in travel is an investment in yourself.” –Matthew Karsten.
In a time when most entrepreneurs chase profits, here’s someone building something bigger—businesses with heart, purpose, and impact. From luxury resorts in the hills of Munnar to innovative platforms in the UAE, his journey is all about connecting people, creating opportunities, and redefining what success really looks like. Whether it's offering world-class hospitality or launching tech-enabled ventures that empower everyday individuals, his work touches lives in more ways than one. And it’s not just about building brands—it’s about building communities and inspiring the next generation of dreamers and doers. In this special edition, we take a closer look at the extraordinary journey of Dr. Jolly Antony, a Kerala-born entrepreneur who’s proving that with vision and heart, you can go far—even to the moon.
In this month’s edition, V.P. Nandakumar, MD of Manappuram Finance Limited, shares his perspectives on ‘India’s Next Energy Leap’.
This edition also brings you our most-loved sections— travel highlights, beauty tips, movie and book recommendations, and a selection of insightful, inspiring business articles.
“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.” – Rene Descartes.
Happy Reading!
Thank you
Sd/-
Jebitha Ajit
Cover Photograph
Dr. Jolly Antony, Founder & CEO, Al Safina Travel & Tourism (UAE & India); Chairman, Vibe Munnar Resort & Spa; MD, The Fog Resort & Spa; Chairman, www.growvia.biz
Prada Faces New Backlash Over Punjabi Jutti-Inspired Shoes
Luxury fashion brand Prada is under fire again, weeks after controversy over its Kolhapuri sandal-inspired footwear. This time, the brand’s $1,450 fall collection shoes, closely resembling traditional Punjabi juttis, have sparked accusations of cultural appropriation. Indian fashion experts noted the pointed, slip-on design mimics hallmark features of juttis—long rooted in north Indian culture and historically handmade with leather and embroidery. While Kolhapuris carry a GI tag, juttis remain culturally significant despite lacking certification. Prada had previously adjusted its branding and engaged with artisans after the Kolhapuri controversy. Now, the brand has subtly updated its language, mentioning “inspiration from Indian artisanship” in promotional captions. Still, debates over proper acknowledgment and respect for indigenous craftsmanship continue to grow across fashion and social media platforms.
RBI Governor Says Inflation Battle Won, Growth Now in Focus
“Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.”
Les Brown
Reserve
Bank of India (RBI) Governor Sanjay Malhotra declared that the central bank has “won the battle against inflation,” though the broader war continues, with price stability still the key goal. Speaking at a Financial Express event, Malhotra highlighted the shift in monetary focus toward growth and inflation outlook ahead of the August 6 policy review. After an unexpected 50 basis point rate cut in June and a move to a “neutral” stance, the RBI signalled limited room for further easing. With retail inflation at a six-year low, some analysts are urging another cut, though concerns linger over weak demand. Malhotra emphasised that swift policy transmission is already boosting industry, and the RBI remains prepared to raise, lower, or hold rates depending on economic conditions, maintaining flexibility to support both stability and growth.
ED Probes Myntra for Alleged FDI Violations
India’s Enforcement Directorate has initiated an investigation into Myntra, the fashion arm of Walmartowned Flipkart, for allegedly breaching foreign direct investment (FDI) rules. The agency claims Myntra, which has received around $192 million from foreign investors, violated norms that bar foreign-funded wholesale entities from selling directly to consumers. Registered as a wholesale firm, Myntra allegedly routed products through a retailer it owned, which then sold them on its online platform. Under India’s FDI policy, foreign e-commerce firms can only act as digital marketplaces, not hold inventory or sell directly. This probe adds to ongoing scrutiny of giants like Amazon and Flipkart over similar allegations, which both deny. Founded in 2007 and based in Bengaluru, Myntra reported annual revenues of approximately $599 million. As of now, neither Myntra nor Walmart has publicly responded to the ED’s investigation.
TCS
to Cut 12,200 Jobs Amid AI Shift and Market Uncertainty
"Never give up. Today is hard, tomorrow will be worse, but the day after tomorrow will be sunshine."
Jack Ma
India’s largest IT services firm, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), will reduce its workforce by 2%—approximately 12,200 jobs—during its 2026 financial year, primarily affecting middle and senior management. The move comes as TCS embraces AI and automation while facing slow client spending and a challenging global demand outlook. Despite the cuts, the company assured that service delivery to clients will not be affected. The Indian IT industry, valued at $283 billion, has seen delays in project starts and decision-making due to economic uncertainty and U.S. trade policies. TCS CEO K Krithivasan recently acknowledged these challenges. Analysts, including HFS Research CEO Phil Fersht, point to AI’s growing role in disrupting the traditional people-heavy service model, forcing firms like TCS to cut costs and stay competitive amid increasing client pressure for price reductions. The move signals a broader shift across the IT services landscape.
Asian Paints Challenges Antitrust Probe, Cites
Reputational
Damage
India’s top paint manufacturer, Asian Paints, is seeking to quash an antitrust investigation by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), alleging reputational harm caused by the publication—and swift deletion— of serious claims against its CEO in the official order. The probe stems from a complaint by rival Birla Opus, which accuses Asian Paints of abusing market dominance through dealer incentives. In a July 14 court filing, Asian Paints argued the CCI’s July 1 order included an allegation that its CEO warned suppliers against dealing with Birla, only for that reference to be removed within 24 hours. The company claims the simultaneous existence of two conflicting orders has harmed its image and violated legal norms. With a 52% market share in a $9.5 billion sector, Asian Paints contends the CCI acted with bias. The Mumbai High Court will hear the case on August 6.
Microsoft Recall Faces Backlash as Brave, AdGuard, and Signal Block Feature Over Privacy Concerns
“Always stay true to yourself and never let what somebody else says distract you from your goals.”
Michelle Obama
Microsoft’s AI-powered Recall feature in Windows 11, which takes automatic screenshots on Copilot Plus PCs, is under growing criticism from privacy-focused developers. Following Signal’s lead, Brave and AdGuard have now blocked Recall from accessing user content, citing serious privacy risks. AdGuard warned that background screen captures could expose sensitive data, while Brave confirmed Recall will be blocked by default from version 1.81 onward for Windows users, offering opt-in flexibility. Signal previously implemented a “Screen security” setting to block screenshots entirely, criticizing Microsoft’s lack of granular developer controls. While Microsoft allows browsers to selectively disable Recall, Brave urges similar permissions for all privacy-first apps. The backlash highlights mounting concerns over Recall’s potential to capture private chats, financial details, and other personal content without user consent.
UK Reaffirms Support for Palestinian State Amid Gaza Crisis
The United Kingdom has reiterated its long-term support for recognising a Palestinian state, while urging immediate focus on ending the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. British Science and Technology Minister Peter Kyle emphasised that the "extreme, unwarranted suffering in Gaza" must take precedence, even as the UK remains committed to Palestinian statehood. His remarks follow French President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement of plans to recognise Palestine at the U.N. General Assembly in September, a move criticised by Israel and the U.S. Prime Minister Keir Starmer affirmed Palestinian statehood as an “inalienable right,” but stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire to advance a sustainable two-state solution. From Australia, Foreign Minister David Lammy echoed calls for a ceasefire and labelled the situation in Gaza as “indefensible.” Over 100 starvation-related deaths have been reported, with food aid blocked just outside the enclave.
UK Supreme Court Overturns Tom Hayes’
Libor-Rigging Conviction
Tom Hayes, the first trader jailed for manipulating interest rates, has had his conviction overturned by the UK Supreme Court after nearly a decade of legal appeals. Hayes, a former trader at Citigroup and UBS, was sentenced in 2015 to 14 years—later reduced to 11—for conspiring to rig the London Interbank Offered Rate (Libor). The court ruled that his trial was unfair due to flawed jury instructions, which denied him a fair chance to argue that his actions were honest. The conviction of Carlo Palombo, a former Barclays trader convicted in 2019 for manipulating Euribor, was also overturned. The Serious Fraud Office said it will not seek retrials, citing public interest. These decisions follow similar US reversals and the global phasing out of Libor in 2023, raising broader questions about the legal basis of past rate-rigging prosecutions.
Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia Crowned SAJ Group & DQUE Miss Glam World 2025 in India
Alina Farkhutdinova from Russia won the coveted SAJ Group DQUE Miss Glam World 2025 crown at the grand finale held on July 17 at Kerala, India. Michal Hana Iofedov from Israel secured the first runner-up position, followed by Karla Pejic from Serbia and Shwetha Jayaram from India as second and third runner-up, respectively. The winner was crowned by 2024 titleholder Man-Jung Kao, while Mini Sajan, Annie Reji of SAJ Group of Hotels, and Dr. Ajit Ravi, Founder and Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, crowned the runners-up. Nineteen finalists competed for the title, judged by Dr. G D Singh, Debasmita, Marcia Leonar Brito Machado Marques, Dr. Fong Toh Jeng, and TangLe Hsu. Continental titles were won by contestants from Japan, South Africa, Ukraine, French Guiana, and Mexico. Supported by SAJ Group Hotels, DQUE, Manappuram Finance Ltd, and others, the event celebrated global culture, talent, and tourism.
Global Glamour Meets Youth Power: Bellefontaine Marie Crowned Teen Glam World 2025
Bellefontaine Marie from France was crowned SAJ Group DQUE Teen Glam World 2025 at the grand finale held on 17th July at Kerala, India. Organized by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd under the leadership of Dr. Ajit Ravi, the event brought together contestants aged 13 to 18 from nine countries. Kao Peichieh from Taiwan and Prinsu Gurung from Nepal secured the first and second runner-up positions, respectively. The crowning was carried out by Teen Glam World 2024 winner Ishani Laiju, Preethi Parakkat of Parakkat Jewels, Gokulam Gopalan of Gokulam Group, and Pegasus MD Jebitha Ajit in the presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi. Special titles were awarded to Candy Sithole (Fashionista), Niranjana Jithesh (National Costume), Kao Peichieh (Talent), Prinsu Gurung (Congeniality), Shrika Satheesan (Ramp Walk), and many more. Supported by SAJ Group Hotels and Resorts and DQUE, the event highlighted talent, individuality, and cultural diversity over conventional beauty standards.
DR. JOLLY ANTONYA MULTI-SECTOR STRATEGY: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS INCLUSION
From a humble start to building a cross-continental empire, Dr Jolly Antony’s story is a testament to what unyielding passion, vision, and bold ambition can achieve.
In the annals of migrant Keralites who struck gold overseas, the name of Dr Jolly Antony deserves special mention as he dared to dream big and carve an empire spanning Travel and Tourism, Hospitality, Wellness, Ecommerce cum Direct selling, Farm Tourism and Education. The Founder and CEO of UAE-based Al Safina Travel and Tourism, Dr Jolly comes across as a visionary, storyteller and globetrotter. A global citizen who has criss-crossed 90 countries, his passport is not just a document. Instead it is a roadmap of dreams, business strategies, and human connections built across borders. Beneath the layers of business accomplishments lies the unwavering spirit of man who did not put a period mark to ambition and inspiration. The Spark That Ignited a Global Journey
Dr. Jolly's early career was shaped by his education in Travel and Tourism and a decade of handson industry experience, where he climbed the ladder to become General Manager. The knowledge and insights he gained during those years laid the foundation for his own entrepreneurial leap. In 2005, he launched Al Safina Travel and
Tourism in UAE and today it boasts several branches in UAE and India.
But his vision extended far beyond ticketing and tour packages. With the wisdom earned from travelling to nearly 90 countries, he began to understand that travel and hospitality are inseparable, and that realisation planted the seeds for something bigger.
Reimagining Hospitality in God’s Own Country
When Dr. Jolly turned his attention toward Kerala, he did not see it as just home, but potential. In 2014, he launched The Fog Resort & Spa in Munnar, a four star deluxe resort that brings a new level of luxury to the scenic highlands. But he didn’t stop there. The success of this venture led to the creation of Vibe Munnar Resort and Spa, a private limited company, under his Chairmanship. A five-star deluxe property with its own helipad featuring 97 rooms, private pool villas, jacuzzi suites, deluxe rooms, biggest rooftop pool and 6000 sq.ft spa named Vibe Wellness. A symbol of his commitment to delivering once-in-a-lifetime experiences to those who are upwardly mobile and believe in fine living.
Hospitality, to him, is about emotions, not amenities. “We Sell
Happiness” and “We Sell Memories” are not just taglines but philosophies that underpin every guest experience. With dedicated butler services and personalised attention, Dr. Jolly has crafted destinations that offer more than comfort—they offer connection, emotion, and magic. Dr Jolly believes in offering guests memories of a lifetime.
