’t like this when your parents and teachers were your age – so first of all, don’t think you are flawed because you feel you need help in managing your mental health. Learn to recognise your need for help and make the move to seek help.

It’s easy to pretend. When feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it may seem easier to just put your head down and keep moving forward. You may want to pretend everything’s alright or worry that if you “give in”, you are being weak.

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Know what?

Looking your problem in the eye and admitting you need support is probably the strongest and wisest thing you’ll do for yourself. Sometimes its an exam coming up, or a social occasion – or a date night. Anything can make you anxious and if you don’t tackle the stressors, they can become a burr in your brain!

Seek support. Talk to an adult – your parent, your teacher or a trusted older person. If they tend to dismiss you – sometimes adults can be pretty mindless – insist you want to talk to your counsellor or spiritual guide who may have a better idea of the help you need.

Pick your battles. There’s so much happening in your life. But instead of fighting all the battles, pick your problems. Not everything is worth spending energy on. Focus on things you can change because not everything is under our control.

Eat and work out regularly.

Huh? What’s that got to do with feeling mentally snappy? A nutritious diet and a good physical exercise routine releases hormones that make us feel good and help to reduce stress hormones. Get a buddy or a mentor to be your partner in this process.

You can add a meditative fitness routine to your mix – like tai chi.

It will give you better focus and sharper reflexes. If you want to get a handle on your mental restlessness, try a mindfulness app which will use music or instructions to help you train your mind.

Note to myself. Yes really. Just a voice note on your phone or a message you can read later will help cut stress. Its as good as journaling and can be done anywhere, anytime.

Sleep tight. Wanna bet this is the most difficult suggestion to follow?

Everything seems better after a good sleep. Get eight to 10

hours of sleep every night. Avoid electronic devices at least one hour before sleeping, as the light from screens can suppress the release of melatonin, which is the hormone that promotes sleep.

Talk it out. Nothing helps like telling people whao care for you that you need help. Remember the days of feeling shy or ashamed to seek therapy are over – so Middle Ages! – and nowadays, everybody uses professional therapy to get over a sticky patch. If you want just a listening ear, try to reach out to helplines in the community. They are free, they are available 24 x7 and trained to help you find a solution without judging you. There are some numbers at the end of this article.

Get involved. Feeling that you are part of something and that you are making a difference is a great way to boost self-esteem and positive feelings. Join a team, get involved in your school or volunteer to help others less fortunate. Most importantly, being observant about yourself and noticing if another buddy needs help will help you or another friend to turn their life around.

YOUR SUPPORT IN A CRISIS. CALL 24/7 FOR FREE ICRF HELP LINE:

39430708, 35990990, 38415171

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… and how parents can support a teen mental crisis

T

he mahout who wishes to keep the Elephant of mental health firmly in the room is the parent. For most Asian parents, the words therapy and mental stress are triggers that flag a panic. They often see it as an indictment of their parenting and end up getting dismissive or defensive – both of which are reactions that help nobody.

The first thing you should learn is that you, as a parent, are navigating a very different world with your teen. The pressures you both face as a family unit are new to both of you. As an expat, you are also far from the familiar family network and this can be isolating.

Remember not to say the wrong thing such as, “you’re overreacting” when your teen comes to you with a mental health concern.

Do not brush away your teen’s concerns and at the same time, do not smother him/her with over-attention and try and ‘fix’ the problem yourself.

Yes, just giving your child the feeling that you have his/her back is a giant step towards healing. But, depending on the gravity of the problem, you may need professional therapy to sort the matter.

Work on managing your own emotions, asking the right questions and helping to determine the level of support your child need. Many a time, even the most well-meaning parent panic when their child is struggling with mental health issues.

Practice being sympathetic and nonjudgemental and focus on your child’s concern and not on your reaction or what the neighbours will say. It can also help to remind yourself that feeling distress is part of being a young adult - part of how we can support young people is to normalise stress.

Balance between privacy and concern.

Many parents err by offering their child too much space, assuming that they will come to them with a problem.

