December 2011 by Youth Incorporated Magazine

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Volume 1 Issue 6 December 2011

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t is important for those aspiring to study abroad to be well aware of the best options available to them. Although it is not surprising that the top ranks are dominated by well-established institutions that came into being several centuries ago, it is very heartening to see that other, relatively newer universities are fast catching up. According to the Educational Exchange Data from Open Doors 2011, brought out by the Institute of International Organisation (IIE), 1,03,895 students from India were studying in the United States in the academic year 2010-2011. But, it’s not just the United States, Indian students are now exploring options all over the world, including Europe, Australia and Singapore.

This December, we present to you The Youth Incorported and Education Times - Global University Rankings, bringing to the fore the top 100 education institutions across the globe based on data collected at multiple levels from a variety of stakeholders. We believe that students should make their choice of university keeping in mind all the factors without being biased towards a particular country. It is for this reason, we have also brought you the top-notch colleges in several categories, depending on the stakeholders’ satisfaction, facilities and faculties offered, among other things. I hope that our Global University Rankings will help you to plan your future more constructively. December is one of my favourite months with festive cheer all around, whether in the Christmas songs played on loop on radio stations or the enthusiasm of youngsters making plans for New Year’s Eve. The excitement is almost palpable and the chill in the air just takes it a notch higher. In this spirit, we bring you funky ways to jazz up your party outfits in the fashion section and ideas to throw an eco-friendly party. We introduce inspirational men; Mikey McCleary, who has spiked the Hindi retro music scene, and Rajeev Samant, a man who journeyed from Napa to Nashik, and set up India’s first winery. As we end 2011 with a snapshot of the year, we take you on an off beat path to India’s most exotic state – Rajasthan. And last, but not least, from our entire team at YI, we wish all our readers a very Merry Christmas!

Nitish Shah

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contents DECEMBER 2011

PAGE

24 ALSO ON THE COVER

BEAUTY AND BRAINS! Hollywood celebs who put education ahead of work

Cover Story

GLOBAL (Educate) UNIVERSITY FOCUS FEATURE Brain Drain: RANKINGS 8 Reverse Myth or Fact? 2011 Education Times and Youth Incorporated have ranked the top 100 undergraduate universities across the world in an intensive research exercise that analysed responses by students, faculty and recruiters. Take a look at the rankings according to country, field of study, financial aid and more.

Is ‘reverse brain drain’ fact or cliché in today’s global village economy?

At the Horizon Exciting, new careers that are popular abroad are now finding their way to India

EXAM FEVER All Work No Party

CS students are burning the midnight oil every New Year

WALK OF LIFE The Importance of Being Coherent

13 14

Tips on written communication at work

Writing Faux Pas!

A genuine selection of hilarious resume bloopers

FOREIGN SHORES Be Prepared

16 17

Get your facts right when opting for an undergrad abroad

Should I do an MBA?

Weigh the pros and cons before doing an MBA

AWARENESS Virtual Revolutions

Make a difference in society with just a click of the mouse

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OUT OF THE BOX In the Lap of Luxury

The hows and whywws of embarking on a career in luxury brand management

CAREER WATCH Legally Yours

Have a flair for objective arguments? Try a career in law

ECOWATCH Throw an Eco-Friendly Party!

Dr Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor of NMIMS University, talks about the challenges facing higher education

RELATIONSHIPS The LDR Bomb

Distance-tested recipes for the dreaded, long-distance relationship

YOUTH ISSUES Arranged in Heaven

Arranged marriages have given way to many awkward moments in life

Experience an offbeat journey to the culturally-rich desert state of Rajasthan

Hair glam at its best! We learn more about hair fashion with designer Freanka

Explore the lush IIT Bombay campus through the eyes of an IITian

Rajeev Samant of Sula Vineyards speaks about the art of making wine

STUDENT SPEAK Sweet Success

Shaheen Peerbhai talks of her culinary journey from Mumbai to Europe

GATSBY See page no 95

MAKEOVER Refresh

Two readers get a jazzed-up makeover

MUSIC Shaken, Not Stirred

Mikey Mcleary is shaking it up with his remixed tracks of Old Bollywood

HEALTH (En)lighten Up!

Find out which branch of yoga is the right one for you

STAPLEdiet

PRODIGY Nectar of the Gods

GIFTS

FASHION Hair and How!

INSIDE DOPE A Walk with Nature

FREE EXCLUSIVE

Throw on your green hosting gloves with these tips

TRAVEL Rajasthan Revisited

IN CONVERSATION Of Change and Growth

WIN

73 74

EDITOR’S NOTE…1

Party Must Haves

Splurge on these gorgeous outfits and accessories this party season

Wild Thing

Take a walk on the wild side with animal print clothes and shoes that are the trend of the month

EDITORIAL CONNECT…4 AROUND THE WORLD…6 AWARENESS….22 COUNSELLOR Q&A…38 WORD ZONE ……54 MODEL WATCH… 76 GAME OR LAME…85 DROOL OF THE MONTH…86

(Entertain) ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE 2011: A Year to Remember

IMHO… 88

An entertaining look at some memorable events of the year

From India with Love! Indian imagery, practices and trends that have become a huge hit in the West

Luscious Lips

Get a sexy pout with these eyecatching shades of red

SKIN SUTRA Dr Good Skin

Get party perfect skin

RESTOMETER… 90 CELEB TADKA… 91 HANGOVER… 92 KISS & TELL…93 STAR STRUCK... 94 GRAFFITI… 96 DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 3

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editorial connect Write to us at mail@youthincmag.com

WORK AND PLAY Just a few days ago, I had come across Youth Incorporated. I love the fact that this magazine focuses on education as well as entertainment because there is a dearth of magazines for youngsters like me. On one hand, we do love to know about the education and job scene, but like every one else we enjoy a bit of play too! And, Youth Incorporated definitely knows how to come up with a perfect blend of the two! I’m really looking forward to the future issues filled with interesting stories and insights. Tinaz Bhamgara Student, Mumbai

LIVE-IN FOR THE WIN? The subject of live-in relationships is widely debated. I feel it has its own pros and cons. The need for it arises looking at the number of unsuccessful marriages these days. I strongly agree with what Maya Roy was quoted in the story as saying that couples shouldn’t live-in if they aren’t serious about their relationship. This way, you’re not entitled to your partner’s mood swings or baggage! After all, a relationship is the aftermath of getting to know each other inside out. In our country, the population is mostly orthodox, and pre-marital relationships are mostly considered a taboo. But despite all the social tension and heated arguments that live-in relationships create, it’s not 4

wise to tie yourself down to a lifelong commitment with someone you don’t share the frequency with, is it? Suhani Mardia Student, Delhi

NO MORE GOA! The article ‘No Goa’ was of great help to me especially since it was really difficult for me to decide which place to celebrate the New Year with my parents. It’s true; the first place that came to our minds was Goa, which we have visited several times. Finally, we narrowed down on Varkala as suggested by the writer. Varkala in Kerala seems like a relaxed holiday place and we are sure of having a fantastic time there. Thanks to this story in Youth Incorporated we can now enjoy a meaningful holiday, complete with visits to temples, spas and the likes. It would be great if you could feature some more untouched and lesser-known holiday spots in the magazine's future issues. Ria Sharma, Graphic designer, Bangalore

diets”. I have been on extreme diets in the past and have thus ended up damaging my system. But, the story had some helpful tips for me. On another note, I must mention that I am a huge foodie. So thanks for the yummy ‘Choco-banana shake’ recipe. I made it for my entire family and they loved it! Apoorva Nanjangud Student, Kolkata

MIX-MOTCH MAG I picked up a copy of Youth Incorporated at Crossword earlier this month, and I am impressed by the work that your team has put in to bring this magazine to the youth. There are not many magazines that cater to the youth today. But I think that the mix of everything is a little over the top for the reader, bordering on an information overdose. Also, I am not very sure why every time the person you feature is a film celebrity. Don’t you think you should be writing about those who are working in the field of education? Deep Mehta, Student, Jaipur

FOODIE ALERT The article ‘Dark Side of Dieting’ was an interesting and informative read. Under the guided light of eminent nutritionist Dr Anjali Mukerji, I realised the different ways that I am going wrong in my “fad

bluesummer2288 @Youthinc_mag Just got my copy! Really fun magazine! Keep the fun element going! AChicAddict

@Youthinc_mag Hey guys! This is a great mag that perfectly caters to all the youth needs! Edu-tainment at its best :) keep going! :)

Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

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educate Harvard University, which tops the ranking lists, was established in 1636

PHOTO BY MICHAEL KAPPEL

K E E PI N S I D E яГо

Pg12 Pg17 Pg36 Pg43 ALL WORK, NO PARTY STUDENTS OF THE COMPANY SECRETARY COURSE ARE STUDYING FOR EXAMS ON NEW YEAR'S EVE

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SHOULD I DO AN MBA? WEIGH THE PROS AND CONS BEFORE DECIDING WHETHER TO GO FOR AN MBA

BEAUTY AND BRAINS THESE HOLLYWOOD CELEBRITIES ARE BALANCING A HECTIC WORK LIFE WITH COLLEGE

LEGALLY YOURS FOR THOSE WHO LOVE TO DEBATE, LOOK INTO LAW AS A CAREER OPTION

22-11-2011 17:54:55

NewsNewsNews New News _EDU NEWS

Around the World T

he Dental Council of India (DCI) has restored its one-year internship for those studying for the five-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery course. The internship was abruptly dropped by the DCI in 2007. All Indian states had complied except for Andhra Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Kerala as these three states generally don’t employ BDS candidates who have not completed an internship in government dental clinics and hospitals. Now, once again, as part of the internship, BDS students will also have to work in rural areas, slums or on the outskirts of the city for three months out of intership's 12 month duration. The main motive of restoring the internship is to make sure that BDS students gain ample practical experience in the field of dentistry.

GMAC HITS THE INDIAN WEB

he Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), who is the administrative body of the GMAT exams, has officially announced the launch of an official GMAT website. The newly-launched website can be accessed from mba. com-India. This user-friendly website classifies all the global B-schools in a detailed manner and also lists the schools that accept GMAT scores globally. This is sure to be helpful for all business management aspirants in India as it is sure to help them figure out a definite path to a quality graduate management degree with specially-designed content. This portal also offers funding options, programme costs and the prospective return on investment. Besides, live videos of candidates who successfully cleared the GMAT along with their experiences and useful tips can also be accessed from the website.

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BY TRINITY CARE FOUNDATION

Dental Council makes one-year internship compulsory for BDS students

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IIT-MUMBAI, AMITY UNIVERSITY BID FOR ENGINEERING CAMPUSES IN NEW YORK

he Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai as well as Amity University, Noida are two of the 15 institutions worldwide that have submitted bids to New York City to set up science and engineering campuses. Known as the ‘Applied Sciences NYC’ initiative, this project offers the winners incentives like free city land and USD 100 million in capital. The consortium is proposing to set up a centre for urban science and research in downtown Brooklyn for over 500 graduate students. Amity University has submitted a proposal to set up a campus in Governors Island.

IIT research to go public!

tudents of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) across India are looking to improve the quality of research in their institutions through the use of novel techniques. A consortium of students from all the IITs will publish and share their research work on a common website. IIT students came together for a summit called "Inter-IIT Gymkhana Summit 2011" that took place at IITGandhinagar to discuss issues which were common to all of them. The summit was attended by representatives from over ten IITs including IIT Bombay and Kanpur, the representatives of which joined the sessions online. Amongst the many topics of discussion was the topic of how BTech, MTech and PhD research could be shared with everyone. The main reason of sharing research is to avoid repetition in the future. Students will also be able to save time and energy by researching topics and conduct advanced research using newer technology.

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NewsNews

News NewsNews

News

NIFT collaborates with US fashion technology institute

ational Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), which is run by the Government of India, has signed an agreement with the prestigious New York-based Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to run dual-degree programmes. The two institutes have agreed to collaborate in the areas of fashion design, textile design and fashion communication, offering a fantastic opportunity for NIFT students to obtain a joint degree, awarded both by NIFT and FIT. However, the institution has not yet given the timeline regarding the implementation of the agreement. However, they have assured that this agreement will be implemented as early as possible so that it will benefit NIFT students.

New B-school anchors in Hyderabad

he Association of Indian Management Schools, popularly known as AIMS, has planned to setup one more school adding to the long list of 600 reputed B-schools that fall under it. This new business school will be located in Hyderabad and is said to go by the name of National Academy of Management. It has also come to be known that the architectural planning has begun in full swing. The AIMS has already bought five acres adjacent to the Hyderabad campus of BITS-Pilani in Shameerpet for this very purpose. AIMS plans to develop a 50,000 square feet built-up area to set up the institution. Several custom-made programmes for the directors, deans and other administrative staff of business schools will be conducted at the academy with the assistance of top global B-schools. The academy will focus more on faculty development programmes and accreditation certification for B-schools in India. This has been done in order to ensure that the new school receives updated exposure in the field of management. The underlying aim behind building this business school is to establish a management college of global reputation in India. A streamlined control on admissions, fee structure and curriculum will ensure that total transparency is the current focus of the AIMS committee. Novel ideas like “each one teach one” are being incorporated so as to do away with the disparity between the quality of B-schools in India and around world. Under this novel scheme, top B-schools across the country will adopt and mentor developing B-schools in tier-II and tier-III cities. AIMS is the second largest network of business schools in the world. Top-notch institutes like ISB, IIM, NMIMS, MDI and SP Jain all form a part of AIMS.

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NO NEGATIVE MARKING FOR ALL-INDIA MBBS EXAM

n expert committee set up by the Medical Council of India (MCI) has proposed a single-entrance test, known as the National eligibilitycum-entrance test (NEET) for admission to all MBBS courses across India from 2012. The committee has also offered a number of recommendations such as the removal of negative marking in the exam, which generally resulted in low scores by entrance exam applicants. Yet another recommendation states that the exam should comprise objectivetype questions, while another suggests the use of a percentile score to determine the merit of all applicants. The Medical Council is also working towards lowering the cut-offs for MBBS admissions. DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 7

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_FOCUS FEATURE

REVERSE BRAIN DRAIN

MYTH OR FACT? F

or a long time, Indians have been emigrating to other countries in search of a better life. However, with the growing economy and better opportunities for professionals, some are choosing to settle back in India. Does this signify a period of a ‘reverse brain drain,’ where those with international knowledge and experience find that they prefer India? 8

Are their reasons patriotic, cultural or economic? We spoke to some professionals to understand their take on the might of the rupee versus the dollar, tradition versus convenience, potential versus development. Rohit Gupta did his MSc in computer science from the US after which he was working at Electronic Arts in New York, a renowned gaming company. However, unsatisfied with

working at one of the best workplaces in the gaming industry, he decided to start his own company. Gupta returned to India and established Rolocule Games (rolocule.com) two years ago. He says, “One of the reasons to come back is that there is no industry for video games in India. I went to the US to study game graphics and design. I had the option to start up the company either in the US or India. The

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{

Minal Patodia asks if the so-called ‘reverse brain drain’ is fact or cliché in today’s global village

location did not make a difference as the products could be sold anywhere in the global market. The video game industry in India is in its nascent state, so I wanted to contribute to the society and bring my international expertise back to India and help it grow.” However, he finds that the spirit of entrepreneurship is more prevalent in the US. Gupta says, “The Indian economy is growing fast, there is a lot of talent here and confidence is increasing among Indians to do something big. However, the work culture in the US is different from India. Our work culture is to work for someone else, while in the US, taking risks for your passions as an entrepreneur is encouraged. In that sense, your mindset also changes.” Nonetheless, he adds, “I am happy to be back here; I am close to people here, I feel a sense of belonging. In the US, the patriotism factor is missing. I think the ‘reverse brain drain’ trend will continue and only get stronger. Technology entrepreneur Nirav Shah, did his masters in computer science from Columbia University in New York. After that, he worked in UBS, a Swiss Bank, for two years. He came back last year to start his own company, Lets Align (letsalign. com). He has already launched a social networking software product called What To Do (whattodo.com), a social platform where people can share and discover things to do in a new city. It also can be used for collaboration of a to-do list. Shah says, “For me, settling down in India has to do with Indian culture and that India has a lot of opportunities for everyone right now with a growing economy. Moreover, the resources that are required to start a company abroad are becoming available in India as well.” Some resources for entrepreneurs are still missing in India in terms of knowledge and support. Shah is

applying his expertise in helping to create these: “After I moved back, I created a social group for all the technology entrepreneurs of Mumbai. Now, we meet regularly and have started a Facebook group. If there is some help that other entrepreneurs require, then we try to assist them wherever possible. The kind of economic system that people have in the US to start your own business is not readily available here. Investors here don’t have an open mindset to try out different things. The kind of investors and advice that you get in the US is still lacking in India. Nonetheless, I can access the advice the mentors give in the US via the web, thanks to their blogs, twitter, Linked-in and Facebook.” Shah is sceptical of the ‘reverse brain drain’ phenomenon; he says, “The majority of people are still staying back. Recession affects a few, not all. The people who have jobs are hoping that the economy will recover. But there will be more innovators and entrepreneurs coming back to India. In this growing economy, there is a lot of work that needs to be done in every single sector.” Journalist Arlene Chang returned to India for the sense of belonging. She did her master’s in the US and worked at the UN for a news agency and then for a magazine. She says, “I always wanted to come back, irrespective of the economy. I would rather do something in India and contribute to society. I have grown up here so there is a huge culture difference; I am more comfortable here.” Chang continues, “As for the ‘reverse brain drain’ phenomenon, I just think that people are making hay while the sun shines; they are coming back because there are no jobs there. Moreover, it’s mostly people in the corporate world in white collar jobs who have come back; engineers and scientists are still there. So I don’t think

the ‘brain drain’ concept applies!” But Hemal Ghelani, in the US for 10 years working in engineering sales and marketing, disagrees with Chang. He moved back because of growth opportunities here. He says, “The India I left in the late 90s was a very different place than the India I came back to last year. My wife and I came back predominantly because of the economy as we felt that there was a much better growth curve in terms of careers. We both saw a huge bump in our positions, our salaries, our responsibilities and our visibility.I think the reverse brain drain is already happening, and I know a few friends who are also moving back. The economy in the West is probably initiating some of the ‘sooner than later’ NRIs’ return; it’s always better to live in a country with 8 per cent growth than in a country with negative growth.” For others, who have borne the direct brunt of the recession like Shyam Sunder, moving to India was one of the best options available. Sunder was in the US trading mortgage CDOs (Collateralised Debt Obligation) at Merrill Lynch when the recession hit Wall Street. By mid 2008, it was clear that is going to be a prolonged period of distress at least for CDOs in the US. Sunder says, “My options were clear-cut. I could either learn a new commodity to trade or come back to India and start my own company. I lined up an angel investor in Boston and relocated here. I found that investing in the Indian capital market was not straightforward; there was no good way for people to research their own stocks. Moreover, there are hidden fees for financial products hidden all over the place. So I started Stockviz.biz to fill in the gap.” As opportunities in India are begin to match and sometimes exceed our Western counterparts, perhaps these ‘brains’ will help plug the drain? yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated

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_FOCUS FEATURE

At the

Unconventional careers that are commonplace in other countries are fast becoming a popular choice in India for many good reasons

HORIZON G one are the days when the only career options to choose from were limited to a handful of 'respectable' professions like that of a lawyer, accountant or doctor. In fact, this trend has now reached Indian shores and has opened up a host of new career opportunities for those who are looking for something truly different.

‘Green collar’ jobs Ecotourism can be described as a part of the travel industry that aims at instilling in people the importance

of responsible travel to natural areas that in turn helps to conserve the environment and sustain the wellbeing of local people. Prompted by ecological concerns and environmental issues, the ecotourism industry has evolved in the last 20 years and thus holds a number of job opportunities for those who have a passion for travel and at the same time wish to

make a positive difference. Ideally, ecotourism professionals organise and execute an experience for travellers that demonstrate local, environmental and cultural sustainability. Besides, professionals in this industry also travel to other countries to educate the local people about a more sustainable way of life. Courses in cultural anthropology, green event planning, natural resource assessment, environmental education, ecotourism marketing and group dynamics for ecotourism are popular in the US and Europe. In India too, the movement is gathering momentum with a large number of organisations addressing the needs of eco-tourists in a bid to promote eco-tourism in the country. Few Indian institutes like the Centre for Environment Education (CEE), Ahmadabad and the Indian Institute of Ecology and Environment (IIEE), Delhi offer degree courses in ecotourism.

Savvy sommelier In erstwhile times, a sommelier was the person responsible for taking care of wine cellars and serving wines to royalty and dignitaries. Over time, with the explosive growth in the popularity of wine, the tradition of the sommelier extended to restaurants. Today, a sommelier, who is still seen as a distinguished wine connoisseur with a vast knowledge of wines and their suitability with various foods, is very much in demand at restaurants, hotels and events. Sommeliers are now finding a coveted niche, not just as hosts at wine appreciation sessions but

also as wine critics and as certifiers of future sommeliers. Wine experts are also sought after by high-end stores to assist their customers and offer recommendations. Wine producing regions in France, Italy, South Africa and Australia offer a certification in this field at top-notch institutes like the Université du Vin (France), University of Adelaide (Australia), Associazione Italiana Sommelier (Italy) and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (London). With the huge growth in the Indian wine market, not only has wine consumption increased but also the curiosity levels with regards to different kinds of wines. The Indian Wine Academy, Delhi as well as the London-based Tulleeho Wine Academy that offers courses in

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Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore offer certified wine courses for those who wish to build a career in the wine industry. Life on the fast track While racing is well established the world over, in India it is still a rather new sport. But in recent years, it has fast gained popularity especially after India got itself its very own F1

team – Force India – and even more so after hosting the F1 Grand Prix in Noida. Motorsports management is thus a potentially untapped career,

with barely one or two companies such as Sports Kraft that have successfully ventured into this field. A motorsports management career poses a host of different jobs that range from motorsports marketing, sponsorships and team management to track operations, motor sports charities, corporate hospitality and business development. There isn’t a full-fledged motor sports management course in India to date, but a certified diploma in sports management is helpful. The International Institute of Sports Management in Mumbai offers both undergraduate and postgraduate diplomas in sports management, whereas the International School of Business and Media (ISB&M) recently introduced a postgraduate programme in sports communication and management. Is there anybody out there? Astrobiology is the study of the origin, evolution and possibility of life in the universe. This field comprises the search for habitable environments in our Solar System as well as habitable planets and the potential for life to adapt to challenges outside our Solar System. Today, several recent advances have made astrobiology viable. Biologists have discovered extremophiles, which are microorganisms living in extremes of heat, cold, radiation, and pressure as well as ancient organisms that derive

CALLING ALL ENVIRONMENTALISTS With the pressing need to reduce the individual and industrial carbon footprint and the ever-growing global waste trade, every industry needs to prepare for environmental impact audits, green house gas assessments and the recruitment of energy and environment managers. Other than simply campaigning for a greener tomorrow, a green career also encompasses positions that are on the heavier side that comprise training programmes, environmental testing and green management measures. Already an integral part of the West, a career in sustainability is the need of the hour in India and other developing countries.

their energy from chemosynthesis instead of photosynthesis. These organisms show that life's potentially habitable zone includes terrestrial planets like Mars and moons like Europa and Titan. Thus, a career in astrobiology is getting more lucrative by the day! What's more is the fact that India is very forward in the space research field too. While the Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore) offers MSc and PhD astronomy programmes, many students in India have gone on to pursue a career as research scientists, but few have opted to tread the lesser travelled path of astrobiology. The Indian Astrobiology Research Centre, the Cochin University of Science and Technology and the Mahatma Gandhi Institute, Kottayam offer courses that specialise in astrobiology. If you think out of the box, there is absolutely no need to confine one's self to run-of-the-mill career options. There are a number of new career options that are making their way to India. Sail to a bright horizon with these unconventional careers. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 11

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_FOCUSFEVER _EXAM FEATURE

all work no party

WHILE THE REST OF THE WORLD BRINGS IN THE NEW YEAR WITH FERVOUR, STUDENTS OF THE COMPANY SECRETARY COURSE WILL BE STUDYING FOR THEIR EXAM ON JANUARY 1

hile her friends all deck up and shop in anticipation for new year ’s eve, there is only one thing Ragini Sharma can do. Dream about her Due Diligence and Corporate Compliance Management exam the next day, hoping hard that she does well in the exam. That is what every student who has opted for the company secretary’s course will be forced to do. Be immersed in books – also known as study material - for either the Professional Programme or the Executive Programme. “This is the case every year. The exams have been held from December 26th to January 2nd every year, and students have no choice but to give up partying for that time,” says Sharma. There is little students can do, since the exams run at a stretch without even a single day’s

break – not even Sunday. The only students who have some respite are the Foundation Programme students, who get one on December 30th itself. “Of course, this year I will rejoice at this fact,” says Sameer Mehta, who is taking the Foundation Course exams this year, “but next year, I will be in a soup. There is no way I can change the time-table, however hard I try!” Looking into the helplessness of the situation, accepting it is all the students can be content with. “I have decided I am not going to think too much about it,” says Priti Premani, a student of the Executive Programme. “I am just keeping my fingers crossed that I clear all the papers once and for all with this attempt, so that I do not have to bother about this programme anymore! I shall be done, and be a professionally qualified company secretary!” she gets ahead of herself.