And now, he’s preparing for the launch of his third resort in Munnar—Zeus Resort & Spa, a gamechanger with 106 keys, India’s first 8000 sq.ft 24/7 infinity pool and the largest resto-bar in Kerala, expected to open in September this year.
A Business Empire with Soul and Scale
Dr. Jolly's business landscape is vast and diverse—but what connects all his ventures is a singular purpose: to elevate human experiences.
From the eco-luxury of The Fog and Vibe Munnar to the hi-tech ecommerce platform Growvia.Biz, he’s constantly identifying gaps in the market and building thoughtful solutions. His initiatives include:
Kerala Farm: An organic farm tourism concept blending sustainability and experiential travel.
Safina Holidays Pvt. Ltd: Bringing curated international travel
Dr. Jolly's business landscape is vast and diverse—but what connects all his ventures is a singular purpose: to elevate human experiences.
From the eco-luxury of The Fog and Vibe Munnar to the hi-tech ecommerce platform Growvia.Biz, he’s constantly identifying gaps in the market and building thoughtful solutions.
experiences to Indian travellers.
The Great Marina Mall, Kochi: A bold retail concept changing the shopping experience in the region.
Good Shepherd College of Hotel Management and UrbX College, Kochi: Institutions built to train the next generation of hospitality leaders.
Rani Drug House, Nellayi: A revival of authentic Ayurvedic healing with modern manufacturing precision.
WRV Gold & Diamond: A unique cooperative model allowing gold leasing—a radical innovation in the jewellery sector.
Novacera: A brand that manufactures tile glue, showing his reach even in construction materials.
His projects aren’t just business-
Among Dr Jolly’s many bold moves, one that captures the imagination is his decision to buy a plot on the moon through the Lunar Society of New York—becoming the first Keralite to do so. For him, it’s more than symbolic.
es—they are ecosystems, interlinked and mutually empowering. Whether it's digital commerce, education, wellness, or manufacturing, each venture feeds into a larger vision of inclusive growth and sustainability. Creating Ecosystems, Not Just Companies
Dr. Jolly doesn’t operate in silos. His ability to connect ventures and people is what gives his empire its depth. Take, for example, his new direct-selling and digital commerce platform named “www.growvia.biz” launching on August 17, 2025, at Le Meridien, Kochi. Co-founded with six other veterans with over 25 years of experience each, this is not a solo venture—it’s a shared dream designed to create economic opportunities at scale.
Similarly, as a Director in WRV Gold and Diamonds, he is launching it in September 2025, which is not just a jewellery business—it’s a financial empowerment model. By allowing people to lease gold like property, it opens doors for ordinary citizens to become entrepreneurs and earn returns from their assets.
Leadership Rooted in Empowerment and Balance
Though Dr. Jolly oversees 24 diverse business ventures, he ensures each one is independently strong. By setting up Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and empowered managerial teams, he balances his time between strategic guidance and personal well-being. He believes in complementary partnerships—choosing collaborators who fill in his gaps and vice versa. This
method has not only sustained his long-term ventures but has also ensured growth with integrity and mutual respect. In short, the ability to empower and uplift the people he works with is one of his most outstanding managerial qualities.
Dreaming of the Moon, Literally
Among Dr Jolly’s many bold moves, one that captures the imagination is his decision to buy a plot on the moon through the Lunar Society of New York—becoming the first Keralite to do so. For him, it’s more than symbolic. It represents the limitless potential of human imagination and his deep belief that no dream is too distant if pursued with purpose.
Family: The Pillar Behind the Powerhouse
Behind this multifaceted success story lies a grounded and emotionally rich support system—his family. His wife, Mrs. Viji Jolly, is a postgraduate in Botany, a politician, social worker, and the Director of The Fog and Vibe Resorts. Her involvement in both social and business spheres has been a constant source of strength and wisdom.
The couple is blessed with two daughters and a son. While Juvana is a BBA student, Jovan is a student of Psychology. Their son Antonio is in Grade 5. All of them form his emotional anchor. Dr Jolly has transitioned to a semi-active role, focusing only on major strategic decisions— allowing more time for family without stepping away from his legacy. Shaping the Future of In-
dian Tourism
Dr. Jolly’s global exposure gives him a unique lens on India’s tourism potential—and the gaps that need urgent attention. He cites how nations like Georgia and Armenia transformed their economies with simple tourism policies like visa-onarrival for UAE residents. Being directly involved in tourism initiatives in these countries, he witnessed the transformation. For instance, Georgia had just five five-star hotels in 2010 and today the number stands at a whopping 400. He believes in harnessing the power of tourism and is optimistic about India leveraging it. He laments the fact that despite having unmatched assets— Ayurveda, mountains, backwaters, culture—there is very little proactive governmental support in infrastructure, accessibility, and traveller safety. He foresees India emerging as a global leader in Wellness and Spiritual Tourism with better policies and streamlined experiences. Kerala’s Big Opportunity:
The Wellness and Big Wedding Tourism Wave
For Dr. Jolly, wellness tourism is not a buzzword—it’s the next frontier. His ventures like Kerala Farm and Vibe Wellness are already shaping this direction. As more tourists seek preventive care and holistic experiences, Kerala’s Ayurvedic traditions and natural beauty place it in a prime position to lead the global shift. He’s already aligning his resorts to serve this new demand, merging luxury with wellness practices, and creating experiences that
rejuvenate both body and mind. At the same time, through the WedInIndia initiative, he envisions transforming Vibe Munnar into a premier big wedding destination, combining Kerala’s charm with grand celebrations in a scenic setting.
A Legacy of Impact Over Income
When asked what he considers his greatest achievement, Dr. Jolly doesn’t mention awards or profits. Instead, he says:
“If I’ve helped even one person upgrade their life—even in the
smallest way—that is my success.”
From empowering individuals with no prior business experience, to creating job creators instead of job seekers, his focus has always been on upliftment. This mindset, he says, comes from his mother— a legacy of kindness, positivity, and resilience.
He sums it up beautifully: “An interviewer once asked me, ‘What exactly is your business?’ I replied, ‘My business is to keep many people in business.’”
A Trailblazer Who Dares
and Delivers
Dr. Jolly Antony is more than a travel tycoon or hotelier—he is Kerala’s global face in entrepreneurship, a moonshot thinker, a legacy builder, and above all, a humanist. In every venture, from a helipad-equipped resort to a jewellery co-op or an Ayurvedic manufacturing unit, he is driven by a singular, transformative idea: to elevate people’s lives.
In a world filled with entrepreneurs chasing success, Dr. Jolly Antony reminds us that true greatness lies in creating success for others
Dr. Jolly Antony with his family — (From left) Juvana Jolly (daughter), Dr. Jolly Antony, Antonio Jolly (son), Mrs. Viji Jolly (wife), and Jovan Jolly (daughter)
Shri V.P.Nandakumar MD,Manappuram
Finance Ltd
India’s solar journey so far has been measured in megawatts and national targets. But its future will be judged by how deeply the transition reaches the villages, by whether solar panels become as common on rural rooftops as television antennas or water tanks. Making that happen is not merely an environmental imperative; it is an economic and social one.
INDIA’S NEXT ENERGY LEAP
India has quietly scripted one of the most remarkable energy transitions in the world. In just over a decade, the country’s solar power capacity has risen from less than three GW in 2014 to over 100 GW by 2025, making it the third-largest solar power producer globally. Expansive projects like the Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan and innovative floating solar plants in Kerala have become symbols of ambition, while domestic manufacturing has received a boost through the Production Linked Incentive scheme. These achievements represent only one side of India’s solar story, as even now, over 70% of electricity in India is generated from coal. The next leap will not come from massive solar parks alone, but from rooftops, especially those in rural India.
According to CEEW (Council on Energy Environment and Water), over 25 crore households across India have the potential to deploy 637 GW of solar energy capacity on rooftops. Deploying just one-third of
this total solar technical potential could support the entire electricity demand of India’s residential sector. Beyond macro targets, rooftop solar can transform daily life. Families plagued by erratic power supply stands to gain reliable electricity; households could see monthly bills drop by 70 to 90 %; and villages begin generating their own clean power rather than waiting for it to arrive from distant coal plants.
Recent policy shifts have opened a window to make this vision real.
The Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, launched in 2024, promises free electricity up to 300 units per month for one crore households. In its first year, over one crore households have registered under the scheme, indicating a significant surge in interest. This momentum is encouraging, yet adoption in rural areas remains patchy. The reasons are not hard to find. Even after subsidies, many households cannot afford the upfront cost of a one-tothree kilowatt system; small-ticket loans are hard to come by as banks often view them as low-value and high-risk; and the process of applying for subsidies and net-metering approvals is complicated, varying from state to state.
Just as significant is the question of trust and awareness. In villages, misinformation about solar energy— from fears that panels will fail during monsoons to doubts about maintenance—can deter even those who might otherwise benefit. Consumers who are unsure about the quality of equipment or services are unlikely to invest in a technology they perceive as unfamiliar, however attractive the long-term savings are.
Overcoming these barriers requires a shift in how solar is promoted and implemented. Financial innovation is key. Credit guarantees, micro-loans through self-help groups, and community solar models where several households share a common installation can bridge the affordability gap. Awareness
campaigns, modelled on the success of the UJALA LED bulb drive, can demystify rooftop solar through panchayat meetings, school demonstrations, and door-to-door outreach, making it aspirational rather than intimidating. Equally important is simplifying the consumer journey. A single digital platform that allows households to apply for subsidies, choose certified installers, and track net-metering approvals would replace today’s fragmented processes with clarity and transparency.
Examples of success already exist. Gujarat’s Modhera, India’s first 24/7 solar-powered village, demonstrates how local generation can transform livelihoods. Kerala’s ANERT portal, which tracks rooftop installations and subsidy disbursal, shows how digital tools can simplify adoption. These models, scaled and adapted across states, can create a ripple effect. When one village visibly benefits, neighboring communities are far more likely to follow. Social signalling—seeing solar panels on a neighbour’s roof—often proves as powerful as subsidies in driving adoption.
India’s solar journey so far has been measured in megawatts and national targets. But its future will be judged by how deeply the transition reaches the villages, by whether solar panels become as common on rural rooftops as television antennas or water tanks. Making that happen is not merely an environmental imperative; it is an economic and social one. It means lower bills for families, resilience against outages, and local empowerment in a clean energy era.
If policymakers can bridge the financing gaps, build trust, and simplify access, rooftop solar will stop being just a government program and become a popular choice—one that rural households demand, not merely accept. India has already proven it can build the world’s largest solar parks. The real test now is whether it can light up every rural rooftop under the same sun
Rajesh Nair Partner, Ernst & Young LLP
Creative thinking enables individuals and organisations to view problems from new perspectives and develop innovative solutions. It involves going beyond conventional methods, encouraging experimentation, and embracing diverse viewpoints. Companies that foster a culture of creativity are often more agile and better equipped to handle change.
THE NEED FOR CREATIVE THINKING AND LEVERAGING SERENDIPITY IN THE WORKPLACE
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the ability to think creatively and leverage serendipity is increasingly essential. Creative thinking allows organisations to innovate, adapt, and stay competitive, while serendipitous discoveries can lead to unexpected breakthroughs. The synergy of these two elements can transform challenges into opportunities, driving success and growth.
Creative Thinking:
A Catalyst for Innovation
Creative thinking enables individuals and organisations to view problems from new perspectives and develop innovative solutions. It involves going beyond conventional methods, encouraging experimentation, and embracing diverse viewpoints. Companies that foster a culture of creativity are often more agile and better equipped to handle change.
Consider the case of 3M and the invention of the Post-it Note. This
ubiquitous office supply was born from a failed attempt to create a strong adhesive. Instead of discarding this "failed" product, 3M's Art Fry saw the potential when he used the weak adhesive to create bookmarks that wouldn’t slip out of place. This creative twist transformed a drawback into a multi-million-dollar product, demonstrating how creative thinking can turn challenges into game-changing inventions.
Leveraging Serendipity:
Embracing the Unexpected Serendipity—the occurrence of events by chance in a beneficial way—can lead to significant discoveries when recognised and utilised effectively. Embracing serendipity requires an open mind, curiosity, and the ability to recognise potential in unexpected situations.
A classic example of serendipity in action is the discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming in 1928. Upon returning from a holiday, Fleming noticed that a mould had
contaminated his bacterial cultures and killed the surrounding bacteria. Instead of discarding the spoiled experiments, he investigated further, leading to the development of penicillin, the world’s first antibiotic. This discovery revolutionised medicine and saved countless lives.