While young adults crave a u t o n o m y, the prefrontal cortex — the part of the brain that manages thinking flexibly and managing impulses — continues to develop until age 25, which means that however mature they seem, your teen needs adult help when it comes to regulating emotions and handling crises.

While you have to be your child’s support system, it is not your job to remove any potential problems your adolescent is facing. Experiencing and coping with mistakes and failures can prove to be a “hidden curriculum” that helps young adults grow and find their purpose. When a teenager expresses mental health concern, many parents try to ‘fix’ it by rushing in to help with non-urgent issues such as helping their teen make up for a late assignment.

That only keeps their young adult from learning from consequences and developing better problem-solving skills. Rather than entering fix-it mode, the goal should be to help your young person build a broader repertoire for managing. That may include talking about cultivating healthy habits such as getting enough sleep, exercising and steering clear of substances.

If your teen is struggling with issues more serious than average stress, such as depression or anxiety, let them know that what they’re experiencing isn’t permanent and that feeling better is possible and within reach. Parents too should understand that symptoms of depression don’t define you, they are part of your life experience and will change through effort, adaptive coping strategies and finding the right supports.

Practice being sympathetic and non-judgemental and focus on your child’s concern and not on your reaction or what the neighbours will say.

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If you’re concerned, however, that your child is considering suicide or self-harm, the single biggest thing is to collect yourself and find a way to ask about that directly. Approach your loved one at a good time when you have their undivided attention, then be direct — “Are things ever so bad that you think about suicide? Do you ever have thoughts of doing things to hurt yourself?” — and make sure you’re ready to hear the answer.

You need to listen and just hear it and hold it, rather than invalidating, preempting or pointing things out, say experts. You want to convey the message that we’re here, whether that’s physically, or emotionally; on the phone, or by text - we’ve got you. While suicidal feelings can feel terrifying and warrant seeking professional help, remember that you must be someone your child can turn to, so don’t overreact. Instead, aim to go into these conversations prepared with potential resources.

Be open and let your teen know talk about suicide is not off-limits. Many young adults are terrified of broaching suicidal feelings with their parents, which can mean that suicidal thoughts aren’t discussed until there is an emergency. That’s why it’s so important to lay the groundwork for your teen to feel comfortable sharing. Also, keep in mind thoughts of suicide are fairly common, with nearly 10 percent of people having these thoughts over the course of their lives.

No matter what the young adult you love is facing, consider your role. Like a lighthouse, just keep sending the message, “I’m here. There are rocks out there. I will continue to send out a beacon of light to help guide you, but you’re the captain of your own ship, and together we can get you safely to the shore.”

EDiTOR'S ViEW

These NMS scientists are NUTTY! NMS students from Grades 1 and 2 got to share a morning with the Nutty Scientists and explore exciting scientific ideas with hand-on experiments. Since the Nutty Scientists is a leading provider of interactive programmes for children of all ages related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning, this was a real ‘edutainment’ time for the kids!

NMS BAHRAIN “Goes Pink” to support Breast Cancer Awareness New Millennium School, Bahrain voiced its solidarity with the global ‘THINK PINK’ Breast Cancer Awareness campaign by celebrating the month of October as ‘Pinktober’.

Students were involved in activities like delivering speeches, self-created video presentations, poster designing, and launching campaigns. The students of the ‘Ethical Society’ of the school organised a ‘Bake Sale’ where they put up a sale of cakes and confectionery items. The sale was organized to raise funds to be donated as a part of charity to the Breast Cancer Awareness Foundation.

The school had also invited 2 eminent doctors in Bahrain to deliver a talk and conduct workshops on healthy lifestyle by Dr Hajira Begum, from KIMS Hospital Bahrain and Dr Silky Kothiwal, from Bahrain Specialist Hospital followed by a general health check up for all the staff members.

57 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

SALAAM SOCiETY

we speak your Language

NOVEMBER 2023

THE EDITORIAL TEAM P.O. Box 50650, Arad Kingdom of Bahrain Licensed by the Ministry of Information Publication Licence no : GASB 740 Chairman and Managing Editor Mahmood Al Mahmood Managing Director P.K. Ravi Editor Meera Ravi Contributors Maharaja Features Pvt. Ltd.