One of the worst experiences of having the exam on New Year’s is not limited to the fact that you are going to miss the evening of fun and frolic when the whole world is bringing in the New Year with a bang. It also has a lot to do with the fact that days and weeks are spent just lamenting over the fact. There are discussions with other students and just taking all the pitiful looks given by others who are free to do as they please on New Year’s. “I really hate that! So many people have no sensitivity and keep making plans when they know you can’t go out and are suffering because of that! And many are sadistic, taking pleasure in your pain,” complains Mehta. While this has been a situation for many years, the authorities are clearly not about to make changes any time soon. All we can hope is that the students make the most of the sacrifice they are making! yi

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_WALK OF LIFE

the

importance of being

coherent WRITTEN COMMUNICATION IS IMPORTANT IN HOW YOU COME ACROSS TO YOUR PEERS AND MANAGERS. YOUTH INC GIVES YOU SOME POINTERS ON HOW TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY

scar Wilde wrote, “If you cannot write well, you cannot think well; if you cannot think well, others will do your thinking for you.” We may not aspire to write as wittily as Wilde did, but nonetheless, it is crucial in any business to write clearly and coherently to get ahead. Here are some tips on how to write clearly.

language is at its best at its simplest and worst when full of clichés. If you are tempted to capitalise words to emphasise a point – don’t! Try to use a mixture of short and long sentences and break up complex sentences into shorter ones.

3. Formatting

When you begin writing, you should always consider your audience. At work, ensure that you do not use colloquial language in any written communication, even in internal mails to colleagues. Your tone at work should err on the side of formality – don’t try to make jokes in emails as it may not go down very well! Nonetheless, make sure that your personal stamp is evident so you can stand out from the crowd and be noticed.

Make sure that you have a distinct beginning, middle and end to any writing. Try to use an opening line that will catch the reader’s attention and an opening paragraph to give the reader an idea of what points you will cover and in what order. Make sure that you break up your text in paragraphs and use bullets or standalone sentences to highlight important points. The closing paragraph may either present a personal point of view or bring together ideas already presented – never introduce new information at the end of any written communication.

2. Language

4. Editing

1. Audience

Always use simple language. A great rule is that a reader should never have to read a sentence twice to understand its meaning. The English

Remember that the first draft of any written work will never be the best one. Once you have got all your ideas down, organise them

carefully and remove any unnecessary information. After you finish editing your work, read what you have written out loud to yourself. Does it flow off your tongue? Use no more words than you need to make your meaning clear. Where one word can replace a phrase, use one word.

5. Typos

Although most of us always use spellcheck before sending out any business letters, emails or presentations, we all have a ‘blind spot’ when it comes to certain words. Keep a dictionary handy to check words you are unsure of. Print out important documents so that common spelling errors will stand out to you better.

6. Read

Finally, remember that the best way to improve your writing is to read as much as you can. Read the newspaper, articles on the Internet, fiction and nonfiction books and magazines. Notice good writing and try to absorb it into your own way of expressing yourself – this is surely the best way to improve your communication all around! yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 13

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_FOCUS FEATURE

Writing Faux Pas! Your resume presents who you are to your employers and is the most important aspect of written communication while working. Make sure you don’t send out the wrong message with these resume bloopers! COOKING NATIONALITIES

Hobbies: “enjoy cooking Chinese and Italians”

ACCIDENTALLY INSURED!

“Job involved…counselling clientele on accidental insurance policies available.”

GARDENING PEOPLE?

“2001 Summer: Voluntary work, taking care of the elderly and vegetable people.”

SHUT ME AWAY!

“I’m intrested to hear more about that. I’m working today in a furniture factory as a drawer.”

FUTURE HOPES

“I am about to enrol for a Business and Finance Degree with the Open University. I feel that this qualification will prove detrimental to me for future success.”

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

“Time is very valuable and it should be always used to achieve optimum results and I believe it should not be played around with.”

CLIMBING A WEAK LADDER

“I belive that weakness is the first level of strength, given the right attitude and driving force. My school advised me to fix my punctuality…”

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_WALK OF LIFE

SWIMMING IN…?!

"My hobbies include regular attendance at my local gym and swimming poo."

FACIAL TALK!

“I hope to have some facial conversation with you at your convenience, so that I can furnish you with detailed information about myself.”

DEADLY DEVELOPMENT

On a web developer’s resume: "Service for old man to check they are still alive or not."

THE POOR ANIMAL!

"Career break in 1999 to renovate my horse."

SEARCHING FOR OPTIMISATION

Skills: “Search Engine Manipulation"

ALL GROWN UP!

A GENUINE SELECTION OF FUNNY STATEMENTS AND MISPRINTS IN RESUMES!

"For the past 3 months I have also been living at home with my brother as my parents have gone on holiday for 3 months as a retirement presents. I believe this experience has matured me as a person, as I have had to look after the house, shop and generally do a lot more tasks for myself. This has given me a new outlook on life and what I want to do with my life in the future."

PARTY HARD!

"Ares of Interest: I have craze of game programming because they are called the king of programmers and I want to be the king."

SKY HIGH!

"Interests and hobbies: none at present"

ALL HAIL THE KING

Hobbies: “Having a good time.”

"Working at **** airline, I gained experience managing cabin crew in a pressurised environment."

QUALITY CONTROL

"A marketing professional with a 'never settle for the best' attitude."

SOMETHING MISSING

"Analytical & Problem Solving Skills: As a child, I always enjoyed building jigsaw puzzles and was always determined to find the missing piece."

SOCK ORGANISER

"Please note from my CV I have 6 years buying and negotiating and Sock-Control experience."

DYNAMIC SOUL

THREE SECOND MEMORY

"I have a wide variety of skills and experience, some of which I have taken for granted and cannot readily recall. If considered for employment, I believe I will be an asset to your reputable organisation."

BOYS WILL BE BOYS

"Hobbies: Playing with Boy Scouts"

SHIFTY BUSINESS

"Promoted to Shit Leader and responsible for a team of Engineers." Read more at: http://resumehell.blogspot.com/ DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 15

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_FOREIGN SHORES

GOING ABROAD FOR UNDERGRAD? THEN YOU NEED TO DO A LOT OF HOMEWORK ABOUT WHAT YOU WANT TO STUDY, BESIDES TAKING THE SATS

Be P R E P A R E D Y

ou are in class 12 and are thinking of going abroad to do your undergrad. You know it will be cool, and you also know that if you opt for the US, you need to take the SATs. You're already thinking about the activities in the college and what you can do every Saturday night with your roommates. There is just one small glitch though. You don’t really know what you want to study! “That’s the problem when you think of studying abroad, especially when you are undecided about your career path,” says Anjali Koppal, who went to the US to study computer science. She feels that in India things are pretty straightforward and you know where you are going since there is only one way; from the first year to the second, and so on. And that’s the reason why students are not used to thinking too much about the course of their study after they have made that one big decision about the field they are going to study in. A similar approach, if

applied to any programme in the US, would lead to disastrous results. At an average of $18,000 a year, for four years, you better be knowing what you want to do! There is a lot of homework that goes into the decision. In whatever programme you choose, there will be different courses (equivalent to subjects) that are available, and some will be required and others will be optional. It will be up to you to decide which ones you want to take up depending on what you want to do in future. Since every course costs an average of $3,000 (depending on the university or college) it is a lot of money to be wasting on rash decisions. It takes a while before you get the hang of things from a university’s website. So spend enough time looking for the exact details, understanding what it will equip you with to move on, not only in the programme, but also after you graduate. If you can’t find some

specific information or have a query relating to a particular aspect, make it a point to write to the correct person and you will surely receive a reply. But for that, you have to take the first step and pose the query. All the email addresses are available on the website. Also, spend some time in figuring out the majors and minors you can take up to make optimum use of your time and effort. Make sure you establish contact with your advisor well in advance so that you build a rapport and learn as much as you can from him or her. It is essential to know all the factors since you are spending a huge amount of money over the degree and must make sure that you get everything right. There are many people who might be able to help you with technicalities like the application process and the visa system, but the decision of what you want to study and why you want to go abroad has to be your own. Only then will you see it through well. yi

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_FOREIGN SHORES

Should I do an

MBA? There is always a dichotomy as to the right time for pursuing an MBA abroad. Youth Inc weighs the pros and cons

ccording to many sources including TopMBA. com, the demand for MBAs worldwide has increased many times over in the last few years. In fact, it is the one degree that has become popular with students all across the world. By and large, it is to do with the fact that a management degree not only helps in every walk of life but also catapults one to the mid-management level and helps with salary jumps that are sometimes unheard of. One has to keep in mind though, that an MBA would be challenging, but yet, along the process has to be an enjoyable learning process as well. Before deciding to pursue an MBA, ask yourself if you really need this DECEMBER 2011 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 17

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_FOREIGN SHORES

degree. Make sure you know what your career goals are and examine if this degree will really help you achieve what you want. Once you have your career goals outlined, deciding on the country where you want to pursue your degree will become easier. Remember, self-analysis is the key to making this crucial decision. Most Indian students want to pursue an MBA straight after graduation. The Indian system of education encourages students to complete their bachelor’s and master’s degrees before starting work. This may also be due to the fact that we differ from the systems elsewhere in the fact that our parents bear the cost of our education, so it is easier for students to ease into a master’s immediately after undergrad. Also, the system is so designed that it allows for direct entry without requiring any work experience. In fact, in many cases, if you do an MBA post 26 years of age, you are considered to have considerable lagged behind in the rat race. The rest of the world, however, does not agree with this straightforward policy. The US, UK, Canadian, Australian and European Business schools insist on significant work experience after graduation. Global business schools require a minimum of three years of work experience. Some students view the MBA degree as a way to switch their career paths. Students who have worked in the health care industry, computer or engineering firms, and so on, opt for an MBA degree so that they can achieve a managerial position in their field. For instance, if you are an engineer, and have worked for years in routine hardware tasks and now want a managerial position, then an MBA may be ideal for you. Possession of an MBA degree would tell your prospective employer that you have the skills required to be successful in any business – you would be able to manage and lead teams, have knowledge of business strategies and so on.

Students who have worked in the health care industry, computer or engineering firms, and so on, opt for an MBA degree so that they can achieve a managerial position

Says Gautam Doshi, an alum of The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, “I already had a few years of work experience at a top notch company in my kitty before I decided to opt for an MBA. It only made sense to opt for an MBA in the US, since it would do justice to my work

experience. Also, the time spent at an international college would enable me to gain fruitful work experience before I came back to India.” He further informs that at the beginning, he was not sure that the idea of giving up his existing job and bang his head over tons of books was the best of ideas.

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Questions to ask yourself before you think of an MBA • Where am I in my career right now? • Where I do I expect an MBA to take me? • Should I pursue an MBA in India or abroad? • Do I need a one year or two year MBA? • What field would I like to specialize in? • Will an MBA help me achieve my career objectives? • Can I afford the time and finances required for an MBA? • Have I spoken to MBA graduates to understand more about the course?

But, over the years, he has come to realise the value of the lessons learnt. One of the other major factors to consider while choosing to do an MBA is the length of the MBA programme. If you have sufficient years of work experience and wish to get back to your profession or business rather quickly, then you may want to consider a one year MBA programme (there are fewer one-year programmes than there are two-year programmes). Remember that the one-year programme is only a crunched up version of the two-year one, so, the curriculum is extremely demanding and students are expected to work more than 14 hours a day to get through well. On the other hand, if you really want to invest the time in not only learning better from the curriculum but also from the experience of others on the class, not to mention gain an over-all perspective from the country you are studying in, consider a two-year MBA programme. Says Harish Balan, who pursued his MBA from the University of Chicago a few years ago, “I considered the one-year option in several countries including London Business School in the UK and INSEAD in Singapore. After speaking to a few alumni, and learning about the stress of the whirlwind year that the MBA turns out to be, I ‘chickened’ out and opted for a two-year programme.” It, therefore, makes much more

sense that you research extensively about the programmes you are looking at and find a way to marry them to your future goals. Once you have narrowed down the programmes for consideration, to learn more go straight to the horse’s mouth. Query alumni and students currently at your prospective university about the programme you are interested in. They will be able to give you very useful feedback. “I had very specific goals when I decided to get an MBA. I had an engineering degree from India and wanted to set up a manufacturing plant in Gujarat. So, not only did I know what I wanted to do after the MBA, but I also knew where (which country and city) I was going pursue my business in. Therefore, I narrowed my choices accordingly. After looking at programmes with an entrepreneurial edge, I interacted with alumni from several colleges across the globe to understand the nuances of the programme they were in and how the MBA helped them in their professional life,” says

Rachit Mankad, who pursued his MBA from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Another thing you can do is narrow down your career choices and be sure that you know which industry you want to work in. Be practical and ask yourself if you can realistically afford the investment, taking into consideration the fact that you will be losing your current job earnings for the years that you are studying at a B-school. Once you have carefully evaluated all your options, done a thorough research on your career goals and aspirations and looked into your wallet, you are ready to board the MBA train to your dream destination. Do you really need an MBA? There is no right or wrong answer. There are many factors to consider, but your primary consideration should be how well the programme fits with your needs and aspirations. Don’t just be intrigued by the three mystical letters – M, B and A. Know why you want to pursue it. You are about to embark on a path which will change your life. Choose your path wisely. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 19

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Virtual Revolutions

_AWARENESS

With the all-pervasive Internet making the world a smaller place, social awareness issues spread like wildfire with just a click of the mouse. Youth Inc shows you how to make a difference using the virtual world in the third of our multi-part series

hat do Obama, Hosni Mubarak and Anna Hazare share in common? Each of these figures harnessed the effectiveness of social networking sites to facilitate a change. In the US presidential elections, Obama used the Internet (read: free advertising on YouTube) to organise his supporters. And, while the protests and strikes that eventually overthrew President Hosni Mubarak were certainly not the first in Egypt, they happened to be the first of their kind in which Facebook, Twitter and YouTube played a driving role to accelerate an uprising. Closer to home, Anna Hazareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of supporters utilised the viral nature of social networking sites to spread awareness and to mobilise the public, finally causing the government to cave in to public demand. More recently, 20 Youth Incorporated â&#x2022;&#x2018; DECEMBER 2011

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the crusader took to blogging during his maun vrat or silent oath so that he could continue to address his supporters. The Internet played a key role in the realisation of each of these movements and protests. Spreading information and creating awareness has become easier than ever with the whole world literally at one’s fingertips! Going viral E-campaigning, cyber-activism and electronic advocacy are just some of the words used to describe the act of spreading awareness via the Internet. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, websites and blogs are effective for causes like lobbying, fundraising, petitioning and spreading awareness. In fact, these very socially-influenced sites, essentially defined by the bandwagon effect displayed by their users, work wonders to spread awareness. Constraint-free Word-of-mouth, the radio and television that were the only modes

DIY VIRTUAL CAMPAIGN

• Social networks: Use social networks to reach out to your friends, friends of friends and people all over the world. Create a profile page for your cause on Facebook; tweet about it regularly on Twitter and upload related photos and information, giving you a stronger presence on the Internet

of sharing information are now being replaced by online platforms. The dynamics of the Internet through the use of social networking sites, websites and blogs is vital for established as well as grassroots activists for a brewing revolution. One of the main reasons is that virtual public spaces are untouched by constraints such as money, space and time. The Internet culture is such that it acts as a wide platform for people all over the world to question, peacefully revoke and lend their support to a wide range of issues that range from radical ones like the overthrowing of a government to the smaller but important campaigns like environmental awareness. People are free to voice their opinions and support any cause via the Internet. Campaigns with an online presence and the resultant virtual communities that play a huge role in keeping them alive also enjoy the benefit of transcending geographical barriers. Using this platform, not only do people help to spread the word from just about anywhere using a computer or a mobile phone, but they can also let hundreds of other people know about it with just a click of the mouse. There are no limits when it comes to a tech-savvy campaign. The best part is that it’s absolutely free of cost!

• Videos: Shoot and upload innovative videos on the Internet for all to see. There’s nothing like a shocking visual to garner support for your cause

Add-ons Supplement your virtual presence with apps that can be accessed from mobile devices like smartphones and tablet PCs. Even mini games related to the cause work wonders to spread awareness and get people involved. Angry Anna, an Angry Birds-style game was launched with the purpose of supporting the surging anticorruption movement in India. A large number of people shared the game on Facebook and Twitter. The game was also the fifth most trended topic on Twitter in India on August 26, 2011!

• Email blasts: Once you have a database of supporters in place, send emails regarding information and events related to the cause

Making it work The success of any social media campaign is a mixture of simple,

• Blogs and websites: Create a website and blog about the cause that you wish to propagate. Invite guest bloggers to contribute too

SUCCESSFUL ONLINE CAMPAIGNS IN INDIA BATTI BANDH:

This environmental awareness campaign that used Facebook, Twitter and YouTube to urge Indians to switch off their electricity for a designated hour on a particular day was well-received. Acoustic music events and human chains across India kept people well entertained during that period.

PINK CHADDI CAMPAIGN:

This nonviolent movement used Facebook as a platform to urge people to protest against violent conservative and right-wing activism against perceived violations of Indian culture. The Facebook campaign was very effective, but was eventually hacked by unknown attackers who renamed the Pink Chaddi group and posted racial slurs and death threats in the group's description. Facebook disabled the account and all access to the group. However, one cannot deny the widespread reach that this campaign managed to secure using online media.

INDIA AGAINST CORRUPTION:

Along with the campaign's strong focus on anti-corruption in the media, it was also heavily promoted using Facebook and Twitter. Few know that within minutes of Anna Hazare's arrest, his video message that was posted on YouTube was a huge success with people all over India and immediately garnered over 30,000 hits.

yet valuable elements. Think of who your online audience is, and then accordingly choose the right social media channels. For instance, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube offer an effective mix of channels that ensure a widespread reach to people of all ages. Add interesting facts, contests, teasers, puzzles and games to up the fun factor of your campaign. Remember that content is king! You need to communicate the cause in the best possible way. It also helps if you have a team of people who will continuously remain involved in all conversations, posts and chats. You can be sure that in no time your campaign will reach far and wide! yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 21

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Education through experiences _AWARENESS

> By Prithvish Uppal, Director Communications & Information Management, AIESEC India

ducation, according to Wikipedia, is any act or experience that has a formative effect on the mind, character or physical ability of an individual. In its technical sense, education is the process by which society deliberately transmits its accumulated knowledge, skills and values from one generation to another. Two conclusive points can be deduced from above – a) Education is formative. This means it is an art as well as a science that shapes one's character through experiences or actions. b) It's influenced by society and the environment around you. This is the most beautiful definition of education I’ve come across, which disaligns from the stereotypical belief of education being confined to books, pens, notepads, diaries etc. It also means that education is an everlasting, rather than an exhaustive process. No matter what age you are, life experiences still contribute to your personality.