Integrating Creativity and Serendipity in the Workplace
To effectively utilise creative thinking and serendipity, organisations should foster an environment that encourages exploration and innovation. Here are some strategies to integrate these elements into the workplace:
1. Cultivating a Growth Mindset
A growth mindset is fundamental to fostering creativity and embrac-
ing serendipitous discoveries. This mindset, as popularized by psychologist Carol Dweck, emphasises the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. In a business context, encouraging a growth mindset means valuing learning and improvement over perfection. This approach helps employees feel more comfortable with taking risks and making mistakes, which are often necessary steps toward creative innovation.
For example, consider the technology company Microsoft, which has actively promoted a growth mindset across its organisation. By encouraging employees to see challenges as opportunities to learn, Microsoft has been able to cultivate
an atmosphere of innovation and adaptability, allowing it to continuously evolve in the fast-paced tech industry.
In India, Infosys, a leading Indian IT services company, has embraced a growth mindset through its continuous learning initiatives. The company invests significantly in training and development programmes, encouraging employees to upgrade their skills and explore new technologies, thus fostering an innovative and adaptive culture.
2. Creating Collaborative Spaces
Physical and virtual spaces that facilitate collaboration and interaction can significantly increase the likelihood of serendipitous encounters and the exchange of diverse ideas. Open office layouts, common
break areas, and digital collaboration platforms can all contribute to an environment where employees from different teams and departments intersect naturally, sparking unexpected conversations and ideas.
Pixar Animation Studios exemplifies this approach with its headquarters designed to promote collaboration. The central atrium acts as a hub where employees from different departments meet, leading to spontaneous interactions that often fuel creative breakthroughs. This layout has been instrumental in maintaining Pixar's reputation for consistent innovation and creativity in filmmaking.
Wipro, another major Indian IT company, has invested in creating collaborative workspaces that promote interaction and idea-sharing among employees. By incorporating open office designs and common areas, Wipro facilitates creative exchanges that drive innovation in their projects and services.
3. Allowing Time for Exploration
Providing employees with the time and space to explore projects outside their immediate responsibilities can lead to innovative ideas and unforeseen solutions. A famous example of this is Google’s “20% time” policy, which allows employees to dedicate 20% of their workweek to projects of personal interest, unrelated to their primary tasks. This freedom has led to the development of some of Google’s most successful products, including Gmail and Google News, illustrating how exploration can drive significant innovation.
Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) encourages its employees to engage in innovative and exploratory projects. Through initiatives like TCS Hackathons and Innovation Labs, the company allows its workforce to experiment with new technologies
and ideas, leading to creative solutions and service enhancements.
4. Encouraging CrossDisciplinary Teams
When people from diverse backgrounds and fields collaborate, they bring unique perspectives and skills that can lead to creative synergies and novel solutions. Cross-disciplinary teams can tackle problems from multiple angles, uncovering opportunities that might not be apparent within a single discipline.
For example, the development
of the Apple iPhone was driven by a multidisciplinary approach, combining expertise in design, engineering, marketing, and technology. This collaboration resulted in a product that not only integrated cutting-edge technology but also addressed aesthetic and user-experience aspects, revolutionising the smartphone industry.
The Mahindra Group, a diverse conglomerate, exemplifies this approach by fostering collaboration across its various business units
such as automotive, aerospace, and agribusiness. This interdisciplinary collaboration often results in innovative products and services, leveraging the diverse expertise available within the group.
5. Recognising and Rewarding Innovation
Celebrating creative efforts and innovative successes is crucial for motivating employees to think outside the box and pursue new ideas. Recognising individuals and teams for their contributions encourages
a continued focus on creativity and demonstrates the value placed on innovative thinking.
Companies like 3M and Johnson & Johnson have institutionalized programmes to reward innovation, offering incentives for employees who develop new ideas and solutions. These programmes highlight the importance of creativity and serve as powerful motivators for ongoing innovation efforts.
The Tata Group has institutionalised the Tata Innovista programme,
Celebrating creative efforts and innovative successes is crucial for motivating employees to think outside the box and pursue new ideas.
Recognising individuals and teams for their contributions encourages a continued focus on creativity and demonstrates the value placed on innovative thinking.
which recognises and rewards innovation within its companies. This initiative motivates employees to contribute creatively and has led to numerous successful innovations across various Tata businesses.
By integrating strategies that encourage a growth mindset, collaboration, exploration, interdisciplinary approaches, and recognition of innovation, organisations can effectively harness the power of creativity and serendipity. This integration not only leads to solving existing problems with fresh solutions but also opens the door to new opportunities and directions for growth. Creating an environment where creativity and serendipity thrive transforms workplaces into dynamic ecosystems of continuous innovation, positioning organisations for long-term success in an ever-changing world
Dr Arun Oommen
MBBS, MS (Gen Surg), Mch (Neurosurgery), MRCS Ed (UK), MBA (Hospital administration), ENLS, DLitt(H), Phd(H), D Sc(H) Neuro Endoscopy Fellow Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon VPS Lakeshore Hospital Kochi, India.
Palliative care remains the only and indeed the most appropriate form of treatment for the patients presenting at incurable stages. Pain and palliative care units touch the lives of those who are in need of care and attention.
HOSPICE, PALLIATIVE CARE CENTRES NEED TOP PRIORITY IN FUTURE
Palliative care is a holistic care which fulfills the requirements of chronically ill or terminally ill patients. It has become an emerging need of the day as the existing health-care facilities play only a limited role in the care of the chronically ill people in the society. Patients with terminal illness in most cases spend their lives in the community among their family and neighbours, so there is the need for a multi disciplinary team for their constant care. General practitioners working with palliative care teams stated that home care was the preferred option for most people with a terminal illness, and providing home care relies on good community-based services, a general practice workforce competent in palliative care practice, and willing to accommodate patients.
Palliative care volunteers are primary care givers who originate normally from the same locality with local knowledge and good public contact through which they can make significant contributions in a team work by bridging the gap between the patient community and outside world.
Palliative care is a prerequisite for a complete medical care. The existing healthcare facilities are
more attuned to caring for acute health problems and they play only a limited role in the care of the chronically ill in the society. At least In India, the present medical and hospice systems do not have the capacity to guarantee quality of life for the majority of people with life-limiting illnesses Patients with terminal illness need a multidisciplinary team and constant care leading to a mounting need for palliative care.
Palliative care remains the only and indeed the most appropriate form of treatment for the patients presenting at incurable stages. Pain and palliative care units touch the lives of those who are in need of care and attention. In Kerala, the tremendous developments made in palliative care in the State have made the end-of-life phase of the terminally ill more bearable. 80% of all palliative care services in the country are delivered in Kerala, reaching 30% of the needy patients, whereas these services reach only to 2% in India. Kerala’s attempts at caring for terminally ill patients have been regarded as a model for the rest of the world. Kerala Government is the only State Government in Asia which has introduced a palliative care policy in the State for the first time.
The impact of death in our society is easily underestimated. Evidence based guidelines now exist to help with the care of people who are dying, including guidelines for symptom control, psychosocial support, and bereavement care.
There is a need to advocate adequate policy development and effective program implementation in the area of palliative care. 50% of the beneficiaries of palliative care services are cancer patients. The remaining groups included post stroke survivors, Alzheimer’s, terminal renal and liver diseases, chronic arthritis, old age with severe malnutrition etc. Huge medical expenditure is the major financial problem faced by the patients resulting in intractable debt The major medical care provided by the doctors is prescribing medicines. They also help the patients to reduce their sufferings through emotional bondage and empathy. Trained staff nurses help in administering medicines as well as catering to basic daily needs in addition to love and compassionate care. Necessity for a full fledged palliative care service.
• Diagnosing dying is an important clinical skill
•Too many patients die an undignified death with uncontrolled symptoms
• Resources should be made available to enable patients to die with dignity in a setting of their choice
•One of the key aims of specialist palliative care is to empower generic healthcare workers to care for dying patients
•Core education objectives related to the care of dying patients should be incorporated in the training of all relevant healthcare profes-
sionals
•National indicators for care of the dying patient should be identified and monitored
The impact of death in our society is easily underestimated. Evidence based guidelines now exist to help with the care of people who are dying, including guidelines for symptom control, psychosocial support, and bereavement care. None the less, highly publicised cases continue to occur of patients dying in distress with uncontrolled symptoms and relatives being unsupported at this vulnerable time in their lives.. Ensuring a good death for all is therefore a major challenge not only for healthcare professionals but also for society.
However, diagnosing dying is often a complex process. In a hospital setting, where the culture is often focused on cure, continuation of invasive procedures, investigations, and treatments may be pursued at the expense of the comfort of the patient. There is sometimes a reluctance to make the diagnosis of dying if any hope of improvement exists and even more so if no definitive diagnosis has been made. When recovery is uncertain it is better to discuss this rather than giving false hope to the patient and family. This is generally perceived as a strength in the doctor-patient relationship and helps to build trust.
Recognising the key signs and symptoms is an important clinical skill in diagnosing dying.
It is usually preceded by a gradual deterioration in functional status.
•The patient becomes bedbound
•The patient is semi-comatose
•The patient is able to take only sips of fluid
•The patient is no longer able to take oral drugs.
The most important element in diagnosing dying is that the members of the multi professional team caring for the patient agree that the patient is likely to die. If the team members are in disagreement then mixed messages together with opposed goals of care can lead to poor patient management and confused communication.
Healthcare professionals are sometimes reluctant to diagnose dying, as they have not been trained to care for dying patients and therefore feel helpless. One example of this is the practice of transferring the patient to a side room and withdrawing from the patient and family, a strategy that has been used for many years, particularly in hospitals. However, this is the very moment when the hospice model of “intensive palliative care” should come into action, providing physical, psychological, social, and spiritual care for the patient and the relatives
Change from definitive care to palliative care
As patients become weaker they find it increasingly difficult to take oral drugs. Non-essential drugs should be discontinued. Drugs that need to be continued, such as opi-
oids, anxiolytics, and antiemetics, should be converted to the subcutaneous route and a syringe driver used for continuous infusion if appropriate. As required subcutaneous drugs should be prescribed according to an agreed protocol (including those for pain and agitation). Inappropriate interventions, including blood tests and measurement of vital signs, should be discontinued. Evidence is limited but suggests that continuing artificial fluids in the dying patient is of limited benefit and should in most cases be discontinued. Patients who are in the dying phase should not be subjected to “cardiopulmonary resuscitation,” as this constitutes a futile and inappropriate medical treatment. The patient may have an advance directive that can be used to facilitate discussion about care at this sensitive time
Regular observations should
be made and good symptom control maintained, including control of pain and agitation Attention to mouth care is essential in the dying patient, and the family can be encouraged to give sips of water or moisten the patient's mouth with a sponge. If urinary incontinence or retention is a problem, catheterisation may be needed. Invasive procedures for bowel care are rarely needed in the dying phase.
In the community, as required drugs need to be readily accessible in the patient's home. Twenty four hour district nursing services should be made available, and with the development of general practitioner cooperative out of hours services the continuity of patient care must be ensured. innovative models are being developed in the community to support patients dying at home and to prevent inappropriate admission to hospital.
The family's insight into the patient's condition should be assessed and issues relating to dying and death explored appropriately and sensitively. The family should be told that the clinical expectation is that the patient is dying and will die. Use of ambiguous language such as “may not get better” can lead to misinterpretation and confusion. A constant source of frustration and anger voiced by bereaved relatives is that no one sat down and discussed the fact that their loved one was dying. If relatives are told clearly that the patient is dying they have the opportunity to ask questions, stay with the patient, say their goodbyes, contact relevant people, and prepare themselves for the death. Relatives of patients dying in the community should be given contact telephone numbers so that they have access to help and advice on a 24 hour basis
TRAVEL 2.0: HOW AI AND VR ARE RESHAPING THE WAY WE MOVE
The winds of change are sweeping through the travel and mobility industry—and leading the charge are cutting-edge technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Reality. This futuristic vision took centre stage at the Manappuram Unique Times Business Summit 2025, held on July 17th at Kerala. With the theme “Revolutionising Travel Through Technology: The Role of AI and Virtual Reality,” the summit opened the floor to transformative ideas, gamechanging strategies, and forwardthinking dialogue.
Spearheaded by Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd, founded and led by Dr. Ajit Ravi, the summit was jointly organized by Manappuram Finance Ltd, Unique Times, and the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI). It brought together some of the most influential voices in travel, transport, and business innovation, making it one of the most anticipated and impactful business gatherings of the year.
A Power-Packed Dialogue on Tomorrow’s Travel
The session was moderated by Dr. K. A. Kuriachan, Former District Governor of Rotary International District 3200, who guided the engaging discussions with clar-
ity and purpose. Sharing the spotlight were an elite panel of experts and visionaries who have shaped the landscape of Indian and international travel. These included Prasanna Patwardhan, President of the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India; V.C. Praveen, Vice Chairman of the Sree Gokulam Group of Companies; Kanwarjit Singh Sawhney, Hon. Secretary of the Indian Tourist Transporters Association; Babu Panicker, Additional Secretary of BOCI; Manu G, Airport Director of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL); Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd; and Dr. Jolly Antony, Founder and CEO of Al Safina Travel & Tourism (UAE & India).