Viknesh-Rachel celebrate wedding

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ahrain friends and family celebrated the wedding of Viknesh and Rachel at a grand reception in the Gulf Hotel. The buzzy guest list was evidence of how popular the groom’s dad, restauranteur Anand was and how much goodwill the family commanded.

Photography Hussain – Salmaniya Studio Design Madhu Sarda Creatives Marketing P.R.M. Marketing Consultancy w.l.l Advertising Sales Contact: +973 3668 4011 advts.sb@gmail.com Published by Al Ayam Publishing Promoted by Ajyal Consultations w.l.l Advertising / Editorial / Circulation Enquiries +973 3668 4011 e-mail salaam.bahrain@gmail.com advts.sb@gmail.com Copyright Reserved.

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The views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the publisher and Editor. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this publication, the publisher & editor cannot accept legal responsibility for any error, content or omissions.

58 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

CULTURAL SCENE

The many roles of Anupam This wordsmith has built a creative empire for herself and others with Khwabgaah

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nupam Kinger is a woman in a hurry – she has so many stories to share, so many poems bubbling inside her and so many plays peeking from behind the stage curtain just waiting to be told and heard, that she finds herself weaving the dreams, as it were, without a pause.

“I have always been fascinated with the magic of words and the way they shape your thoughts, influence actions and their beauty,” Anupam says, “But as a busy mom, life kind of waylaid me and I think I did not indulge my passion for words and creativity for some time.

As my children got older, I saw that they too shared my pleasure in creating and I believe it helped me to reconnect with the artist in me.”

CREATIVE MILESTONES

In 2018, Anupam set up Khwabgaah an official and professional channel for her

pursuit of arts. Having started with the well-received ‘Main Noor Bano’, at the Bapco Club, she has consistently set her sights higher. There have been two plays – ‘Ram Rattan Hazir Ho’ in 2019 and ‘Zill-e-Tabahi: A Royal Mess’. She also brought together Bahraini and Indian poets and artists under the Khwabgaah banner, to frame poetic works written about one’s country and patriots. Called ‘Sadaqatu Dosti Ka’ – , it was followed by another well received poetry meet, ‘Dil Se, Desh Tak’, both held at the Indian Embassy. The latter saw 12 poets from across GCC, converge in Bahrain and share their work with a very appreciative audience.

“I am deeply grateful that I have Khwabgaah to channel my creativity,” she said, “However, while appreciation is generously given, I must confess, the business side of creative work can be challenging. So far we have been blessed by good support from the business community.

Our latest project, which was launched recently, is called ‘Yatharth : The Real Truth’ is an exciting journey into a woman’s world. What is different this time is that I have tried to get music (vocal) specially composed for it by a Bahrain-based musician/artist and we have even managed to get some truly talented artists to put colour on canvas for a special lobby exhibition of their perspective on their perception of the truth of the storyline.”

All of Anupam’s plays tap local talent – actors who blossom under her direction and production values tested on stage by a dedicated team. But that’s on stage.

Online, Anupam is a different persona.

A lively member of several online poetry groups and a skilled interviewer who brings talented individuals to the world’s attention through well-conducted Zoom talks, she is always busy.

SILVER LINING

“One thing that the pandemic taught me is that if those years could show us a silver lining (in the form of enhanced creativity and Zoom technology), then clearly we are not without hope. I have been able to help many people realise their dreams of acting on stage and it is always delightful to see their pleasure and to see my work find a voice. I must thank my husband Ramesh, my kids and my Khwabgaah community for their enthusiasm.”

“Art is so important – it nourishes the soul and gives us an understanding of what we are dreaming of, where we are heading and how to get there,” she said, “That’s what Khwabgaah is – a vehicle for exploring our dreams and our future. ”

Tickets are now out for ‘Yatharth’ and can be purchased from Vitality wellness and Spa in Sar, Citymart in Hoora and various other locations.The show is on the evening of November 24 at the Cultural Hall and at least 600 people will get to see it.