Public education is reforming rapidly. The current system limits the number of people who can be educated through conventional class-based education. Factors like finance, manpower and technology are hugely influential when we consider who and how many we can educate. We are now seeing a paradigm shift in education. The biggest question educators are trying to answer is how can we educate our children to take their place in the economies of the 21st century. The challenge for us is to figure out what our economies will be like then, given that with the current economic scenario, we can't even figure out how these economies will look at the end of the year. Another relevant factor shaping educational transformations is the cultural need of society. How do we build a sense of cultural identity in our children? I somehow feel that globalisation has bridged cultural

barriers but the need for a distinct cultural identity still exists. These two factors – culture and economics – will be the defining trends that will distinguish the past format of education from the future. But first, it's important to ascertain what purpose education is serving. Today, the world faces many challenges. We need education to empower young people and equip them to solve these problems. Earlier, education was positioned differently; if you got a college degree, you would get a job. In the current scenario this is not certain. There are more educated people than jobs available, leading to a demand and supply imbalance. Also, the current system of education marginalises the things we feel are important to us. We need to shift from an academic and nonacademic classification of students to more holistic understanding of education. yi

you t h incorporated EDUCATE + ENTERTAIN

www.youthincmag.com

h t n o m this ► More info and articles on music, books, and movies ► An in-depth look at the Youth Inc & Education Times Global University Rankings 2011

22 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

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_COVER STORY

you t h incorporated

GLOBAL UNIVERSITY

RANKINGS

elcome to the Education Times & Youth Inc Global University Rankings 2011. This intensive research exercise has polled thousands of people in over 30 countries to rank the top undergraduate universities worldwide. We have ranked the top universities based on the responses we received from students, recruiters and faculty for a holistic perspective of the factors that play a crucial role in higher education. These factors range from financial aid to campus facilities and diversity on campus to career prospects after graduation. It also takes into consideration the facilities and the faculties offered. What makes these rankings truly different is that we have placed equal weight on responses given by recruiters as by students and institutes together. Our global ranking of these institutions has thrown up some interesting results. The ranks of certain universities come as no surprise since they are that good; but the exciting news pertains to the others, the gate-crashers and hidden gems, which are now part of the crèmede-la-crème of educational institutions that every student worth his

24 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

YI RANKS 100 UNIVERSITIES ACROSS THE WORLD IN AN EXTENSIVE RESEARCH EXERCISE INVOLVING STUDENTS, FACULTY AND RECRUITERS Rank

Institution

Country Score

Harvard University

USA

100

Stanford University

USA

99.8

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

USA

99.7

University of Oxford

99.6

University of Chicago

USA

99.4

Yale University

USA

99.3

University of Pennsylvania

USA

99.2

Columbia University

USA

Imperial College London

98.7

Cornell University

USA

98.6

Princeton University

USA

98.5

California Institute of Technology

USA

98.3

University of Toronto

Canada

98.1

Northwestern University

USA

University of Michigan Ann Arbor

USA

97.4

McGill University

Canada

97.3

University of Tokyo

Japan

97.1

University of Cambridge

University of Melbourne

Australia

96.5

London School of Economics

96.3

École Normale Supérieure

France

96.2

Carnegie Mellon University

USA

University of California Los Angeles

USA

95.9

Brown University

USA

95.5

New York University

USA

95.3

University College London

95.2

salt wants to be a part of. Our toppers belong to an elite club – from Harvard that towers high above the rest to Stanford and MIT, which come a close second and third, to Oxford thereafter; these are the institutes that prompt others to rise to the challenge and to compete in such rankings. Though catching up with the

The diverse range of factors that have been considered in this survey have provided us with separate rankings that are more specialised, ranging from campus facilities to value for money. best is not an easy task, there are universities which have met the mark and done a great job. We see a few not-so-famous names among our top 100, who are doing a fantastic job with their curriculum and faculty, organising and building facilities for social activities and introducing innovative DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 25

_COVER STORY

Rank

Institution

Country

Score

Chinese University of Hong Kong

Hong Kong

95.1

Duke University

USA

National University of Singapore

Singapore

94.9

University of California Berkeley

USA

94.8

Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai

India

94.7

Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München

Germany

94.5

Emory University

USA

94.3

Johns Hopkins University

USA

94.2

Hong Kong University of Science & Tech

Hong Kong

École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne

Switzerland

93.9

IE University

Spain

93.6

University of Copenhagen

Denmark

93.5

University of Zürich

Switzerland

93.3

Kings College London

Dartmouth College

USA

92.6

University of British Columbia

Canada

92.5

University of Virginia

USA

92.4

Rice University

USA

92.2

University of Texas at Austin

United States

92.1

University of Sydney

Australia

Universidade de São Paulo

Brazil

91.8

Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile

Chile

91.6

Vanderbilt University

USA

91.5

Universität Heidelberg

Germany

University of Helsinki

Finland

90.8

Peking University

China

90.5

Technische Universität München

Germany

90.1

University of Manchster

HEC

France

89.5

Universidad de Buenos Aires

Argentina

University of Southern California

USA

Australian National University

Australia

University of New South Wales

Australia

86.6

Seoul National University

Korea

86.4

Nanyang Technological Institute

Singapore

86.1

University of Wisconsin Madison

USA

Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

Belgium

85.7

26 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

A LITTLE BIT MORE... •• Forty four current and former faculty members at Harvard University are Nobel Laureates •• The Peking University campus is located in the former site of the Qing Dynasty royal gardens •• University of Manchester is the largest single-site university in the UK •• Seoul National University was the first national university in South Korea •• The name Oxford for Oxford University is derived from Ox-ford, which refers to a place where cattle could cross River Thames. The city has been around longer than the university •• The Edinburgh University Library pre-dates the university by three years methods of teaching. They are on their way to becoming wellknown brands. On the flipside, even though you know it is going to be a foregone conclusion, there is only one institute from India that makes it to the top 100 – the Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai. It should not be that

Rank

Institution

Country

Score

University of Edinburgh

85.3

University of North Carolina Chapel Hill

USA

Tokyo Institute of Technology

Japan

84.3

Monash University

Australia

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México

Mexico

Fudan University

China

Erasmus University Rotterdam

Netherlands

81.8

École Polytechnique

France

Tsinghua University

China

Tohoku University

Japan

79.6

Uppsala University

Sweden

79.3

University of Warwick

University of Auckland

New Zealand

78.6

University of Queensland

Australia

78.2

National Taiwan University

Taiwan

Munich Business School

Germany

77.8

University of Groningen

Netherlands

77.6

University of Bern

Switzerland

77.2

Georgia Institute of Technology

USA

University of Adelaide

Australia

76.7

University of Rochester

USA

76.3

Paris Dauphine

France

University of Amsterdam

Netherlands

Washington University St Louis

USA

Ecole Centrale de Paris

France

University of Washington

USA

Durham University

Stockholm University

Sweden

Purdue University

USA

University of Bristol

68.6

University of York

Utrecht University

Netherlands

Pennsylvania State University

USA

Boston College

USA

Pompeu Fabra University

Spain

University of Vienna

Austria

63.5

100

University of Tel Aviv

Israel

way. There should be room for plenty more, considering the demographics, especially the percentage of youth, which makes the major chunk of th epopulation. This obviously paves the way for a greater potential for higher education in our country. We just need the right mindset with little or no interference from the government. The diverse range of factors that have been considered in

this survey have helped us to provide you with separate rankings that are more specialised, ranging from best campus facilities to value for money. Separate rankings according to the field of study are also available for students who have already chosen their professional specialisations. For more information on the methodology, turn to page 34. To read more about the Education Times & Youth Inc Global University Rankings 2011, log on to our website, www.youthincmag.com. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 27

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_COVER STORY

Country USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA USA

PHOTO BY FLICKR USER HUGO PARDO KUKLINSKI

TOP US INSTITUTES Rank Institution Harvard University 1 Stanford University 2 Massachusetts Institute of Technology 3 University of Chicago 4 Yale University 5 University of Pennsylvania 6 Columbia University 7 Cornell University 8 Princeton University 9 10 California Institute of Technology

Oxford University

TOP EUROPEAN INSTITUTES Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Institution University of Oxford Imperial College London University of Cambridge London School of Economics École Normale Supérieure University College London Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne IE University University of Copenhagen

Columbia University

2011 WO R

Country UK UK UK UK France UK Germany Switzerland Spain Denmark

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PHOTO BY FLICKR USER THE WESTEND_01

Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

TOP ASIAN INSTITUTES Institution University of Tokyo Chinese University of Hong Kong National University of Singapore Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai Hong Kong University of Science & Technology Peking University Seoul National University Nanyang Technological Institute Tokyo Institute of Technology Fudan University

Country Japan Hong Kong Singapore India Hong Kong China Korea Singapore Japan China PHOTO BY FLICKR USER MJTR

TOP O RLDWIDE Tokyo University

PHOTO BY FLICKR USER GEOFF PENALUNA

University of Melbourne

TOP AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTES Rank 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

Institution University of Melbourne University of Sydney Australian National University University of New South Wales Monash University University of Queensland University of Adelaide

Country Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia Australia

DECEMBER 2011 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 29

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_COVER STORY

DO YOU KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO STUDY? A number of students know what stream they want to pursue when they begin undergraduate studies; however, most are still unsure. While some undergraduate degree programmes, mostly in the United States, allow you to take courses from different streams in your first year before deciding on your major, other institutes require you to apply directly for a specific programme offered. These institutes have been ranked according to field of study to make your choices easier. BUSINESS PROGRAMMES Rank Institution Country Harvard University USA 1 Stanford University USA 2 University of Oxford UK 3 London School of Economics UK 4 University of Cambridge UK 5 Columbia University USA 6 Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA 7 Princeton University USA 8 National University of Singapore Singapore 9 Japan 10 University of Tokyo ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES Rank Institution Country Massachusetts Institute of Technology USA 1 California Institute of Technology USA 2 Imperial College London UK 3 Stanford University USA 4 National University of Singapore Singapore 5 University of Oxford UK 6 University of Tokyo Japan 7 Columbia University USA 8 Cornell University USA 9 USA 10 Georgia Institute of Technology

The teaching faculty at my institution are very receptive to discussions, questions and new ideas

70 per cent of students polled from our top 100 universities agreed that their teaching faculty was open to discussions, questions and new ideas. This is one of the best indicators of a good educational institute, so it is clear that most of the best institutes encourage interaction between the students and faculty.

Strongly Agree

Unable to Rate

10%

Strongly Disagree

12%

Programme Innovation

Disgree

10%

Agree

60%

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ARTS & HUMANITIES Rank Institution Harvard University 1 University of Cambridge 2 Yale University 3 Stanford University 4 Princeton University 5 University of Oxford 6 Columbia University 7 University of Tokyo 8 National University of Singapore 9 10 University of Toronto Unable to Rate

5% Strongly Disagree

Strongly Agree

10%

20%

Receptive Faculty

Disgree

15%

Agree

50%

The programmes taught in my institute and innovative and include company visits.

Again, 70 per cent of students at the top 100 institutes agreed that the programmes that they were taught were innovative. Education is constantly evolving, and the best institutes update their curricula regularly to stay dynamic and relevant.

Country USA UK USA USA USA UK USA Japan Singapore Canada

LIFE SCIENCES & MEDICINE Rank Institution Country University of Cambridge UK 1 Harvard University USA 2 Johns Hopkins University USA 3 Stanford University USa 4 University of Oxford UK 5 Yale University USA 6 University of California Berkeley USA 7 Imperial College London UK 8 University of Toronto Canada 9 Australia 10 University of Sydney PURE SCIENCES Rank Institution Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1 Harvard University 2 University of Cambridge 3 University of Oxford 4 Princeton University 5 Stanford University 6 Cornell University 7 National University of Singapore 8 Yale University 9 10 University of Tokyo

Country USA USA UK UK USA USA USA Singapore USA Japan

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VALUE FOR MONEY Rank Institution Yale University 1 Cornell University 2 McGill University 3 London School of Economics 4 National University of Singapore 5 Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai 6 Johns Hopkins University 7 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology 8 Universität Heidelberg 9 10 University of Helsinki

Country USA USA Canada UK Singapore India USA Hong Kong Germany Finland

RECRUITER SATISFACTION Rank Institution Harvard University 1 Stanford University 2 London School of Economics 3 Carnegie Mellon University 4 Brown University 5 Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai 6 University of Oxford 7 Hong Kong University of Science & Technology 8 University of Virginia 9 10 Dartmouth College

Country USA USA UK USA USA India UK Hong Kong USA USA

CAREER SERVICES Rank Institution Stanford University 1 Harvard University 2 Columbia University 3 University of Pennsylvania 4 Carnegie Mellon University 5 Indian Institute of Technology Mumbai 6 École Normale Supérieure 7 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München 8 University of California LA 9 10 National University of Singapore

Country USA USA USA USA USA India France Germany USA Singapore

There is sufficient gender diversity in my class

45 per cent of students polled felt that the gender diversity in their classes was insufficient. These top institutes need to do more to encourage women to take up science and business related fields to encourage gender equality in society.

Unable to Rate

10%

Strongly Agree

30%

Strongly Disagree

10%

International Diversity

Disgree

20%

Agree

30%

I feel that my institution provides value for the money I paid.

70 per cent students felt that their institutes did not provide value for money. The top 100 institutes in our list are the most expensive in the world. With the ongoing economic crisis, it has become difficult for graduates to find jobs. The institutes need to work harder to build their career services and internship opportunities for students.

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Strongly Agree

Unable to Rate

10%

Gender Diversity

Agree

40%

Strongly Disagree

20%

Disgree

25%

There is sufficient international diversity in my class.

60 per cent of students polled felt that the international diversity in their classes was sufficient. International diversity is a strong factor that attracts students from all over the world to study at these top institutes. In recent years, the numbers of scholarships offered to international students have been reduced and this trend needs to be checked to maintain a diverse classroom.

Strongly Unable to Agree Rate

Agree

20%

Value for Money Disgree

30%

Strongly Disagree

40%

STUDENT SATISFACTION Rank Institution Harvard University 1 Stanford University 2 University of Pennsylvania 3 Columbia University 4 Imperial College London 5 University of Oxford 6 University of Cambridge 7 École Normale Supérieure 8 London School of Economics 9 10 University of California LA

Country USA USA USA USA UK UK UK France UK USA

CAMPUS FACILITIES Rank Institution Massachusetts Institute of Technology 1 University of Oxford 2 Cornell University 3 Princeton University 4 University of Cambridge 5 University of Melbourne 6 Duke University 7 Dartmouth College 8 University of Texas at Austin 9 10 University of Warwick

Country USA UK USA USA UK Australia USA USA USA UK

INNOVATION IN TEACHING METHODOLOGIES Rank Institution Country Harvard University USA 1 Brown University USA 2 London School of Economics UK 3 Stanford University USA 4 École Normale Supérieure France 5 Dartmouth College USA 6 Johns Hopkins University USA 7 Columbia University USA 8 Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Germany 9 Spain 10 IE University DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 33

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_COVER STORY

Ranking

Methodology Information reported by recruiters

Recall of institute where to recruit from Likelihood of recruiting from same institute again Satisfaction with institute career cell

20% 20%

10%

50% of Programmes – We 4 Innovation considered the different ways used to construct degree programmes. in Teaching 5 Innovation Methodologies – Institutes were

How did we choose institutes? Youth Inc’s Research Unit (YRU) chose 500 institutes across the world after having discussions with students, recruiters and faculty. We also studied domestic rankings in various countries to find the best institutes. All institutes were sent identical surveys. We contacted current students as well as local and international recruiters and gathered specific information about the institutes. Factors considered Recruiter Perception – Identical surveys were sent to recruiters worldwide. The recruiters were asked

to rate the institutes that they were most likely to recruit from. Diversity of Students – The institutes were asked to report the total number of students on campus and what percentage of the students were international and speak two or more languages. Gender diversity of the students was also considered. Diversity of Faculty – The institutes were asked to report the total number of faculty on campus and what percentage of the faculty was international, held doctorate degrees and were accredited with their own publishing material. Gender diversity of faculty was also considered.

2 3

asked to select different teaching methodologies that we considered innovative. Some of these included company visits, dual or multiple majors and course collaborations between different departments at the institute. Our list was selected after surveying students across different campuses worldwide. Value for Money – We considered students opinions on whether a particular school was perceived as ‘value for money’. We also asked institutes for the percentage of students who received some sort of funding from the institutes. Campus Support – We asked the institutes and the students to select the different types of assistance provided by the student office or a similar body on campus. Our list was selected after surveying students across different campuses worldwide.

6 7

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Service – We asked the 8 Career institutes and students about

the availability and functioning of a career service cell and how active such a service was for the students. We also considered what percentage of students were actually placed through the institute’s career service cell.

Actual methodology We sent invitations to 500 institutes. Institutes were provided a password using which they could send us their completed survey online. They were asked to answer questions relating to full time faculty, career service, undergraduate student and programme information

by the assigned weightage. We then totalled the score from all factors and sorted the scores from highest to lowest. The institute with the highest score was ranked first. Not just numbers! After we received the total computed scores for the institutes, we Information Information reported by reported the school by current students

50%

30% 20%

Information reported by the school Information reported by current students Information reported by recruiters

Activities on 9 Extracurricular Campus – We asked students if

they were encouraged by the school to participate in different extracurricular activities on campus. We also asked the institutes to select specific extracurricular activities that they offer on campus. Exchange Programmes – Institutes were asked to report the percentage of students that opted for exchange programmes. We also considered the exchange students present on the institute’s campus. Student Satisfaction – Students were asked to rate their institutes on various factors including attitude of staff and professors, location, course content and so on. Institutes were also asked to report the graduation rate of students enrolled in the first year.

10 11

Diversity of Students Diversity of Faculty Innovation of Programs Innovation in Teaching Methodologies Value for Money Campus Support Career Service Extracurricular Activities on Campus Exchange Programs Student Satisfaction

Information reported by the school

Information reported by current students

3% 3% 3% 3%

2% 2% 2% 2%

3% 3% 3% 3%

2% 2% 2% 2%

3% 3%

2% 2%

30%

20%

Information reported by recruiters

and all the factors listed above. We contacted current students of the institutes and asked them to rate specific statements which were pertaining to the factors we considered in this ranking. Over 5000 recruiters were sent emails with a survey. The recruiter list was prepared from the responses of the institutes and also included internationally well-known recruiters. The recruiters were asked to enlist institutes that they were likely to recruit from. The table above is a summary of the factors and the weightage given to each factor when we ranked the institutes. Each factor was made up of a set of questions. The total percentage attributed to that factor was based on the average score of the responses multiplied

subjectively analysed the data provided by the institutes, current students and recruiters. If we found discrepancies in the satisfaction scores and the subjective descriptions, we omitted the data. Institutes that did not fill out the survey reports in time Out of 500 institutes that were contacted, 49 institutes did not complete the survey on time or did not respond. We used publicly available information on these institutes to include them in our ranking. We also contacted current students and recruiters of these institutes and compared the data we compiled with the data provided by the institutes that participated in our survey. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 35

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BEAUTY& WE THINK IT’S AMAZING THAT CELEBRITIES FIND THE TIME TO MANAGE THEIR HECTIC WORK SCHEDULES WITH ACADEMIC LIFE, WHAT MOST OF US THINK OF AS A FULL-TIME COMMITMENT. CHECK OUT THESE HOLLYWOOD CELEBS WHO HAVE BOTH BEAUTY AND BRAINS!

Emma Watson

"People can't understand why I don't want to [drop out] but school life keeps me in touch with my friends. It keeps me in touch with reality."

mma Watson seems to share more than a few traits with her bright character Hermione Granger in the tremendously successful Harry Potter franchise. The child star was tutored with her fellow actors on the sets of Harry Potter for five hours each day after filming. Despite the intensive focus on filmmaking, she managed to get straight As in all her ten GCSE subjects and in her A levels in English literature, geography and art. Did she have a time machine too? After her gap year where she filmed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Watson announced that she had enrolled for her BA at Brown University. Watson refused to drop out of school saying, "People can't understand why I don't want to ... but school life keeps me in touch with my friends. It keeps me in touch with reality." Where other child stars drop out due to media hype and attention on campus, Watson kept her focus for two years before taking a break to participate in advertising for the last Harry Potter film. She will soon resume her final year at Brown after an exchange programme to Worcester College, Oxford.

Natalie Portman

Natalie Portman has always been hardworking, but to get a degree in Psychology from Harvard University while still acting? Wow. The gorgeous

star even skipped out on the premiere of one of her earliest and most successful films, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace, so she could study for her high school exams! While most of us are skiving off from our studies to watch movies, she has an entirely different philosophy. Portman was still acting while completing her assignments for her course, juggling the pressures of advertisements, film shoots and public attention. But college was always her first priority. She clearly valued brains over beauty; she told the New York Post, "I don't care if [college] ruins my career. I'd rather be smart than a movie star." We’re certainly impressed! Perhaps it has something to do with her parents and upbringing as well… She said recently, “My parents are the opposite of stage parents in that they’re still not so sure about the whole Hollywood thing. My dad is still saying, ‘This being an actress thing is cute but don’t you think it’s time to go to grad school?’” Well, we certainly hope you find time to do both!

Tyra Banks

The gorgeous former model who is already heading a successful multimillion dollar media empire has gone back to school as well! And not just any paper institution – Banks has enrolled in the prestigious Harvard Business School's Owner/President Management Program since last year. She told CBS News, “In order for my

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BRAINS! you get done reading one assignment, you get another." But the gains are also many. She recounts to NY Mag that she shocked her accountant by knowing what an EBITDA was - Earnings Before Interest Taxes Depreciation and Amortization! And she is probably one of the few people in the entertainment industry who knows what that is!

"I don't care if [college] ruins my career. I'd rather be smart than a movie star."

company to grow and be the best, to reach women and to serve them, I needed the best. So I went to the best!” But surely, going to the ‘best’ has to be difficult for the entrepreneur who was sidetracked from her studies at the age of 17 by an international modeling career. During the book signing of Modelland, she told her large audience in New York about the demanding nature of her assignments: "I think they make it hard on purpose. Once

James Franco

We were already in love with actor James Franco, but the news that the 33-year-old actor is returning to school for a second PhD in Literature and Creative Writing just blew us away. The gorgeous star of 127 Hours will be attending the University of Houston beginning in the fall of 2012 next year, one of only twenty out of 400 applicants. Not only that, the educational overachiever is currently completing his first PhD in English at Yale University. He is also a Professor at New York University, teaching a class on how to transfer poetry to film. Franco initially dropped out of UCLA to pursue his acting career,

"I go to school because I love being around people who are interested in what I’m interested in. I’m having a great experience… "

"I think they make it hard on purpose. Once you get done reading one assignment, you get another."

but reenrolled in 2006 for an English major focused on creative writing. While continuing to act, he took twice as many courses and completed his four-year degree in just two years with a GPA of over 3.5! He hasn’t stopped going to college ever since and has maintained a rigorous academic regimen for himself. He simultaneously took up the Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Columbia University while also studying filmmaking at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, creative writing at Brooklyn College and poetry at Warren Wilson College. Franco told the Washington Post that he enjoys going to school for the experience and his love of the subject: "I go to school because I love being around people who are interested in what I’m interested in and I’m having a great experience… I’m studying things that I love so it’s not like it’s a chore." Gorgeous and smart, what more can you ask for? yi

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_COUNSELLOR CONNECT

JAYANTI GHOSE

Jayanti Ghose is a career and education consultant. She holds an honours degree in economics and a degree in education. Her research in career counselling and guidance spans more than 25 years. She pioneered the concept of career counselling and career writing in the print media. She is actively involved in personal and group counselling. For queries email studyindia@youthincmag.com

To the Stars Does any university offer a master’s degree programme in astrology? -Siddhesh Darshan There are a few programmes you can look at. SASTRA University offers a distance education MA in Astrology (www.sastra.edu/distanceeducation/AstrologyProgramme. asp). A similar programme is also offered by Potti Sreeramulu Telugu University (www.teluguuniversity.ac.in/ distance/distan_courses.html). You could also consider a Certificate Course in Astrology at Bharati Vidya Bhavan’s Jyotish Bharati, in Chowpatty, Mumbai (www.bhavans. info) or Bhavan’s Astrology course at Institute of Astrology, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, New Delhi (www.bvbdelhi.org). Indicative examples.

Merchant Navy I have completed my class 12 in commerce. I want to make my career in the merchant navy. Please do let me know the career path I need to follow. -Prashant Kamath BSc in Nautical Science/ Technology or a marine engineering degree courses open to students completing class 12 with physics, chemistry, mathematics and English lead to merchant navy careers. Students who have passed class 10 with English, science and maths in the age bracket 17 ½ to 21 years may take up Pre-Sea Rating and Pre-Sea Saloon Rating courses. Students passing 10+2, between 17 ½ years and 25 years of age may take up a Certificate Course in Maritime Catering. Ratings are personnel who assist officers in all departments -deck, engineering, communications or catering. Visit www.dgshipping.com for training institution listing.