AI and VR: More Than Buzzwords
The discussions made it clear: AI and VR are no longer experimental technologies; they’re already reshaping how people travel. From AI-powered fleet management that predicts traffic bottlenecks and vehicle breakdowns to immersive VR experiences that allow users to virtually explore destinations before booking—technology is putting power and personalization into the hands of travellers like never before.
One of the most exciting takeaways from the summit was the idea of “smart travel ecosystems”— where AI seamlessly integrates with ticketing, route optimization, customer service, and even sustainability tracking. Meanwhile, VR is expected to become a mainstream tool for tour operators, airlines, and even public transport authorities looking to offer virtual previews, safety tutorials, and immersive user experiences.
Leading the Way Forward
Dr. Ajit Ravi, Chairman of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd and Editor of Unique Times, emphasized the need for platforms that don’t just highlight change—but drive it. His vision for the summit as a bridge between innovation and industry was echoed by all the panellists, reinforcing the importance of collaboration between the private sector, government agencies, and tech pioneers.
As attendees walked away inspired and informed, one thing was certain: the future of travel will not just be about moving from point A to point B—it will be about doing so smarter, faster, and more meaningfully.
With ideas born at summits like this, Travel 2.0 is no longer a distant dream—it’s already en route
TRUCKING SUCCESS TO BILLIONS: DR. VIJAY SANKESHWAR HONOURED WITH THE 19TH MBA AWARD
Celebrating a Visionary Who Drove India’s Transport Revolution
In a glittering evening marked by applause, admiration, and entrepreneurial inspiration, the 19th edition of the Manappuram Unique Times Multibillionaire Business Achiever (MBA) Award) found its latest torchbearer — Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, Chairman and Managing Director of VRL Group. The ceremony took place on July 17th at Kerala, where business brilliance met its rightful ovation. The award was formally presented by Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Chairman and Managing Director of Sree Gokulam Group of Companies, in the esteemed presence of Dr. Ajit Ravi, the visionary Founder of Pegasus Global Pvt Ltd and the mastermind behind both the MBA Award and the Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF).
This year's ceremony holds special significance — as it marked the award’s Pan-India expansion by honouring its firstever recipient from Karnataka. And who better to carry that distinction than Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar, a name synonymous with India's logistics revolution.
A Legacy Built on Wheels
Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar's story is the stuff of entrepreneurial legends. From humble beginnings, he steered VRL Group into becoming India’s largest logistics and transport network, boasting a fleet that traverses the country's vast and varied terrain. What started with a single truck has today grown into a mammoth empire, revolutionizing goods transportation and redefining industry standards. But more than the numbers, it's his vision, determination, and integrity that makes his
journey a masterclass in modern enterprise. His commitment to innovation, timely service, and employee welfare has built not just a business — but a legacy. Welcome to the Elite: FICF Membership
With this award, Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar now enters the highly coveted Federal International Chamber Forum (FICF) — an exclusive, invitation-only circle of India’s most influential business titans. What sets FICF apart is its unique principle: zero membership or registration fees. It is purely merit-based, open only to leaders who hold a minimum of `1,000 crore in assets and demonstrate a firm dedication to social responsibility.
FICF is more than a business club — it’s a global forum where entrepreneurship meets purposeful change. Members
are not just recognized for their financial success, but for their role as changemakers, using their influence to contribute to society at large.
A Hallmark of PurposeDriven Leadership
Instituted to recognize business magnates with exceptional entrepreneurial acumen and deep-rooted social involvement, the MBA Award has over the years honoured a prestigious roster of business legends who have transformed their industries and impacted countless lives. Past recipients include luminaries such as Shri V.P. Nandakumar, Shri Joy Alukkas, Shri M.A. Yusuff Ali, Shri T.S. Kalyanaraman, Shri P.N.C. Menon, Shri Gokulam Gopalan, Dr. Ravi Pillai, Shri M.P. Ramachandran, Shri Kochouseph Chittilappilly, Shri Sabu M. Jacob, Dr. Viju Jacob, Dr. A.V. Anoop, Dr. Varghese Kurian, Adv.
P. Krishnadas, Dr. Hafeez Rahman, Shri Soundararajan Bangarusamy, Shri V R Muthu, Shri V C Praveen, Dr. Arun N Palaniswami, Shri C K Kumaravel, Shri T.K. Chandiran, and Sir Sohan Roy SK.
These iconic figures represent a blend of visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to social progress — the very qualities the MBA Award celebrates.
Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar’s recognition serves as a testament to what’s possible when vision meets perseverance. His story continues to motivate India’s future leaders to dream bigger, build stronger, and leave a legacy that rides far beyond numbers.
As the applause settles and the torch passes on, one thing is clear — the road to success is built on grit, and Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar has paved it, mile by mile
Dr. Vijay Sankeshwar's story is the stuff of entrepreneurial legends. From humble beginnings, he steered VRL Group into becoming India’s largest logistics and transport network, boasting a fleet that traverses the country's vast and varied terrain. What started with a single truck has today grown into a mammoth empire, revolutionizing goods transportation and redefining industry standards.
Ravi Saini Associate Editor, Unique Times & CEO, RSW (Resetting Sustainable Wealth) Group
Information disclosed during the amnesty program could not be used as grounds for criminal investigations, prosecutions, or other criminal charges against the taxpayer, whether for tax crimes or other criminal sanctions.This provided significant legal protection.
TAX AMNESTY – KEY TO DEVELOPMENT
Here are the key details of the 2016 Indonesian Tax Amnesty scheme:
1.Objectives:
• Increase Tax Revenues: A primary goal was to generate significant tax revenue for the state budget.
• Broaden the Tax Base: By encouraging the declaration of previously undeclared assets and income, the government aimed to bring more taxpayers into the formal tax system.
• Accelerate Economic Growth: Repatriated funds were expected to be invested in Indonesia, stimulating domestic liquidity, improving the Rupiah's exchange rate, decreasing interest rates, and boosting investment.
• Improve Tax Compliance: The program sought to foster a culture of voluntary tax compliance.
2. Eligibility:
• Generally, all taxpayers, both individuals and corporations, were eligible to participate.
• Exceptions: Taxpayers under-
going criminal investigations, court proceedings, or serving criminal sentences for tax crimes were typically excluded.
3. Key Features and Benefits for Participants:
• Waiver of Tax Dues and Sanctions: Participants received a waiver of tax due, administrative sanctions, and criminal sanctions for all tax obligations up to the latest fiscal year (which ended within January 1 –December 31, 2015), for which no assessment letters had been issued. This included income tax, valueadded tax (VAT), and a tax on luxury goods sales.
• Reduced "Redemption Money" Instead of paying the full tax amount, participants paid a significantly lower "redemption money" based on the declared net assets (assets minus liabilities). The rates varied depending on:
• Submission Period: Lower rates were offered for earlier declarations. The program was divided into three periods:
• July - September 2016
• October - December 2016
• January - March 2017
• Asset Location and Repatriation: Lower rates were applied to assets repatriated to Indonesia and invested for a minimum of three years, compared to assets declared but not repatriated.
• Specific Rates: While rates varied, they generally ranged from 2% to 10% for non- SME taxpayers, with special lower rates (0.5% and 2%) for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with turnover less than IDR 4.8 billion.
• Immunity from Prosecution/Investigation: Information disclosed during the amnesty program could not be used as grounds for criminal investigations, prosecutions, or other criminal charges against the taxpayer, whether for tax crimes or other criminal sanctions. This provided significant legal protection.
• Exemption from Tax Audits: Participants were generally ex-
empted from tax audits, preliminary evidence tax audits, and tax crime investigations for tax obligations up to and including the 2014 or 2015 fiscal years. Ongoing investigations were also terminated.
• Confidentiality: The information provided in the declaration letter was kept confidential. Any breach of this confidentiality was subject to criminal sanctions.
• Simplified Process: The process involved preparing a declaration letter and attachments, paying the redemption charge, and settling any outstanding tax liabilities.
4. Repatriation and Investment Requirements:
• For offshore assets to qualify for lower redemption rates, they had to be repatriated to Indonesia and invested in specific instruments for at least three years. These instru-
ments included:
• Indonesian government bonds
• Corporate bonds issued by state-owned enterprises
• Financial instruments and investments in the real sector (e.g., infrastructure, natural resources processing, renewable energy).
5. Consequences of Non-Participation / Non-Compliance:
• The program also stipulated higher penalties (up to 200% of additional income) for underreporting assets or assets declared outside the tax amnesty period, signalling a stricter enforcement environment post-amnesty.
6. Impact and Outcomes:
• High Participation: The program saw significant participation, with over 973,000 participants.
• Declared Assets: The total declared assets reached IDR 4,882
trillion (approximately USD 367 billion), exceeding the government's target.
• Redemption Fees: The program generated substantial redemption fees, totaling IDR 135 trillion, providing a significant boost to government revenue.
• Repatriation Shortfall: While successful in terms of declared assets and revenue, the repatriation of offshore assets was less than initially hoped for, with only about 12.4% of declared offshore assets being repatriated.
• Economic Impact: The tax amnesty aimed to improve macroeconomic stability by increasing foreign exchange reserves and strengthening economic fundamentals. While it provided a short-term revenue boost, the long-term impact on the tax-to-GDP ratio and sus -
A tax amnesty can be a politically sensitive issue.Law-abiding citizens might perceive it as unfair, a reward for tax evaders. However, if an amnesty is positioned as a one-time opportunity for a fresh start, followed by a crackdown on non-compliance, it could be more palatable to the public. A political campaign that emphasises the civic duty to pay taxes and the benefits of a broader tax base could help garner public support.
tained tax compliance was a subject of ongoing analysis.
The 2016 tax amnesty was a bold and ambitious policy by the Indonesian government, largely successful in its immediate goals of revenue generation and asset declaration, though the repatriation aspect had mixed results.
Now, a proposal for India:
An immediate tax amnesty in India might have a better chance of success compared to Indonesia's 2016-17 tax amnesty for a combination of reasons related to economic, political, and cultural factors. However, it is a complex issue, and the success of any such program is not guaranteed.
Here's an analysis of why a new tax amnesty in India could potentially yield better results, in comparison to the Indonesian experience:
1. Different Economic Context and Goals
• Indonesia's 2016-17 Tax Amnesty: The primary goal of Indonesia's tax amnesty was to repatriate funds stashed abroad, especially in tax havens like Singapore. While the programme successfully declared a large amount of assets, the repatriation component was a significant disappointment, falling far short of its target. This suggests that while taxpayers were willing to disclose hidden assets to avoid penalties, they were less willing to bring the money back into the country.
• India's Potential Tax Amnesty: A new tax amnesty in India would likely be driven by different motiva-
tions, and the economic landscape has changed. With increased international cooperation through agreements like the Common Reporting Standard (CRS), it's becoming more difficult to hide black money abroad. This creates a stronger incentive for taxpayers to declare their foreign assets. The government's focus could be on both domestic and foreign undisclosed income, with the strong deterrence of post-amnesty action.
2. Stronger Post-Amnesty Enforcement
• Indonesia's Experience: There's evidence that in Indonesia, the tax amnesty programs have been too frequent, which can create a negative perception among taxpayers. It can signal that the government is willing to offer another amnesty in the future, thus weakening the incentive to comply in the present. This "wait-and- see" approach can undermine long-term tax compliance.
• India's Potential Strategy:
A well-designed tax amnesty in India would need to be a one-time, nonrepeating event. The government could signal its credibility by demonstrating a clear commitment to strict post-amnesty enforcement. The use of advanced technology, data analytics, and information from international agreements gives the tax authorities a much stronger hand than in the past. This credible threat of detection and severe penalties after the amnesty period ends would be a crucial driver for participation.
3. Political and Public Per-
ception
• Political Will: The success of a tax amnesty heavily depends on the political will and the credibility of the government. In India, a government with a strong political mandate and a reputation for being tough on corruption could make a tax amnesty more successful. Taxpayers might be more inclined to believe that this is their last chance to come clean.
• Public Mood: A tax amnesty can be a politically sensitive issue. Law-abiding citizens might perceive it as unfair, a reward for tax evaders. However, if an amnesty is positioned as a one-time opportunity for a fresh start, followed by a crackdown on non-compliance, it could be more palatable to the public. A political campaign that emphasises the civic duty to pay taxes and the benefits of a broader tax base could help garner public support.