Proceeds from Anupam’s productions go to the Al Rahma Centre for Adults with Autism and to the ILA-Sneha Recreations Centre for Children with Special Needs.

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CELEB CHAKKAR

Waheeda Rehman: Tamil Nadu’s treasure There was always a belief that Waheeda Rehman was originally an Urdu-speaking Hyderabadi who was – but, naturally – discovered

by Telugu cine-world. Nothing could be further from the truth. Like Vyjayanthimala and Hema Malini, the veteran actress comes from the heart of Tamil Nadu! Born in Chengalpettu, she grew up in Thanjavur, the rice-bowl of the South and the hub of the classical arts, Bharatanatyam and Carnatic music.

Born in 1938 to district commissioner Mohamed Abdul Rehman and Mumtaz Begum, Waheeda was the youngest of four daughters. She and her sister Sayeeda trained in Bharathanatyam.

Today only two sisters are still alive – Waheeda and her elder sister Shahida Malik, who continues to live in Thanjavur.

At 92, Shahida cannot stop shedding tears of joy at the honour her sister has won with the Dadasaheb Phalke Award. When Waheeda was a child, Shahida nicknamed her ‘Chand’ and it is a moniker that the family uses with love, regardless of their age difference with Waheeda.

“I nicknamed her after the moon, because she was destined to rise high in life and shine. I am so happy, I cannot stop crying,” says Shahida.

With a beautiful dance sequence that marked her debut at the age of 17 in the 1955 Telugu film Roju Marayi (remade as Kaalam Mari Pochu in Tamil), Waheeda

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Rehman’s body of work spans several decades of unusual roles.

“Waheeda’s ‘Roju Marayi’ dance was so famous that people used to throw money at the screen whenever the song came on,” says Shahida. “We were amazed to see the reaction to our sister and so proud of her success.”

Shahida, who is seven years elder to the actor, remembers the family fearing for Waheeda’s poor health in her early childhood. They were also worried about the reaction to girls from the Muslim community taking up dance or films as a career.

Waheeda was first noticed as a performer at a Bharatanatyam recital for a cultural show reoganised during a visit by India’s last Governor-General C. Rajagopalachari when he was posted at Vishakapatnam (in what was then the Madras Presidency).

“Father was asked to use only local artistes in the programme.

Waheeda and Sayeeda were roped in for the dance,” recalls

Waheeda Rehman with Shahida Malik

Shahida. As mentioned in the 2015 book ‘Conversations with Waheeda Rehman’ by Nasreen Munni Kabir, the family went through straitened times after the death of Mohamed Abdur Rehman in 1951.

“Our father was transferred constantly, and this affected our studies.

My elder sister Zahida and I managed to study up to Class 8, but Sayeeda and Waheeda didn’t get even that far. They worked very hard to stand on their own feet,” says Shahida.

A director’s muse With a ringside view on the world of films, Shahida has many memories of her sister’s heyday as a young actor, and also chaperoning her to shoots in outdoor locations. Waheeda Rehman’s success in the ‘Roju Marayi’ song led to a meeting with actor-producer-director Guru Dutt, who eventually signed her up for a three-year contract with his production house in 1955, persuading Waheeda and her mother to shift to Bombay from Madras. She was his muse and their creative partnership flourished in films like Pyaasa, Twelve O’ Clock, Kaagaz Ke Phool, Chaudvin Ka Chand and Sahib Bibi Aur Ghulam.

60 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Tamannaah says ‘Boo’ to Hindi failure Since her hugely successful raunchy number in the Rajinikanth blockbuster Jailer, actress Tamannaah Bhatia is just all over the cine world. She was applauded in the Netflix compendium Lust Stories, where she and her co-star Vijay Verma also found true love and keeps getting featured more often in fashion plates and even on the catwalk.

The millionaire actress has been in movies for nearly two decades and is a celebrated face in Tamil and Telugu movies and has a few Malayalam hits also to her credit.