Design I have finished class 12 in science with physics, chemistry, mathematics and computer science. I wish to take up design. What are the suitable courses and required aptitude? -Soman Bachelor’s degree in design (industrial/ communication/ etc) or in fashion design, interior design or diploma courses in the above fields would position you as a designer. You should have good spatial apperception, imagination,

creativity, memory drawing skills, sense of colour, three dimensional perspective and aesthetic sense to qualify for admission to a reputed design/ fine arts college /polytechnic. NIFT (www.nift.ac.in), National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad (www.nid.edu.in), Symbiosis Institute of Design, Pune (www.sid.edu.in), SNDT Women’s University (http://sndtcet.in), IIT Guwahati (www.iitg.ac.in) and the CEPT University, Ahmedabad (www.cept.ac.in) B Arch offers the opportunity to use the same set of skills for an enduring design career. Indicative examples.

Engineering When are the national level engineering entrance test dates announced? -Anshul Dates of IIT JEE 2012 on April 8, 2012, ISAT 2012 on April 21, 2012 (morning) and VITEEE 2012 on April 21, 2012 (afternoon) were announced in the second week of October. Other dates will be announced in NovemberDecember in prominent dailies.

Nanotechnology After graduation in electronics and communication engineering, I want to do MTech in nanotechnology. What are some of the reputed institutes for this? -Nandan Post graduate programmes in nanotechnology are offered by the Punjab University, Chandigarh (www.puchd.ac.in); Maulana Azad National Institute of Technology, Bhopal (www.manit.ac.in); Sathyabhama University Chennai (www.sathyabhamauniv.ac.in); University of Madras, Chennai (www.unom.ac.in); Kalasalingam University, Krishankoil (www.kalasalingam.ac.in); the various IITs; Indian Institute of Science (www.iisc.ernet.in); Amity University, Noida (www.amity.edu); Jadavpur University, Kolkata (www.jaduniv.edu.in); Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore (www.jncasr.ac.in); Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore (www.vit.ac.in); University of Rajasthan at Jaipur (www.uniraj.ernet.in); Andhra University (www.andhrauniversity.info); University of Pune, Pune (www.unipune.ac.in) and University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad (www.uohyd.ernet.in). Identify the programmes/ institutions which are most suitable for fulfilling your aspirations.

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PERVIN MALHOTRA & ZUBIN MALHOTRA

Pervin Malhotra has helped students for over 15 years to make educational and career choices by providing them with information and guidance on the options available. Zubin Malhotra is a management graduate and journalist by training. He is an alumnus of IIM Kozhikode where he majored in marketing and finance. For queries email studyabroad@youthincmag.com

MBA in Australia I am thinking of going to Australia for my MBA. Could you tell me which are the top B-schools there? Is it safe for Indian students to go Australia ? -Shruti Arora Australia takes great pride in its world-class education system and boasts of several universities that feature regularly among the best in the world. This has made Australia a preferred destination in the asia-pacific region. Its (relative) proximity and affordability has made it hugely popular among Indian students. The same holds true for management education as well. Several Australian B-schools regularly feature among the top 100 B-schools of the world in rankings carried out by The Financial Times, Asia Week, Economist, etc. As per the 2011 Asia Week survey, the top 10 B-schools in Australia are the following: 1. Australian Graduate School of Management 2. Melbourne Business School 3. Macquarie Graduate School of Management 4. Brisbane Graduate School of Business 5. University of Queensland 6. University of Adelaide 7. Curtin University of Technology 8. University of Technology Sydney 9. University of South Australia (International GSM) 10. RMIT University

The 2011 Global MBA Rankings by Financial Times includes the Australian Graduate School of Management (at University of New South Wales) ranked at number 35, and Melbourne Business School at number 53! So, as can be expected of top-notch, globally recognised B-schools, getting in will not be a piece of cake. Also, keeping in line with international MBA programmes there is an emphasis on a well-rounded application and work-experience with the admitted students being drawn from diverse nationalities, educational and experience backgrounds. The incidents of Indian students being attacked in 2008 is the thought at the back of your mind when you enquire about the safety of Indian students in Australia. While the incidents were restricted to a few pockets, the Indian media escalated the matter greatly. The net effect was a drastic drop in the number of Indian students going to Australia for higher studies. The Australian education department and

Government took serous note of this and took measures to make Indian (and International) students feel safe. Given the cosmopolitan nature of the better B-schools, I don’t feel there is much reason to worry. Best of luck! The perfect choice I would like to go abroad for further studies. What are the basic criteria for choosing a course in a foreign university? -Rakshit Bansal Typically, the higher education sector in the US (or even the UK and Australia for that matter), offers a bewildering choice of courses and combinations running into several thousands. Over 2000 universities offer undergraduate courses, and about1100 offer both undergraduate and postgraduate courses. Hence finding the right one requires a lot of research. Therefore, in addition to selecting a course that is best suited to your aspirations and aptitude, you should also consider the following: a) the type of degree (undergraduate, postgraduate, associate, etc.) b) the subject options available c) the potential availability of postgraduate studies in the field d) the size and facilities offered by the institution e) extra-curricular facilities f) financial support offered to students by the institution g) location and climate h) proximity to relatives/ friends living in the country i) availability of accommodation

You could also get a lot of information regarding courses from various websites. Each university has its own. There are several composite websites that give you complete lists of courses for each country. You should also look at the rankings published by independent bodies like the US News and World Report (www.usnews.com) and the Kaplan-Newsweek Supplement published each year for American colleges. You could search either on the basis of subject, institution or type of course. The annual ratings published by leading magazines like US News are also a very useful indicator. For higher studies, go by the department’s reputation rather than the University’s because departments are independent decentralised units. DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 39

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_OUT OF THE BOX

In the lap of

HERMÈS, LOUIS VUITTON, PORSCHE, BURBERRY, CARTIER – THE LIST IS ENDLESS! AS THE INDIAN MARKET SEES AN INFLUX OF SUCH BRANDS, A CAREER IN LUXURY BRAND MANAGEMENT COULD BE THE CHOICEST ONE, FINDS BEVERLY PEREIRA

apping India’s burgeoning luxury market, highend luxury brands have stylishly arrived to satisfy the country’s lust for all things luxe. Interestingly, the Indian luxury market is estimated to touch the $30 billion mark by 2015. Adding plausibility to this statistic is the fact that India has been voted as the 4th largest market for Rolls Royce, the legendary luxury carmaker! It’s

true; international luxury giants are queuing up to woo the upscale Indian customer. India has become brand conscious and its people are ready to invest in luxury brands. Obviously, the need for individuals who take care of the rise in demand for all things luxurious and its publicity has led to the creation of a new breed of careers in the field of luxury brand management. This career entails the responsibility of keeping the

brand popular and simultaneously maintaining its exclusivity. According to Soumya Jain, Chief Editor and CEO, LuxuryFacts, an online luxury magazine, “The luxury market grew by 20% in 2010 alone (as per the 2011 CII-AT Kearney report). The recent recession didn't affect the Indian luxury industry as much as it did the luxury markets in other, more mature economies like Europe and the US. These trends alone indicate how much

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years ago and has now taken over the status of a multi-crore industry, is yet a niche market. With price tags that scream extravagance, but with uncompromised quality, brand management of luxury goods is given utmost importance. It effectively requires an in-depth understanding of the brand’s history and heritage and also the ability to associate its iconic worth with a potential set of clients. Jain feels that luxury is a whole new world that centres around craftsmanship, design, utility, comfort and heritage. As with any other career, starting early always tends to give one an edge above the rest and it is always desirable to gradually work your way up from the bottom. A career in luxury brand management requires a thorough understanding of the brand as well as the ability to network with niche market segments.

it also helps to have a natural flair for networking and the ability to build a rapport with concerned people. As far as India is concerned, given the rapidly accelerating affluence of the masses, the scenario is set to witness a boom. The ones who will be riding the wave will be the ones who’ve kept their ears open to each and every word of their every single customer. After all, in the luxury business, no marketer can afford the luxury of treating its consumers as a loosely bunched segment. It is important to remember that luxury houses follow a zero-tolerance policy for anything that is below average or of low quality. Thus, if you plan to work in this field, you will have to set a high standard for maintaining good customer relations and efficient time management skills. If you have a passion for the luxurious, then a career in this industry will come as a natural. Being a relatively young industry,

Enter the opulence A strong business management background coupled with functional experience in management practices are the qualifications required to make it into this industry. Simultaneously, gathering knowledge as well as interest in the luxury industry is always important for both you and the organisation. Further, since luxury brand management involves a high level of customer interaction, your PR skills should be well in place. Go in for a Diploma in Public Relations to enhance your networking skills. To do well in this high-flying industry,

qualifications do not matter as much as the zeal to learn and be creative. While in India, courses can be found few and far between, they do help you to learn more about the industry. Depending on the kind of projects you are made to do, you also get to experience how various brands market themselves in varied ways. It certainly helps to learn about strategies used by the big names in luxury. You also have to be willing to be open and creative. "Luxury is a different ball game altogether - especially in India. What has worked for luxury brands in other countries, might not work

LUXURY the industry is set to treble in the years to come. The last five years have seen India’s luxury industry learning to stand up on its feet. It's now going to gallop at a fast pace. Not to say that there are no obstacles in the industry. There are still many challenges. But with the rising affluence and entrance of more players in the industry, times are only going to get better.”

Brand matters Brand management is a department that is vital to every company. But the luxury market, which was an almost nonexistent sector in India till a few

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_OUT OF THE BOX

in India. At times, many lessons that you've learnt have to be unlearnt. It's all about learning as well as loving luxury, knowing your customer base well and always thinking about what new experiences you can provide them with. That said, courses and qualifications can only give you a small edge by giving you market knowledge," explains Jain. Luxury brand managers must be in love with their product and believe that the company offers a value addition to its customers. It’s important to remain updated with the latest trends and forecasting with regards to luxury brands. Visit luxury stores to see what is working, what is not, what is selling and what’s not.

Talk to people in this industry and get their take on the stance of different brands. This way, you will be able to remain abreast with the luxury industry. A degree in luxury However, if you really want to go head deep into the world of luxury, then opting for a course that solely deals with luxury brand management is the way to go. Currently, there are not many study options in India. The only direct course is the Global Management Program for Executives in Luxury Management at IIM, Ahmedabad, which has a tie-up with the renowned ESSEC Business School, Paris. The programme

offers in-depth training and the implementation of strategies in this field. As part of this programme, participants also get a chance to train at ESSEC Paris where they will interact with faculty, alumni and luxury business houses, offering them a real-world experience. Abhishek Pai, Management Consultant, L’Oreal Enrich Hair & Skin Solutions says, “An MBA in international luxury brand management offers one a good standing and can perhaps increase your chances of securing a job in the luxury industry. Being well presented and extremely well spoken is a prerequisite to enter the luxury sector. Aspirants must be equipped with genuine industry knowledge, passion for the luxury and prestige sector, international language skills, a global approach and relevant business skills apart from having a striking and suave charisma and personality." If you plan to study this field abroad, it is important to look at universities in the UK, France and Italy. After all, these places are home to some of the best luxury houses in the world! Abundant opportunities Today, luxury brands are spreading their operations far and wide, with India proving to be the most lucrative of the lot. Luxury fashion houses, custom motor makers, hand-crafted chocolates, signature pens and watches have long arrived on Indian shores. Job profiles in the luxury industry include brand managers, operations managers and customer relations managers. One can expect to handle the regional business expansion plans, organise events to market the brand, figure out appropriate brand ambassadors and develop promotional campaigns. After gaining much experience, many people also go on to start their own luxury brand management companies. Incentives, bonuses, travelling far and wide and networking with high-profile individuals also come as part-and-parcel of a career in this industry. yi

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LEGALLY yours _CAREER WATCH

Ever fancied the black robes that every lawyer wears to court? Or just have a flair for an objective argument? A career in law can do you good then, finds a Youth Inc correspondent

ome hail or storm, recession or boom, one thing is certain: Lawyers are never going out of fashion. Really! The laws in the country are always so complex; ever since they have been drafted, and redrafted, and amended like nobodyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s business. It takes an expert, sometimes, may be several so resolve the simplest of legal matters. Needless to say, this makes the work of anyone in this profession fairly significant. In addition, as the public and society in general get more conscious of their surroundings and rights, careers in law become more popular by the day. As an obvious consequence, there are now more specialisations available in the profession like never before. Just to state the facts, a lawyer is a person licensed by the government to practice law and advise clients on legal matters. If you have the right mindset, being a lawyer can prove to be a very exciting and adventurous career option for you. DECEMBER 2011 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 43

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_CAREER WATCH

What it takes One thing is certain: You need to have a certain flair for thinking about both sides of an argument, not to mention a flair for argument itself. The study of law is a rigorous process and needs concentration, a certain level of rote learning, lots of research on previous cases and ability to apply the knowledge and research to new cases. Success in this profession is not based on marks you have obtained the all the examinations, but much dependent on personal attributes. Of course, communication skills are important for any job, yet, this one depends on it. Besides great oral and written communication skills, logical reasoning, power of concentration, patience, good memory to relate and quote past cases to prove your point, ability to argue and discuss matters with a variety of people, self confidence and courage are important. Like in every dynamic profession, one has to be up-to-date with information on any changes in law. Needless to say, for that you have to indulge in a fair amount of reading. What you need There are many routes to study law. If you opt for an undergrad programme, you need to finish class 12 from a recognised board. Then you could opt for the five-year undergrad degree in law. Otherwise, you could opt for the LLB degree after graduation. It requires you to finish a bachelor’s degree from any recognised university. Of course, post that, further programme, the LLM is of two years’ duration and needs the LLB qualification as a pre-requisite. Apart from that, there are a variety of certificate and diploma courses available for those who need specialised guidance, ranging from forensic law to cyber law and intellectual property rights (IPR). Many institutes also offer other diploma courses in several mixed disciplines like administrative law, international law, labour laws, tax laws and corporate laws.

Institutes

Watch

• NLSIU, Bangalore • NALSAR, Hyderabad • NLIU, Bhopal • Government Law College, Mumbai • Symbiosis Law College, Pune • Faculty of Law, DU, Delhi • ILS Law College, Pune • Padmashree Dr DY Patil College of Law, Mumbai • Faculty of Law, BHU, Banaras • KC Law College, Mumbai • Amity Law School, Delhi • University Law College, Bangalore University, Bangalore • NUJS, Kolkata • Rizvi Law College, Mumbai • Dr Ambedkar College of Law, Mumbai • Gopaldas Jhamatmal Advani Law College, Mumbai • Siddharth College of Law, Mumbai

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The law impacts our lives in AREAS numerous ways, and as mentioned OF PRACTICE before, the awareness that it has amassed in recent times covers many new specialisations. A few of them are: • Civil Litigation: Involves a lawsuit resulting from a dispute between private parties (individuals or corporations); civil litigation is concerned with matters such as breach of contract, debt collection, malpractice and personal injury.

In some institutes or universities, the selection for admission is on the basis of your graduation marks. In others, it is an entrance test. You need to figure out the institute you want to study in, and then check the requirements for admission. The entrance examination is usually objective type in nature, with questions invariably covering areas like reasoning, general awareness, numerical aptitude, legal aptitude and preliminary political science. What lies ahead With the field booming more than ever before, many a times, law students are hired on an interns and then retained by the firm they are interning for. In many cases, there is no looking back as this field not only offers tremendous grown opportunities but also chances for partnerships at the firm. Lawyers can find employment opportunities in public and private sector organisations. Most lawyers prefer to become an advocate and practice law as a profession. For that, they have to enroll with the local, state or central Bar Council. Central or state government jobs are also open to lawyers. Moreover, lawyers can also work as legal counsel and legal advisers for firms, organisations and families. They also can work with legal consultancy firms dealing with tax, excise, patent, labour and environmental laws.

They also can work as trustees of various trusts, law reporters in media industries. Besides, lawyers have also ample career options in law schools and colleges as a teachers or professors. In addition, lawyers can join politics since they have numerous public contacts. Non-profit organisations like NGOs are need the service of lawyers. International agencies like UNO, ILO, and ICJ also employ lawyers. Money matters As mentioned earlier, most of the times, the interns are hired to stay on as full-time staff at their respective law firms. They are paid handsomely, with starting salaries ranging from `20,000 to `30,000. After that, the sky is pretty much the limit. Once you know how to climb the corporate ladder, you will learn how to negotiate further. Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size and location of the employer. A qualified lawyer employed in government department has a pay package as per the terms and conditions of the government. Those appointed as judges have good remunerations and other perks offered by the government. Lawyers preferring private sector have more lucrative pay packages. The earnings of lawyers working privately as advocates or consultants depends upon the number and nature of their clients. yi

• Corporate and Commercial: Deals with the formation and maintenance of businesses; corporate and commercial lawyers handle contracts, liability, mergers, structured financings and other business matters. • Criminal: Governs crimes against the public and members of the public (as opposed to civil litigation which deals with private disputes); a criminal lawyer may work for the government as a prosecutor or represent the accused person as a defense lawyer. • Environmental: Legislation and regulations relating to the interaction of humans with the environment; environmental lawyers deal with matters such as air pollution, wilderness preservation and waste disposal. • Family: Applies to legal relationships between family members; issues in family law include marriage contracts, divorce, child custody, adoption, wills and estate planning. • Intellectual Property: Intellectual property refers to the ownership rights to certain kinds of creative endeavours; intellectual property law protects ownership through copyrights, patents, trademarks and industrial design registrations. • Tax: Deals with the taxes levied by different levels of government; tax lawyers may advise corporations on tax strategies and implications of business transactions or counsel individuals on matters such as legal wills and estate planning.

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_IN CONVERSATION

change

growth Higher education is booming and yet there could not be another sector that is faced with a multitude of challenges feels Dr Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor, NMIMS University

hen he starts talking about higher education, one cannot help but just quietly listen and absorb what he is saying. He should know, for he has been in management education, research, consulting and institution building for over 37 years. Dr Rajan Saxena, Vice Chancellor and Distinguished Professor of Marketing at the NMIMS (Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies) Deemed University, is of the opinion that the demographic profile today has created an opportunity for good quality education in all sectors. Even so, as a country, we are still far behind in terms of capacity. And it is just not that we lack, we are also faced by a greater challenge: how to make our capacity competitive with respect to the world. Tracing the reputation of some of the finest first universities of India, including Nalanda, Shantiniketan and Pataliputra, and coming to the current situation, Dr Saxena opines that as we increased capacity. the quality of education imparted

suffered as no one bothered to develop teachers. "We need to create an ecosystem in education to attract talent, especially as educators," he says, with a look of hope in his eyes. He knows this is possible since he has been able to achieve that in all the institutes he has been associated with. In the recent scenario, Dr Saxena feels that our system is still reeling under the blow of the eighties and the nineties where during the upsurge, apart from the quality of teachers suffering, corruption set in to what was until then 'a noble profession'. "The skewed demand and supply situation made it possible to auction seats and made capitation fee a norm," he says. Aspirations were going up so fast that almost everyone wanted a professional education, at any cost. As a result, with the field expanding, anyone with money set up an education system to claim a slice of the pie. Not all these institutes are of the standard that one expects. In fact, most are not. "Consequently, this sector is a poor sector, or

even 'virtually sick'," he avers. According to Dr. Saxena, growth occurs with great minds entering the field with a passion. "To quote the clichĂŠ, out-of-thebox thinking is required, and with talented personnel entering to teach, the employability of students will multiply," he says. In his opinion, only about 20 per cent of our professional graduates, be it engineering or management students, are employable. Despite what seem like mammoth issues coming down on the sector, there are some that are going for it. "There is a responsiveness to the market needs like never before," says Dr. Saxena, adding, "several innovations have taken place in terms of designing of highly specialised programmes." He envisions that the 2010-20 decade is going to be one of quality revolution just as 2000-10 was of infrastructure development in education and 1990-00 one of capacity creation. If that is the case, then he hopes there will be a win-win situation for the academia as well as the industry. yi

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Mocha.indd 1

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_FOCUS FEATURE

A walk with

NATURE

(

AN IIT-IAN TAKES YOU THROUGH THE BEAUTIFUL IIT BOMBAY CAMPUS, WHICH HAS IT ALL - THE LUSH GREEN OF NATURE, THE WIDE WALKWAYS WITH NOOKS AND CORNERS FOR STUDENTS TO HUDDLE UP AND THE MAGNIFICENCE OF POWAI LAKE

â&#x20AC;&#x153;T

wo years...even four years of campus life is not sufficient to enjoy life at IIT Bombay." This statement from the seniors often surprises new entrants on the campus. They often wonder how can one not get bored of living at the same place place for four years at a stretch. But once the new students are on the campus, they understand the sentiment really well. The very first step taken inside the campus gives students a different but a special warmth. The first thing that might catch stduents' eyes is the serene greenery in the campus, spanning what seems to be miles. As one progresses,

once can see how the people living on campus had created an entirely new world of their own. The campus contains anything and everything one can think of right from from canteens, stationery shops, swimming pools and recreational centres, to a banks, a hospital, a gym, a temple and of course, who can forget, Powai Lake! The campus contains 12 boys' hostels and two girls hostels each having its own canteen, mess, computer room, TV room, music room and a gym. Sometimes, stduents complain about being allotted hostel rooms on higher floors, since it always takes more time to get down. However, once they are settled in the

(

room, they realise that the height is a blessing in disguise. What first seems to be a problem with the floor, turns out to be the one of the best possible things, when one looks out of the window. Some of these rooms have a spectacular view of the city that ral estate developers will charge a bomb for, and the student here gets it as an addition to the coveted IIT degree! One can see the entire campus along with the Powai Lake and skyscrapers of Mumbai from some of the windows Many have descibed it as "a divine painting which someone painted on the window." There is hardly a chance that anyone who witnesses such a view is not

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_INSIDE DOPE

The site chosen at Powai was 18 miles from the city at that time. It had an area of 550 acres and was given by the then Bombay State Government. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone at Powai on March 10, 1959. enthralled by it, or even mesmerised. It makes one go down right away to Powai Lake and spend an evening there. If you are lucky, you will be welcomed by a flock of swans adding to the ethereal beauty. As the seniors mentioned often, one day was not enough to explore the entire campus, you need much more than that. Many students say that in the initial days, they are so overwhelmed with the idea of exploring one of the best campuses in India, that there is little else they can think of. Add to that the already existing excitement of actually making it to IIT Bombay! Usually, for a few days, stduents get engaged with the learning and exploring processes at the institute. In fact, in the year that this writer enetered the institute, understanding the importance of fun besides studies, the seniors planned a treasure hunt for the students of that batch. That day turned out to be the best day till date of many of our lives at IIT Bombay. The treasure hunt began with a clue leading to the famous Devi temple in

the campus. After taking the blessings from the temple, participants went in search of the next clue which brought them to the hospital in the campus. The hospital contained all the facilities required by any patient and catered to

all their needs. The next clue led the participants to the E-cell known for its entrepreneurial initiatives. It went on to the infinity corridor within the campus. While moving inside it, students figured where its name comes from - while standing in the corridor, its ends are invisible, it actually seems to be located at infinity! Needless to say, students went on to discover much more during the hunt. What added to the fun was the rain, which gives the campus a look of Utopia. What fascinates most students is the fact that IIT Bombay is not just about the places mentioned earlier. It is about finding something new every time you think that you are done with the entire campus. This writer is still on the way, discovering the campus. Next on the list are the famous Sameer Hills and the architectural wonder - The Cone. There is still a lot more waiting to be

discovered. As the people say even four years of campus life is not sufficient to enjoy life at IIT Bombay - wishful thinking can only lead to believing that these years transform into an unending journey ... full of life! yi DECEMBER 2011 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 49

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n 1993, Rajeev Samant quit his job at Oracle to follow an entrepreneurial path in India. At the time even though it may have seemed like the road less travelled, it is now evident that the will to succeed flows through his blood. And, success came as a natural. For today, Sula Vineyards, the brainchild of this young entrepreneur is flourishing in all its glory and can safely be credited as the pioneer of the Indian wine industry. Even during his Oracle days, he enjoyed the distinction of being the youngest manager in the finance division! While Europe is known for its family-owned wineries, things are clearly different on this side of the globe looking at the Sula brand of wines that took shape after Samant began to experiment with farming mangoes, roses, grapes and teakwood on his 20-acre, family-owned Nashik plot. Samant, the founder and CEO of Sula Vineyards, shares his story in an exclusive interview with Youth Inc.