4. Broadening the Tax Base
• Indonesia's Goal: While Indonesia's amnesty did increase the number of registered taxpayers, the participation from new taxpayers was still relatively low compared to the overall population.
• India's Opportunity: A significant portion of India's economy is still informal. A tax amnesty could serve as a powerful tool to bring millions of individuals and businesses into the formal tax system. By offering a low-cost entry and a promise of no future scrutiny for past noncompliance, the government could significantly widen the tax base, leading to higher long-term revenue.
Caveats and Potential Challenges
While the factors above suggest a potential for better results in India, there are also significant challenges to consider:
• Design of the Amnesty: The program's success would be highly dependent on its design, including the tax rate (or "redemption payment"), the duration, and the clarity of the rules. A rate that is too high might discourage participation, while a rate that is too low could be seen as unfair to compliant taxpayers.
• Trust in Institutions: Tax
compliance is also a function of tax morale and the public's trust in government institutions. If the public perceives the government as corrupt or inefficient, they may be less willing to pay taxes, even with an amnesty.
• The "One-Time" Promise: The government's ability to credibly promise that this will be the last tax amnesty is crucial. If a new government comes to power or a new economic crisis emerges, there will be pressure to offer another amnesty, which would completely undermine the current effort.
In conclusion, a tax amnesty in India, if designed correctly and backed by strong political will and a credible threat of future enforcement, could be more successful than Indonesia's 2016-17 program. The world leaders have started to witness that India is the biggest marketplace for the world to push their goods, services and technologies. This is due to a more favourable international environment for catching tax evaders, and the potential to use the amnesty as a powerful tool to formalise the economy and broaden the tax base
Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen: This article is authored by Adv Sherry Samuel Oommen. He specialises in the Constitution, tax and corporate laws and has also cleared the final exams of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, the Institute of Cost Accountants of India and the Institute of Company Secretaries of India. He has also completed his Masters's Degree in Commerce, apart from obtaining a Post Graduate Diploma in Business and Corporate Laws from Symbiosis, Pune. The views expressly are personal and should not be construed as a legal opinion. sherryoommen@nashcp.com.
DIGITAL TRANSACTIONS
AND DUE PROCESS: A STAND AGAINST UNILATERAL DEBIT FREEZES
Introduction
Access to banking services today is no longer a luxury—it is a basic necessity, on par with the right to shelter or healthcare. The ability to deposit, withdraw, remit, and receive funds is essential for meaningful economic participation, social inclusion, and personal freedom. To ensure transparency and accountability, modern banking systems use Unique Transaction Identifiers (UTIs)—alphanumeric codes that track transactions and protect both consumers and institutions. Yet, despite these safeguards, bank accounts are frequently frozen by law enforcement agencies without judicial oversight or adherence to due process. Such arbitrary actions not
only disrupt livelihoods but also violate core constitutional protections. Disturbingly, such arbitrary practices have become institutionalised, no longer isolated aberrations but commonplace occurrences.
The recent judgment delivered by the Hon’ble High Court of Kerala in Headstar Global Private Limited Vs State of Kerala reported in 2025 (4) KHC 181 reaffirms critical legal principles: banking rights are intrinsic to the right to life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, UTIs serve as irrefutable evidence of lawful transactions, and police authorities cannot freeze thirdparty accounts without adhering to the procedural safeguards outlined in the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha
Sanhita (BNSS), 2023.
The right to access banking services is deeply intertwined with the constitutional guarantee of life and personal liberty under Article 21. The Supreme Court time and again have explicitly recognised that the right to livelihood is an integral component of the right to life. Banking services facilitate this livelihood by enabling wage payments, receiving remittances, and accessing credit— essentials for a dignified existence. Internationally, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 25) and the UN Principles on Identification (2017) reinforce the idea that financial inclusion is a cornerstone of an adequate standard of living.
In India, initiatives like the
The right to access banking services is deeply intertwined with the constitutional guarantee of life and personal liberty under Article 21. The Supreme Court time and again have explicitly recognised that the right to livelihood is an integral component of the right to life. Banking services facilitate this livelihood by enabling wage payments, receiving remittances, and accessing credit—essentials for a dignified existence.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana reflect the state’s commitment to universal banking access. However, arbitrary freezes of bank accounts, often executed without prior notice or judicial authorisation, undermine these efforts by depriving individuals of funds needed for basic necessities such as rent, medical care, or education fees. The Kerala High Court’s ruling in Headstar Global Private Limited (supra) serves as a timely reminder of the need to balance investigative powers with fundamental rights.
UTI – Digital Fingerprints of Modern Banking
Unique Transaction Identifiers (UTIs) play a pivotal role in ensuring the integrity of electronic transactions. These standardised codes, assigned to every transaction in systems like NEFT, RTGS, or IMPS, act as digital fingerprints, linking remitters, beneficiaries, timestamps, and amounts with unassailable precision. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) mandates the use of UTIs to prevent fraud, duplication, or misallocation of funds. It may be noted that bank
records accompanied by UTIs are accorded a presumption of authenticity, meaning they serve as prima facie evidence of a valid transaction.
When law enforcement agencies flag transactions as suspicious, the burden of proof must shift to them to demonstrate irregularities. Mere suspicion, without material inconsistencies in the UTI trail or evidence of illicit activity, cannot justify freezing accounts. The Hon’ble Kerala High Court emphasised this principle, noting that routine business transfers—even if traceable to an accused—cannot be treated as criminal proceeds without judicial scrutiny under Section 107 of the BNSS.
The procedural framework for attaching or freezing accounts has been significantly refined under the BNSS, 2023, which replaces the outdated provisions of the Criminal Procedure Code (“CrPC”). Section 106 of the BNSS, akin to Section 102 of the CrPC, permits seizure only in cases involving stolen property or items directly linked to a crime. However, Section 107 of the
BNSS introduces a robust mechanism exclusively for handling "proceeds of crime." It mandates that police officers must obtain prior approval from a Magistrate before freezing accounts, except in exigent circumstances where immediate action is necessary to prevent the dissipation of assets. Even then, the Magistrate must review the seizure promptly and provide affected parties an opportunity to be heard. This distinction is crucial: while Section 106 is limited to securing evidence, Section 107 is designed to ensure that attachments are proportionate, justified, and subject to judicial oversight.
The Kerala High Court’s decision to quash the debit freeze hinged on this very principle—the police had acted unilaterally under Section 102 CrPC (now Section 106 BNSS) without establishing a direct link between the petitioner’s funds and the alleged crime.
The Kerala High Court’s judgment in Headstar Global Private Limited (supra) marks a significant step toward curbing arbitrary exer-
cises of power by law enforcement agencies. The Court ruled that the petitioner’s bank account, which had been frozen solely because it received funds from an entity linked to an accused, could not be treated as "proceeds of crime" without a Magistrate’s explicit authorisation under Section 107 of the BNSS. The decision aligns with earlier precedents, such as State of Maharashtra v. Tapas D. Neogy , where the Supreme Court cautioned against indiscriminate freezes, and Shento Varghese v. Julfikar Husen , which stressed that seizures must be based on jurisdictional and material grounds, not mere procedural compliance. By directing the police to follow the BNSS framework, the Court reinforced that investigative powers must be exercised with restraint and in strict accordance with legislative intent.
The Kerala High Court’s ruling underscores the delicate balance be-
tween law enforcement needs and the protection of fundamental rights. Banking access is not merely a commercial convenience but a constitutional imperative, and UTIs provide a reliable mechanism to distinguish lawful transactions from illicit ones.
The BNSS, 2023, with its emphasis on judicial oversight under Section 107 of BNSS, offers a structured approach to prevent arbitrary account freezes. Moving forward, it is imperative that investigative agencies adhere strictly to these safeguards, banks insist on judicial orders before acting on police requests, and victims of wrongful freezes are granted compensatory remedies. By upholding these principles, the judiciary can ensure that the right to financial dignity remains inviolable.
CONCLUSION
The right to unfettered access to one’s own bank account is not a peripheral entitlement—it is a founda-
tional aspect of personal liberty and economic agency, intrinsically linked to the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. Globally too, access to financial services is recognised as essential to leading a life of dignity and autonomy.
When law enforcement agencies, acting without judicial authorisation, proceed to freeze the bank account of an innocent third party—despite the existence of clear, traceable credits backed by Unique Transaction Identifiers (UTIs)—they violate core principles of due process and erode the structural integrity of the digital financial ecosystem. These actions not only inflict immediate hardship but also strike at the heart of trust in financial governance.
This position finds firm judicial support in the recent decision of the Hon’ble Kerala High Court in Headstar Global Private Limited (supra), where the Court categorically invalidated indiscriminate "debit freezes" under Section 102 of the CrPC. The Court emphasised that such drastic measures must yield to the structured statutory process of attachment under Section 107 of BNSS, which affords both procedural safeguards and judicial scrutiny.
The robustness and traceability of UTIs provide a reliable audit trail, serving as a strong safeguard against abuse. Their very existence shifts the burden to the State to produce tangible evidence of wrongdoing rather than relying on vague suspicions or conjecture.
Viewed collectively, these constitutional, statutory, and technological safeguards mandate the immediate restoration of the petitioner’s access to their banking facilities. They also demand unwavering adherence by the State to the legally prescribed procedures—procedures designed not only to investigate crime, but also to protect the rights of innocent individuals caught in the crosshairs of enforcement overreach
CA Sreejith Kuniyil Founder, PravasiTax Solutions Pvt Ltd
The spouse who accompanies his / her NRI spouse with an intention to stay for an uncertain period gains the status of an NRI under FEMA, may continue to be a resident under the Income Tax Act. This is so because the conditions for determination of residential status in India as per the Income Tax Act is solely based on days of physical presence and not by intention.
IS THE DEPENDENT SPOUSE OF AN NRI CONSIDERED AN NRI?
CAN THEY OPEN AN NRO / NRE ACCOUNT?
One of the most common queries that arises regarding an NRI is about the residential status of the spouse who accompanies the spouse residing abroad to his / her place of employment. There are many scenarios in this context, all of which are governed by the provisions of Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA). Let’s first understand how FEMA defines an NRI.
According to FEMA, NRI is an individual who is a ‘person resident outside India’ (PROI) and who is an Indian Citizen or is an OCI or PIO Card holder.
In general, a PROI means a person who stays in India for less than 182 days during the preceding financial year. However, stay of 182 days (less or more) shall not be applicable in the following situations:
Situation 1: For a person who
has gone out of India or stays outside India for:
a) Taking up employment outside India or,
b) Carrying on a business or vocation outside India; or
c) Any other purpose, in such circumstances would indicate his/ her intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period.
Situation 2: For a person who has come to India or stay in India for other than the following instance:
a) Taking up employment in India, or
b) Carrying on a business or vocation in India, or
c) Any other purpose, in such circumstances as would indicate his intention to stay in India for an uncertain period.
Assuming the NRI spouse is not into employment or business abroad, the relevant condition to be satisfied is “Any other purpose, in such cir-
cumstances as would indicate his/ her intention to stay in India for an uncertain period.” To simplify the above conditions, the spouse of an NRI can be termed to be an NRI if he / she satisfies any of the following conditions:
a) Stays in India for more than 182 days but goes / stays outside India for any purpose which would indicate an intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period; or
b) Stays in India for more than 182 days other than for any purpose which would indicate an intention to stay in India for an uncertain period.
It is clear from the above definition that unlike the definition of a non-resident stated by the Income Tax Act, FEMA lays weightage on the intention of stay of the person. How can you prove your intention is to stay outside for an uncertain period?
The question whether a person
has gone abroad to stay for an uncertain period would necessarily depend upon the facts and circumstances of each case. The Courts would not accept this general perception of “when a person goes abroad but at that time, he does not know for how long he is going to stay abroad, that would indicate his intention to stay outside India for an uncertain period’ This fact by itself would not show intention to go outside India for an uncertain period."
Visa could be one of the base documents wherein the intention and period of stay abroad can be determined. Most bankers rely on the type of visa to decide the residential status of an individual. Hence, it is important that proper immigration documents are maintained.
We have discussed certain scenarios below for ease of understanding.
In the case of a newly married
couple, if the spouse accompanies her NRI spouse abroad, with an intention to stay for an uncertain period (i.e., through a family visa), he / she will immediately be classified as a non-resident. However, if the spouse accompanies the NRI spouse on a visiting visa with an intention to stay abroad for a fixed period (say 3 - 6 months), he / she shall continue to hold the status of a resident in India. This is also applicable to those spouses who visit their NRI spouse from time to time for short periods during the year.
In case the spouse accompanies the NRI spouse on a visiting visa and later acquires employment there, he / she will be eligible to become an NRI immediately, since under FEMA, it is the intention of the person that is given a higher weightage.