Asked how her ‘success in the south did not translate’ in Bollywood, where she is yet to open a box office account, she conveniently shrugged it off saying “The films I made here (Bollywood) didn’t work because it was their destiny. I never took it as a personal failure because a movie is made with a lot of people contributing to it. That way, I am a bit detached from both my successes and failures. I don’t take either seriously. I am alive. I am here. That’s how I look at it.

After 17 years, I still wake up every day wanting to do it over and over again.

Acting is my passion. I wake up to face the camera. It excites me the most.” h-oh. This earnestness may work for a while but it’s a cruel world, Tamannaah. Ultimately you are recognised only by the Friday b.o. results.

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The Great Rift closes Looks like Salman Khan has forgiven singer Arijit finally after nearly a decade of holding a non-grudge. The thing every fan is looking forward to in the Diwali release Tiger 3 is not Sal-Kat’s sizzling chemistry but the reunion of Salman and Arijit in the first duet ‘Leke Prabhu Ka Naam’ (sung by Arijit and Nikhita Gandhi).

IOHO (In Our Honest Opinion) its all about revving the markets – at fifty-eight, with a body that looks beefy and not toned and dance moves choreographed to paper over the lack of speedy movements, savvy Salman needed something to get fans excited. It could no longer be Katrina who’s now happily married and there’s no love-interest in his life to churn the goss mills – so, if he could combine his fan base with the present King of Music’s thousands, why not?

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61 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

CELEB CHAKKAR

QUOTE OF THE MONTH “The truth is I never liked my name. No disrespect to the great actor Dilip Kumar! However, somehow my name didn’t match the image I had of myself.”

Everybody knows that the music maestro A.R. Rahman is deeply spiritual, having converted to Islam after he met a Sufi guru when his father was seriously ill. The family, at that time, were practising Hindus. The conversion took place in 1989, when Rahman met the Sufi guru once again and was struck by his teachings. After be embraced Islam, Dilip Kumar, then a moderately successful ad jingle composer, changed his name to Allah Rakha Rahman (A.R. Rahman). So committed is he as a Muslim that rumours say he even turns down offers to perform in Saudi Arabia which is now opening up to concerts – because he considers the Kingdom as a sacred site of prayer, thanks to Mecca and Medina being in that country.

In his interviews, Rahman says he never identified himself with the name given to him.

Hmm..what name would he have chosen if he had not found his new faith, we wonder?

Shefali ko kaam kyon nahi milta Shefali Shah has impressed the audiences with her impeccable performances in projects like Dil Dhadakne Do, Darlings, Delhi Crime and more. The actress recently opened up about the challenges that she has faced over the years to bag good roles.

“People called me ‘one of the finest actresses of our country’, but I didn’t get any work. I won awards, but I didn’t get any work.

If validation can only decorate my walls, it is redundant. I have been working for 25-30 years, but I have started really working only in the last four years. My career has been more about waiting than working.”

She added, “I think earlier there was a predominant wall, particularly for women. When you look back at the 60s and 70s, there were films made for women and with women at any age group such as Aandhi, Anupama and Aradhana. Then came a period where the heroine had a shelf life, and they didn’t know what to do with real human beings beyond the age of 22. But now stories are being told such as Tumhari Sulu, Lipstick Under My Burkha. That is moving. I have to give it to somebody else having paved that path for me. Whether it is Shabana Azmi and Smita Patil, somebody was working on that line.”

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62 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Nayanthara faces the chop The highest paid actress in Southern films, Nayanthara reportedly charged 12 crores for her Bollywood debut role in the blockbuster Jawan, opposite SRK. Knowing Deepika’s determination to never be shortchanged on the fee scene, we are sure the Bolly queen (who also hails from the South - Karnataka) went fully armed to her shoot of the movie. It seems now that Nayanthara was surprised with the significant number of scenes given to Deepika and was reportedly upset with director Atlee for ‘cutting down’ her role in the Shah Rukh-Khan starrer to give more prominence to Deepika Padukone.