Nectar

Yi: Why did you quit your job at Oracle in Silicon Valley? RS: I realised quickly that I was not cut out to be a corporate clone. I definitely needed to do something of my own. I also decided that I'd had a good time in California but it was time to go back to India to do something meaningful. Both of these thoughts came at the same time and that is when I made my decision. I have not regretted it to date.

of the GODS

Sula Vineyards has sparked a wine revolution in India, establishing Nashik as India’s wine capital. Youth Inc catches up with Rajeev Samant – the entrepreneur behind it all

Yi: How did the name Sula come about? RS: Sula is part of my mother’s name, 'Sulabha'. We brainstormed for a long time over names that would not only sound Indian but would also translate across globally. This name came to me

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_PRODIGY

in a flash one evening. It was only later that my father pointed out that it was in fact my mother’s name. Yi: Tell us more about your education at Stanford. RS: Stanford was a very special place that instilled a strong belief in entrepreneurship and finding your own path. I was extremely inspired by the success stories that had spawned from this great university. Both my degrees helped a lot. A degree in engineering management teaches you how to manage a complex enterprise, which at the end of the day is what a winery is about. Economics gives you a strong grounding in finance, which has definitely stood me in good stead at the start-up stage. Yi: Did you feel that you were taking a risk when you started out in the '90s? RS: It was a huge risk. We were the first winery to come up in Nashik. But there were also a few factors that led to this. One was the fact that my father already owned a small piece of land in Nashik. But, at that time, winemaking was an unknown industry with only two wineries in the country. Wine consumption was negligible and Nashik had no history of wine at the time. Yi: During your start-up days, what was your initial instinct in a country that considered alcohol taboo years ago? RS: What was very clear even at that time was that India was moving fast in all directions. I took a reference of what the consumption patterns had been in other Asian countries. I found out that in those countries, people started out with hard spirits, then moved on to beer and graduated on to wine. So for me it was clear and inevitable that India would also move towards wine. Even today, if you look at it, consumption is very small as compared to other countries. But there are two ways to look at it. One is that it’s not a big market; the second way to look at it is that it means it has the most potential.

Yi: What personal characteristics are required to be a successful entrepreneur? RS: To be an entrepreneur in any field, one needs a huge degree of optimism, so the glass is always half full. You also need a lot of resilience because there are many testing times when you start things up. So you wake up one morning and you just think “Oh my God, what have I gotten myself into?” You have to overcome that and keep pushing until it happens. You also need a huge amount of self-belief. I think this is one of the defining characteristics of most entrepreneurs. Yi: What skills have you developed along the journey? RS: I’ve definitely learnt to work well in a team environment. I tended to be quite an individual when I started out, but now, the one thing you realise is that you have to take people along with you. That’s something that I definitely learnt along the way. Yi: A recent report stated that the Indian wine industry has lost its sparkle. Your thoughts? RS: It’s true that a large number of wineries are facing big problems, but then some of those wineries should never have been started up in the first place. Sula has had a very different story over the last few years. Sales are booming. It’s by far the consumers preferred choice. So the wine industry is really on a two-track path, and we must remember that everything that we read in the media is not necessarily true. You have to sift through the story to understand the bigger story. In effect, Indian wine consumption is booming at the moment and Sula is the biggest beneficiary of that because of our relentless focus on quality. Yi: How vital is it to have sommeliers at restaurants? Do you feel it is becoming a popular career option? RS: There are two things. One, you could have a trained sommelier, which makes sense for expensive restaurants and five-star hotels. But even the

waiting staff at fairly good restaurants ought to have minimum knowledge of wine. Sula contributes a lot in this sphere by taking restaurant and hotel staff up to our beautiful vineyards to teach them the basics of wine. I feel that there will be a lot of opportunities in this industry in the years to come. Currently, it’s still a very small industry. But it's surely going to be a boom time over the next ten years. Yi: As the leader in sustainable winemaking, tell us more about Sula's green efforts and goals. RS: I strongly feel that there is no point in simply being a big success. It’s important to be successful while minimising one's carbon footprint on the planet. From cutting down our water usage and recycling every drop of water that comes out of our waste-water treatment to using solar energy, right up to using earthworms to process our crushed waste into rich compost, these efforts really guide everything we do. Sula is one of the greenest wineries in the world and we hope that this is the path that others will tread in the years to come. Yi: Our readers would love to know more about the man behind it all! What inspires you and what are you passionate about? RS: I've always loved to do things differently. You can say that I march to the beat of a slightly different drummer. I believe that I evolved my life philosophy even before starting out on my Sula path. I strongly believe in a couple of things. The first is a healthy mind and a healthy body. So, as important as a career is as well as everything else in life, we shouldn’t forget to do basic physical exercise everyday, otherwise everything we do can come to naught if our health is not up to the mark. I also believe that life should be richly lived and this whole planet is open for us to enjoy. So we should not get too focused or stuck on trivial things in life but we should get out there, enjoy ourselves and spread joy among others and at the same time work hard. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 51

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_STUDENT SPEAK

SWEET

SHAHEEN PEERBHAI AKA THE PURPLE FOODIE, TALKS ABOUT HOW SHE KICKED UP A CUSHY JOB FOR THE LOVE OF BAKING, THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS CULINARY SCHOLARSHIPS THAT SHE HAS BEEN AWARDED AND THE BLOG THAT CHANGED HER LIFE

SUCCESS E

ver since I was 18 and learned of Le Cordon Bleu, I dreamed of studying there. “That’s not a job!” everyone said. So I finished college, and took on a regular marketing job, just like the other kids at school. But I did not give up on something I really love. Baking. I started blogging in September 2007. It’s a place to chronicle my kitchen escapades, and to document new discoveries in food and travel. With so many cookbooks, recipes written on pieces of paper and newspaper and magazine cuttings piling up, I needed to put my favourites in one

place. When it came to give the blog its own identity, I needed something that I could identify with, something that I would (hopefully) never get bored of, and something that was still available as a .com! After much thinking, I stuck my favourite colour with ‘foodie’ and that’s how The Purple Foodie was christened. Soon I was engrossed in thinking of different flavour combinations and the availability of ingredients, to create dishes that would make the readers of the blog salivate just with my post and pictures. I did it simultaneously with working full

time. I liked working in IT, because that’s where I learned about the world of blogs and started to document my recipes. In a while, however, I realised I’d rather do something I truly love and enjoy. The love for baking (as clichéd as it may sound) prompted me to give up the cushy IT job and pursue my passion more seriously. I went on to catering, though that was something of an accident. I got a call from friends who run a city website about all the fun things happening around town. They asked me if I’d cater to a party of about eight to ten people. Sure, I thought, since I

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had some time at hand then. The next day, I was listed in their newsletter and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. “What’s on the menu?” people would ask. My answer: Everything that you see on the blog. I didn’t have anything ready – no bulk ingredients, no packaging, no delivery service figured out! It got hugely popular in a short period of time. I did that for about six months because I planned on travelling and studying after that. Food is probably the only thing I’m so passionate about. Almost obsessed. I can’t really nail a single source for my passion – it comes from everywhere – cookbooks, magazines, food blogs, heritage restaurants, recipes distributed at the farm, food stalls, travels across the world, talking to locals at the supermarket, or simply making something to satiate a craving at that point. I was always interested in being in the kitchen. I’d hang out with my grand mom helping her clean herbs or chop vegetables. I think that’s where I get my cooking gene. I loved to watch people make food - be it the girls at Magnolia Bakery icing cupcakes, or the road side vendor making a perfectly crisp buttery dosa. The Purple Foodie became the space where I shared this passion with others, those who loved cooking, or even simply eating! My posts on the blog are not always planned, or unplanned, as a pattern. It works both ways. Sometimes I’m craving something so I make it, and then blog about it. And at other times, I feel like I haven’t blogged about something or used a certain ingredient for a while, so I plan my posts based on that. Sometimes, it’s even crockery. Just the other day, I bought the cutest cups and made hot chocolate just so I could photograph them. I loved baking for people and see their eyes light up when they opened the box of Belgian chocolate mud cake. That mud cake, Nutella cookies and chocolate cinnamon Babka were the bestsellers of my fledgling of a catering business in Mumbai.

MY TWO CENTS FOR OTHER FOOD BLOGGERS… • Get a name, a catchy one while you’re at it, that people can spell and type easily when looking for your blog online. • Take beautiful photos. For this you need to know your camera well - you don't always need a dSLR for it. • Design your blog instead of using templates that everyone else is using (or get someone to do it for you). Make it easy for people to navigate through your blog. • Interact with other bloggers and your readers. • And finally, post frequently.

Fast forward to 2011, all of 24 years, I applied for two scholarships from The James Beard Foundation and The Culinary Trust, and was overwhelmed when I received them both to study at the school I’ve always dreamed of attending – Le Cordon Bleu. One is for studying cuisine in Paris and the other is for studying pastry in London. I will start in March 2012. So now, I’m going to be studying both pastry and cuisine in London and Paris, respectively. Both these scholarships are awarded to just one candidate each year. As a part of my five-year goal for my scholarship essays, I wrote that I see myself as an editor of the country’s top food magazine. A few weeks later, I get an email from BBC Good Food India to be the food editor. Unreal. I couldn’t take it up because of my move to Paris (bittersweet), but I did work on the launch issue for two big features – one on ten stunning desserts and the other on no-fuss Mediterranean. Now, I am really looking forward to starting at the Le Cordon Bleu. Every time the thought of actually being able to sit in that classroom in a few weeks hits me, I'm overjoyed. I can't wait to get in there. I'm so excited about wearing whites and getting my hands on the knife set. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 53

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_WISE UP

- By Niloufer Gandhi Choose the option that is closest in meaning to the highlighted word and complete the sentence.

1. Celebration (sel-uh-brey-shuh n)

The students organised a week-long _______ to mark the centenary year of their school. (a. fantasy b. jubilation c. facility)

2. Inception (in-sep-shuh n) beginning

Since its very ______, the company’s aim has been to capture the international market. (a. beginning b. culmination c. intervention)

3. Twilight (twahy-lahyt)

The campers lay on their mats at ______ waiting for the stars to light up the sky. (a. daybreak b.noon c. sunset)

4. Toast (tohst)

The General raised a _____ in honour of his soldiers after they had vanquished the enemy forces. (a. disgust b. calumny c. salutation)

5. Streamers (stree-mers)

The colourful _____ converged to a central point in the ceiling creating a canopy effect. (a. ribbons b. switches c. batons)

6. Resolution (rez-uh-loo-shuh n)

Nancy worked very hard through the year as she had made a ________ to win the best student award. (a. decision b. theory c. hypothesis)

7. Masquerade (mas-kuh-reyd)

It was almost impossible for Jim to recognise his friends who were dressed in medieval attire for the _____ . (a. tournament b. costume ball c. picnic)

8. Entertainment (en-ter-teyn-muh nt)

During the vacations, the parents planned a series of activities so that the children would not run out of _______. (a. boredom b. enjoyment c. confusion)

9. Shindig (shin-dig)

Jane was elated when her father permitted her to host a _____ on her 18th birthday. (a. conference b. workshop c. party)

How do you look at the New Year? As a fresh start? A new beginning? A time to resolve to go on a diet, study hard, give up some of your vices or reflect on the changes you want to make in your life? Or simply as a time to start the old habits once again? Well, let’s start with a few basic words that you can use in your day-to-day conversation.

10. Tradition(truh-dish-uhn)

It has been a ______ in our family to spend Christmas holidays at our ancestral home. (a. custom b. season c. activity)

Answers:

1. B 2. A 3. C 4. C 5. A 6. A 7. B 8. B 9. C 10. A 54 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

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entertain Soak in the rich history and culture in the royal state of Rajasthan

K E E PI N S I D E яГо

Pg56 Pg64 Pg80 Pg82 2011: A YEAR TO REMEMBER A LIGHT-HEARTED LOOK AT THE MEMORABLE EVENTS OF THE YEAR

55 ent sec.indd 13

THE LDR BOMB IS A LONG DISTANCE RELATIONSHIP MEANT FOR YOU? READ MORE AND FIND OUT

SHAKEN, NOT STIRRED MUSICIAN MIKEY MCCLEARY TALKS ABOUT HIS VERSIONS OF VINTAGE BOLLYWOOD SONGS

(EN)LIGHTEN UP! REJUVENATE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL WITH YOGA THAT IS CATERED TO YOUR NEEDS

22-11-2011 18:57:22

20 11

Some things we will never forget... Youth Inc takes a

CARTOON CREDIT: PRAKASH SHETTY

(Baba Ramdev’s Salwar)

Baba Ramdev, yoga teacher to the masses, got in touch with his feminine side earlier this year in an attempt to escape the police in Delhi during a political rally gone awry. The baba attempted escape amidst the turmoil by getting into a salwar and hiding his beard under the pallu. Maybe he should have tried shaving his heavy beard and wearing a padded bra to better fool the police? The cross dressing Yoga guru attracted considerable media attention when caught, and consequently, the affections of item girl Rakhi Sawant. Rakhi announced to the media that she is very interested in breaking his vow of brahmacharya and introducing him to carnal pleasures. Rakhi, we don’t see this swayamvara happening anytime soon!

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A year to _ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

remember! peek at the happenings of 2011 that hit the headlines

(News of the world)

(Anna Hazare and the Lokpal Bill)

CARTOON CREDIT: MANJUL / DNA - DAILY NEWS & ANALYSIS

CARTOON CREDIT: SATISH ACHARYA

Social activist Anna Hazare sparked a nationwide anticorruption movement based on the principles followed by Gandhi during independence. Campaigning to pass the Lokpal bill, which would call greater scrutiny and accountability with members of parliament, he went on a hunger strike that gathered support from millions on an unprecedented scale. Who in Mumbai can forget the “I am Anna” stickers sported by the dabba-wallas during the hunger strike? Or the lakhs of people who filled the streets in protest? But a number of prominent media personalities have joined the bandwagon, most notably yoga guru Baba Ramdev, to support the anti-corruption drive. Hazare said of Ramdev that he was “not mature enough to lead a social movement as he does not have expertise other than yoga” and was “in the habit of taking decisions unilaterally”. Well we think Ramdev has a few skills other than yoga, but those are best left out of politics!

The News of the World phone-hacking scandal was the likes of the greatest and most unbelievable of Bollywood thrillers, involving politicians, the police, journalists and corporate henchmen. News of the World was an English paper nicknamed Screws of the World by many for its reporting on celebrities’ relationships, drug use and illicit behaviour. At one point, it was the world’s largest selling English daily. The phone-hacking scandal caused the 168-year-old newspaper to shut down earlier this year, and its owner Murdoch was left wringing his hands in denial of any knowledge of the phone-hacking crimes. In the truest of British traditions, the 200-odd people who lost their jobs said, “We’re going to the pub.” We’ll drink to that!! DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 57

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_ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

CARTOON CREDIT: BRYANT ARNOLD / CARTOONADAY.COM

Revolution in the Arab world

Following the peaceful overthrow of autocratic leader Ben Ali in Tunisia, the people of Egypt began to agitate for change against the 30-year rule of President Hosni Mubarak. In February this year, the Arab nation awakened to cheers from Tahrir Square in Cairo after 17 days of relentless protests and civil agitation. Reportedly, about a million people had gathered at the square demanding for a change in the regime. Social media helped to plan and spread information about the protests and was a major factor in the revolution.

Egypt has long been a prosperous and stable nation, but popular anger was stirred by deaths dealt at the hands of the secret police, poverty and rising prices, the corruption of Egypt’s wealthy elite and unemployed youth. The army pledged not to use violence against the largely peaceful protests, giving it further momentum. Similar protests have since sprung up elsewhere in the Arab world by those agitating for change against autocratic rulers, also called the Arab Spring. Dictators worldwide, beware of Facebook and Twitter – these posts may eventually lead to votes!

CARTOON CREDIT: SYED RASHAD IMAM (TANMOY)

The victorious Bleed Blue soldiers

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Harry: King of Canada!

In the latest files released by Wikileaks, it emerged that Mayawati sent an empty private jet to Mumbai to pick up a pair of sandals for her for a political rally. The cables dated 23 October 2008 say, "When she needed new sandals, her private jet flew empty to Mumbai to retrieve her preferred brand." All hail a new Imelda Marcos for India. (Imelda shot to fame for her extravagance when her husband was cruelly presiding over the Philippines – including well over 2700 pairs of shoes). Mayawati attacked Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, inviting him to come to India and join a mental asylum for treatment. Assange, being held under house arrest in London for sex crimes in Sweden, invited Mayawati to send her private jet for him, saying he would be happy to accept asylum – political asylum – in India, and bring her a range of the finest British sandals!

The head of the state was disappointing the Canadian monarchists by just visiting for two to three times in the year. But this year, Canadian royalists have asked Prince Harry, third in line to the throne, to set up home in the capital of Ottawa, giving the royal family a permanent presence and silencing those who believe the country should have an elected head of state. Etienne Boisvert, the Quebec provincial spokesman for the Monarchist League of Canada, said the royal family was "an institution that knows how to reinvent itself" and believes now might be the time for change. Before Prince Harry virtually had no chance of becoming a king, but now he could set himself here and found a Canadian branch of royal family as said by Boisvert. He even reports that their future king can rotate – six months in Canada, six in Australia, six in London. Visiting monarchy anyone?

Population Explosion

The world celebrated the birth of its 7th billion child this year. The world’s population has been steadily rising since the 1350s by some estimates, but in the past half century, it has more than doubled. The exponential rise is worrying for the strain it puts on natural resources, especially water, fossil fuels and food. Well, we say, enjoy life while you still can! We might be doubling flatmate problems very soon!

CARTOON CREDIT: JEFF PARKER

It was a crazy and jubilant Indian mob that greeted the coveted Cricket World Cup on the most thrilling Saturday night of 2011, won on home ground when Dhoni’s men ended the 28-year wait to bring home the trophy in a nervewrecking final against Sri Lanka. The fans didn’t wait one minute to show their joy. The euphoria set in even before the match ended, and no sooner than Dhoni hit winning six did the streets fill up with scenes such as we’ve never seen before. Crowds of people were dancing on the streets with Indian flags, and A R Rahman’s Jai Ho was blasting from loudspeakers on terraces. There is no forgetting the crazy things that Indian fans did, be at the venue, at home and on the streets. But what is going to be written down in golden letters in history is youth sensation Virat Kohli’s statement about master blaster Sachin Tendulkar: “Sachin Tendulkar has carried Indian cricket on his shoulders for 21 years. So it was fitting that we carried him on our shoulders after this win,” said Kohli, who carried Tendulkar on his shoulders for an emotional lap of honour.

CARTOON CREDIT: THE INDEPENDENT

Mayawati’s Sandals!

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_ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

from

India M

aybe it was Madonna who sported henna on her hands and donned saris back in the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s. Long before that, there was the Beatles who popularised India-inspired fashion like the Nehru suit, kurtas and beads as they belted out many a sitar-based song.

Big Bang Theory, The Simpsons and Mind Your Language all feature one quintessential Indian character too. Whatever be the case, it is evident that Indian culture continues to deeply influence international trends in all spheres of life including fashion, music, design, books and food. All over the world, people are embracing

with love!

the colourful culture that India has come to be known for. Bollywood in all its myriad hues and the attraction towards a culture that's known for its diversity are majorly responsible for creating an appeal that continues to dominate the imagination of the West. Besides Bollywood movies, Bollywood dance classes have become

60 Youth Incorporated â&#x2022;&#x2018; DECEMBER 2011

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The long Ind Ind psyc

or even browse through a fashion magazine without encountering at least one piece of clothing or accessory that has a touch of India in it. There is a huge brigade of designers who have heavily borrowed from the most traditional and versatile of Indian garments – the Sari. For instance, French fashion house Hermès recently launched a line of elegant saris in its Indian stores. Interestingly, the couturier showcased similar saris during an international fashion week too. Alexander McQueen’s 2008 collection saw some beautiful pieces of clothing fused with Indian elements like silk borders, peacock motifs, intricate headpieces and morjari shoes! More recently, Kim Kardashian teamed an ornate Indian headpiece with a white gown for her wedding ceremony. Bindis, henna tattoos, paisley prints, khadi, kurtis, churidhars and pashmina shawls continue to make a fashion statement with international celebrities and general public alike.

Food

These days when one sees cupcakes decorated with mehendi-inspired designs, it only goes to show that Indian imagery is fast finding a place not just in the realm of fashion or music but also in the world of gastronomy. England’s obsession with Chicken Tikka Masala and all things curry is yet another East-meets-West trend that is as mainstream as it can get. In fact, many people as far away from India as Scotland, have claimed to have invented the delicious Chicken Tikka Masala dish! Chai latte, now a popular warm beverage abroad also finds its roots in India’s humble roadside tea stalls.

Inspirationally Indian

The West continues to enjoy a long-standing love affair with Indian imagery, mapping India in the international psyche, finds Beverly Pereira

all the rage in countries other than India itself. Now, it's not just limited to yoga classes or Starbucks' Chai Latte! It's much more than that. Indian elements can be spotted in objects as mundane as a notebook!