Another interesting fact is that the spouse who accompanies his / her NRI spouse with an intention
to stay for an uncertain period gains the status of an NRI under FEMA, may continue to be a resident under the Income Tax Act. This is so because the conditions for determination of residential status in India as per the Income Tax Act is solely based on days of physical presence and not by intention. Is the dependent spouse an NRI under the Income Tax Act?
It is very clear in the Income Tax Act that it is the number of days of stay in India, and not the marital status or the intention of the person, that is a deciding factor for determining residential status.
In simple terms, an individual shall be classified as a non-resident if –
• She / he is in India for less than 182 days during the financial year or,
• In case of person earning Indi-
an income more than INR 15 lakhs, she/he is in India for less than 120 days in that year.
Therefore, if the spouse is present with the NRI individual throughout their stay abroad, he / she shall also be classified as an NRI.
Can dependent NRI spouse open an NRE account?
As per the Reserve Bank of India and FEMA, a Non-resident (External) Rupee (NRE) account can be opened only by an NRI and a PIO/ OCI card holder. If the spouse is a non-resident according to the conditions stated above, she / he can surely open an NRE account in the bank of her / his choice in India. An NRE account is an account maintained in a bank in India by a nonresident to park her / his earnings made abroad, which shall be maintained in INR. The major highlight of this account is that the interest
earned on deposits in this account is EXEMPT from tax.
Once an NRE account is opened in the name of the spouse, his / her period of stay in the country should be carefully planned in order to maintain the non-resident status. If he / she decides to return to India for an uncertain period, they will no longer be an NRI and is duty bound to intimate the bank holding the NRE account IMMEDIATELY. Such a change in status shall reflect in the nature of their NRE account as well. The NRE account shall immediately transition to a Resident Rupee Savings account (where deposits get converted to INR) or Resident Foreign Currency account (where deposits continue to be maintained in foreign currency of choice) as per preference and shall shed the tax exemption benefits associated with the NRE account. Even if you fail to intimate the
change in residential status and continue to maintain the NRE account, you shall not be eligible for the tax exemption on interest earned from the account. The tax benefit for NRE Account is not merely associated with the type of account, but rather with the residential status of the individual under FEMA and not under the Income Tax Law.
For spouses who are shuttling between India and aboard, specially who accompany their children for higher studies in India, due diligence must be exercised in deciding the number of days spent abroad (as well as the intent behind the stay) in order to maintain the required residential status as the tax implications of a change in residential status can be numerous. Hence, it is recommendable to approach your tax consultant for determining your tax residency in India and resultant tax liability in India
Rajiv Ambat is a well-known speaker and the author of the best-selling book ‘The Midriff Crisis’. As a lifestyle expert, Rajiv leads the team at SOLVEMyHealth, which includes experienced dieticians, exercise specialists, and medical doctors. Together, they help clients manage a wide range of health concerns through structured, scientific, and personalised lifestyle interventions. The team specialises in treating and managing lifestyle-related conditions such as obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, fatty liver, and PCOS through customised diet and exercise plans tailored to each individual’s needs.
MANAGING ACIDITY – DIET & LIFESTYLE REMEDIES
The human body is a finely tuned system, and maintaining the right balance of acid and alkaline levels is important for proper digestion. Different parts of the digestive tract have different pH levels. For example, the stomach needs to be acidic to break down food, while the intestines are more alkaline to absorb nutrients.
When this balance is disturbed, especially when stomach acid becomes excessive or moves upward into the food pipe, it leads to acidity. This can cause symptoms like heartburn, bloating, burping, and even a sour taste in the mouth. Many factors can trigger or worsen acidity: poor eating habits, irregular meal timings, eating too fast, stress, lack of sleep, and certain medications. The good news is that acidity can often be managed and even prevented through simple diet and lifestyle changes.
The Delicate Acid-Base Balance
Our digestive system works like a carefully planned assembly line, where each part of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract has a specific role to play. One of the most important factors that guides this process is the acid-alkaline balance, also known as the pH level. This balance changes as food moves through the digestive tract and is essential for breaking down food properly, absorbing nutrients, and preventing harmful microorganisms from causing damage.
Digestion begins in the mouth, where the pH is close to neutral, somewhere between 6.5 and 7.5. (pH above 7 is alkaline, below 7 is acidic and 7 is neutral) This neutral environment allows the saliva to start softening and breaking down carbohydrates with the help of enzymes like amylase. Chewing also physically breaks food into smaller pieces, making it easier for the stomach to process.
Once the food is swallowed, it travels down the oesophagus (the food pipe) and enters the stomach.
Here, the environment becomes highly acidic, with pH levels ranging from 1.5 to 3.5. This strong acid, called hydrochloric acid, plays several key roles. It helps break down food, especially proteins, into smaller particles. It also activates enzymes that are required for digestion, such as pepsin. At the same time, this acidic environment helps kill any harmful bacteria or viruses that may have entered the body along with food. Without this level of acidity, digestion would be incomplete, and the risk of infections would increase.
From the stomach, the semidigested food enters the small intestine. The body now needs to shift the environment from acidic to alkaline, because the enzymes that work in the small intestine function best in a more alkaline setting. The pancreas releases bicarbonate to neutralise the stomach acid, while the gallbladder sends in bile to help digest fats. This results in a pH level at the small intestine becoming more alkaline - in the range 7.5 and 8.5.
This alkaline environment allows the final stages of digestion and the absorption of nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Once digestion and absorption are mostly complete, the leftover waste moves into the large intestine. Here, the pH becomes mildly acidic again. This slight acidity supports the healthy gut bacteria that live in the colon. These bacteria play a big role in maintaining our immune system, producing certain vitamins like vitamin K and B12, and keeping the digestive tract healthy.
A major cause of acidity is the weakening or malfunctioning of a muscle called the lower esophageal sphincter. This ring-like muscle sits at the junction of the esophagus and stomach and is designed to allow food to enter the stomach while preventing it from coming back up. But when this muscle becomes weak, inflamed, or too relaxed due to lifestyle or diet issues, it fails to close properly. This allows the stomach acid to flow backward into the food pipe—a condition known as acid reflux.
When acid reflux happens, people may feel a burning sensation in the chest (commonly called heartburn), a sour or bitter taste in the mouth, bloating, burping, or even discomfort after eating. These symptoms can become worse when lying down after a meal or eating close to bedtime. If this happens frequently, it may lead to a chronic condition called GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which can cause inflammation and long-term damage to the lining of the esophagus.
Causes of Acidity
Throughout the journey of food in the GI tract, our body does a remarkable job of regulating the acidalkaline balance in each part of the digestive system. However, this balance is fragile and can easily be disrupted by many factors.
Excessive production of stomach acid: One of the primary causes of acidity is the overproduction of stomach acid. This can occur due to factors such as certain medications, stress, or underlying medical conditions. When the stomach produces an excess amount of acid, it can lead to symptoms like heart-
burn, acid reflux, and indigestion.
Consumption of acidic foods and beverages: The foods and beverages we consume play a significant role in our body’s pH balance. Some foods and drinks have naturally high acidity levels, which can contribute to increased acidity in the stomach.
Citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, spicy foods, carbonated drinks, and caffeinated beverages are examples of items that can trigger acid production and worsen acidity symptoms; reducing their intake is important to manage acidity
Lifestyle factors: Certain lifestyle factors can exacerbate acidity. Sporadic eating habits, chronic stress, lack of sleep, and irregular eating habits can disrupt the natural balance of acid production in the stomach. Stress, in particular, can stimulate the release of stress hormones that affect digestion and increase acid production. Factors such as a high intake of acidic foods, excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol, smoking, and poor dietary habits also can contribute to an imbalance in the body’s acidbase equilibrium. These factors can
either lead to an overproduction of stomach acid or weaken the protective mechanisms in the digestive system, resulting in conditions like acid reflux, heartburn, and gastritis.
Medical conditions: Several medical conditions can contribute to acidity. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcers, gastritis, and hiatal hernia can cause or worsen acidity symptoms. Additionally, certain medical conditions such as H-pylori infection can disrupt the natural balance of acidity in the GI tract, exacerbating symptoms and increasing the risk of complications. Certain autoimmune diseases like Ulcerative Colitis, Chron’s disease also can cause severe gastrointestinal discomfort and acidity. These conditions often require medical interventions along with lifestyle modifications to manage acidity and alleviate symptoms effectively.
Diet to manage Acidity
It is crucial to be mindful of our lifestyle choices and make conscious efforts to promote a healthy acidbase balance within the body and thus manage acidity. This includes adopting a well-balanced diet that
includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting acidic and spicy foods. Practising portion control, eating smaller meals at regular intervals, and avoiding lying down immediately after meals can also help prevent acidity-related issues.
Avoiding sporadic meals and maintaining a reasonable and regular schedule for meals is important to prevent acidity and gastric ulcers. However, this becomes a challenge for working professionals – especially for those whose work involves a lot of travel and meetings and who ends up eating a late lunch/dinner or even skipping it. They either eat their meals very late or munch on chips, samosas, puffs, etc., to meet their hunger pangs. Most of these fried food and junk food are inflammatory, made in reheated oil and cause harm in the long term. Not eating on time leads to stomach upset, acidity, irritable bowel syndrome, and in advanced cases, it may even lead to gastric ulcers. Most of the abovementioned food we eat to satisfy our hunger pangs is almost always laden with unhealthy fats and excess calo-
ries leading to increased LDL cholesterol, gastric ulcers, weight gain and acidity.
A sensible alternative will be to carry some nuts! Munch on almonds, walnuts, etc., that are handy to carry and are loaded with healthy fat and a bit of protein too! You do not need a dining table to have such a quick snack and it is also not messy to eat. Around 5-10 almonds and a glass of water will help you satiate your hunger and will also prevent the build-up of gastric juices leading to acidity or gastric ulcers. So, next time you are late for your lunch, attempt this trick and this is going to help you manage acidity and the associated hunger pangs. That said, do not overeat nuts as they are very dense in calories and if you’re not careful, can very easily run up to a massive calorie surplus leading to weight gain!
In addition to dietary modifications, managing stress levels, quitting smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to maintaining the delicate balance of acidity in the GI tract.
Therapeutic Management of Acidity
People who suffer from acidity issues are often prescribed PPI drugs (Proton Pump Inhibitors) or H2 Blocker drugs by their doc-
tors. These drugs like Omeprazole, Rabeprazole, Pantoprazole, Ranitidine, etc. will inhibit excess acid production in the stomach, thereby giving relief to acidity. As with any medicines, one should refrain from self-medicating, to alleviate acidity symptoms. Do not consume these medications without the prescription of a qualified medical doctor. That said, relying only on medicines to alleviate acidity and not working on lifestyle changes for long-term management is a recipe for many nutrient deficiencies in the future. For instance, prolonged and excessive use of such drugs is often associated with Vit-B12 and Magnesium deficiency. Low Vit-b12 can lead to anemia, impaired nervous health, and cognitive decline. On the other hand, low Magnesium level is associated with mood disorders, insomnia, weakness, muscle spasms and irregular heartbeats. Apart from B12 and Magnesium, one may also fall short on adequate calcium, iron and Vit-C also with prolonged usage of such medications. It may be a better idea to correct one’s lifestyle and get off such medications in the long run, if possible – of course based on your doctor’s advice only!
A Balanced Lifestyle
By being proactive in our choices and implementing healthy life-
style habits, we can minimize the disruption of the acid-base balance in the body, promote proper digestion, and reduce the occurrence of acidity-related problems. Remember – healthy lifestyle habit is not about stopping carbohydrates, eating a lot of protein, or having tasteless and bland foods. A healthy lifestyle involves eating a well-balanced meal that is a combination of carbs, protein and fat in the ideal ratio based on individual needs and health conditions.
Make sure the meal plans you follow to become healthy are sustainable, sensible and scientific. There is no single fruit or vegetable that helps one become healthy. A healthy diet does not imply not having occasional indulgences, either! It is important to build a healthy relationship with food; be able to enjoy occasional indulgences and yet be healthy and fit. It only requires a bit of planning, and perhaps some support and handholding.
A lifestyle that involves proper nutrition, exercise, adequate rest, sleep and stress management goes a long way in not only improving your gut health and reducing acidity but for the overall improvement in health including better heart health, reduced insulin resistance, better bone density, strength, longevity and quality of life!
Dolly Nina
Dolly Nina is the founder of THE IGNIST, a training company born out of a noble cause and spirit. She has a decade-long experience being a passionate mentor and entrepreneur.
Every adult carries a childhood within. Long after the toys are gone and the birthdays feel less magical, what remains etched into our nervous systems are the silent instructions— unspoken codes written by caregivers, classrooms, culture, and early encounters with pain or praise.