All is not lost, though. Despite rumours that she will not sign anymore Hindi films, Nayanthara is said to be in talks with none other than Sanjay Leela Bhansali for his version of Baiju Bawra, a Tansen-era musical. But the movie is said to also feature Ranveer and Alia, two of SLB’s favourite stars – will Nayan see history repeating itself?

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Millionairess needs a break You see her more often on the VIP deck of the cricket stadium with her eyes glued to her husband’s Virat Kohli’s magnificent batting than on the silver screen. Actress Anushka Sharma says this is a conscious decision. As far back as 2012, Anushka told Simi Garewal in a cable TV interview that to her, marriage was …“very important. I want to be married. I want to have kids. And, when I am married, I probably don’t want to be working.”

Again, in a 2019 interview with Filmfare, Anushka was asked about not signing any film after her wedding with Virat. She responded, “That’s a conscious decision. I wanted to take a couple of months off after Zero. After I got married, it was like a whirlwind. I was back on the sets shooting for Sui Dhaaga: Made In India and later Zero. I was just working back-to-back. Whatever time I’d get, I’d try to balance and meet Virat. But I was feeling too worked up. I told my team I don’t even want to read anything right now.” Later, she revealed to Vogue that during the first six months of her marriage, she only spent 21 days with Virat.

Like most successful film-folk, Anushka has amassed a fortune for herself and is said to be a millionaress property developer in her alternative business avatar. Although she is taking a break from acting, she has been producing films (Bulbbul and Pataal Lok) and is expected soon on screen in Prosit Roy’s screen drama Chakde Xpress in which she plays woman cricketer Jhulan Goswami.

Meanwhile rumours of the power couple expecting their second baby is doing the rounds.

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63 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

EDiTOR'S ViEW

MEERA RAVI

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was with a group of young creative entrepreneurs recently – make-up professionals, artists, event managers, modelling agency CEOs, food truck owners and people running interesting and unusual businesses. Most were below twenty-seven and, although they had been brought up in Bahrain for most of their lives, they also had exposure to the rest of the world through specialist study and travel.

What delighted me was the ease with which this generation navigated their world and interpreted their interests. One young event manager said she specialised in micro events of 100 people or less and had a fascinating portfolio to show including campfire music sessions with percussion workshops. It sounded like a boho art interface quite different even from the hi-octane pop concerts we see at Al-Dana and quite stimulating.

It got me to reflect that Bahrain is progressively developing quite a robust young people’s culture for work and leisure. I know there have been many times when I addressed to topic of promoting Bahrain as a retirement haven for the plus-sixties generation and with the recent Golden Visa rules, many expats are indeed taking up the offer and setting down roots here. But these are couples whose children have grown up and often, resident in other countries. What happens to youngsters who choose to come here and make Bahrain their base?

The MENA region has a young average population age - the median age across the MENA region is 26.8 years old. The younger generation is growing, creating an age bulge and expat youth too are more mobile and bring a completely different approach to careers and the workplace. There are gig workers who take on only short-term project work and spend a good part of the rest of their lives pursuing passions. The old crack-the-whip way of extracting performance too is outdated because these young workers think nothing of moving jobs – even moving countries, if the workplace environment is unsuitable. They are multi-talented but high-maintenance.

All of which makes me feel, my generation has to change how they view and plan work and leisure because those norms are now being dictated by the 25 to 40 age group. We need to be more flexible about work, focussing on results and ethics and not form. If a job can be done effectively from an online platform and does not compromise the company’s standards and values, let’s roll with it. As for leisure, it may sound easy but acting upon the “Do it now” mantra for taking a holiday, learning to ski or attending the Olympics is difficult. That’s because, as a generation, we have imbibed the “Work now-play-much-later” ethic from our 80-something parents.

The beauty of Bahrain life is that its steady pace gives us the chance to stop and smell the roses and recalibrate our lives. 2023 just crashed past us like a rampant elephant through the undergrowth. 2024 is waiting in the wings and there is no time like now to add some life-improvements to your resolutions list.

After all, if you can update your phone software multiple times in a week, surely your life needs a structured overhaul too?

64 SALAAM BAHRAIN | NOVEMBER 2023

Festival of light