Sari-savvy

It’s hard to watch a fashion show

India has a long-standing relationship with the West when it comes to music too. As early as the 1950s, Indian music found its way into the jazz-folk and jazz-classical scene in the United States with the likes of Ravi Shankar sparking major interest abroad. In the early '90s, Kula Shaker released music that was heavily inspired by India and featured Sanskrit lyrics with Indian instruments like the tabla and sitar. Interestingly, Germaine Jackson, brother of the now-deceased King of Pop recently stated that the Jackson 5 was inspired by Bollywood’s over-thetop films! Even today, catering to the Indian appeal that the West continues to hanker for, is the new band that comprises AR Rehman, Rollingstones' Mick Jagger, Joss Stone, reggae artist Damian Marley and Eurythmics founder Dave Stewart. The band has come out with a number of Indianthemed songs like ‘Satyameva Jayate’ that are drenched in chants and other Indian elements like the sitar. DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 61

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_ENTERTAINMENT FEATURE

Bollywood goes to Hollywood

Few know that Baz Luhrman’s Moulin Rouge was inspired by Bollywood’s dramatic dance, colourful costumes and overwhelmingly dreamy sets. In fact, the film also incorporated a Bollywood-style dance sequence that sampled the famous 'Chamma Chamma' song from the movie China Gate. Global audiences were treated to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bollywoodinfluenced spectacle ‘Bombay Dreams’, a West End production that was based on a young man's aspirations to become the next big Bollywood star. Danny Boyle reinforced India’s place on the map with his Oscar-nominated Slumdog Millionaire, a film that portrayed the poverty-stricken side of Mumbai. Tourists have since been signing up for Mumbai’s Dharavi slum tour, expecting to witness the poverty as depicted onscreen. Eat, Pray, Love, the film based on Elizabeth Gilbert’s best-selling book was such a hit that it saw many people travelling all the way to India to embrace a spiritual life in an ashram. A West End production of the famous Indian film Hum Apke Hain Kaun turned out to be a big hit in England too. The popular Harold

and Kumar movies also reinstate the wide appeal that the world shares for India. With touches of colourful inspiration and mesmerising influences borrowed from India, it’s no wonder then that the country's imagery continues to pop up in almost every sphere of life abroad. India can indeed be termed as a bottomless well of inspiration! yi

TOP INDIAN TRENDS GONE INTERNATIONAL YOGA HENNA BOLLYWOOD DANCE LESSONS THE SARI CHAI VINTAGE BOLLYWOOD POSTERS

Fibre-glass elephant in Lille, France

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throw an

_ECOWATCH

THIS PARTY SEASON, THROW ON YOUR GREEN GLOVES WITH THESE TIPS ON HOW TO HAVE A PARTY WITH AN ECO-FRIENDLY THEME!

eco-friendly party! C

an you really throw a party without piling up mountains of trash and burning a hole in your green targets? You may be one of those conscientious hosts who will enjoy throwing a party more knowing that you are not endangering the environment even more, or simply share the good vibes with others. Youth Inc thinks that eco-friendly parties will be all the rage in years to come. From invitations to presents, follow our tips to give the planet a great time!

Invitations

Invitations can be sent out electronically to avoid wasting paper and cards. Not only that, you can personalise your invitation with unique designs and animations to further the ‘green theme’! Similarly, thank you notes and RSVP can be done in a fan way electronically. A Facebook group is not only a great way to invite friends to your party but also to share photographs with them afterwards.

Clothing

Why not ask your guests to dress up with the environment in mind? From organic clothing to natural jewellery, there are many brands available today that focus on the eco-aware citizen. Some of them are: doyouspeakgreen. com and nonasties.in.

Decorations

From fairy lights to balloons, some decorations are energy-hungry and pollute the environment after just a single use. Instead of balloons, try decorating your party with gorgeous paper lanterns that can be saved and reused. To best connect with nature, try to hold your party in an outdoor location. Solar powered fairy lights are available, but if not, try to use

LED lights that consume the least electricity. Candles and diyas are also a good option and very romantic! Scatter water basins with rose petals and floating candles for a unique effect.

Tableware

One of the biggest polluters from any party is the plastic tableware that gets used just once and then thrown into landfills where it does not degrade. Instead of disposable plates and forks, serve your guests with reusable tableware that is both cost-effective and eco-friendly. If you throw parties often, this is the only way to go! If you have to buy disposable tableware, make sure that they are the biodegradable variety.

Food and drinks

Try to make sure that your food is sourced locally and is healthy, organic and preservative-free. Avoid prepackaged food as much as possible. Focus on salads and appetisers that are not only delicious but super healthy! Serve drinks with fresh fruit juice and with fresh mint and basil. As there’s no packing involved, it’s better for the environment and for you.

Gifts

You can do away with gifts entirely and ask your guests to donate to an environmental charity or to offset their carbon emissions online! The feel-good factor can be shared by everyone at your party. Alternatively, ask your guests to purchase gifts from eco-stores and wrap them in recycled paper or cloth. If you have more suggestions on how to throw an eco-friendly party, please do log on to youthincmag. com to share them! yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 63

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_FOCUS FEATURE _RELATIONSHIP

re you one of the millions battling the impossible longdistance relationship? Lovers worldwide fear this long-lost battle; few soldier

up and stick on, a number of them are left wounded and many decide the battle is not for them. For the new ‘geographic singles’ and veteran ‘commuter lovers’, there is an ongoing regimen of

wobbly patience, gut-checks and rickety commitment. From the ‘geographically single’ status to the ‘kingdom of singledom’, the outcome may not be pretty but the journey is thrilling.

From one lover to another: Online roses have an expiry date:

You can’t be in a stale longdistance relationship forever. So get real and discuss realistic timeframes with your significant other. Re-reading cheesy e-mails and texts can get old; there are lot more fishes in the tank. So invest your precious time with that special somebody. Figure out holidays, timings to speak on the phone, Skype and BBM. With the world becoming global, there are numerous ways to be in touch; but you need to want to. Try techno-loveology with steamy phone talk, sexy photos and videos. It works to keep the passion alive but this too has a shelf life. Beyond a point, there’s nothing like the real thing.

Communicate:

This is one of the most essential factors in the LDR. With different time zones, friends that you have not met, sexy study or work partners and even co-ed dorms can cause angst in your relationship. The most trivial things like not saying ‘I love you’ in the right tone can lead to the person on the other side becoming a crazed lunatic. You must understand that your partner is not here; therefore, sometimes you need to be the bigger person and explain situations without losing your temper or your mind.

Age of the two individuals: The younger you are …Sorry! It’s

probably just not going to work out. For the under-25s who have just found out that they have hormones and that others on the planet do too, while your gf/bf is sitting far away…well then don’t make us say we told you so!

Number of years to the relationship:

If you went out and met this amazing boy and found out that he is leaving in a month or vice versa, you will have the best month of your life. Intense will not even begin to describe it, with passion so heady that no narcotics can compare! Both partners will be eagerly trying to impress each other, making sure that they leave behind a deep, lasting imprint so that their love can and will last out till the next meeting (whenever that may be). But please don’t print the marriage cards just yet; sooner or later, reality does strike. On the other hand, if you started dating each other since class 5 when you used to hold hands and wipe snot on each other and you’ve lasted out till your college days, then the blinkers are permanently fixed on for life. Congrats! So happily kiss each other good-bye and enjoy the time out…if you can!

Insecurities:

This is the most deadly reason why things fall apart. It slowly rears its ugly head, so small and guileless at first that we barely notice it, and even if we do, we gently chide

it like a small child. However, like all good parasites, it feeds on us…becoming stronger as we become stupider. Could happen, may happen, did happen and the guessing games we play with our partner are the things that drive the stake into every LDR. And when you start stalking his e-mail, Facebook and Google Map on an hourly basis, it is time to break up.

Focus on self:

Enjoy the LDR while it lasts. You have this precious time to yourself, where you have someone in the background to listen to your woes and coo ‘I love you’ into your ear while having all the space you desire. So do things with your time instead of pining for your love. Work on your body, take up guitar lessons and seduce him or her at your next meeting with all your new skills. Finally, a word of caution to the wise: keep in mind that LDRs can tax your entire sense of self. You are constantly in two time zones or cities. You have your life in your city but are constantly keeping track of your other half. It can get stressful, and tempers and egos will certainly fly. You will feel lonely at points and you do have to work extra hard at making an LDR work. But the joy and happiness that you feel when you see your love stepping off the flight or train after many months of not meeting and realise he or she is all that you want, well then, nothing can really compare to it. yi

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the

LDR bomb

IS DISTANCE MAKING YOUR HEART GROW FONDER OR STRANGER? WE GIVE YOU OUR DISTANCE-TESTED RECIPES FOR THE DREADED LDR

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Arrangedin Heaven

_FOCUS FEATURE

TRADITIONAL ARRANGED MARRIAGES IN INDIA HAVE GIVEN WAY TO MANY AWKWARD MOMENTS FOR THE YOUNGER GENERATION. YOUTH INC DIGS DEEP

arriages are made in heaven – ‘heaven’ being either a quaint restaurant or the home of the prospective bride or groom – that’s where most of the Indian marriages are made. Entering the twenty-first century with a full swing, the age-old practice of arranging marriages is still strongly observed in many communities of our country. Parents are always on the prowl to find a suitable match for their offspring, once he/ she is of marriageable age. Very often, some of these ‘girl or guy seeing ceremonies’ turn out quite contrary to one’s beliefs. In addition to the girl and guy, their parents are present. As Priti Botadkar rightly puts it, “It is like our own parents are setting us up for a blind date.” Priti has been out on the market, as it is termed, for a whole year now. Such meetings begin with a general talk and discussion after which the pair is left

alone to talk in private. The talk may assume the proportion of an interview, which lends a sort of hilarity to the meeting. Geeta Sheshadri, who just started to look for a match, had this kind of experience. “Before I knew what was going on, I was answering questions related to anything and everything except married life. Questions about work, salary, commuting, business policies and what not. It was like a typical corporate interview and I am quite sure I would have got the job had it been one,” relates this computer engineer. If in a restaurant, one might be faced with uncomprehending, quizzical looks from the other customers. When they do realise what is going on, they smirk, adding to the already existing awkwardness. “I was quite nervous at my first meeting. All the stares and

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_YOUTH ISSUES

Arrangedvslove It is a very typical culture in India where everyone is busy categorising marriages either as arranged or love. So, if you managed to find your partner on your own, without any help from family members, you have had a ‘love marriage’. If not, it is definitely arranged. Though young Indians are now going out, dating and opting to live-in, a majority of Indian marriages happen the ‘arranged’ way. The sad part, according to many, is that people are not broad-minded enough to understand that a hook-up can happen anytime, anywhere and need not be categorised as ‘arranged’ or ‘love’. Arranged marriage in India has been a safe bet for many generations. The families are involved since the beginning so you have a safety net to fall back on in case something goes wrong. Also with an arranged marriage, you know that feelings for the person develop later, and gradually. You know you are spending your life with that certain someone and the love you feel is by virtue of this decision. And more often than not, it lasts.

glances made me so conscious that I actually went to the bathroom and threw up,” says Komal, who has come a long way since that first disastrous meeting. Siddharth, her husband, felt that all the staring made him feel like a clown providing entertainment to the onlookers. “After a couple of such meetings out, I clearly instructed my parents to arrange them at home.” Saagar Bansal, another candidate, had the queerest of experiences. Says he, “We were at a restaurant and had set up two consecutive meetings. As luck would have it, the second party walked in while we were still with the first. Perplexed as we already were, imagine our surprise at the revelation that both parties belonged to the same family and were evidently cross with the mediator for the mix up. We were relieved when the fiasco came to an end.” The trump card, however, is won by this incident

that happened years ago in the 70s. Maya Shah, already married by then, had accompanied her cousin, almost her own age, to check out a groom. Somehow, he and his folks took Shah as the prospective bride as no formal introductions were made. “Things weren’t as open as they are now,” she says. “Private conversations were not allowed then. With their announcement of liking the girl, all of us were elated. His mother served sweets to celebrate and got out some traditional paraphernalia to perform the tikka ceremony. I could almost feel my cousin’s nervousness as his mother approached us. To our horror, she stopped to face me and was about to begin the ceremony. We sat there, flabbergasted, not knowing what to do. My husband then slowly pointed out the gross misunderstanding, which left us high and dry. After that unfortunate incident, I wasn’t allowed to accompany anyone else for such meetings, until I was well past the marriageable age.” Though these incidents are along a lighter vein, society does take these matters seriously. “Who makes up society?” asks Aditya Roy, who is thoroughly frustrated and bored with the pressure. “My parents indulge in emotional blackmail to have me sit through these encounters. I’m completely disgusted and have decided to defy them and the system.” Thus speaking, he turns to his cupboard and fishes out a t-shirt, which says in bold letters, ‘Not all men are foolish. Some are bachelors.’ yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 67

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rajasthan

revi

A haveli in Rajasthan

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_OFF THE MAP

sited! YOUTH INC STRAYS OFF THE BEATEN PATH TO EXPLORE THE INCREDIBLY COLOURFUL, HOSPITABLE AND CULTURALLY-RICH DESERT STATE OF RAJASTHAN

ajasthan is one of the most travelled tourist destinations in India. And why wouldn’t it be! It happens to be the largest Indian state that is famous for its diversity and heritage. From its royal charm to its natural reserves with abundant wildlife and its colourful markets to its seemingly endless dunes and desert safaris, the land of the kings seems to have it all! Of course, it may not be possible to cover all the famous districts like Jaipur – the Pink City, Jodhpur – the Blue City, Jaisalmer – the Golden City and the blissful town of Pushkar at one go; yet, if you pick and choose wisely, it is possible to cover a lot so that you can explore the rich culture and offbeat hotspots that Rajasthan is known to offer its visitors. It's one of those places we wouldn’t recommend missing out on visits to the tourist-thronged, century-old majestic palaces, complete with mesmerising mirror work and stained glass windows, forts that tell stories of erstwhile times and the hard-to-miss havelis, distinct to this state. They are not worth a miss. When in Rajasthan, you should also couple these sightseeing trips with some unconventional activities that are bound to leave you stunned. Stray away from the overdone tourist trail and embark on a trip into the heart of the desert.

Into the wild

Even though a national park safari may seem like the most common thing to do during a holiday in Rajasthan, we suggest you go do it all over again for the sole reason that you may just get to spot the ever-elusive big cat! It might be your lucky day if you happen to spot a tiger, considering the diminishing count of this near-extinct creature. The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a mustvisit, as is the Ranthambore National Park. As you are driven through these natural spaces in a jeep you will get to see all kinds of flora and fauna that are intrinsic to Rajasthan. A leopard spotting here and there, along with glimpses of wild boars, crocodiles, beautiful peacocks, striped hyenas and many varieties of deer is sure to up the excitement levels of the day. This is one day trip that you wouldn't want to leave your camera behind at any cost!

Up, up and away!

Literally soar the heavens by embarking on a thrilling flight of fancy on a hot air balloon. You are sure to see much more than you would generally see on land, taking the term desert exploration to a whole new level! These hot air balloons operate from Jaipur, Pushkar and Ranthambore National Park. You can expect to fly over towns and villages, experience the magic of forts and palaces from above, and get a bird’s eye view of endless stretches DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 69

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_OFF THE MAP

of desert and much more. That’s not all, if you happen to be in Rajasthan during the Pushkar Camel Fair, you can be sure of getting a rare and unique perspective of this colourful festival with the swarming crowds and heavilyadorned camels. Sky Waltz, India’s one and only fully-licensed hot air balloon operator can provide you with this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a price of `11,060 per person.

A room with a view

Literally be one with nature at the Tree House Resort, nestled in the picturesque Syari valley that offers a majestic view of the Aravalli range and many other beautiful things. It may be hard to imagine living atop a tree and simultaneously enjoying the luxuries of a five-star hotel, but it’s true! Here, you’ll get the best of both worlds. To top it all, this resort is just a short drive away from the bustling city of Jaipur. Since the tree houses are surrounded by creepers, tall trees, waterfalls and duck ponds, it almost feels like one is in the midst of a tropical rainforest! And, if you happen to be sceptical about the presence of lush greenery given the fact that Rajasthan is known for its barren infertile land, don’t be. The soil in this area has been enriched through constant manure provisions coupled with rain water harvesting. Indeed, it is a must-visit place for nature lovers! Interestingly, the first tree house on this property was envisioned by the keen naturalist and wildlife photographer Sunil Mehta, who also happens to be the company director. Today, the resort has six different types of tree house rooms to choose from, with rates that start at `12,000 (four persons). Floating water cottages are expected to be the resort’s next offering! For those times when your feet are firmly planted on the ground, visit the 400-year old peacock bar, take a dip in the emerald-green pool, indulge in a game of archery or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of the night around a campfire!

Sky Waltz's hot air balloon ride

400-year old Peacock Bar

Rajasthani regale

Rajasthani food cooked in the royal kitchens of Rajasthan as well as the humble local preparations are said to be something out of this world and known to incorporate different kinds of spices. Sample the delicious daal-

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A room at the Tree House Resort

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_OFF THE MAP

High tea in the dunes Now, here’s something that most of us don’t get a chance to do every day. Journey into the vast desert on the back of a camel and explore nearby villages where you can get acquainted with the local traditions, culture and lifestyle. You'll also get a chance to experience the charm of the sand dunes. Taking care of any form of weariness that you might experience thereafter is a specially-organised high tea. Just in time for the sunset, you will be led to a semi-open tent,

complete with a table and seating cushions. In the midst of the sand dunes, this set up will almost seem like a mirage, we kid you not! Along with freshlybrewed sweet or spiced tea, enjoy Rajasthani delicacies like the crunchy Masala Mathari, flavorful samosas and the famous Bikaneri Bhujiya. All this, while you take in the beautiful hues of the sunset coupled with the melodic sounds of a serenading Sarangi player. It’s a sensory feast in the midst of the desert!

baati, a local dish that comprises baati (Rajasthani hard bread) and daal (lentils), as well as Laapsi, a sweet dish made of broken wheat, ghee, nuts, raisins and dried fruits. Interestingly, each region in Rajasthan is distinguished by its famous sweet. Don’t miss the Malpuas from Pushkar, Rasogullas from Bikaner or Jodhpur’s Mawa Kachori! yi

INTERESTING TIP A road trip through Rajasthan is a fantastic idea if you really want to get a glimpse of the state’s diverse culture, heritage, natural beauty and other sights! This way you’ll really get to experience a lot more than you generally would if you had to travel by air or train.

Palace on Wheels Match the luxurious feel that Rajasthan exudes with an 8-day trip that will take you around Rajasthan on the equally luxurious Palace on Wheels train. Each of the 14 coaches is named after former Rajput states like Bundi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota. Plus, you can enjoy a drink or two at the train’s bar, pick a good book to read from the lounge’s fantastic collection of books and dine at the Maharaja or the Maharani restaurants. Retire to your luxurious chamber that offers all the plush facilities you would generally get to experience at a grand hotel.

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_FASHION FEATURE

Hair&How! YOUTH INC GETS THE INSIDE TAKE ON HAIR GLAM WITH ACCESSORIES DESIGNER FREANKA DHANAK

reanka is a brand of meticulously handcrafted hair accessories that combine Indian and Western elements into stunning statement pieces. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a classic pearl hairband or a multicoloured feather fascinator, confidence and individualistic style is all you need to carry off one of these fun, stylish and easy-to-wear pieces. Tell us about your brand. How did you start designing hair accessories? My brand freanka is named after my own name as it is unusual and one of a kind, which my accessories are as well. I studied fashion marketing and merchandising in London and Toronto and interned with fashion designers in Toronto. Having studied and worked abroad, I became more aware about the importance of fashion accessories, especially hair accessories. I then worked as a fashion stylist at Verve magazine for a couple of years. After having worked in the Indian

fashion industry, I realised the gap in the market for this product. Why are hair accessories an integral part of Indian fashion? Women in metropolitan cities in India are willing to experiment with their fashion, and hair is an integral part of fashion for Indian women. There are a lot of hair accessories for the traditional Indian bride, but there is nothing fun and stylish for the contemporary Indian woman. I attended a number of fashion accessories trade shows in Hong Kong and Italy to acquire the design sensibilities required to create hair accessories. What's the inspiration behind your designs? Along with maintaining a high standard of quality, creativity and innovation are the main factors behind my design philosophy. I enjoy pushing creative boundaries and continuously draw inspiration from my environment, art, animals, fashion, music and travel.

Tell us about your own personal style. My personal style can be described as eclectic glam with a touch of boho chic. I'm open to trying different things, and enjoy making a bold fashion statement occasionally. My fashion icons include Kate Moss, Sarah Jessica Parker and Sonam Kapoor for their effortless style. Although I'm not a big fan of trends, I feel like my style is constantly evolving and changing. Comfort and confidence is key to carry off any outfit with style. Mostly, I really believe choosing the right accessories to complete any look.

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Partymust haves! IT'S THE TIME TO PARTY THIS SEASON! PICK UP THESE STATEMENT PIECES FOR A GLAMOROUS LOOK AND TO TURN HEADS WHEREVER YOU GO. PARTY ON!!

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Green Drape dress with diamond motif `3,750

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Purple Georgette Gown `4,950

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Silver Metallic Stilettos `1,550

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Suede Shoes `2,495

Availble at Barcode, Waterfield Rd, Bandra

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THING

GUESS WATCH - This sexy watch keeps track of your wild times! Make sure not to overdo it by wearing other chunky pieces or you will end up looking like an X-mas tree…

BRING OUT THE WILD SIDE IN YOU THIS SEASON WITH ANYTHING AND EVERYTHING ‘ANIMAL’. SO GO "GRRRR" AND BE THAT GLAM PARTY ANIMAL!

KARMA KOLA JUMPSUIT - have some fun in this wild jumpsuit! Pair with black ballerinas and dance the night away

PRECIOSA LEOPARD PRINT DRESS This georgette mini mumber is sure to make heads turn. Pair with solid colored peep toes and a clutch to complete the look

KARMA KOLA CLUTCH - This gorgeous peach clutch is perfect for both daytime and night. Add a bright splash of colour to any outfit. Wear with high heels and dance away!

PARYUSHI LEOPARD HARD CASE CLUTCH - The ultimate statement piece! Pair it with a solid color tube dress and peep toe heels and watch yourself turn into a diva

ALDO LEOPARD BOOTIES - These shoes are made for the confident walk. Pair them with your skinnies and you are all set!

TheBudgetShop! LOOKING STYLISH DOESN'T MEAN YOU NEED TO BURN A HOLE IN YOUR POCKET. YOUTH INC SHOWS OFF TWO READERS IN THEIR 'PARTY' AVATARS

CHANDNI FATWANI

MANIK SAJNANI

` 3,500 MANGO

ZARA

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STYLE QUOTIENT: PAIR A WELLFITTED WHITE SHIRT WITH A FORMAL BLAZER AND SUEDE SHOES AND YOU ARE READY TO ROCK ANY PARTY!