THE CHILDHOOD CODE
"Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate." — Carl Jung.
Entrepreneurship often evokes image of hustle, risk-taking, innovation and freedom. Yet behind the scenes, many entrepreneurs live under immense pressure, facing not only market demands but also mental, emotional and spiritual challenges. What most don’t talk about is the hidden cost of building a business while ignoring the inner self – a cost paid in burnout, disillusionment and cycles of self-sabotage. While they struggle with unsaid day-to-day mental struggles, societal programming and shame exacerbate them, developing inner mastery is the key to an entrepreneur’s success and peace.
Every adult carries a childhood within. Long after the toys are gone and the birthdays feel less magical, what remains etched into our nervous systems are the silent instructions—unspoken codes written by caregivers, classrooms, culture, and early encounters with pain or praise.
These early inputs form our core beliefs, which act like the operating system for our decisions, confidence, risk appetite, sense of worth, and ability to withstand failure. For entrepreneurs, who navigate an unpredictable terrain requiring selfbelief, resilience, and innovation, childhood programming doesn’t just lurk in the background—it drives the vehicle. Childhood programming refers to the repetitive messages, emotional imprints, behavioral rewards or punishments, and survival patterns we learned in our formative years (ages 0–14). Examples: a) A child constantly criticized may form the belief: “Nothing I do is good enough.” b) A child only praised for achievement might internalize: “I must keep winning to be loved.” c) A child from a chaotic home may learn: “Control is safety.”- These beliefs don’t stay in childhood—they grow up with us. They become the lens through which we interpret the world, the reason we procrastinate,
the fire behind our ambition, or the quiet handbrake on our expansion.
Entrepreneurship is not just a business path—it is a spiritual and psychological mirror.
Every stage—ideation, creation, rejection, scaling, failing, rebuilding—tests our subconscious programming. Here’s how early imprints play out: Fear of Rejection - Childhood wound: Being ignored, invalidated, or rejected emotionally.
Entrepreneurial reflection: Fear of pitching, chronic perfectionism, inability to hear feedback without shame. Money BeliefsChildhood imprint: "Money is hard to earn" or "Rich people are greedy."
Reflection: Self-sabotage during scaling, pricing too low, guilt around abundance. Need for Approval - Childhood imprint: “Only if I’m liked or successful, I’m worthy.”
Reflection: Burning out to please clients, overpromising, avoiding confrontation. Control IssuesChildhood imprint: Unstable home
or caretakers.
Reflection: Micromanagement, resistance to delegation, anxiety over uncertainty. Avoidance of Risk - Childhood imprint: Punishment for mistakes, high-stakes parenting.
Reflection: Never launching, waiting too long to act, stuck in “what if” mode.
These belief systems become your glass ceiling. You could have talent, capital, and vision—but if deep down, your inner child believes “I’m not safe unless I overwork,” or “If I shine too much, I’ll be abandoned,”—you’ll find ways to pause, procrastinate, shrink, or explode.
Many entrepreneurs unconsciously re-create the very emotional climates they grew up in: They hire partners who mirror their unavailable father. They punish themselves like their strict schoolteacher. They burn out because they were never taught boundaries. You can’t outperform your subconscious self-image— you’ll keep boomeranging back to the
frequency of your childhood scripts. The great news? Beliefs are not destiny. They’re stories. And stories can be rewritten—especially through experiential learning, which engages your mind, body, emotions, and spirit together. Awareness Is Step OneYou cannot change what you don’t recognize. Journaling prompts like:
• What did I learn about failure as a child?
• How was love or approval given in my home?
• What early experiences shaped how I see success, money, risk, authority?
Embodied Reflection - The body holds memory. Breathwork, somatic therapy, trauma release, and inner child work can help you feel where certain beliefs live (e.g., tight chest = fear of speaking out), and soften them. Creating New Evidence - The subconscious updates not by logic but by experiences. Small repeated actions like: Asking for feedback without defense, Saying no and
seeing it’s safe and Receiving money with gratitude. These build new neural pathways that say: “I can be me and still be safe.” Ritual and Symbolic Rewriting - Entrepreneurs can create personal rituals (e.g., burning a letter to their younger self, building a "new belief altar", revisiting old photos with compassion). These signal the psyche: The past has served. Now I choose again.
The adult who stands poised to create a business, to launch a vision into the world, is not a blank slate. They are the sum total of every childhood moment, every praise and punishment, every gaze of approval or disappointment, every subtle silence from a parent who didn’t know how to say “I see you.” The entrepreneur who struggles to scale, who freezes at visibility, who sabotages success at the peak — often isn’t lacking strategy. They’re wrestling with ghosts in their nervous system, stories older than their business plan. Our beliefs about risk, self-
worth, money, power, rejection, love, and rest were shaped long before we had language for them. We watched how our caretakers behaved under pressure, how they responded to setbacks, how they treated themselves and others when things fell apart — and those unspoken patterns now run like invisible code beneath our boldest ambitions. So many adult entrepreneurs try to build an empire with a nervous system stuck in survival. You might have been applauded only when you excelled — so you now chase constant performance, unable to sit with stillness or celebrate small wins.
You might have been shamed for failure — so you now hide from experimentation, cloaking it as perfectionism. If you were taught that asking for help was weakness, collaboration feels like a threat. If your childhood praised obedience over intuition, then innovation will feel unsafe even as you crave it. What we internalized as children doesn’t stay in the past — it becomes the lens through which we see ourselves today. In business, that lens shapes how we price our offerings, how we pitch our ideas, how we hold our boundaries, how we trust divine timing, and how we recover from loss. Your com-
pany will grow when you grow. Your next level isn’t in a new funnel or framework. It’s in the brave, sometimes quiet, sometimes raging decision to evolve inward. The truest success is not in what you build, but in who you become while building. Let your business be your spiritual classroom. Let your breakdowns be teachers. Let your heart — not your wounds — choose the architecture of your empire. You are not too late. You are not broken. You are becoming. "Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls; the most massive characters are seared with scars." — Khalil Gibran
BUSINESS LUNCH: THE DOS AND DON’TS YOU SHOULD BEAR IN MIND
As India’s business landscape grows by leaps and bounds, riding on the wings of a rapidly expanding young population and urbanisation, the number of young men and women swelling the ranks of honchos, and CEOs and top-level executives is also on the rise. Being part of this creamy layer requires certain changes in behavior, grooming and etiquette as board meetings and business dinners become the order of the day. We will have a look at what to bear in mind while attending a business lunch or dinner. Every gesture counts
For all business lunches or dinners, the host is at the head of the table and the esteemed guests sit next to him or her, away from the door. Make sure that you unfold the napkin after being seated and spread it on your lap. Use it discreetly to dab your lips when the sauces or food
particle make an unwelcome entry on your lips or chin. In case you wish to use the restroom in between, place the napkin on the chair to indicate that you will be back soon. Once lunch or dinner is over, fold the napkin and place it on the left. While the food is being served, wait patiently for your turn. Ensure that others are served before you begin to place whatever you want on your plate. Take care to ensure that you do not overload your platter. Remember to start eating once the senior-most person at the table is served and has started to dig in. Stare at your plate, not the phone
To maintain an upscale dining experience that is dignified and quiet, the mobile phone should be in silent mode. What’s more, it is also impolite to frequently check your phone. It is courteous to focus on the table and the conversation that
is going on. It shows that you greatly esteem the presence of your hosts and other guests.
Be it soup or pasta, or for that matter, any dish, it is ideal to savour a small morsel first before reaching out for salt and pepper. This will demonstrate that you greatly value the chef’s culinary prowess, which is greatly important in upscale dining settings. Go for the seasonings only if it is absolutely necessary. If you go for soup, use the soup spoon and scoop away from you. Sip from the edge of the spoon and ensure that you do not slurp.
Cutlery Tales
More often, many lunch or dinner settings come with Western cutlery. While using them, make sure that fork is in your right hand and the knife rests in the other. It is advisable to cut your chunky pieces of meat/chicken or veggies into small bite-sized portions and have them
To maintain an upscale dining experience that is dignified and quiet, the mobile phone should be in silent mode. What’s more, it is also impolite to frequently check your phone. It is courteous to focus on the table and the conversation that is going on. It shows that you greatly esteem the presence of your hosts and other guests.
RL Morris
with your fork or spoon. Always chew with your mouth closed. In case you need to use the spoon, put down the fork on your plate and clasp the spoon with your right hand. If you wish to take a pause while eating, place the cutlery like a pyramid with their tips touching each other on the plate to indicate to the server that you are not done yet. While enjoying your food, use the cutlery daintily and not like ammo in a battlefield. Your elbows should be off the table as it is a sign of refinement. Remember, in a business lunch/dinner, every movement and gesture counts and shows how polished and suave you are. Do not use the knife and fork to cut a slice of bread or any flatbreads. You may use your fingers and wipe them clean with your
napkin once you are done with the bread. Such finer details you observe will enhance your charm and elevate the whole dining experience. Once you finish eating, place the fork and the knife parallel to each other on the plate in the 10.20 position on a clock face. The tines of the fork should be upward and the blade of the knife faces inward.
Before you finish the meal, please ensure that there are no leftovers on the plate. Unlike in the West, where it is okay to leave some food on the plate, in India, a neatly polished plate indicates that you relished the meal.
Sip, sip, hurray!
While drinking water or any beverage, slurping isn’t advisable. Take short sips in a silent manner.
Also, it is rude to bang the glass or the dining table. If your neighbour’s glass of water is half full, be courteous to refill it. It is also extremely impolite to blow your nose while at the table. You may excuse yourself and go to the restroom and clear your nose. In a certain scenario where you are the esteemed guest, be prepared to make a toast if wine or spirits are served. Make sure to rise in a dignified way with the glass in your right hand and make a toast to the health of the host and all the other invitees and also to the success of the business deal/venture that is being discussed.
To cut a long tale short, mastering the zen of dining etiquette gives you confidence and will make a lasting good impression on your clients and hosts wherever you go
GLOWING SKIN, THE KOREAN WAY: A SKINCARE REVOLUTION
Over the last few years, Korean beauty—popularly known as K-Beauty—has made a big splash in the global skincare scene. What started in South Korea as a local skincare approach quickly caught the attention of beauty lovers around the world. From unique ingredients to new skincare steps, K-Beauty didn’t just bring in new products—it introduced a whole new way of thinking about skincare.
Skin First, Makeup Second
One of the key ideas behind KBeauty is simple: take care of your skin, and you won’t need much makeup. This was a refreshing change for many people used to routines that focused mainly on covering up imperfections. The K-Beauty philosophy encourages people to build healthy skin from the inside out. This led to popular trends like the “10-step routine” and “glass skin,” where the goal is smooth, hydrated, and naturally glowing skin.
Thanks to this shift, more peo-
ple now see skincare as an important part of their overall wellness, not just a beauty trend.
Innovation Meets Nature
K-Beauty also introduced us to some unusual-sounding ingredients—snail mucin, fermented rice water, ginseng, and more. While they might sound surprising at first, many of these ingredients have a long history in Korean traditional medicine. They’re known for being gentle, soothing, and effective for different skin types, especially sensitive skin.
As K-Beauty products gained popularity, brands in other countries began including similar ingredients and creating milder formulas. Today, many international products reflect K-Beauty’s focus on hydration, barrier repair, and skin-friendly ingredients.
Affordability Without Compromise
Another reason for its massive appeal? High-quality products at budget-friendly prices. K-Beauty has
proven that skincare doesn’t have to be a luxury to be effective. This inclusivity has expanded access to quality skincare, encouraging younger generations to start routines early and prioritize skin wellness.
Packaging That Pops
Let’s not forget the irresistibly cute, Instagram-worthy packaging! K-Beauty brands like Tony Moly, Etude House, and Innisfree made skincare fun again. This playful aesthetic helped break the perception that skincare is clinical or boring— now, it’s a joyful daily ritual.
The Global Ripple Effect
The impact of K-Beauty is clear. Today, you can find K-Beauty products in stores and websites all over the world. Beauty terms like “double cleansing,” “essence,” and “ampoule” are now common, and even big international brands have started launching Korean-inspired products. K-Beauty also influenced the rise of skincare-focused content on social media, where influencers share routines, reviews, and tips.
Dr. Elizabath Chacko, MD-Kalpana International
Mob: 9388618112
More Than a Trend
While beauty trends come and go, K-Beauty has proven it’s more than just a fad. It represents a shift in values—towards gentler, ingredient-focused, and mindful skincare. It has empowered people to understand their skin better
and embrace consistency over quick fixes.
As the beauty world continues to evolve, one thing is certain: the K-Beauty glow isn’t fading anytime soon. It has carved a permanent place in the global skincare conversation—one sheet mask at a time
Aruna Rathod
Feature Writer | Travel, Food & Lifestyle
A RENDEZVOUS WITH HISTORY AT AHMEDABAD
A marvellous fusion of the old and new, Ahmedabad offers glimpses into the glorious past of Gujarat
Built by the Solanki dynasty’s queen Udayamati in the 11th century, it was a memorial to her husband Bhimdev I. What makes this structure most amazing is visual art at every level with carvings
The city of Ahmedabad in Gujarat has a charm of its own. Laid back, yet steeped in history, it has a lot that attracts visitors from other states of India and tourists from across the world. On the outskirts of the main city is the UNESCO World Heritage Site, listed as late as 2014 – the absolutely stunning Rani ki Vav (the Queen’s stepwell), while the old city has its pockets of history strewn into the lanes and by lanes.
A glimpse into the past
Make it a point to include Modhera’s stunning Sun Temple in your itinerary. It is on the way to Patan where the Rani ki Vav is located. It’s a pleasant drive on roads flanked with fields of mustard, jowar and cotton. After buying the entrance ticket, it’s a short walk to the Sun Temple. Green lawns, trees with huge canopies, squirrels and birds, the location is picturesque. An additional attrac-
tion is the deep step well located next to the temple. The temple is carved out of stone and was built during the reign of King Bhimadev around 1026 AD. The king belonged to the Solanki dynasty, known for its worship of the Sun God.
About an hour’s drive away is the Rani-ki-Vav at Patan. Maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), this architectural wonder remained buried for years after the Saraswati River changed its course and flooded the region. The massive structure lay under piles of sand until its excavation by the Archaeological Survey of India in the late 1980s.
Built by the Solanki dynasty’s queen Udayamati in the 11th century, it was a memorial to her husband Bhimdev I. What makes this structure most amazing is visual art at every level with carvings. The central theme is the Dasavataras, or ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu,
including Buddha. The avatars are accompanied by sadhus, Brahmins, and apsaras (celestial dancers) represented in over 500 sculptures and over 1,000 minor ones combining religious, mythological and secular imagery. It is a steep walk down to the well but well worth it.
Modern museum of the Mahatma
Gandhinagar is about 40 minutes from Ahmedabad and the Dandi Kutir museum, built to look like a pyramid of salt, tells the story of the Salt March in an interesting manner. A glimpse into Gandhi’s early life is beautifully portrayed with the help of audio- visuals. This museum is designed with audio, video and 3-d visual, 360-degree shows.
City sights
It may seem a bit difficult to find the Dada Hari Vav. It is not well-maintained but has a heartwrenching beauty to it. Built during
the reign of Mehmud Begda in the year 1501, Dada Hari Vav is an elaborately designed stepped well. The complex also houses the tomb of Dada Hari. You may find some young lads playing around, who double as guides.
More popular because of its proximity to the city centre is the Adalaj Stepwell. It was built in 1498 in the memory of Rana Veer Singh, by his wife Queen Rudadevi. It is flocked by visitors because of its proximity to the city.
As I looked for the Jamma Masjid located in the heart of busy streets, I wondered what kind of Masjid it would be like. I was bowled over by its size and beauty, and amazed to learn that it was built in the 14th Century by Ahmedabad’s founder Sultan Ahmed Shah.
A drive along the Sabarmati Riverfront was a revelation. It reminded me of the River Seine in Paris. Well-
maintained and clean, the riverfront spans over 11.5 kilometres, great for walking, cycling or just to relax and enjoy the flowing waters.
The upper level is landscaped, well-manicured with sculptures and large open grounds for hosting exhibitions and events.
Sabarmati Ashram –a glimpse into the Mahatma’s life
Serene and inspiring, the Sabarmati Ashram was home for Gandhiji for several years. It was built by him after he returned from South Africa in 1915.
Simply designed, the Ashram is spread over just ground level and has tiled bungalows that served a purpose during Gandhiji’s time at the Ashram. The entrance has large posters that spell out the history and scenes from Gandhiji’s life and pre-Independence India. The Dandi March stands out prominently and
it’s touching to see how satyagraha shaped India’s freedom struggle. It took about an hour to explore the Ashram. The Udyog Mandir, was founded in 1918 during the historic strike of mill workers of Ahmedabad. In the beginning Gandhiji lived in one of its small rooms. A ‘temple of industry’ it symbolised self-reliance and dignity of labour It spread the message of ‘Swaraj though Khadi’ in the country.
Of Gujarati thalis and snacks
Gujarati cuisine is famous for its snacks and thali – the main meal, either lunch or dinner which has a large plate that contains lentils, vegetables, buttermilk/curd, chapatis, puris, sweets and snacks. Breakfasts are all about dhoklas (gram flour steamed cakes seasoned with green chil-
lies, mustard and served with raw papaya) and fafda - made from gram flour paste and deep fried. The orangish-yellow sweet Jalebis are an accompaniment! During winters don’t miss the ponkh (raw tender jowar) and undhiyo (mix of root vegetables). To get a feel of all the snacks and items served in the typical Gujarati thali For a satisfying meal check out the pure vegetarian restaurant Agashiye at the hotel called The House of MG.
The Textile Merchant who lived here years ago, hosted Mahatma Gandhi, who first stayed here for a few days after his return from South Africa in 1915 and now the owners have converted the house into a hotel.
The entire complex is worth visiting. On the ground floor, there is an outdoor cafe for tea and snacks the famous nashta (break-
fast items). The hotel has a gallery showcasing traditional textiles of India from the Mangaldas family collection, a tribal heirlooms boutique and a heritage. Agashiye is located on the third floor and is open for lunch and dinner only. Choose from a silver thali or a kansa thali and indulge in a absolute feast for the senses.
After the meal, if you have the inclination do visit the Sidi Saiyyed Mosque located right outside. This structure has arched windows with delicate jail work of the ‘tree of life’, which is mentioned in the Bible. The mosque is also referred to as Sidi Sayed ni Jali, built in the 15th century by Sidi Sayed, when the Mughals conquered Gujarat. The mosque still functions as a place of prayer. Sayed was an Abyssinian saint of African descent who served in Ahmed Shah’s army
Saiyaara
Saiyaara is a soul-stirring romantic drama that gracefully explores love, memory, and healing. Mohit Suri crafts an emotionally rich narrative, elevated by stellar performances from debutants Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda. Ahaan delivers a compelling portrayal of Krish Kapoor, a troubled musician whose transformation is both believable and heartwrenching. Aneet shines as Vaani, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character battling early-onset Alzheimer's. Their chemistry is natural and poignant, especially as their bond deepens through music and shared pain. The film’s soundtrack, especially the titular track "Saiyaara," lingers long after the credits roll. With its stunning visuals, heartfelt storytelling, and a powerful climax at Wembley Stadium, Saiyaara is a moving tale of love that endures even in the face of fading memories. A remarkable debut for its lead pair and a welcome return to form for Mohit Suri.
Thalaivan Thalaivii
Anenergetic and emotionally charged romantic action comedy, Thalaivan Thalaivii thrives on the electrifying chemistry between Vijay Sethupathi and Nithya Menen. Pandiraj crafts a compelling narrative that blends passion, humour, and heartfelt drama with remarkable ease. Vijay Sethupathi is magnetic as Agasaveeran, delivering a performance rich in intensity and wit, while Nithya Menen as Perarasi is equally captivating, bringing strength, charm, and depth to her role. Their on-screen dynamic is both fiery and tender, capturing the complexities of a relationship built on love, ego, and resilience. The screenplay deftly balances thrilling action with laugh-out-loud comedy and poignant emotional beats, making for an engaging watch. With vibrant visuals, catchy music, and memorable dialogue, Thalaivan Thalaivii is a celebration of love and individuality—bold, entertaining, and full of heart.
Sarzameen
Sarzameen is a gripping and emotionally resonant action thriller that marks a powerful directorial debut for Kayoze Irani. Set against the volatile backdrop of Kashmir, the film delivers a deeply human story wrapped in national duty and personal anguish. Prithviraj Sukumaran delivers a commanding performance as Colonel Vijay Menon, capturing the inner conflict of a soldier torn between country and family. Kajol brings gravitas and vulnerability to Meher, portraying a mother caught in the eye of an emotional storm. Ibrahim Ali Khan makes a promising debut as Harman, portraying a conflicted youth with sensitivity and conviction. The screenplay is taut, blending intense action with thought-provoking themes about radicalisation, patriotism, and reconciliation. The visuals are stunning, the score haunting, and the emotional stakes consistently high. Sarzameen is a poignant, timely, and compelling cinematic experience that stays with you long after the credits roll.
Maareesan
Maareesan is a delightful blend of comedy and thriller, delivering a refreshing cinematic experience with heart and humour. Director Sudheesh Sankar skillfully balances laughter and emotion in this unique tale of an unlikely companionship. Fahadh Faasil is brilliant as Dhaya, a cunning thief whose plan to exploit an elderly man takes unexpected turns. Vadivelu shines in a careerdefining performance as Velayudham Pillai, bringing warmth, innocence, and impeccable comic timing to a character battling Alzheimer’s. Their chemistry drives the film, turning a simple heist setup into a journey of self-discovery and human connection. V. Krishna Moorthy’s writing smartly layers satire with poignant moments, making the emotional beats land without ever feeling heavy. Maareesan stands out for its originality, soul, and ability to entertain while subtly touching on themes of memory, morality, and redemption. A thoroughly enjoyable watch from start to finish.
The Woman in Suite 11
Author : Ruth Ware
Price : `1,972 (Hardcover)
Ruth Ware delivers another gripping thriller with The Woman in Suite 11, a compelling sequel to The Woman in Cabin 10. Lo Blacklock returns with renewed determination as she tackles motherhood and the shifting landscape of post-Covid travel journalism. Set against the opulent backdrop of a Swiss luxury hotel, the story unfolds with trademark suspense when a mysterious midnight call leads Lo into a chilling encounter. Ware masterfully blends psychological intrigue with vivid settings, and her sharp prose keeps the tension mounting with each page. Lo’s evolution as a character adds emotional depth, making readers root for her at every twist. The novel’s layered mystery and fast-paced narrative ensure it’s a true page-turner. Fans of Ware will find this an exhilarating continuation and a satisfying standalone thriller.
The View From Lake Como
Author : Adriana Trigiani
Price : `2,101 (Hardcover)
Adriana Trigiani’s The View From Lake Como is a heartfelt and beautifully written journey of self-discovery, resilience, and renewal. Jess Capodimonte Baratta is a deeply relatable protagonist whose quiet strength and longing for purpose shine through every page. Trigiani masterfully captures the emotional complexities of family, sacrifice, and identity, set against the lush and romantic backdrop of Italy. As Jess uncovers her roots and rekindles her artistic spirit, readers are swept into a story that is both intimate and inspiring. The novel’s blend of grief, hope, and unexpected romance adds richness to Jess’s transformation, making her growth feel deeply earned. With lyrical prose and vivid storytelling, Trigiani reminds us that it’s never too late to reclaim our dreams. This book is a warm, moving escape perfect for fans of emotional, characterdriven fiction.
Everyone Is Lying to You
Author : Jo Piazza
Price : `1,995 (Hardcover)
JoPiazza’s Everyone Is Lying to You is a thrilling and darkly insightful exploration of the influencer world, wrapped in a gripping mystery. The story’s fast-paced narrative pulls readers into Lizzie’s desperate search for the truth behind her best friend Bex’s sudden disappearance and the shocking murder of her husband. Piazza skillfully peels back the glossy surface of social media fame to reveal the secrets, lies, and toxic dynamics lurking beneath. The complex characters feel real and flawed, adding emotional depth to the suspenseful plot. With sharp writing and unexpected twists, the novel keeps readers guessing until the very end. This compelling psychological thriller offers a timely critique of online personas while delivering an unforgettable, edge-of-your-seat reading experience.
The Homemade God
Author : Rachel Joyce
Price : ` 1,499 (Paperback)
Rachel Joyce’s The Homemade God is a beautifully layered and emotionally resonant novel about family, grief, and the tangled threads of legacy. When four estranged siblings reunite at their late father’s lake house, Joyce deftly captures the tension, tenderness, and unspoken pain that simmer beneath their interactions. The mystery of their father’s final days and the presence of his much younger widow, Bella-Mae, add intrigue to the richly drawn narrative. With lyrical prose and deep psychological insight, Joyce explores how art, memory, and forgiveness shape who we become. Each sibling is portrayed with nuance, making their personal reckonings both poignant and compelling. As secrets unravel and old wounds resurface, readers are taken on an unforgettable emotional journey. This novel is a quiet triumph—both thought-provoking and deeply human.