` 1800

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` 1500 ARROW ` 700 BARCODE ` 1500 SHOPPER'S STOP

` 1500 CATWALK

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ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOR FALL 11 MODERN MERCURY VELVET LIPSTICK - RED VELVET `475

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REVLON COLOR BURST LIP GLOSS 'FIRE' `475

REVLON COLORSTAY ULTIMATE LIPCOLOR `775

ESTEE LAUDER PURE COLOR LIPSTICK CHERRY PASSION `1575

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Celeb Secrets

Shonal Rawat is an Indian model and anchor for Zoom TV Beauty Regime

Using cleanser, toner and moisturiser at night is a must!

Magic Makeup Trick

Loads of mascara and lip gloss is all you need.

5 Fave Products

MAC kohl pencil, Loreal’s Double Extension mascara, Karmex balm, Clinique's clarifying lotion and its Dramatically Different moisturising lotion.

5 Things In Your Make Up Kit

Kohl pencil, mascara, lip gloss, MAC's Studio Fix and a small bottle of fragrance.

5 Fragrances

Beautiful by Estee Lauder, Miracle by Lancôme, Light Blue by DNG, Envy Me by Gucci and Tender Touch by Burberry.

Beauty Mishap

I’m not very experimental so luckily none so far! I think being minimalistic is the best and you can’t go wrong with a natural look. DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 75

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Model

watch

ey guys! This is a new platform for models and actors and for those who have always wanted a break in the glam world. Send your portfolio pictures to us and if you are selected by our team, we will send your images to leading production houses in the country.

Interests: sic, A rt a nd mu the y ll ia ec p es d hip-hop undergroun scene

ftha Lisa-Marie Jaa and around the ic outh Afr Modelling in S world

AMIT KHAN NA

AMIT KHAN

Interests: Music, outdoor sports, gadgets, humour improvising in froand nt of the camera

Interests: Achieving success and sports

Rajneesh Kumarsi Fourth-year law stu ngh dent

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Aft Training for the ab Sharif Elite Foo India (Mumbai tball League of team)

Send your images to modelwatch@youthincmag.com No phone calls will be entertained. Disclaimer: Youth Inc is only a platform to share your pictures. Youth Inc will not be responsible for any decision made by you or any sort of contract signed between you and the production house. Send your pictures at your own risk.

22-11-2011 21:58:30

DR MALAVIKA KOHLI A renowned dermatologist, she has made her mark in aesthetic dermatology in India for over 15 years. Send your query to skin@youthincmag.com

During winter, as soon as the dryness sets in, the skin around my nails becomes rough and looks very unkempt, almost as if I were biting it out. Is this a symptom of any deficiency? Is there a solution? Swati Kumar, Mumbai The skin around the nails could get dry if the hands are repeatedly washed and not moistrurised well. Along with dry skin around the nail, if the nails are also brittle, then it could be due to biotin deficiency. A good moisturiser containing shea butter for the hands would keep the dryness under control. I am quite young (20 years old), but yet my skin looks dull. What regime can I follow to get a shine on my skin, and make it smoother? Hetal Kotak, Bangalore If skin looks dull, a good sunscreen with SPF of 30 and above would help your skin. Reapplication of sunscreen after every three hours is also essential. Sometimes, the dullness could also be related due to some vitamin deficiency. A skin care regime containing any lightening agents like kojic or glycolic acid would help. Certain treatments like chemical peels or microdermabrasion could also be done. However, do consult a dermatologist before you decide to get any treatments. I have developed tiny boils on my scalp due to which combing my hair out is becoming impossible. These boils are tiny but they hurt a lot. What should I do? Nidhi Nanavati, Ahmedabad The tiny boils on the scalp could be a bacterial infection or fungal

Dr Good SKIN

infection. Use of an antifungal shampoo containing ketaconazole and an antibacterial shampoo containing betadine once a week. These should help to keep the infection under control. If your condition does not subside after a few washes, then you should consult a dermatologist immediately. I switched shampoos and the new shampoo has set in too much hair fall. Even after I switched back to my old shampoo, the hair fall has not stopped, it has been three months. Please suggest a remedy. Yashasvi Dhiren, New Delhi The hair fall could be due to several reasons. A change of shampoo would not lead to hair fall for three months. If the hair fall continues, test your blood for serum ferritin, vitamin B12, vitamin D3, thyroid and prolactin. A vitamin contaning biotin helps in hair fall. But if it continues, you should consult a dermatologist. I have very thin hair which knots up very fast. It takes me really long to disentangle them and it is very painful. Is there something I can use regularly to control this problem? Neha Shah, Kolkata If the hair get tangeld and is difficult to comb, a good conditioner would help to moisturise the hair, It would also help is taking off the frizz and knots. Certain hair treatments that can be done at the local parlours help the hair to be more moisturised. If your hair is dull, it could be due to low levels of vitamin B12 and ferritin. It could also be due to inadequate protein in the diet.

Party Perfect!

appy holidays! Christmas and New Year are around the corner and 2011 is right behind it. Get the New Year off to a great start with a skin rejuvenation treatment that can erase years from your face, get rid of acne and improve the texture and tone of your skin. Follow these basic skin-care routine treatments to enhance the glow of your skin. Basic skin-care routine: Daily use of facewash according to your skin type and removal of make up with thermal spring water followed by a good moisturiser is a must for healthy skin. Sunscreen: A good sunscreen of SPF 30 and above and reapplication of the sunscreen every three hours will help you to prevent any unwanted pigmentation. Lightening Creams: Use of lightening creams containing vitamin C and retinol or kojic creams at night-time will give you a clear, bright complexion. Hydration: Dry skin accentuates wrinkles and dehydration makes your lips shrink and shrivel. So use a good moisturiser according to your skin type. A lip balm is also essential. Along with this, be sure to stay hydrated with water, juices, soups and caffeine-free teas the week before your party. Diet: A healthy diet with almonds, walnuts and lots of fruits and green, leafy vegetables plays a vital role for healthier skin. A salt-restricted diet will prevent under-eye puffiness and swollen eyes. Hands and feet: Chances are, you'll be meeting new people and shaking hands, so make sure to put urea- or Shea butter-based moisturiser on your hands and feet. For more information on dermatological treatments, log on to youthincmag.com DECEMBER 2011 â&#x2022;&#x2018; Youth Incorporated 77

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refresh} _MAKEOVER

A student gets a glam look by hairstylists James Joute and Harsha Hariani with makeup artistValerie Fernandez of Chique – The Hair Salon & Spa

TINAZ BHAMGARA

“Wow! I can’t believe it’s me! It’s a total transformation. Love my new glamorous haircut and makeup too!”

( HAIR ) PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROHAN FERNANDES

• Chopped off the length of Tinaz's hair at the back, but left it longer in the front • Gave her a global Mahogany hair colour along with one funky blond streak • Scrunched her hair with a curling product and messed it up for a glam look

( MAKEUP )

• Used a concealer to cover up dark spots and under eye circles • Used a highlighter to brighten her eyes and used bronze eye shadow • Complemented her glam hairdo with deep red lipstick and heavy mascara

WILBERT D’SOUZA

“As a hairstylist, I have always been comfortable playing around with my hair. But, the hold from Gatsby Hyper Solid Water Gloss is amazing. It adds tension, hold and gives the perfect lift.”

A cool and funky look by Samantha D'Souza of ASIF - The Salon and GATSBY ( HAIR )

• Blow dried to have better control on the shape and style of hair • Styled with Gatsby Hyper Solid Water Gloss – for volume and discipline.

( MAKEUP )

• Used compact powder to cover up dark circles

SAMANTHA D’SOUZA Top stylist at Asif – The Salon

“I have been using the new styling agents like hair styling wax and sprays, but using old-school products like the water-based Gatsby Hyper Solid Water Gloss does wonders every time. Time to go back to basics!”

Send your photos to Youth Inc to get a makeover and transform your look! Email us at makeover@youthincmag.com 78 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

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_ADVERTORIAL

MOCHA COFFEES & CONVERSATIONS TURNS TEN

{

This December your favorite coffee shop Mocha celebrates 10 years of successful operations!

f there’s one thing that can get an animated conversation going, it’s got to be a piping hot, cuppa Joe at Mocha. When Riyaaz Amlani (CEO & MD, Impresario Entertainment and Hospitality) opened his first café, he’d imagined a place that served up homely fare and a refreshing cup of brew. Ten years on, Mocha has gone on to redefine the cafe culture nationwide with 18 outlets across nine cities, picking up numerous accolades along the way. Mocha believes in making happy memories around food and drinks shared with lifelong friends. While retaining the all-day breakfast concept as well as the selection of 17 global coffee beans and numerous teas, Mocha has embraced changing culinary trends and introduced holistic options like salads, juices, burgers and starters. Mocha’s driving force has always been its fantastic

customers. When Amlani talked about the anniversary, he echoed that sentiment by saying, “Mocha is built on a passion- fuelled by joy, friendships and milestones shared within our space. And it’s these experiences that have helped us prosper over the last decade.” The experiences Amlani discusses can be seen very clearly across all their outlets. If you’re artistic, let your imagination run wild at Mocha ArtHouse (New Delhi) and at the retro café and bar Mocha Mojo (Mumbai and Chennai), you’re always buzzing on high energy levels. Mocha has also initiated many out of the box clubs. What started with the Mocha Backpacker Club in 2003 has flourished into many clubs which continue in the same spirit of creating boundary free communities, like Mocha TreeHuggers for the nature-lovers; Mocha Bike Association for biking enthusiasts; Mocha Film Club for cine buffs and Mocha TRIP for good ol’ fun stuff like comics and photography. Mocha is celebrating its anniversary by highlighting the best of the past ten years through a special menu recapping favorites, film screenings, bike rides and workshops by prominent personalities, among other exciting events. So drop by at the café to partake in the festivities as Mocha continues to brew a social revolution through endless coffees and conversations yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 79

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_FOCUS FEATURE _MUSIC

PHOTOGRAPH ANANT SINGH

MIKEY MCLEARY, AKA THE BARTENDER, TALKS TO SHRADDHA KAMDAR ABOUT HIS EARLY MUSIC INFLUENCES, ADDING HIS TWIST TO VINTAGE HINDI SONGS AND HIS TRYST WITH GEETA DUTT’S VOICE

s haknot en, shaken shaken, stirred

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ressed in a smart, striped shirt with a pair of comfortable jeans, he looks in his element. And why not? After all, the musician is in his studio. Working on the second helping of The Bartender, he casually informs me that he is done with the selection of songs and is now working on adding his own magic to the already popular old Hindi numbers. And that should not be a problem since he has already worked similar magic with The Bartender – Shaken not Stirred. Mikey McCleary – musician, music producer and songwriter – is not new to the Indian music scene, he’s been around for a while. Born in Chennai, McCleary spent six years in India before he moved to New Zealand with his parents. He has vague memories of that part of his childhood, but certainly not any music influences. It was in London as a youngster that he decided he wanted to be a musician and trained for it. A meeting with Lucky Ali happened, who was also looking to do something in music, though in India. That is how McCleary became a part of Sunoh, Ali’s first album. McCleary has worked on each one of Ali’s albums since. So how did the marrying of Geeta Dutt’s voice with jazz happen? “I just fell in love with Geeta Dutt’s voice when I heard her songs. In fact, the idea of contemporising vintage Bollywood numbers was introduced to me by Dibaker Banerjee, with the song Tum jo Mil Gaye Ho I did for his Coke commercial,” says McCleary. He already had his version of old songs ready, when a meeting with Bijoy Nambiar, the director of Shaitan put Khoya Khoya Chand on the charts. Wonderful, but how did he choose the songs? “It was my girlfriend’s inspiration to get trippy music that would be popular in a lounge or bar. One has to be seduced by the songs when listening to them. Also, the song has to be worth it. There has

PHOTOGRAPH ROHAN FERNANDES

to be enough in the song for me to work around, change a chord or two and scope to add my own element. And I was lucky that I found the songs soon enough!” says the musician who is working wonders with Hindi songs but doesn’t know the language that well! “Well, I’m taking lessons, but I have a long way to go. I know most of the songs I have chosen are romantic, but I think that I have it a little bit easier that I don’t know the language. It helps me interpret the song in my own way and create my version of it,” McCleary says on overcoming the language barrier. For him, the songs are just his versions of the classics, and not ‘remixes’. “I have worked hard on getting a balance and providing a new ‘feel’ to the songs, without murdering them.” The only initial reason for McCleary to indulge in making the album was that he loved the songs and got immense creative satisfaction from the exercise. It became so popular and left the listeners wanting more was an added bonus! He’s all set to come out with the second helping of The Bartender, for which the songs are chosen and he’s working on adding his touch to the songs. “Obviously, there will be a twist to it, I can’t serve up the same mix again!” he says. For someone who has trained to be a musician for several years, McCleary is grateful to have received the technical knowledge, but is fast to point out, “Once you have been trained, it is difficult to say how it would have turned out otherwise. But, who knows! Though I do feel that training in orchestration and composition has been really useful for me, not being trained may offer a person a new sort of freedom that I may not have known.” He feels that the training has been especially helpful for television ads and background scores. He should know since he has composed and produced the music for several big names including Coke, Fastrack, Levis, SX4 and VolksWagen Polo. And where does his inspiration

come from? McCleary was so sharp that even at two years of age, he could tell the difference between Beethoven and Bach! “Yeah, those were the very early influences. Later, I had all the teenage influences – Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Bob Dylan, mostly all the '70s artists. And then I got into song writing,” he remembers. He started to play the drums at 13, the guitar at 15 and writing songs at 16. “At about 18 years, I was sure all I ever wanted to do with my life was music,” he says. One almost wishes that everyone would be sure of being so driven by their passions so early in life. Looking ahead, in the near future, one of the things McCleary wants to do is compose songs for an Indian diva. “Like you have Madonna or Gwen Stefani, I want to compose for someone like that in India! I know divas like them must exist somewhere, I wish I could find them!” says the artist who is most excited when he’s working with talented people who are still raw and are not necessarily established or known. “I like the idea of discovering new people,” he says as I ask him about his future projects. “There’s the background for Shanghai, with Dibaker Banerjee, and then there’s my own film based on music, an international project for which I am working on the music,” McCleary informs. From the initial Lucky Ali albums to the television ads, the background scores and The Bartender, this is one musician who has his audience by the ear. yi DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 81

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(En(lighten

UP!

Reap the benefits of practicing yoga for your body, mind and soul

n today’s fast-paced world, it is not uncommon to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, leaving one with no time or energy to exercise. Add to that the city’s rising pollution levels coupled with an erratic lifestyle, and you might have just cut off five years of your life. Yoga is a great way to counteract these issues, permitting one to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that involves a holistic approach to relaxing the mind and body through the use of different postures (asanas),

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_HEALTH

Practitioners focus on inhaling and exhaling, controlling each breath as they move into each of the asanas. A great sense of well-being, clarity of thought, relaxation and awareness are the mental benefits that follow just a single Hatha yoga class since meditation plays a major part. The physical benefits include increased strength, flexibility, breathing to the fullest capacity and increased immunity. Ashtanga yoga In Sanskrit, Ashtanga transalates as the eight limbs of yoga as stated in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. This type of yoga is also referred to as Ashtanga Vinayasa yoga or Power yoga. A session begins with sun salutation, commonly known as Surya Namaskar and then moves on to the practice of some of the 75 different asanas that include standing and seated poses. Since Ashtanga yoga comprises a vast variety of postures, there is no chance that one can ever get bored during each session, as no two classes are likely to be the same. A session includes rapid movement from one pose to the next with each inhale and exhale. This kind of yoga is good if you are looking to work on strength building and weight loss. Regular practice really helps to speed up your metabolism, resulting in more calories burnt.

pranayamas or breathing techniques and mental visualisation. Yoga, whose all-round benefits are increasingly being accepted the world over, has now been found useful in treating mental disorders too. There are various types of yoga that cater to each individual’s needs. Hatha yoga The least strenuous of the lot, but the most widely-practiced form of yoga, Hatha yoga is perfect for everyone and is extremely beneficial on all levels. The focus of Hatha yoga is the breath.

Bikram yoga Apart from offering a blissful body, mind and soul experience, this kind of yoga offers a good deal of physical benefits. It is meant for seasoned yoga practitioners or for people who are in excellent physical condition. The focus of Bikram yoga is on using heat to intensify the yoga session and is practiced in a closed and heated room. Even though practicing a few of the 26 different Bikram yoga poses may seem like a breeze, be prepared to practice yoga in 1050 F and 40 per cent humidity! Perfect for those who wish to lose weight, the regular practice of Bikram yoga ensures that you burn

What’s your yoga type? Bikram – Perfect for those who love a good workout, but are bored by the monotony of a gym workout Hatha – Suitable for everyone, including yoga newbies, non-exercisers, pregnant women, inflexible people and seniors Iyengar – Apt for perfectionists, people in need of physical therapy and those who like a methodical yoga practice Ashtanga – Perfect for those who like a vigorous and athletic style of yoga Kundalini – If you wish to tap your inner potential and if chanting is your thing! Kriya – Anyone who wishes to reach a state of self-awareness Passion – If you really want to reclaim the lost passion for life Sivananda – Anyone who wants an all-round, holistic experience for the body, mind and soul

350 to 600 calories per class. Plus, you’ll build up your stamina, increase your flexibility and at the same time release built-up toxins due to the excessive sweating that naturally occurs under such conditions. Word has it that Bikram Yoga is a favourite with celebrities all over the world DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 83

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_HEALTH

including Madonna and Jennifer Aniston! Iyengar yoga The focus of Iyengar yoga is on the use of yoga props that help practitioners stretch their muscles over time, greatly increasing their flexibility. Props include a chair, block and elastic exercise strap. This kind of yoga is ideal if you really wish to tone your muscles and strengthen your joints. It covers the most basic yoga asanas too and simultaneously places a great deal of importance on breathing. Thus, if you are looking to work on your inner awareness and meditative techniques, and simultaneously get a physical workout, then opt for this yoga form. Kundalini yoga Kundalini refers to the energy concentrated at the root chakra, located at the base of the spine. Through regular practice, the concentrated energy is awakened and channeled upward throughout the body. This type of yoga is more than just a workout. The main principal of Kundalini yoga is to unleash the unlimited potential that lies within that energy center by freeing up the root chakra. You can expect a lot of seated postures and deep-breathing techniques during a Kundalini yoga session, as you will be doing much core work on your abs and the area around your spine. There are a number of invigorating poses too, and when practiced regularly in tandem with the right breathing exercises, you will enjoy greater spiritual as well as mind and body awareness. Sivananda yoga This type of yoga comprises 12 basic asanas and their variations that begin with sun salutation (Surya Namaskar) and end with the corpse pose (Savasana). It is typically very unhurried and the main aim is to perfect each posture and become more aware of bodily movements and breathing techniques. This form of yoga also encompasses relaxation, diet

PHOTOGRAPH BY TEMARI 09

and positive thinking, in addition to exercise and proper breathing. You can expect a lot of chanting and meditation in such a class. Opt for Sivananda yoga if you are keen to boost your vitality, prevent disease and restore your flexibility. Passion yoga Passion yoga is a part of Tantra yoga and aims to bring back the lost passion of living one's life. When a set combination of asanas are performed, the body releases heat, which in turn promotes sweating, ridding the body of toxins, says Shiv Kumar Mishra, Founder, Shiv Holistic Yoga and conceptualiser of this branch of yoga. The body also tends to get more flexible when warmed up. Besides burning fat, one's metabolism speeds up. It has also been noticed that willpower, self-control and concentration is greatly increased, while accumulated stress simply melts away. Kriya yoga The word kriya means 'to move' in

Sanskrit. Kriya yoga involves the movement of your attention along certain energy pathways within the body. This defined energy movement is designed to deepen one's concentration, leading to heightened awareness. Practiced for thousands of years, it was developed by yogis with advanced spiritual knowledge. Much older than Hatha yoga, Kriya yoga has only been passed from teacher to student.The technique covers a number of intense breathing exercises. Practitioners follow the laws of general conduct such as doing no harm, being truthful and respecting others. Kriya yoga is said to induce a number of physical benefits like flexibility of muscles and the spine as well as improved breathing capacity. Spiritually, Kriya yoga aims to increase the level of compassion. Practitioners are said to experience a renewed understanding of lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s purpose. Enroll yourself in a yoga class in your locality and feel the transformation of your being as it quiets your mind and gives you that much-needed breath of life! yi

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BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY

Lame?

GaMe:

_GAME REVIEW

Two years after Batman: Arkham Asylum set the bar for games based on superhero properties, developer Rocksteady is back with a sequel that is bigger in scope, boasts a larger

cast of characters and most importantly, tops its sublime predecessor in every way. Arkham City moves from the mostly linear confines of the asylum to the vast expanses of, well, Arkham City, a cordoned-off area of Gotham that is now a prison and home to a bevy of sinister super-villains. The larger game world means that you have way more freedom to go about your business. The game world is riddled with side quests, and they’re definitely worth your time. Riddler’s challenges return in the form of some seriously tricky puzzles. The Freeflow combat is back too, and feels way more fluid and impactful. The game mixes the combat brilliantly with stealth, and playing the predator and picking off clueless goons one-byone is one of the highlights of the game. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Batman fan or not, if you’re a gamer, Arkham City is a must-buy.

UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION

BATTLEFIELD 3

PLATFORMS:

XBOX 360, PS3, PC Release Date: OUT NOW

PLATFORMS:

PS3

XBOX 360, PS3, PC

Release Date: OUT NOW

Uncharted 2 is arguably the best game of this generation, so topping it was always going to be an uphill task. Drake’s Deception continues Nathan Drake’s journey, tracking Sir Francis Drake’s footsteps in a quest to discover a fabled hidden treasure of “immeasurable wealth”. He faces a lot of resistance along the way, which plays out through coverbased shooting segments, hand-to-hand combat and lots of platforming to get around. Puzzles are also thrown into the mix and some of these are quite challenging. As always, presentation is top notch, with great cut-scenes and set pieces, amazing voice acting and stunning graphics. Some movement and shooting controls may seem off at times and the excessive number of enemies in some gun battles can get annoying. Still, these do nothing to take away from the breathtaking game that may not surpass its predecessor, but definitely matches it. And that’s all we could have asked for.

Release Date: OUT NOW

The Battlefield series has always been about multiplayers; but EA's pre-release campaign for Battlefield 3 creates much hype for its single-player mode. Sadly, it is plagued with all the follies of a generic Call of Duty wannabe. Rather than sticking to the series’ signature open-ended approach, levels are linear with set pieces that evoke a strong ‘been there, done that’ feeling. But while it isn’t the CoD-beater EA was billing it as, the campaign will deliver a few hours of fun. However, the online multiplayer lives up to all the hype, featuring massive maps, support for 64-player matches and vehicles ranging from tanks to fighter jets. The gunplay is close to perfection, and the levelling system and perks will keep you hooked. This is backed up by jaw-dropping visuals and industry-leading sound design. Battlefield 3 is one of the best shooters around, as long as you are in it mostly for online multiplayer. DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 85

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o Dr ol FOR TECH LOVERS 

of the MONTH

 LENOVO IdeaPad K1

Those with a thirst for on-the-go computing will love the IdeaPad K1, a funky-looking Android Honeycomb tablet. This 10.1-inch tablet is loaded with the usual features like 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and also features fantastic specs in the form of the Nvidia Tegra 2 Dual Core ARM Cortex A9 processor clocked at 1.0GHz with 1GB DDR2 memory and 16GB onboard storage. The tablet’s design really sets it apart from others with rounded borders and a textured back that offers a good grip, although, it’s a bit on the heavier side. This tablet features a 2 MP camera on the side as well as a 5 MP rear camera with an LED flash. Preloaded on this tablet are a number of apps such as Angry Birds and Amazon Kindle. Choose between the 32GB WiFi-only tablet (`29,990) and the more expensive 32GB WiFi+3G version (`33,990).

`29,990

 POLOROID PoGo Instant Digital Camera

`9,900

Vintage is back with a snap! Now you don’t have to wait for ages to get your photographs printed because the Poloroid PoGo Instant Digital Camera will do it for you in a jiffy! This pocket-sized gadget combines a 5MP digital camera and a printer into one nifty little package. In addition to a rechargeable battery and charger, the PoGo printer comes bundled with 10 ZINK (Zero Ink) media sheets, which are sticky backs, akin to everybody’s favourite Polaroid photograph. The wallet-sized photographs are keepers. Carry this camera out when you decide to paint the town red or even when you take off on a holiday!

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_TECHNOLOGY

 IPHONE 4S `42,000 ONWARDS

The much faster, feature-rich iPhone 4s is here and while it may look exactly like its predecessor – the iPhone 4, the iPhone 4s proves that looks can be deceiving! Slightly-improved specs and a new personal assistant feature is what it’s all about. The dual-core A5 chip boosts the phone’s graphic output, while the 8MP camera comes with improved optics, faster autofocus and instant start-up time. Bringing out the vibrancy and high-resolution nature of the screen is the new Retina display. Then there’s Siri, a private genie of sorts that will schedule your meetings, send messages and make phone calls when you request it to! Making this feature even more amazing is the fact

that you can ask the software just about anything, including different restaurants to choose from according to your taste! iOS 5 makes things easier with over 200 new features such as a notification centre and Twitter integration. If you already have an iPhone 4, then bumping up to the iPhone 4S gives you the advantage of speed, improved camera features and Siri. iPhone 3GS users are sure to love this upgrade. However, Apple fanboys will still want more, as the latest iPhone entrant doesn’t incorporate an improved battery life or a larger screen for that matter. But still, an iPhone upgrade is something that just about everyone looks forward to!

APPS STAR WALK This app that was actually created as a means of education, turns out to be a whole lot of fun. Discover and identify stars, constellations, planets and satellites on the 360-degree, touch control star map. All you have to do is simply point your iPad or iPhone at the night-time sky. Fans of interstellar as well as other-worldly activities will have a great time with this app that also features a calendar of celestial events. And, if you like to go into the depths of it, there is the TELRAD feature, that helps to measure angular distance between nearby stars. Star Walk is sure to become your handy pocket astronomy guide. The best part is that it costs just `150.

MARVEL COMICS

of theTH

MON

Comic fans will love this fun app that allows you to download your favourite comics and artwork of super heroes like Spider Man, Wolverine, Thor and Iron Man! While most comics on this app are free, some of the new releases are priced at `99. The best part is that you can either choose the regular view (offers panning and zooming of each comic frame) or the guided view that is animated.

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iMHO {

SO MANY FUN THINGS, SO LITTLE TIME! HERE'S THE SCOOP

I N

M Y

H O N ES T

O P I N I O N

THE DIRTY PICTURE

Starring: Vidya Balan,

Naseeruddin Shah, Emraan Hashmi, Tusshar Kapoor Vidya Balan playing the role of Silk Smitha… really? For those living in the dark ages, Silk Smitha was a South Indian sensation who started in movies as a makeup artist, an extra background dancer and later became most-wanted heroine of the 1980s in South India. The quintessential siren, Silk knew her audiences and played up her eroticism. It didn’t seem like anything would stop the ambitious superstar. To the world, she was the queen of sensuality. But at heart, Silk was just another movies woman craving true love.

DON 2 Starring: Shah Rukh Khan,

Priyanka Chopra, Lara Dutta, Arjun Rampal King Khan is back again. After giving us a hit this year With Ra One, he returns with a bang in Don 2–The Chase Continues. In this action thriller sequel directed by Farhan Akhtar, the Don stars opposite actress Priyanka Chopra as Roma. The movie promises viewers a slick action-packed film that unlike most sequals, may out-do it's predecessor. A film for the whole family to enjoy together!

SHERLOCK HOLMES: A GAME OF SHADOWS

Starring: Robert Downey Jr, Jude

Law, Rachel McAdams Sherlock Holmes and his sidekick Dr Watson join forces to outwit and bring down their fiercest adversary, Professor Moriarty. Warner Bros returns to the scene of the crime with this sequel to their wildly successful revamp of Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes character. Robert Downey Jr stars alongside Jude Law, Rachel McAdams and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo's Noomi Rapace. Mad Men's Jared Harris also joins the cast as the arch villain, Professor Moriarty.

Movies / Music / Books

{

XYLO MYLOTO – COLDPLAY

Remember how tracks like Yellow from ‘Parachute’ stirred deep emotions within? Well this album too has some fantastic soul-stirring tracks like Paradise that have those lingering arena-style vocals, piano ballads and very catchy riffs. Coldplay’s latest album definitely has something different to offer in terms of freshness. music Compared to their previous album ‘Viva La Vida’, ‘Xylo Myloto’ features 14 tracks, each of which can be described as an anthem in itself. Hurts like Heaven is rhythmic to the core, while Us Against the World will make anyone want to sit and brood a lazy day away. Co-produced by the famed Brian Eno, the album features some fantastical synthesised sounds. And, as usual, Martin’s piano rolls are something that every Coldplay fan looks forward to! -Roma Parekh

COKE STUDIO VOL 2

MTV Coke Studio's second volume is an eccentric compilation of Sufi, Indi-pop, rock and fusion music. This 18-track album congregates into something that is very atypical of India’s pop music culture and is appreciated in these musically lacklustre times. Supremely talented artists from India and across the border make it an album that has an easy connect. Coke Studio is known to revamp the classics and folks, giving it a contemporary twist. A few tracks that really stand out are Aesian Niganwan, a song rich in Sufi elements by Richa Sharma and later you can experience the Carnatic beats by Bombay Jayshree. Another classic remake is Aaj jaane ki zid naa karo. You can rely on this album when you feel artistically low. If Indian lounge is your thing, then this album should definitely find its way into your iPod! -Apoorva Nanjangud

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON TATTOO

Starring: Daniel Craig, Rooney Mara,

Embeth Davidtz

Finally, an English version of the crime-thriller that kept us up all night! Starring Daniel Craig as journalist Mikael Blomkvist, investigating the disappearance of a woman over fifty years ago. Unbeknownst to him however, he is himself being investigated by a goth hacker, Lisbeth Salander, who is following the case very closely.

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SITA'S RAMAYANA

`55

books

Author: Samhita Arni Illustrator: Moyna Chitrakar Sita’s Ramayana is not the first rendition of the Ramayana as seen from Sita’s perspective, but it is the most visually stunning. A collaboration between a young writer, Samhita Arni, and a Patua scroll artist from West Bengal, Moyna Chitrakar, the graphic novel has topped international bestseller lists for the past few weeks. The hype is certainly worth it for the stunning folk paintings that add depth and realism to the characters. However, the feminist retelling feels overbearing at parts as Sita sympathetically tells the story from a woman’s point of view. The novel opens with Sita pleading with the forest for shelter as she has been banished by the ‘world of men’. Her abduction is also instigated by a man's violence: Lakshmana cutting off the demoness Supkarna’s nose. The heroic saga is transformed with the pain Sita goes through when Rama doubts her purity after she has waited for him on Lanka. This is a must-buy for plea it makes for hidden female voices and the stunning visuals that accompany it. -Megha Patodi

READING LIST

CHARLOTTE BRONTË’S Jane Eyre is a passionate tale of a governess who falls in love with her aristocratic employer who is hiding a dark secret in the attic.

VINU, I AM GETTING MARRIED! Author: Vineet Mishra Vinu, I am Getting Married is a debut novel by engineerturned-author Vineet Mishra. It’s a fun read that encapsulates every emotion of teenage life. The protagonist of the novel, Vineet, is a guy dominated by his inner voices, who depicts indecisiveness to such a degree that even his career was chosen for him by others. The hapless boy is so unaware of his own desires that he never even knew of his love for Mallika till he saw the card that read 'Mallika weds Arjun'. The story is enhanced by many incidents, funny and shocking, that keeps you gripped till the last page. The story of how Vinu gets his lady love back is laced with an unexpected twist. A page-turner, this is a light book that is an entertaining read but also shows the kind of troubles that can befall youth who don't take charge of their own destinies. A no-brainer, the incessant twists, the beautiful elements of friendship and interesting reminisces of the past make this a copy to be picked up from the shelves, now! -Apoorva Nanjangud

KUCH KUCH HOTA HAI

PICKS

Starring: Shah Rukh Khan, Kajol, Rani Mukherjee This epic blockbuster showcases a complicated love triangle that exists between three best friends in college. Its full of gripping twists of love and friendship.

`15

VIKRAM SETH’S A Rivered Earth consists of four libretti written to accompany music, together with an account of the pleasures and pains of working with a composer and a musician. These poems pulse with inspired brilliance of the poet.

17 AGAIN

Starring: Matthew Perry, Zac Efron Revisit your teenage years with this movie in which Matthew Perry turns into Zac Efron! This hilarious flick will definitely reach you in a fun way as a 30-year-old soul in a 17-year-old body enters college. This is a mustwatch, so insert DVD! DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 89

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Resto/Meter _RESTAURANT REVIEW

T H E B E S T N E W F O O D S P OT S I N T OW N ////////

`1000 per person

MALAKA SPICE, PUNE If you love eating Malaysian, Vietnamese or Thai food, then Malaka Spice is a fantastic restaurant to visit. Malaka Spice has a wide variety of dishes to choose from. The restaurant serves vegetarian and nonvegetarian options, both varieties of which will spoil you for choice. The Indonesian Satay Celup grilled vegetable starter is delicious, while the Thai green curry arrived steaming hot and with just the right consistency. Dishes can even be customised to suit the customers’ taste. Malaka Spice offers a grand variety of cocktails, beer and wine, or mocktails for teetotallers. End your meal with the truly sinful Chocolate Sin Mousse Cake. The ambience is warm and pleasant. Take the fun element to another level before or after your meal by getting sketched, leaving you with something fun and memorable to take back home. Interestingly, the restaurant also houses an art gallery where you can get to own a piece of art at affordable prices. Malaka Spice even organises many types of events throughout the year like the famous spice market and flea market. -ZAINAB ALI

HINGLISH – THE COLONIAL CAFE, DELHI Hinglish is a quaint cafe that offers a blend of delicious food and warm `500 ambience. This eatery serves continental per person food along with North Indian cuisine, both of which are prepared in a fusion style. The seating options include an airconditioned section along with a breezy outdoor section, lending a rustic charm to the restaurant. A definite crowd-puller is the live music and outdoor seating. Nirhari, one of the classic Eid special lamb dishes, is a must-try during your visit. But, those who want to sample some continental food should start off with a salad like the yummy corn and bellpepper salad and then move on to the classic Minestrone soup. It's quite an experience to try out the 'Tiffin' meals served here that try and recreate the experience of eating a tiffin-style meal. A good pick would be the Vegetarian Premium Tiffin, a wholesome meal that comprises Paneer Makhani, a vegetable dish , Dal Makhani, rice, rotis and raita. Don't leave without sampling the delectable waffles with cream, a breakfast dish that could even pass as a dessert! On the subject of breakfasts, we also suggest that you visit Hinglish for a hearty morning meal. Choose between traditional English-style omelettes and the all-time favourite Indian version of scrambled eggs, Akuri. An average meal for two sans alcohol will make your pockets lighter by `1000. -APOORVA NANJANGUD 90 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

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In a

_CELEB TADKA

Jiffy HOT STONE RICE INGREDIENTS

Steam Rice Bell Peppers Shallot Oil Chilli Hot Basil Oyster Sauce Thai Hot Basil Vegetable Stock Sugar

150 grams 20 grams 20 grams 20 grams 20 grams 30 grams 30 grams 30 grams 50 ml 10 grams

Chef Ian Kittichai has continually been experimental and pushed the limits of notions of food – especially for Asian cuisines. A skilful student across a wide span of cuisines, Chef Kittichai’s food is a parallel for his life experience and philosophy. Currently, he owns and runs four restaurants around the world (New York, Mumbai, Bangkok and Abu Dhabi ). His television shows air across 700 cities. At his restaurant Koh, at the Intercontinental Marine Drive Hotel in Mumbai, he whips up an interesting recipe for our readers to cook and relish.

PREPARATION • Boil some long grain rice, drain and cool. • In a hot wok, heat oil, add some hot basil and fried garlic, season and toss. • For the sauce: add oil, sauté shallots, add water, oyster sauce and reduce. • Add the bell peppers and onion. • Place the rice in a hot stone bowl and mix the sauce and serve immediately. Chefs Tip: In case you don’t have hot stone bowl, you can serve in a double bottom copper bowl.

{ KNOW{ DID YOU

• More than 90 percent of the world's rice is grown and consumed in Asia, where people typically eat rice two or three times a daily. Rice is the staple diet of half the world's population. • It takes 5,000 litres of water to produce 1 kg of irrigated rice. • Rice is a great source of complex carbohydrates, which is an important source of the fuel our bodies need. • Rice contains no additives or preservatives, making it an excellent inclusion in a healthy and balanced diet. • Whole grains (such as brown rice) contain high amounts of insoluble fibrethe type of fibre some scientists believe may help protect against a variety of cancers. DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 91

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hangover   _AFTER DARK

OVER THE WEEKEND HANGOUTS

AER, MUMBAI

SHISHA REINCARNATED, KOLKATA

The party circuit in Mumbai has never been the same since Aer upped the ante. Located on the 33rd floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, the open-air bar and lounge is the playground of Mumbai’s rich and glamorous. Half the fun of coming here is watching the stilettoheeled models, socialites and sharply dressed expats that comprise the posh crowd. Drinks are expensive, with a humble beer priced at `300 and cocktails at `800. However, get here for sunset in time for happy hour and you are rewarded not only with half-price drinks but a view of the city that will simply take your breath away. The upbeat music, the breezy weather and the vista over three sides of Mumbai makes Aer a must-visit. There’s a strict dress-code, so guys, look sharp!

Shisha is one of those nightclubs that are found in every city. The well-spaced club offers thumping pop music and Bollywood remixes for teeny boppers and veterans alike. The bouncers arbitrarily turn people away during busy times, stags often have to pay higher entry and the drinks are prohibitively expensive (`700 for a vodka and mixer). Nonetheless, the crowd keeps pulling in, thanks to the great sound system and dance floor. One of the best features of the place is the hookah, which you can enjoy in the plush smoking room, as long as it’s not crowded. The quiet outdoor lounge-terrace has plenty of comfortable seats where you can rest your tired feet; unfortunately, there is no service upstairs. All in all, Shisha Reincarnated could do with another avatar to upgrade its image.

KEYA, DELHI Visit chic Keya when you want to catch up with friends or before heading out for a night out on the town. The interiors are aesthetically pleasing and the illuminated bar lends an ambient, warm feel. A screen that displays visualisers has been exclusively installed by fashion designer Rajesh Pratap Singh. The music is not too loud, allowing you to have a conversation, while the eclectic crowd that ranges from artists to expats is very relaxed, apt for unwinding over a well-made drink and starters. The delightful cocktails are a tad expensive at `400 each but are concocted so well by the bartenders that they are worth it. On certain nights, you can enjoy live electronic, jazz and retro music. 92 Youth Incorporated ║ DECEMBER 2011

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kiss&tell

_GOSSIP

GAGA OVER WEREWOLF!

Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney have come into the light early September. Taylor Kinney, starring as Mason Lockwood in the sitcom Vampire Diaries, was seen leaving with Gaga from her dance studio a number of times. The two have kindled rumours of being together after their “You and I” music video hookup, and now it seems that they are dating for real. The couple is legit! Although, Gaga is not too serious with the werewolf soap star because of her commitment to millions of Little Monsters across the world! In the music video, Taylor plays Luc Carl, Gaga’s ex-boyfriend. The growing impassionate relationship of Gaga and Kinney is confirmed by many, although, it’s noted that they are not serious due to their hectic schedules. But based on their steamy video, it sure looks like they have great chemistry!

The Ranbir-Sonam Blitzkrieg It’s obvious! Sonam Kapoor hasn’t got over Ranbir Kapoor! After saying repulsive and awful things about Ranbir in print and with her rants and raves against the actor on the show Koffee with Karan, she now says that Ranbir is a mama’s boy, and that can’t be sexy at all now, can it? In an interview in fashion glossy Vogue India, Sonam Kapoor said, “Ranbir isn’t sexy at all. Ranbir is a mama’s boy; his mother cuts his toenails for him!” Sonam openly blurted out on Karan Johar’s show that she had seen it all during the shooting of Saawariya in his notorious towel-drop scene. She also humiliated Ranbir’s fashion sense. Ranbir’s comeback was seen in a recent interview where he called her a ‘drama queen’! After the Koffee with Karan drama, Neetu and Randhir Singh were agitated and publicly voiced their resentment. Watch out for the Ranbir-Sonam blitzkrieg !

d Kim K-Dashaarn r her starry sp kle After spending a staggering $2 million on a wedding so lavish that one would perhaps think it would land the couple in eternal-wedded bliss, Kim Kardashian and Kris Humphries are far from enjoying any form of betrothed bliss. Within just 72 days, Kim is said to have filed for a divorce from the basket ball star claiming that their marriage failed to work out. Now, all that’s in the news is Kim’s $2 million engagement ring, which was included in Kim’s pre-nup that requires her to buy the ring back from Kris for its original price if the two were to divorce. However, Kim’s mother thinks that the ring should stay with Kim as according to her, a gift is a gift! Let’s wait and see whether Kim will return the diamond ring or not! DECEMBER 2011 ║ Youth Incorporated 93

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_HOROSCOPE

AQUARIUS/JAN 21 - FEB 20 You won’t be distracted from tasks at hand. Don’t rush to implement initiatives as these may require fundamental changes to make them feasible. Don’t promote your views aggressively as it could lead to arguments especially if you are unwilling to pay heed to people’s suggestions. You’ll try to maximise your use of time and resources. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6 Lucky Colour: Crimson Love Dates: 7th, 24th

PISCES/ FEB 19- MAR 20

AJAI RAI MADAN Astrologer, Numerologer & Aura reader

STAR

STRUCK

CANCER/ JUN 22 - JUL 22

You’ll experience reciprocity and bonding that will give rise to feelings of joy. You'll ease pressures by delegating tasks instead of trying to micromanage tiny details. There’s nothing wrong with changing ideas or creating new goals. Pay attention to financial decisions and gather all the facts. Adopt a humble attitude and see where your work can help others. Lucky Numbers: 4, 9 Lucky Colour: Red Love Dates: 1st, 16th

You’ll find the patience to deal with things that stress others out. Be accommodative of contrary opinions and maintain optimism in all situations. Be open and keep in touch with what’s going on. There’s nothing wrong with changing some ideas or creating new goals. Pay attention to financial decisions and gather all the facts first. Lucky Numbers: 6, 8 Lucky Colour: Yellow Love Dates: 10th, 23rd

ARIES/ MAR 21 - APR 20

LEO/ JUL 23 - AUG 23

A popular Bollywood vedic astrologer takes you through your starry forecast this month

SCORPIO/OCT 24 - NOV 22

Changes, fluctuations and new demands may arise at work. This could be triggered by some vital knowledge, information and news. There is a clear need to be diplomatic in your interactions with all around you, which will benefit you. You could be concerned about certain issues affecting your near and dear ones. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4 Lucky Colour: Green Love Dates: 20th, 31st

You’ll keep your mind on your job and immediate tasks. Calculated risks could pay off soon. You may also feel over committed and overwhelmed. You could be forced into situations that you might not like. You might meet someone special through friends and family. Letting yourself go is what you need to give yourself the required space. Lucky Numbers: 1, 5 Lucky Colour: Indigo Love Dates: 19th, 29th

TAURUS/ APR 21 - MAY 21

VIRGO/AUG 24 - SEP 22

SAGITTARIUS/NOV 23 - DEC 23

You will search for deeper meanings, inner values and answers to cosmic questions. Don’t be hasty. Being philosophical is right, but do not encourage fatalistic tendencies. Domestic issues may come to the forefront and may need prompt action to soothe ruffled feathers. You'll gain much if you take all those who matter into confidence. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9 Lucky Colour: Magenta Love Dates: 17th, 26th

Striking difficult negotiations will send your stocks soaring. Recognition does not come lightly. Don't be in a hurry to implement your innovative ideas till you’ve spent time going over the fine print. It pays to be patient. This applies to your domestic and professional life. There might be concern about older relatives and their health. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6 Lucky Colour: Blue Love Dates: 16th, 27th

You’ll are likely to feel inspired. Your mind will be active and you could discover that you are constantly coming up with new plans and ideas. Think deeply about everything and then act as it will be in the best interests of all concerned. Pay attention to the domestic situation, extended family, matrimony and relationships. Lucky Numbers: 3, 8 Lucky Colour: Orange Love Dates: 12th, 26th

GEMINI/MAY 22 - JUN 21

LIBRA/ SEP23 - OCT 23

You want to do a lot for your development. But you can’t manage it right away since there’s so much activity in all spheres that it leaves you with little time for anything else. Go easy on yourself. You’ll discover that it’s the best time to formulate new procedures that will form the background around which your work will revolve in the future. Lucky Numbers: 3, 5 Lucky Colour: Ivory Love Dates: 18th, 21st

Diplomacy matters so that your views are accommodated. Subtly market your skills to those who matter at the workplace. Your public relations skills will have to be spot on as your focus has shifted to something trivial. Handle issues with hard facts and tact. Close friends will lend support as you will be on the same page. Lucky Numbers: 4, 7 Lucky Colour: Smokey grey Love Dates: 15th, 29th

You might get attracted to gaining knowledge and skills. Your focus should be on consulting your associates to avoid unpleasantness and tense moments. Be wary of empty promises. With great finances likely to occur, spontaneity will help expand the joy of life that you'll experience with family and friends. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9 Lucky Colour: Violet Love Dates: 14th, 28th

CAPRICORN/DEC 24 - JAN 20 You are driven to get the best deal. You’ll be enthusiastic about commitments. Avoid making impulsive decisions. Communication and interaction is connected to forging partnerships. You will turn the spotlight on yourself to get an idea of how you want your self image and public image to shape up. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7 Lucky Colour: Black Love Dates: 11th, 22nd

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